Are you dreaming of a coastal elopement with stunning sea stacks, moody skies, and the sound of waves crashing as your backdrop? If so, Cannon Beach is an absolutely incredible choice! Whether you’re envisioning a barefoot ceremony at the shore or a foggy elopement with dramatic cliffs, this spot offers an experience traditional weddings could never!

So, here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect Cannon Beach elopement day.

Table of Contents

• Why Elope in Cannon Beach
• Best Cannon Beach Elopement Locations
• Cannon Beach Elopement Permits
• Getting Your Marriage License
• Best Times to Elope in Cannon Beach
• Where to Stay
• Where to Eat
• Fun Elopement Activities
• What to Pack
• Cannon Beach Elopement Packages

Why Elope in Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is one of Oregon’s most iconic and breathtaking coastal destinations. With its towering Haystack Rock, dramatic sea stacks, and endless sandy shorelines, it provides incredible backdrops for your elopement day!

Here, you can craft an effortlessly beautiful elopement day by the ocean and make it completely you. Whether that’s a simple ceremony on the beach or a full-day adventure exploring the coastline, nearby forest, or state parks. 

Whether you want a sunrise elopement with the mist rolling in, a midday adventure along the coast, or a sunset ceremony with a bonfire, the choice is entirely yours.

Best Cannon Beach Elopement Locations

Cannon Beach has so many beautiful location options for your elopement, suitable for pretty much any scenery you’d like! Here are some options for you!

Haystack Rock

Haystack Rock is one of the most famous landmarks at Cannon Beach. This massive sea stack is a breathtaking backdrop for an elopement, especially at sunrise or sunset when the lighting is magical. Keep in mind that it can get crowded, so an early morning ceremony might be your best bet for privacy. During low tide, you can walk right up to the base of the rock and explore the tide pools filled with colorful marine life.

Ecola State Park

If you want a mix of rugged coastline, forested trails, and sweeping ocean views, this is your spot. Ecola State Park has hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and quiet spots perfect for an intimate vow exchange. The short hikes lead to some of the most stunning panoramic views of the Oregon coast, making for epic elopement portraits.

Indian Beach

A more secluded alternative to Cannon Beach, this hidden gem inside Ecola State Park is perfect for couples who want a more intimate setting with fewer crowds. Plus, the rocky coastline and driftwood make for some stunning photos! This location is also a popular spot for surfers, so if you and your partner love the ocean, consider adding a post-ceremony surf session to your day.

Hug Point

This unique location features sea caves, waterfalls, and sandy beaches. During low tide, you can walk along the shoreline to discover hidden spots for your elopement. The exposed rock formations and sea caves create a surreal, almost otherworldly landscape that looks incredible in photos. 

Oswald West State Park

If you imagined eloping surrounded by towering coastal trees before heading down to the sand, Oswald West State Park is a stunning option. The trails through the lush forest open up to an incredible stretch of beach at Short Sands. The trails here vary in length and difficulty, so you’ll definitely find something fitting the level of adventure you’re after!

Cannon Beach Elopement Permits

You don’t normally need an elopement permit to elope at Cannon Beach. However, if you’re planning to bring more than 50 people or have some type of decor or ceremony set up, you will need to apply for a permit. You can learn more about that here.

However, if you’re eloping in a state park, like Ecola State Park or Oswald State Park, for example, you almost certainly may need a special-use permit. According to the Oregon State Parks website, “Call the park (or the nearest park to the beach location) to discuss your plans, possible permits, fees and insurance requirements. You may also call the Information Line at 800-551-6949 and ask for the phone number of the nearest park.”

So, just to be safe, it’s always good to double-check information about permits once you settle on a location! As your Oregon elopement photographer, I’m here to guide you through the permit process and ensure everything is in place ahead of your big day!

