If you’re considering eloping, I have to tell you about my favorite, not-so-secret spot: Cannon Beach.

One of my favorite places to shoot is the Pacific Northwest. Photos always turn out stunning thanks to freaking gorgeous backdrops, consistent weather/lighting, and, of course, the most adventurous people!

Cannon Beach, Oregon is the perfect destination for your elopement for many reasons, not the least of which is the iconic setting. It’s also super accessible and a pretty great choice almost year-round. This post will dive into everything you should consider if you’re looking for information on how to elope at Cannon Beach.

1 | Pick your date

Before you start planning your Cannon Beach elopement, think long and hard about when you want to go. I’ll pretty much always recommend Cannon Beach as a great option, but if you can, I’d definitely suggest you steer away from a summer elopement simply because crowds and hotel prices are at their highest.

When it comes to the weather, June to September is prime because it’s the least likely to rain. But, if you aren’t afraid of a little wind and rain, spring is a great time to head up to the Pacific Northwest because it’s less busy and you can get some really cool moody, overcast photos that are very characteristic of the PNW.

If you’re eloping in winter, you can count on the beaches being pretty empty, albeit much colder and rainier. So if you really want to prioritize peace and privacy, winter and early spring are great options.

That being said, my absolute favorite time to visit is from about September to mid-October. The weather is great, and both rain and crowds are dying down. The cost of hotels is also way down, allowing you to prioritize your travel funds elsewhere.

2 | Choose where to stay

While Cannon Beach has a few options for places to stay for your elopement, and it’s nice to be right there and not have to worry about driving/parking, I actually recommend my eloping couples choose a place in nearby Seaside, Oregon. Seaside has lots of hotels and Airbnb that are actually way cheaper than staying right in Cannon Beach, and it’s not super far.

Here are some of my favorite options for staying in Seaside, OR:

3 | Get a permit

When you choose to elope, one of the considerations to keep in mind is the size of your party/elopement. At Cannon Beach, they only require a permit for your elopement if you’re having more than 50 people at your ceremony or creating some sort of structure or set-up (like an arch, display table, chairs, etc.).

If you opt for something simple and small, you don’t need to worry about applying for a special use permit.

Click here for the permit application. You can also contact Allison Mangini at (544) 220-3786 or allison.mangini@oprd.oregon.gov.

Learn more at the official Cannon Beach, Oregon website: https://www.ci.cannon-beach.or.us

4 | Get your marriage license

One thing that’s important to note when planning your PNW elopement is the timing of getting your marriage license. Oregon marriage licenses have a three-day waiting period. You have to wait three days after you get your marriage license before you can be married. The cost of a marriage license in Oregon (at the time of this writing) is $60.

Another consideration to keep in mind is that the license expires after 60 days, so don’t get it too early!

After your elopement ceremony, simply drop the marriage license off where you got it. You don’t have to obtain the license in the same county where you plan to get married, but you do have to return it to the same county you got it from.

5 | Get an officiant

The last thing you need to do to make sure all the critical components of your Cannon Beach elopement are in place is to get an officiant.

In Oregon, you’re required to have an officiant and two witnesses present at your elopement ceremony. Many of my couples like to keep their Cannon Beach elopements relatively low-key, so the fact that Oregon allows family members or friends to register for free to become ordained ministers is bomb. You can keep your party small and intimate!

Go to this website to get ordained as a minister in order to officiate a wedding in Oregon.

Are you interested in planning an elopement in Cannon Beach, Oregon? Whether you choose a beachfront ceremony or a more secluded woodsy knoll, I’d love to be there right with you, documenting your special day. Get in touch to learn more about my elopement photography or to ask me any questions about eloping in the Pacific Northwest!