Oregon Coast Elopement Guide
The Oregon coast is hands down one of the jewels of the Pacific Northwest. This stunning coastline offers unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean, amazing forests, exotic geological rock formations, and a stunning variety of beautiful wildlife! In other words, the Oregon Coast is the perfect place for a nature elopement.
No matter what kind of adventure elopement you’re planning — from a Bend, Oregon elopement to a Crater Lake elopement — you’re guaranteed to find something incredible that perfectly matches your vision of a dream wedding.
If you’re considering an Oregon coast elopement and don’t know where to get started, you’re in luck! This Oregon coast elopement guide contains all the information you’ll need — from the preliminary paperwork you’ll need to the best locations to exchange your vows.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to elope on the Oregon coast.
Who Should Consider An Oregon Coast Elopement?
An Oregon Coast elopement is perfect for any couple who loves nature and has a thirst for adventure!
There are incredible places to explore along the Oregon Coast, with plenty of hiking trails and beachheads where you can discover impressive vistas and unforgettable displays of natural beauty.
If you’re a couple who feels the call of the wild, an elopement on the Oregon Coast might just be perfect for you.
What Do You Need To Elope In Oregon?
One of the main Oregon marriage requirements for any couple getting married in the state is an Oregon marriage license.
An Oregon marriage license can be obtained by filling out a marriage license application. Oregon state typically prefers that you fill out your marriage application online, and you can access most relevant application forms here. Oregon marriage licenses are issued by the county where the wedding takes place, so the Oregon wedding application you fill out will depend on the county where your Oregon Coast elopement is located.
Pro tip: There is a 3-day waiting period after getting your marriage license (or you can opt to pay a fee to bypass the waiting period).
In addition to the marriage license, you’ll also need two witnesses over the age of 18. These witnesses must be people other than the couple or the officiant, but just so you know, your Oregon elopement photographer can count as a witness!
It’s also important to note that some Oregon state parks might require permits for an Oregon Coast nature elopement. Once you’ve chosen the location for your Oregon Coast elopement, we can check to see if your chosen location requires a permit.
As an experienced Oregon Coast elopement photographer, I’m available as an expert resource to help you secure all the necessary permits for whichever location you’ve chosen!
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Elope In Oregon?
The Oregon coast is beautiful in all seasons, but you should definitely plan carefully since the weather and trail conditions can vary significantly depending on which time of year you choose for your Oregon coast elopement.
Personally, my favorite times of year for an Oregon coast elopement are early autumn, from mid-September through mid-October, and late spring, in the months of May and June.
Still, there are amazing things to do and see on the Oregon coast no matter what time of year you choose to visit. Here’s a quick breakdown of what do expect in each season:
Summer
Summer on the Oregon coast is mild and filled with astonishing natural beauty. The temperature typically hovers between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and drops to around 50 degrees in the evening.
And while you can expect plenty of sun and perfect weather for hiking, beach picnics, and other outdoor adventures, keep in mind that summer on the Oregon coast does have its fair share of rainy days.
You’ll want to prepare for a variety of weather conditions just to make sure you’re ready for anything!
Autumn
During the autumn months, the summer heat begins to dissipate a bit and the foliage of the Oregon coast’s many old-growth spruce forests begins to change, creating a dazzling display of colors that creates a perfect backdrop for a truly unforgettable nature elopement.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the weather on the Oregon coast in the autumn can be a bit unpredictable. There are still plenty of warm, pleasant days, but there are also days where it might be a little chillier, or when an autumn rainstorm might roll in.
All this means is that if you’re planning an elopement during the autumn, you should be sure to bring clothes for a wide variety of conditions. Still, you can count on an incredible experience no matter what the weather throws your way!
Winter
While the winter weather on the Oregon coast can get a little intense, it’s also a really great time if you’re a nature lover. The sweeping winter rainstorms turn the ocean into an awesome spectacle, and it’s also one of the best times of year to catch glimpses of some of the more elusive and awe-inspiring aquatic wildlife like seals and whales.
Spring
The spring weather on the Oregon coast is pleasantly mild and creates perfect conditions for getting out into the wilderness. You’ll have one-of-a-kind views to discover and great weather for hiking, beach visits, or unforgettable drives up and down the coast line.
