If you’re dreaming of a coastal elopement that feels a little wild, cozy, and 100% you, the Oregon Coast might be your soulmate in location form. With spots like Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park, and Arcadia Beach, you get a front-row seat, misty cliffs, dramatic sunsets, and crashing waves—the complete moody-romantic package.
Eloping here gives you space to be. There’s no pressure to perform, no timeline to race against, and no seating chart to stress over. Just the freedom to soak up the moment, exchange your vows in peace, and even roast a marshmallow or two after. It’s the setting that leaves only what matters—love, intention, and maybe a surprise animal sighting if you’re lucky (yes, that really happens). Does that all sound like your vibe? You’re in the right place.
Eloping the Oregon Coast Way
We kicked things off at Ecola State Park, just a few minutes north of Cannon Beach. It was cinematic elopement energy. As if the dramatic coastline views weren’t enough, a herd of elk casually decided to make an appearance (10/10 would recommend starting your elopement with a little National Geographic cameo.)
After soaking in the calm (and snagging a few epic portraits), we headed south to Arcadia Beach, which is tucked just south of Cannon Beach and feels like a hidden gem even on the busiest weekends.
E+Z kept it simple—and I mean that in the most intentional, beautiful way. Just the two of them, standing in the sand, with the tide slowly rolling in. They signed their marriage license, popped a bottle of bubbly water, and let the moment wash over them. It was simply two people wildly in love, creating a moment that felt like them, nothing more and certainly nothing less.
After the ceremony, E+Z wandered the shoreline, splashing through the shallow water, soaking up the vibes. The tide had started to roll out right as golden hour hit, and let me tell you—the reflections were unreal. That glassy sand gave us the dreamiest mirror shots, and the entire beach glowed.
They built a little fire right on the beach and roasted marshmallows (yes, there were s’mores) while the sky shifted to a starry night. The moon came out, and we ended the night with some lantern-lit portraits.
Eloping doesn’t mean giving things up—it means choosing what matters. For E+Z, that meant exploring the coast, chasing the tide, and weaving in activities that were true to them. This is what coastal elopements are all about—crafting a day around your kind of magic.
A Note From the Newlyweds
“Mattie is an absolute gem! She made our day so perfect and tailored to my now husband and I. From planning to post-eloping adventures, she was there every step of the way. She was so patient and kind…even with both of us being introverted and quiet, she worked hard to capture our day just the way that we wanted to remember it. I am so elated that we chose Before Our Eyes Photography.”
Cannon Beach Elopement Photographer
Let’s be real—if you’re eloping on the Oregon Coast just for sunny skies and Pinterest-perfect lighting, you might be in the wrong place. (Don’t worry, I won’t hold it against you.) But if you’re down for misty cliffs, barefoot beach walks, and a wild beauty you can’t manufacture—then yeah, this might be your dream day.
Places like this are soulful. There’s something about that salty air and moody coastal light that slows everything down and lets you feel the moment. And when the weather throws a curveball (because it probably will), it doesn’t ruin the day—it makes the day. Some of the best memories (and photos) happen when your hair’s a mess and you’re laughing through it all.
I’m Mattie—a Cannon Beach elopement photographer, professional third wheel, and occasional snack supplier. I’m here to help you plan a day that feels like you. I believe in intentional moments, low-pressure planning, and incredibly authentic images. So, if you’re dreaming of a cozy, come-as-you-are kind of coastal elopement, let’s make it happen.
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