Haystack Rock, waves crashing on the shore, standing with your partner, ready to finally say your vows you’ve been perfecting for months. Cannon Beach, Oregon is one of the best spots for an intimate, unforgettable elopement. This stretch of the Oregon Coast has it all: stunning views, a cozy vibe, and plenty of options to make your day memorable. Whether you’re up for exploring all day or planning a sunrise or sunset ceremony with tide-pooling and a picnic, Cannon Beach is the perfect place to make it happen. Planning an elopement doesn’t have to be complicated, and this guide will help you figure out all the details to create your perfect day. Let’s get into it!
Why Choose Cannon Beach for Your Elopement
So, you’ve decided to elope at the beach. Well, this spot is the total package. Cannon Beach offers everything you could want for a beautiful, stress-free elopement, with a little side of adventure if you’re feeling it.
Natural Beauty That Speaks for Itself
First things first, the backdrop. Cannon Beach is iconic for a reason—Haystack Rock steals the show with an Instagram-worthy presence, and the sand stretches far enough to find your personal slice of heaven. Add in tide pools full of starfish and an ocean that seems to go on forever, and you have the perfect setting.
Convenient & Close to Vendors
Planning to elope at the beach doesn’t mean you have to rough it. Cannon Beach is a short drive from Portland, meaning you have access to some of the best florists, bakers, and makeup artists. Bonus: many vendors are already pros at helping couples with beach elopements, so they know how to handle wind, sand, and the occasional seagull friend.
Adventure is Everywhere
If you’re the type who wants more than just a ceremony, Cannon Beach delivers. Within a short drive, you have Ecola State Park (killer views and trails), Hug Point (hello, waterfall backdrop), Arcadia Beach (quiet and cozy), and Elk Flats (a hidden gem). Whether you want to hike, explore tide pools, or just picnic with your new spouse, there’s no shortage of things to do.
The Best Time to Say “I Do”
Timing is everything, and if you’re looking for the sweet spot, plan to elope at the beach in September or October. The weather’s still good; the summer crowds have thinned out, and the golden fall light is incredible.
How to Plan Your Elopement Day
Planning your elopement day at Cannon Beach is about making it personal, fun, and stress-free, but now you’re asking, “What does the day look like?” Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Whether you want to pack your day with adventure or keep things chill and romantic, here’s how to plan an elopement day that feels like you.
Choose Your Adventure
You’re not just saying your vows and heading home—this is your day, so let’s make it memorable.
- Morning Tide-Pooling: Start the day exploring Cannon Beach’s tide pools at low tide. It’s peaceful and fun, and sea stars make fabulous wedding guests.
- Midday Picnic: Pack a cozy blanket and some locally sourced snacks (cheese, wine, chocolate—you know, the essentials) and find a quiet spot at Arcadia Beach or at Hug Point to soak it all in with your soon to be spouse.
- Sunset Ceremony: End the day with a sunset ceremony, explore a cliffside overlook, have a first dance on the beach, or cut your cake on the coast.
Pro Tip: Ecola State Park is another must-see, with hiking trails that lead to jaw-dropping coastal views. It’s also a great spot for a private moment or some epic photos.
Perfect Timing is Everything
Beach lighting can be tricky, but it’s worth the effort.
- Sunrise: The light is soft and romantic, the beach is empty, and the world feels yours.
- Sunset: For those bold, dramatic vibes, sunset is unbeatable. The sky puts on a show, and the colors are pure magic. Check out these Oregon Coast engagement photos to see what I mean!
- Tide Schedule: Watch the tides. Low tide means more room for exploring, while high tide could mean less beach (and soggy shoes).
Incorporate Fun Activities
Your elopement day doesn’t have to follow a traditional wedding schedule, let’s plan your best day ever. Here are some ideas to add some spice to your day:
- Tide-Pooling: Get your boots on and explore the fascinating marine life at Cannon Beach. It’s like a whole world you can only see into at low tide.
- Cozy Picnic: Imagine sitting on the beach, a spread of goodies in front of you, all dolled up with the love of your life keeping an eye to the ocean in hopes of seeing a whale!!
- Bonfire Celebration: After the vows, light up a bonfire, pop some champagne, and toast marshmallows for s’mores. It’s low-key, fun, and the perfect way to wind down your ideal day.
- Hiking: The great thing about Cannon Beach is there is hiking for whatever length you’re looking for, whether it’s a longer hike to a epic beach or a short hike to a stunning cliffside overlook. Cannon Beach has it all (plenty of non-hiking options too, don’t worry)!!
Cannon Beach Elopement Itinerary Examples
Planning your elopement day is all about finding the perfect balance of adventure, intimacy, and spontaneity. Whether you’re an early bird or a golden-hour enthusiast, these itinerary examples will help inspire your best day ever. Depending on your locations (don’t worry, I know all the best spots), I will help craft the perfect timeline for your big day.
Sunrise Elopement
A sunrise elopement is chef’s kiss for couples who love quiet mornings and soft light.
- Explore the quiet beach as the sun comes up and find perfect spot for your vow exchange. After vows, pop the champagne and cut the cake for a breakfast picnic on the beach. After breakfast let’s find a private spot and start dancing (your first dance, that is) before heading off for a hike or to explore other locations to see all that the coast has to offer.
Full-Day Adventure
If you’re the type to turn your elopement into a full-on experience (you only get married once!!), here is some inspo for your big day.
