There’s something undeniably romantic about an Oregon Coast elopement. Exchanging vows with the one you love, surrounded by the crashing waves, rugged cliffs, and the salty sea breeze. An elopement here offers a sense of simplicity and intimacy that a traditional wedding often lacks. Instead of the stress and display of a large celebration, you can focus solely on each other and your commitment. With just the two of you and the untamed beauty of the Oregon coastline as your witness (okay, not literally), your elopement will be a memory that captures your raw, authentic, and utterly unforgettable love story.
Legalities of Eloping on the Oregon Coast
We are jumping right into it with the fun stuff (not). To legally elope on the Oregon Coast, you’ll want to obtain a marriage license from any county in Oregon. If you’re flying into Portland, picking up your license in Portland (Multnomah County) is recommended for convenience. The application process requires a valid ID, social security numbers, and a small fee. You’ll also need an officiant who meets Oregon’s legal requirements, such as a judge, clergy member, or a notary public- which heyooo is me, I’m ordained and happy to sign off on your marriage!! The final requirement is two witnesses that are 18 years or older to sign the marriage license.
If you plan to set up any structures or decorations on the beach, you may need permits from the local authorities or state parks. It’s best to research the specific regulations for the chosen location to ensure a smooth and legal elopement experience.
See this Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor Adventure Elopement!
Choosing an Elopement Location on the Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast offers a diverse selection of breathtaking elopement locations, from dramatic rocky cliffs to soft sandy beaches. Some popular spots include Cannon Beach (1.5 hours from Portland), Ecola State Park (2 hours), and Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor (5 hours). For more detailed location ideas, check out our blog post: Best Elopement Locations on the Oregon Coast.
Beyond the ceremony, you can explore hiking trails, go tide pooling, take a whale watching tour, sea kayak, and discover charming coastal towns. When selecting your dream spot, consider accessibility factors like drive time from the airport (Portland or Eugene) and proximity to accommodations and other attractions you may want to experience during your elopement adventure.
Book Your Adventure Elopement Photographer
Hiring an elopement specific photographer is a must for your elopement. You’ll want to cherish these precious moments for a lifetime, and a skilled photographer can capture the raw emotions, breathtaking scenery, and authentic connection between you and your partner. When you work with me, my photography style focuses on documenting our elopement couples’ adventurous spirit and genuine interactions. We’ll guide you through posing and locations. When searching for your elopement photographer it’s important to choose someone with experience in outdoor adventures and whose portfolio resonates with your vision. Prioritize a personal connection, as you’ll spend an intimate day with your photographer.
Possible Activities for Your Elopement Day
An Oregon Coast elopement means you’ll most likely be adventuring around a bit. It’s always fun to spice up your day with an activity or two you and your partner would love to enjoy. Here are some ideas to get the wheels turning.
- Go for a hike (I know a ton of great spots!!)
- Go tidepooling: Look for Starfish, Sea Urchins, Sea Anemones, Crabs, Chitons, and more!!
- Take an Ocean Kayak Wildlife Tour (click HERE to learn more)
- Take a Whales and Wildlife Boat Tour (click HERE to learn more)
- Check Out a Ropes Course (click HERE to learn more)
- Go on a Jetboat Tour (click HERE to learn more)
- Check out an Aerial Park (click HERE to learn more)
Oregon Coast Stays
- Oceanfront Oasis in Brookings | Soak in panoramic Pacific Ocean views from this luxurious beachfront home in Rockaway Beach. Wake up to crashing waves from your king bed. Open living area with huge windows blends indoors and out. Enjoy the expansive deck, outdoor shower, gourmet kitchen, and fireplace. Steps to the sandy beach and iconic Twin Rocks. Dog-friendly three-bedroom, two-bath oasis.
- Coastal Dream Home in Rockaway Beach | Soak in breathtaking ocean views from this beachfront dream home. The open living area blends indoors and out with vaulted ceilings and huge windows. Enjoy the deck overlooking iconic Twin Rocks. There are three bedrooms, two baths, a gourmet kitchen, a fireplace, and an outdoor shower. Steps to the sandy beach. This is a dog-friendly oceanfront paradise.
- Secluded Treehouse near Port Orford | This cutie, tucked between two towering fir trees overlooking a scenic river canyon, offers a secluded escape in southern Oregon. Relax on the deck as the calming sounds of a nearby waterfall wash away your stress. In the morning, wake up feeling refreshed by those same tranquil nature sounds. While providing a true getaway immersed in the outdoors, the cozy treehouse is just a short drive from the Oregon Coast.
- Cozy Retreat near Seaside and Cannon Beach | Escape to this newly built creek retreat, conveniently located just 30 minutes from the popular coastal towns of Seaside and Cannon Beach. This getaway combines modern amenities with carefully selected art and design elements, creating an inviting and stylish atmosphere. Nestled on a serene half-acre property that stretches up to a creek, you’ll find the perfect spot to start your day while enjoying the gentle sounds of nature with a cup of coffee.
Example Timelines:
All Day Elopement
- 6:00 AM: Meet and begin short hike.
- 6:30 AM: First look, watch sunrise, read letters from family.
- 7:00 AM: Ceremony, portraits, detail photos, sparkling water pop.
- 8:00 AM: Hike back to our cars.
- 8:30 AM: Breakfast break.
- 11:30 AM: Head to next location.
- 12:30 PM: Explore, cake cutting, portraits.
- 3:30 PM: Lunch break and drive to next location.
- 6:30 PM: Meet and begin hike, explore, first dance, toasts, golden hour portraits, lantern portraits.
- 8:00 PM: Hike back to our cars.
- 8:30 PM: Wrap-up and departure.
Afternoon/Evening Elopement
- 3:00 PM: Arrival, detail photos, and getting ready.
- 4:00 PM: First look and couple portraits.
- 5:00 PM: Head to Ceremony Location.
- 5:30 PM: Ceremony
- 6:00 PM: Post-ceremony celebration and photos.
- 7:00 PM: Picnic dinner or light refreshments.
- 7:30 PM: Exploring the beach, portraits, first dance, golden hour portraits, lantern portraits.
- 9:00 PM: Wrap-up and departure.
Additional Vendors and Estimated Costs
Here’s a breakdown of potential vendors and their estimated costs for your Oregon Coast elopement:
- Florist: $200-$500
- Hair and Makeup Artist: $300-$600
- Officiant (if you’d like someone to perform a ceremony): $200-$500
- Permits: $50-$200
Total Estimated Costs: $750-$1,900
This list includes the essentials to help make your day beautiful and stress-free, but of course, it’s always your decision on what vendors you decide to run with.
If you’re inspired to elope on the Oregon Coast, I’m here to help bring your vision to life. My name is Mattie, and I specialize in outdoor love stories! Based in Portland, Oregon, I focus on making your engagement and elopement dreams a reality. With a passion for adventure, I love capturing authentic moments for couples who crave an experience as unique as their relationship. Whether you envision exchanging vows in a forest, on a mountain vista, or as the sun sets over the ocean waves, I’ll document every moment of your extraordinary day.
So, what are you waiting for? Reach out, and let’s start planning the Oregon Coast elopement of your dreams. I can’t wait to be a part of your incredible adventure!
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