Getting Your Marriage License

To legally elope in Cannon Beach, you’ll need an Oregon marriage license. Once you obtain a marriage license in Oregon, it’s valid statewide, so you can have your ceremony anywhere within the state. However, the license must be returned to the county where it was issued for official recording.

In Oregon, your marriage license has a 3-day waiting period, so you can only get married 3 days after you pick it up. The license is valid for up to 60 days, so your ceremony must occur within this window. After your elopement, ensure the completed license is returned to the county clerk’s office for recording to officially recognize your marriage. 

To make it official, you’ll also need an officiant and two witnesses. As your Cannon Beach elopement photographer, I’d be happy to be one of them! And we can always find a nearby hiker to sign as your second witness if you’re not planning to bring any guests.

Documentation

Be sure to understand the specific documentation and requirements set by the county where you obtain your marriage license. Each county may have slightly different procedures.

Hot Tip

If you don’t want to worry about all these things for your elopement, you can get legally married beforehand and then head out for your adventures later!

Best Times to Elope in Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is stunning all year round, but your elopement experience can be very different depending on the season you choose. Coastal weather is notably fickle, so packing layers and preparing for all conditions is a must, no matter when you decide to get married!

Spring in Cannon Beach is an absolute dream. The landscape bursts into life with blooming wildflowers and the days are getting longer. However, spring can be rainy, so your day could be a mixed bag – definitely pack water-resistant clothes and boots!

Summer brings the best of Cannon Beach’s long, sunny days, ideal for couples looking to make the most of the natural daylight. However, it’s also peak tourist season. To avoid the crowds and still bask in the gorgeous summer weather, consider planning for a sunrise or weekday ceremony. Remember, the ocean breeze can be cool, so light layers are still advisable even on the sunniest days.

Fall is a great time to elope at Cannon Beach because the summer crowds have departed, and the weather is still really nice, but it does get a bit crisp. 

While Winter might not be the top choice for some, I love the unique setting it offers with its peaceful, moody atmosphere enhanced by the misty weather and dramatic waves. I recommend having a backup plan, though, as the cool and rainy conditions are perfect for indoor ceremonies or an intimate celebration by a fireplace at your lodging.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of different accommodation options in the Cannon Beach area, including cozy beachside cottages, luxury resorts, Airbnbs, VRBOs, and camping sites.

• Hallmark Resort & Spa: Sitting right on the oceanfront, this resort offers breathtaking views of Haystack Rock. With luxurious spa services, ocean-facing balconies, and cozy fireplaces, it’s perfect for couples looking to relax and indulge in some pampering before or after their elopement.
  
  
• Haystack Close North is a private vacation rental just a short walk from the beach, offering stunning views of Haystack Rock. The cozy home has a colorful beach house vibe and is great for a home-away-from-home experience. It’s also a nice option if you’re bringing a few guests along with you!
  
  
• Ocean Inn Manzanita: Located in the charming town of Manzanita, just a short drive from Cannon Beach, this oceanfront inn provides a quiet and intimate retreat. It’s got cozy, modern rooms, private balconies, and direct beach access.
  
  
• The Ocean Lodge: A charming and rustic beachfront lodge that blends coastal elegance with a cozy, beachy atmosphere. Each room features a fireplace and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, making it an amazing romantic escape for your elopement stay.
  
  
• The Viewpoint: Perched on a cliffside, this vacation rental offers panoramic ocean views and a luxurious, modern aesthetic. With floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive deck, it is a beautiful spot to celebrate your elopement!
  
  
• Surfsand Resort: A beachfront resort with cozy fireplaces, private balconies, and easy beach access. Great for couples who want the best of both luxury and convenience.
  

• Cannon Beach has plenty of RV Parks and Campgrounds! You can check them out here.
  
  
• Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals – There are many stunning vacation rentals around Cannon Beach, including cabins, oceanfront homes, and unique stays like treehouses or tiny homes tucked in the forest.

