The Oregon Coast is the kind of place that feels like it was made for love stories—where towering cliffs meet wild waves, where sea mist softens the horizon, and where the landscape itself whispers slow down, breathe, be here.
If you’ve been dreaming about exchanging vows on the edge of the world, this Oregon Coast elopement guide will walk you through everything you need to know—legal steps, permits, the best months to elope, and how to create an intentional day that’s fully you.
As an Oregon Coast elopement photographer, I’ve spent time along Hug Point, Cannon Beach, and Arcadia Beach—each offering its own kind of cinematic magic. Whether your vision is adventurous, romantic, or deeply simple, the coast holds space for it all.
Legal Steps for Eloping on the Oregon Coast
Before you can run barefoot across the sand, you’ll want to make sure the paperwork is taken care of:
- Marriage License – In Oregon, you’ll need to apply for a marriage license through any county clerk’s office. It’s valid anywhere in the state.
- Cost: $50–$60 depending on the county
- Waiting period: 3 days (unless waived for an extra fee)
- Valid for: 60 days
- Officiant – You’ll need an officiant registered with the state of Oregon. Some couples choose a friend who gets ordained online, others bring in a professional.
- Witnesses – Oregon requires two witnesses. If you’re eloping just the two of you, don’t worry—often a photographer, videographer, or even kind strangers on the beach can sign for you.
Best Months to Elope on the Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast is stunning year-round, but your experience will shift with the seasons:
- Spring (March–May): Expect moody skies, lush greenery, and fewer crowds.
- Summer (June–August): The warmest season with long days, but also the busiest. Early mornings and weekdays are best for privacy.
- Fall (September–October): Golden light, vibrant foliage inland, and quieter beaches. A favorite for many couples.
- Winter (November–February): Dramatic storms, crashing waves, and cozy vibes. Perfect for couples who love atmosphere and don’t mind bundling up.
Do You Need Permits to Elope on the Oregon Coast?
Most Oregon Coast beaches are public, but certain locations (like state parks) may require a permit for ceremonies, especially if you’re bringing décor, more than a few guests, or setting up a formal space.
For example:
- Hug Point & Arcadia Beach – Both are part of Oregon State Parks and may require a special use permit depending on your plans.
- Cannon Beach – Generally flexible for small ceremonies, but check with the city if you’re planning something more elaborate.
Your photographer (hi, that’s me!) can help you navigate which permits are needed and how to apply.
Types of Oregon Coast Elopements
The magic of the Oregon Coast is its diversity—you don’t have to limit yourself to just one landscape.
- Beachfront Ceremony – Barefoot vows in the sand with the Pacific as your backdrop.
- Cliffside Adventure – Exchange vows on a bluff overlooking the ocean.
- Forest Meets Coast – Start your day in the misty evergreens and end it with your toes in the tide.
- Coastal Road Trip – Explore multiple spots—say “I do” at Hug Point, share a picnic at Arcadia, and chase the sunset at Cannon Beach.
How to Create an Intentional Experience
Your elopement is more than a checklist—it’s a story you get to live. The Oregon Coast naturally invites slowness and presence. Here are ways to make your day feel intentional:
- Write private vows to exchange at golden hour.
- Share a slow breakfast in your Airbnb before heading out.
- Pack a picnic with your favorite foods and a bottle of champagne.
- Bring blankets and lanterns for cozy nighttime portraits under the stars.
- Choose rituals that feel meaningful to you—like reading letters from family or taking a walk along the tide pools together.
Your Oregon Coast Elopement Photographer
Eloping on the coast isn’t just about checking off a location—it’s about telling a story that feels like yours.
As your Oregon Coast elopement photographer, I’ll help you:
- Scout and recommend the best locations (including those tucked-away gems)
- Walk you through permits and logistics
- Build a timeline that leaves space for presence and connection
- Capture every raw, unfiltered, cinematic moment along the way
Whether it’s at Hug Point’s waterfalls, Cannon Beach’s iconic haystack rock, or the quiet stretch of Arcadia Beach, your story will be documented with care and intention.
Eloping on the Oregon Coast in 2026
If your hearts are pulling you toward crashing waves and windswept cliffs, let’s make it happen. The Oregon Coast is waiting with open arms.
Let’s create something wild, intentional, and deeply you.
xoxo,
Sidney
Where Love Roams Photo
