No matter the occasion, the Oregon Coast is home to some of the most incredible backdrops for your photos. Whether you’re looking for lush old growth forests, rolling grassy dunes, imposing rock formations, or smooth beaches, you can easily incorporate one or many different locations into your shoot. Below are just a few of my very, very favorite Oregon Coast photo locations.
Elk Flats
I have an entire blog post dedicated to this single location. If you’re willing to get a little bit muddy, you will find yourself transported to a completely different world. Elk Flats is for those who crave moody vibes reminiscent of Northern Ireland or Scotland. It’s also close to Cannon Beach, making it easy to create a day that incorporates multiple different types of locations. The photos here for your engagement or elopement will convey drama, wildness, and the unpredictability of the coast.
Cannon Beach
Known for its iconic Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach is one of Oregon’s most recognizable locations. It’s also closest to Portland – typically taking less than 90 minutes to get there. The town of Cannon Beach is also relatively vibrant for a coastal town, with plenty of art galleries, restaurants and breweries, and nearby attractions. This is the perfect spot to post up for a couple of days while you explore the northern Oregon Coast.
Although this area can get crowded during the summer, you can expect it to empty out pretty quickly come fall and winter. I love taking photos here during the off season because of its easy access to grassy hills, a flat sandy beach to play on, and quick access to Ecola State Park for forest-y photos.
Nehalem Bay State Park
Home to beautiful, dramatic grassy expanses, Nehalem Bay State Park oozes ethereal romance. I love the soft, sweeping images and the beautiful combination of greens, yellows, and blues here. It’s such a fun contrast to my other favorite locations, which are typically more dramatic and moody.
Bob Straub State Park
Similar to Nehalem Bay State Park, Bob Straub offers almost east-coast vibes with its gentle dunes and grassy expanses. This is the perfect location to set up a romantic picnic and cuddle up together to watch the sunset. Bob Straub is also very near Pacific City, which is one of my favorite little towns on the Oregon Coast.
Oceanside and Tunnel Beach
Oceanside and Tunnel Beach, located on Oregon’s Northern Coast, are lesser-known alternatives to popular locations near Cannon Beach. Tunnel Beach is particularly special – it can only be accessed via a literal 90′ long tunnel and is surrounded by jagged, black, imposing rock formations, making it feel even more private.
Hug Point
Enclosed by large, wind-carved rock formations, Hug Point is best accessed during low tide, and helps make elopements feel more private. In spite of its more secret location, it’s close to charming Cannon Beach and makes it easy to explore both the town as well as other diverse areas.
Newport Beach
Newport Beach offers really classic, expansive sandy beaches. It’s beautiful any time of year, but really comes to life on sunny days. Newport is a great option if you’re traveling with family, due to its accessibility and abundance of family-friendly activities.
Eloping and Taking Photos on the Oregon Coast
I am so thrilled every time I receive an inquiry for the coast. It really is the perfect location for those seeking natural beauty and an intimate setting for their photo shoots. The dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and sandy beaches offer stunning backdrops, no matter the time and weather.
Permits and Locations
Most Oregon Coast beaches are part of state parks, so permits are often required for larger weddings, especially if you’re bringing chairs and decor. If you’re planning a ceremony at one of these locations, contact the Oregon State Parks Department to obtain a permit. It’s recommended to do this well in advance of your wedding day to ensure availability. The permit process is usually straightforward, but fees can vary depending on the location and size of your gathering.
If your wedding is smaller you’re not planning on bringing in seating or decor, you won’t need a permit to elope or take photos. Some private properties or rental homes near the beach may also offer options for a ceremony without needing additional permits.
What to Wear
Regardless of the time of year, you should always expect rain and wind at the coast. Even in the summer months.
If you’re wearing a dress, I love the look of flowy, lightweight dresses that take advantage of the wind and allow you to hike and run freely. A long veil can create stunning windswept photos, but keep in mind that coastal winds can be strong, so you may want to opt for a simple hair accessory skip the veil. Layering is key for staying comfortable, so consider incorporating a light sweater or jacket, especially if you’re planning a sunset ceremony when temperatures drop. You can comfortably walk barefoot on the sandy beaches, but many spots can only be accessed by initially walking on rocky or dirt paths, so always bring comfortable shoes with you as well.
Those in suits, rompers, or pants should plan on wearing clothing that moves well and allows you to take advantage of the adventurous nature of the coast.
Timing and Tides
When planning a beach wedding, timing is everything. Check the tide charts for your chosen beach to make sure you’re not planning your ceremony at high tide, which could limit space or make your location inaccessible. Low tide can reveal more beach area and stunning tide pools, adding an extra layer of beauty to your day. (I can help you with this part of planning as well).
Be mindful of the time of day as well—midday weddings can be bright and harsh for photography, while sunset offers softer lighting and a more intimate feel. Early morning ceremonies are another beautiful option, especially if you want to enjoy a quiet beach before the day’s activities start.
You ready to do this thing?
If you’re ready to start planning your Oregon Coast elopement, engagement shoot, or proposal, let’s talk! I’ve got a beat on all the best Oregon Coast photo locations and I’m here to help you plan a memorable day.