- Start your morning early with a morning tide-pooling session or hike. If you’re looking for more privacy- a morning vow exchange may be the perfect option for you. After our morning adventure we can relax for a bit with a midday break before heading off for a picnic on the beach. After refueling we can get started on an evening of fun. Including vows (if you haven’t exchanged them already), your first dance, a hike, champagne pop, sunset portraits, reading letters from loved ones, your marriage license signing, blue hour lantern photos and more.
Sunset Elopement
For couples who love twilight romance, a sunset elopement is the way to go.
- Get ready in the afternoon light before heading off for your adventure. We can start with a hike or exploring the local beaches for your sunset ceremony, your first dance, a champagne pop, signing your marriage license, reading letters from loved ones, sunset portraits, blue hour lantern photos, and maybe even a fire and s’mores on the beach.
Logistics for a Stress-Free Day
Planning to elope at Cannon Beach is as dreamy as it gets, but let’s not forget the less glamorous (but essential) stuff—like where to stay, who’s going to make you look amazing, and yes, whether you need a Cannon Beach wedding permit. Let’s get into the logistics so you can focus on having the best day ever.
Legalities:
To legally elope on the Oregon Coast, you’ll need 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.
Accommodations That Set the Vibe
First things first: where are you staying? Cannon Beach has plenty of lovable spots to crash that’ll make you feel cozy and a little fancy at the same time.
- Oceanview Airbnbs: Think of modern beach houses with floor-to-ceiling windows, cozy cabins with hot tubs, or cute cottages where you can hear the waves while sipping coffee in your PJs.
- Boutique Hotels: For a more traditional stay, plenty of hotels in Cannon Beach are close to downtown and all the action.
Pick a spot close to your ceremony location, wherever you stay, to keep things manageable. Here are a few Airbnb options near Cannon Beach:
Vendors Who Get the Cannon Beach Vibe
A lot of the magic comes from having the right team behind you. Lucky for you, Cannon Beach is just a short drive from Portland, which means access to top-tier vendors who know how to handle beach elopements like pros.
- Florists: Portland-based florists are some of the best, I will send you some of my favorites if you’d like recommendations!!
- Bakers: Whether you’re into a mini wedding cake, cupcakes, or something non-traditional, Portland bakers have you covered (and their work is delicious).
- Makeup Artists: These guys know how to keep you looking flawless.
Many of these vendors have experience working with couples who elope at Cannon Beach, so they’ll understand your vibe and make sure you feel amazing. I am happy to send over recommendations for whatever vendors you’re looking for, but these are the most common three my couples end up with.
Do You Need a Cannon Beach Wedding Permit?
The big question: “Do I need a permit to get elope on the beach?” The answer? Probably not, depending on where you plan to say your vows.
- Beach Ceremonies: Since you’re eloping, you don’t need a permit for a Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park, Hug Point, Arcadia Beach or other local beach ceremony locations, as you’ll have less than 50 guests. But if you’re setting up chairs, an arch, or anything fancy, you’ll most likely need a permit. Click HERE for more info on permits.
Photography Tips for Creating Memorable Moments
Your Cannon Beach wedding photos will be one of the best parts of eloping here, between the iconic scenery and those sweet, candid moments. With the variety of stunning locations and a little seasonal magic, your wedding photos will feel like art. But a little planning goes a long way in ensuring your photos are as epic as your love story.
Location Variety: Mix It Up
Cannon Beach is known for Haystack Rock (and yes, it deserves the hype), but there’s so much more to explore for your wedding photos. For something unique, head to Elk Flats for a lush, green vibe or Hug Point if you’re into caves and a waterfall backdrop. You can even sneak in some tide-pooling for photos that feel fun!
Working with a local photographer (like, I don’t know, me) means you’ll have someone who knows the best angles, hidden spots, and how to dodge the crowds for quiet, intimate moments.
Seasonal Details: Work With Nature’s Magic
The best thing about Cannon Beach is it’s gorgeous all year round. But if you’re after a specific vibe, timing is everything.
- Fall: September and October are gold for Cannon Beach elopements. The weather is still good, the crowds are gone, and the fall light adds a warm, romantic glow to every shot.
- Summer: Great weather but there is typically a lot more people out exploring which is when a sunrise ceremony would likely be a great decision!!
- Winter: If you’re looking for vibey, moody, foggy, and don’t mind a bit of drizzle, then winter may be for you. There is far less people out, so you’ll have more privacy, but we will make sure to schedule in some time at your Airbnb for hot chocolate and your cake cutting after braving the cold for your ceremony and portraits.
- Spring: We could get the moody, drizzly winter weather or a fantastic sunset, if you’re down for whatever the coast has to offer, spring may be for you.
Then there is the building your day of timeline, let’s plan around what nature has to offer.
- Golden Hour: Whether it’s sunrise or sunset, that soft, glowy light is a game-changer for your photos. Plus, it makes everything (and everyone) look extra magical.
You have to see these incredible Cannon Beach bridal portraits!
Cannon Beach Elopement Photographer | Before Our Eyes Photography
I’m here to make your Cannon Beach elopement happen! My name is Mattie, and I specialize in capturing love stories in breathtaking outdoor settings. Based in Portland, Oregon, I’m all about creating a unique and personal experience. Whether hiking through Ecola State Park, sharing a quiet picnic on the beach, or catching golden hour with Haystack Rock in the background, I’ll be there to document every incredible moment of your day.
With a passion for adventure and a knack for making you feel comfortable in front of the camera, my goal is to capture how your day looked and how it felt. Your elopement should be about you—your love, your story, your way.
So, what are you waiting for? Reach out, and let’s start planning your dream day on the Oregon Coast. I can’t wait to be part of your amazing adventure!
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