What Should I Do During My Oregon Coast Elopement?
One of the best things about the Oregon coast is the sheer number of activities you can participate in and adventures you can have during your visit. This region is particularly great if you have a love of nature and want to see some one-of-a-kind sights!
Here are some of the most popular activities for couples visiting the Oregon coast:
Hiking
There are so many impressive hiking trails on the Oregon coast that it’s impossible to explore them all in a single visit.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker looking for a challenge, you’re guaranteed to find countless hikes that are perfect for you, and filled with breathtaking glimpses of the Oregon coast’s stunning natural beauty.
Biking
In addition to hiking trails, the Oregon coast also has gorgeous bike routes for nature-loving cyclists!
Beach Picnic
Celebrate your elopement in style with a beach picnic! Imagine sampling some of the local flavors of the Pacific Northwest while taking in a view of the pacific ocean. You can also keep the party going into the evening with a beach campfire, celebrating and forming happy memories as the sun sets over the ocean.
Watching The Sunset
There’s something about the sunset on the Oregon coast that lends it an extra enchanting atmosphere that you really need to experience firsthand to fully understand. I can’t recommend it enough!
Hire A Private Chef
It’s your wedding, and you're the stars of the show! Why not get the V.I.P. treatment and hire a private chef to prepare you a delicious meal?
Stargazing
There are a lot of spots on the Oregon coast that are super secluded and far away from the light pollution of the big city. That means that you can expect a dazzling, star-filled sky every night. You have to travel somewhere like the Oregon coast to see this many stars so clearly!
Surfing
Where there’s an ocean, there’s waves. And where there are waves, there’s surfing! Experienced surfers will find plenty of awesome spots along the Oregon coast, and beginners can take lessons to learn the basics of the sport.
What Are The Best Places To Elope On The Oregon Coast?
There are so many amazing spots for getting married on the Oregon Coast, but there are a few particularly special places that every couple should consider when planning an Oregon Coast elopement. Here are a few of my absolute favorites.
Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor
This legendary state park in southwestern Oregon is filled with unforgettable vistas and stunning natural beauty.
From awe-inspiring natural arches to old-growth forests (very old-growth: the spruce trees are over 300 years old), an unforgettable Oregon forest elopement is what you’ll get here!
Cannon Beach
This beautiful coastal town offers the best of everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Whether you’re taking in an oceanside view or catching a glimpse of majestic wildlife in a nearby state park, a Cannon Beach elopement is guaranteed to be filled with joyful memories — and plenty of opportunities for awesome elopement photography.
Hug Point
A true gem of the Oregon coastline, Hug Point is a perfect elopement destination for any couple that truly appreciates the beauty of nature.
Its endless array of geological features, from tide pools to waterfalls to caves, provides tons of opportunities to go exploring.
Ecola State Park
This coastal state park is world-renowned for its amazing hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the ocean and plenty of chances to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Oregon Coast.
There are plenty of secluded coves and beaches, which lend a romantic atmosphere that makes it one of the standout Oregon Coast wedding venues!
Cape Kiwanda
Cape Kiwanda is a sandstone headland that juts out from the Oregon Coast and offers one of the most unfettered views of the Pacific Ocean that the coastline has to offer.
Any couple who wants to experience the full beauty and awe-inspiring power of the sea should definitely consider Cape Kiwanda for their elopement!
Elk Flats & Devil’s Cauldron
The Elk Flats trail is an absolute hiker’s dream. It’s considered a moderate challenge, so I’d primarily recommend it to couples with at least some prior hiking experience, but the rewards that Elk Flats offers are definitely worth it.
The trail culminates in the Devil’s Cauldron Overlook, which offers a breathtaking view of the ocean and is a perfect spot for exchanging vows (and capturing the best Oregon Coast elopement photography).
Let The Oregon Adventure Begin!
If you’re planning your elopement on the Oregon coast and are looking for an experienced photographer, then let’s talk! I’d love to share my expert knowledge of the area and capture your wedding with unforgettable, timeless wedding photos you’ll be able to treasure forever.
Reach out anytime and we can start chatting about the first steps to plan the Oregon coast elopement of your dreams. I can’t wait to speak with you!
Hey, I’m Sally! I’m a destination adventure elopement photographer based in Washington, but traveling worldwide!
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