Insane views. No crowds. Easy, right?
A great elopement location on the Oregon Coast has the perfect combination of all the killer PNW coast vibes. We are talking about massive cliffs, sea stacks, tide pools and crashing waves. But that's easy to find. You literally drive down highway 101 and see nothing BUT insanely gorgeous options! But finding those moody and gorgeous vibes PLUS some actual privacy... (and in the summer months?) that, my dear friends, is the hard part. IF you don't spend a lot of time wandering up and down the Oregon Coast. Thankfully, I'm here for you. ;)
You could go explore for weeks before your elopement to try to hunt down some places that seem more secluded. You might even find a place that seems pretty private - until you return on your elopement day and realize you just have just gotten lucky the first time you visited. (You can also work with an Oregon elopement photographer who already knows where those places are! Uh hem... *rasies hand*)
So here's tip #1. (It's a total freebie.)
Please don't try to elope on Cannon Beach if you want some privacy. :) Seriously though... while I can definitely photoshop people out of your photos, if you want an experience that feels even somewhat private, this beach is not for you. If you're imagining walking hand in hand with your partner, with only the sound of waves and seagulls as your personal elopement day soundtrack, a touristy beach like Cannon beach is absolutely not a good choice.
Now that I've said that, here are some images from a Cannon beach elopement just to irritate those of you who were hoping to have a Goonies themed elopement. ;) (Just to make you feel better, I did have to do a lot of photoshopping in these images!)
Ok, here's a less obvious one.
Tip #2 Check the trail heads
When it comes to finding hidden gems for your Oregon Coast elopement, look for lesser used trails along highway 101. How do you do that? Check the trail heads. Can't find parking? There's your first sign that this is NOT your spot. Once you find a quieter trail that eventually leads to a beach, you are probably on the right track. If the trail is on the longer side, you're definitely on the right track. The less convenient it is to get to the beach, the more likely it is to be empty.
If you're dreaming of a cliffside ceremony, trails like Cape Falcon and Neahkahnie Mountain offer breathtaking vistas and elevated platforms where you can exchange your vows. These spots provide a sense of awe as you say "I do" against a backdrop of dramatic coastal cliffs, crashing waves, and the endless horizon. But a lot of cliffs are pretty busy, because everyone wants to hike out to enjoy the views. For places like this, check them out on weekdays (monday-thurs), and at sunrise and sunset. Most hikers are out during the day (except waterfall hikes.) For waterfalls, you need to go first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds.
For a more serene and pastoral setting, trails that meander through the coastal prairies are perfect for exchanging vows. These open spaces are adorned with wildflowers and tall grasses, creating a romantic and serene ambiance. Nehalem Bay South Jetty Trail and Bandon's Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint are just a couple of examples where you can find these hidden prairies.
If you prefer the enchantment of a coastal forest, trails like Cascade Head and Ecola State Park will lead you into the heart of towering trees, moss-covered rocks, and a sense of seclusion. With the sunlight filtering through the canopy and the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze, these forested trails provide an intimate and magical setting for your elopement ceremony. For secluded trails, keep checking the number of cars at the trailhead, and find the longer trails. You can also check All Trails for information on how busy a particular trail tends to be.
The beauty of finding more secluded spots is that some of them remain hidden even during the busier summer months. With a bit of research and lots of adventurous exploring, you can uncover some of your own hidden spots and create a truly intimate and unforgettable elopement experience. Or you can just leave it to your expert Oregon elopement photographer!
Ready to start planning? Great. Because that's tip #3.
Contact us. We love to help you dream big, work out locations and details, and even plan back up options for bad weather or closed trails. I mean, you definitely hire us for the photos, but we really do so much more. We care about you and your experience. This is about people, connection, art, and memories for us. Reach out and let's connect!
