The Oregon coast is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen with it’s often overcast skies, sometimes light rain, big crashing waves, sea stacks, and pine trees on the coastline. It gives me all the moody feels and it just makes me feel really happy and content. I can’t think of a better place to elope than on the Oregon coast and Cannon Beach is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in the Pacific Northwest, with it’s famous Haystack Rock and other sea stacks along the beach. The overcast skies give it a moody, romantic feel that adds to the emotion in photos. Summertime gets super busy on the Oregon coast, so if you want to avoid crowds, plan to elope there in the fall, winter, or spring. It can get pretty chilly with the wind but it just adds to the ambiance. Sunrise is also ideal because less people will be on the beach and you’ll have more of the place to yourself!

Another amazing thing about eloping at Cannon Beach (or anywhere along the Oregon coast) is that you start off your honeymoon in a beautiful place and can explore different beaches and coastal towns up and down the coast. You could fly into the Portland airport, which is just 1.5 hours from Cannon Beach. There’s a lot of good food in Portland to try and cool things to see in the Columbia River Gorge when you fly in. Multonomah Falls in the Gorge is an iconic waterfall with a bridge in front of it. There are several other waterfalls along the Gorge with short hikes that you can start off your elopement trip visiting.

From there you could drive out to Cannon Beach for your elopement. Rent an Airbnb or hotel on the beach with an ocean view and relax in the evening on the balcony listening to the crashing waves. After your ceremony on the beach, you can try some local restaurants and do some exploring at the coast. At low tide there are cool starfish and other sea creatures you can see. Ecola State park about 10 minutes from Cannon Beach has an amazing overlook of the beach and often has elk hanging out really close by.

Going down the coast, you can visit Tillamook and get some amazing ice cream and cheese. Another beautiful place to visit along the coast is Cape Meares. There is a lighthouse that you can sometimes go inside to the top, the famous Octopus tree, and the overlooks up and down the coast are pretty breathtaking with huge cliffs topped with pine trees for miles.

Further down the coast is the famous Cape Kiwanda in the town Pacific City. It’s a big beach for surfers and it’s fun to sit and watch them catch the waves. There is a big sand dune as you walk down the beach and you can explore the clay cliffs next to them. This beach is a perfect one to have a fire with some s’mores and watch the sun go down.

If you keep driving further down the coast to the bottom of Oregon, you’ll hit Samuel Boardman State Scenic Corridor, which is a stunning area with several natural bridges over the water. There is a ton to explore here and you can spend a few days playing on the beach and exploring the rocks around the beach and water.

You really can’t go wrong on the Oregon coast! If you want to plan your elopement there but aren’t sure which area on the coast, I’d love to chat and find the best place for your elopement!