Where to Eat

You will definitely want to fuel up during your day or find a nice place to celebrate your elopement, so these are some great options for places to eat at Cannon Beach:

• Pelican Brewing: A great spot for craft beer and casual dining with a fun atmosphere.
  
  
• The Wayfarer: A fine dining restaurant with breathtaking ocean views.
  
  
• Ecola Seafoods: One of the best seafood places in Cannon Beach.
  
  
• Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters: Start your elopement day with amazing locally roasted coffee.
  
  
• Cannon Beach Smokehouse: This is a really small, cozy, tavern-style place where you can grab a nice sandwich, dirty fries, or charcuterie boards with house-smoked meats.

Fun Elopement Activities

An elopement day is not about how much time you spend in front of the camera. It’s about the full-day elopement experience you create to cherish and remember forever. Filling your day with things you love to do will make it THAT much more meaningful.

On your elopement day, I am your guide, coordinator, friend, and, of course, photographer. Together, we get to run around and explore the beautiful locations you have chosen, creating personal moments and memories, catching a break, and, yes—time for posing and getting those amazing shots.

If you want to explore this beautiful area fully, here are some fun things to do in Cannon Beach and Oregon.

• Visit the Ecola State Park
• Go explore some of Oregon’s boutique wineries
• Go horseback riding on the beach
• During springtime, you could go whale watching
• Go kayaking or canoeing in the nearby rivers and lakes
• Visit one of many art galleries in the area!
• Enjoy a relaxing day at one of the local spas
• Take a drive on the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway for breathtaking views and charming coastal towns
• Go camping 
• Enjoy a picnic with a view
• First Dance
• Cake cutting/eating dessert
• Reading letters from friends and family
• Catered dinner at your Airbnb
• Have an intimate reception with your loved ones
• Take sunset photos along the coast 
• Rent a vintage car
• and so much more…

What to Pack

This is a rough idea of what you should consider packing. Depending on the activities and timeline you have in mind for your day, you may need some additional items that are not included.

• Download offline road and trail maps for all locations
• Headlamps/flashlights
• Bluetooth speaker for the first dance
• Snacks and water
• Vow books
• Rings
• Bouquet
• Sunscreen
• Layers because it can be cold before sunrise 
• Shoes with traction that you don’t mind being photographed in
• Blanket
• Waterproof layers and makeup
• Clear Umbrellas!
• First aid kit
• Deodorant
• Bug spray
• Extra battery pack for phones
• Marriage License

More Oregon Elopement Resources

• Best Places to Elope in Southern Oregon Coast
• Oregon Elopement Guide

My Cannon Beach Elopement Packages

Hi! I’m Christina, your Oregon and beyond adventure elopement photographer. Planning, traveling, and finding beautiful locations and experiences are my jam. Helping you create and document the celebration of a lifetime brings me the utmost joy! I want you to make the most amazing memories and have stunning photos that you can share with all of your loved ones. This is a day where you get to look back and say, “Wow, we did that!”

My Cannon Beach elopement packages offer a half-, full-–, or multi-day experience! I offer a ton of flexibility in designing our time together and would love to get to know you more to help you plan! To learn more, head over to my contact form, and we can get together on a call!

Offered throughout every Cannon Beach elopement package:

• Help you hand pick a location
• Provide resources and custom location guides on lodging, activities, and the best places to indulge in delicious foods.
• Scout locations with boots on the ground to find the best places and lighting for your ceremony and photos
• Secure the right location permits to make sure your wedding is legal!
• Recommend vetted vendors to help make your dream of a day come true. 
• Create your custom timeline (there are 2-3 options to choose from!) with room to breathe and enjoy your day.
• Deliver a joyful experience along with swoon-worthy photos in your own online gallery!
• Have a backup plan for it all!
• Deliver sneak peeks within 72 hours and a full wedding gallery within 6 weeks! 
• Provide a Fine Art Wedding Album design for you to print and hold onto your photos to thumb through for years to come.