Located just over an hour from Portland, Cannon Beach and its surrounding forests, beaches and coastal towns are the perfect location for your elopement or intentional wedding.
Cannon Beach elopements can include cozy Airbnbs, coffee or wine, a cliffside adventure, and a jump into the Pacific Ocean - all within a few miles. The textures, weather, and windswept landscapes make for a backdrop that is comfortable and accessible, yet untamed.
Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, I've been lucky to explore every corner of the northern coast since childhood. Sharing this place with couples is one of my greatest privileges.
CANNON BEACH ELOPEMENTS ARE FOR THE WILD AT HEART
ELOPE IN CANNON BEACH
against CLIFFS, GRASSY EXPANSES, and oregon's wild coastline
CANNON BEACH ELOPEMENTS
GUIDES + INSPIRATION
MY PACKAGES + PRICES
Cannon Beach elopements take advantage of the northern Oregon Coast's wildest, yet most accessible areas. The town of Cannon Beach features art galleries, world-class seafood, wine and distilleries, and sea salt-worn buildings that make you feel a million miles away from the world.
The area is also a gateway to old growth forests, secluded beaches, and dramatic cliffsides - all within a few minutes of each other. You don't have to narrow down your vision to one type of landscape.
This area also gets relatively little - if any - snow. So if you're open to a little (or a lot of) rain, you can plan your Cannon Beach elopement for any time of the year.
As untamed as the landscapes appear, there are so many places that are accessible to guests and couples with mobility issues. You can, but you absolutely do not have to walk long distances (or walk at all) to some of the most beautiful locations.
planning your elopement in one of oregon's natural wonders
INQUIRE HERE
The vast majority of Cannon Beach's locations do not require permits to elope. If you are planning on having more than fifty guests, or you want to set up arches, chairs, and other structures, permits are required. For intimate elopements with just a handful of people, things can be simple, but if you’re planning a full wedding day, having the right permits in place keeps everything stress-free. If you need help navigating the permit process or picking a location, I'm here to help.
PERMITS AND LOGISTICS
The Oregon Coast is stunning in every season - it just depends on the vibe you’re going for. Summer offers the best chance of sunny skies and warmer evenings, but it also brings bigger crowds. It is also not a guarantee - you can encounter rain any time of the year. Fall is a favorite for fewer tourists, gorgeous sunsets, and crisp air. Winter brings the moody, dramatic storms that make the coast so magical (perfect if you love cozy, windswept romance). Spring is the in-between season, full of soft light and new blooms. No matter when you plan your day, flexibility is key - the coast has a mind of its own, and that’s part of the beauty.
best seasons and weather
I have a running list of my favorite locations to elope on the northern coast, as well as a more in-depth location guide that I send to all of my couples. Essentially, where you elope will depend on what kind of backdrop(s) call to you, your comfort level with hiking and walking, and how much time you want to spend.
Helping you put together the perfect day that exactly fits your needs is what I specialize in. If you're ready to get started, let's make it happen.
PICKING THE PERFECT LOCATION
If you’re eloping at Cannon Beach, you’ll need to get your Oregon marriage license in advance. The good news is, it’s a straightforward process. Licenses are issued by county clerk offices (Clatsop County covers Cannon Beach), and you can apply in person or start the paperwork online. Oregon has a three day waiting period, so you’ll want to plan ahead and get your license a few days before your ceremony. Once issued, the license is valid anywhere in the state for 60 days, which gives you plenty of flexibility. On your wedding day, you’ll need an officiant and two witnesses to sign (I can help you with this) - and then you’re officially married with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop.
If the three day waiting period is prohibitive, I also work with a lot of couples who get legally married in their home town or home state. We still treat their elopement day like the day you get married. Vows, promises, and the whole day is just as meaningful with or without the paperwork.
GETTING MARRIED IN OREGON
Taylor and Brian’s intimate Lincoln City wedding at the Salmonberry Inn perfectly blended luxury, warmth, and the textures of the Oregon Coast.
COZY, CHIC LINCOLN CITY WEDDING
Karlie and Sam wanted a dreamy, romantic elopement just for the two of them.Their day featured forests, views, beaches and and herds of elk.
A DREAMY CANNON BEACH ELOPEMENT
Sydney and Tommy are already married, but wanted to take some photos in Oregon before they headed back home to Colorado after finishing school.
HAYSTACK ROCK COUPLES SESSION
Utah residents, Katie and Brad, didn’t want their photos to be too “beachy.” Specifically, they asked for “big ass trees” and some cliffside vibes.
ECOLA STATE PARK ELOPEMENT
REAL CANNON BEACH ELOPEMENTS
FOR INSPIRATION AND IDEAS
Some Cannon Beach elopements last a full day, with adventures from sunrise to sunset. Some are short-and-sweet with a vow exchange and portraits in one location. I have photography packages to suit everyone's needs. What's important is that they day feels authentic to you.
Some couples travel to the coast with a few family members or friends and make a whole trip out of it. We might spend time getting ready with your loved ones, exchanging vows, exploring different portrait locations, and celebrating with toasts and an intimate dinner afterwards.
Others might prefer a more adventurous day with hiking, several different landscapes, and ending the evening at a local brewery. I always advise folks to think about what their best day together would look like. No phones, no work, no obligations - what would you choose to do together? Let's do that, but with fancier clothes.
PLANNING YOUR TIMELINE
As a local photographer, I have a long list of hair and makeup artists, bakeries, florists, rental companies, and planners that I love working with. Once we decide to work together, I'll send along a whole guide with in-depth details about locations, vendors, and other logistics. I'm also here to help guide you along the way. What's important is choosing experts who are local, understand the rules and unpredictable nature of the coast, who are trusted by other professionals.
CHOOSING YOUR VENDORS
Born and raised in Oregon, I spent my childhood traveling up and down the coastline with my family. This place isn't a destination for me - it's home. I know the tides like the back of my hands, and I'm not afraid of wind, rain, and a little bit of sand. In fact, I welcome the unpredictable, rugged nature of the coast.
I take a primarily documentary style approach to my galleries. You'll find an abundance of stolen glances, gentle hand squeezes, and shared laughter. I'm also thoughtful about composition, lighting, and colors, which all help tell the real story of your wedding day.
Your portraits will feel natural and not overly-posed, and we'll make sure that you get to enjoy your day without it feeling like a photo shoot (unless you want it to!).
I LOVE IT HERE
All bodies, abilities, GENDER IDENTITIES, and types of love are safe with me.
