The Southern Oregon Coast is a breathtakingly diverse region offering incredible options for couples who want to say their vows surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re dreaming of secluded beaches, dramatic cliffs, or lush forests, the Southern Oregon Coast has something for everyone.

But with so many options, how do you choose the perfect spot for your big day? That’s exactly what I hope to help you with this blog. So, let’s dive into the best places to elope on the Southern Oregon Coast!

15 Best Places to Elope in the Southern Oregon Coast

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

Located between Brookings and Gold Beach along Highway, Samuel H. Boardman SP is a dream elopement location with so much variety! It has 12 miles of rugged coastline, rock formations, secluded beaches, and lush coastal forests—it’s absolutely stunning!

Many viewpoints have nearby parking, and some, like Natural Bridges, require short hikes. Trails range from easy to moderate, so you can choose the level of adventure you want. 

Harris Beach State Park

Famous for its tide pools, sea stacks, and sandy beaches, Harris Beach is perfect for couples who want a mix of rugged beauty and beach vibes. It’s particularly stunning at sunset. It’s also close to Samuel H. Boardman SP, so you can visit many more spots during your elopement getaway.

Harris Beach SP has some really good camping opportunities. The sites are available all year round, and some even have hot showers!

Cape Blanco State Park

Home to the westernmost point in Oregon, Cape Blanco features a historic lighthouse, windswept cliffs, meadows, and, of course, a beautiful coast. More than 8 miles of different hiking trails lead to the beach. 

But what is super unique are the 150 acres of open riding area and a horse camp, so if you’ve been wanting to do a horseback elopement – this is it!

Sister’s Rock State Park

Sister’s Rock is a hidden gem on the Southern Oregon Coast. It has a secluded beach, iconic towering rocks, and dramatic ocean views. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for privacy and raw natural beauty. The path to the beach requires a short but moderate hike, so make sure you have sturdy boots.

Because it is so private, there aren’t any facilities within this State Park, so you need to prepare for that. Luckily, it is not too far from Port Orford and Gold Beach, so you can head there for more amenities and celebrations.

Sunset Bay State Park

Sunset Bay State Park offers a scenic, sheltered bay with calm waters, dramatic cliffs, and lush greenery. There is a parking lot quite close to the beach, which is great for easier access. Beautiful hiking trails lead you through the forests and wildflower meadows (wildflowers are seasonal for late spring and summer, though). Here, you can also fish, beach comb, and go boating!

Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint

Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint is known for its massive sand dunes, river views, and windswept beach. It is a beautiful, unique landscape for an Oregon Coast elopement! Again, this spot doesn’t have amenities, but it is close enough to Brookings and Gold Beach for you to head to after your ceremony.

Meyers Creek Beach

One of the most photogenic beaches on the coast, Myers Creek offers sweeping views of sea stacks, golden sand, and crashing waves. There’s parking available right off Highway 101, and it has easy beach access.

Whaleshead Beach

Whaleshead Beach is another gorgeous Southern Oregon Coast beach elopement location. It was named after its iconic rock formation resembling a whale’s head. It’s only 7 miles away from Brookings, so you can easily enjoy a quiet moment away and then head into the town for celebrations.

Coquille Point

Located in Bandon, Coquille Point is especially known for its tidepools and many stunning sea stacks along the coast. The area is also a favorite for wildlife enthusiasts, as you can often spot seabirds and even seals playing near the shores.

Oregon Redwoods Trail

If you’re after forest vibes on the Oregon Coast, check out the stunning Oregon Redwoods Trail. The hike through the trails is rather easy, so you can have beautiful views without straining yourselves. The trail winds through towering redwoods and lush greenery, and it’s especially gorgeous when the sun shines through the treetops.

Charming Towns Along the Southern Oregon Coast

Gold Beach

Gold Beach is a quiet coastal town with expansive beaches, rolling dunes, and forests nearby. The town has a laid-back charm to it, but it has a few cozy spots to grab a bite, as well as small shops and galleries to explore.

Beyond the beaches, you can go to the Rogue River for fishing, kayaking, or a boat tour. There are also hiking trails with stunning views! There really is plenty to see and do at Gold Beach, or you can also visit the State Parks nearby to get away from other people if that’s more your thing.

Port Orford

Port Orford is a historic and quiet coastal town with stunning views of the ocean. It is a great spot for couples who want to explore art galleries, enjoy fresh seafood, or be near and visit the Cape Blanco Lighthouse. 

As far as activities go, as with most coastal towns in the area, here you can go windsurfing, boating, or sea kayaking. Port Orford is also the start of one of the best biking routes in the state!

Brookings

Brookings is known for its extra-warm climate. It is located within the so-called “Banana Belt” of the Oregon Coast. And thanks to a unique meteorological phenomenon called the “Chetco Effect,” it is approximately 20°F warmer than nearby areas. It is often in the mid-60s, even in Winter!

This extra warm climate allows the town to be filled with lush parks and seasonal gardens year-round. It is close to Harris Beach and Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, so you have easy access to the dramatic coastal views and beaches, too!

Bandon

Famous for its dramatic sea stacks, Bandon is a picturesque coastal town with a charming Old Town district. Here, you can wander through unique shops, savor the local cheese and chocolate, or take a stroll along the boardwalk. It is also the Cranberry Capital of Oregon!

And if you’d like to add some extra activities to your time in Bandon, the town has a world-famous golf course you can visit!

Coos Bay

Coos Bay is the largest city on the Southern Oregon Coast, and it offers a beautiful mix of natural beauty, adventure, and urban vibes. It’s home to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and Sunset Bay State Park, which you could explore during your time here!

Plus, being a larger city, you’ll definitely find plenty of dining options, local breweries, and cultural attractions like the Coos Art Museum.

Oregon Coast Elopement Permits

Depending on the location you choose for your Southern Oregon Coast elopement, ceremony permits may be required. They are often required on lands within National or State Parks or other protected areas. However, if you’re eloping at a public beach, most likely, you will not need any permits unless you’re planning a larger wedding.

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.” 

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

Parking Passes

Depending on which locations you plan to visit, especially if you’re planning a road trip along the coast, you should consider getting one of the parking passes! These allow easy and quick access to parking spots, camping sites, and other recreational facilities in the covered areas.

How to Choose the Best Place to Elope in the Southern Oregon Coast for YOU?

To help you narrow down on the best Southern Oregon coast elopement location for you, these are some things to consider:

• First, you want to brainstorm your vision! Think about the overall vibe you’d like for your day, the activities, where you’d like to stay, etc. This will help you narrow down the area.
  
  
• Think about how easy it will be to reach your chosen spot. If you’re bringing guests or have mobility concerns, look for locations with paved paths or close parking.
  
  
• Some locations may have limited parking, so you should research the parking situation ahead of time. A good rule of thumb with parking is to arrive early to get a spot!
  
  
• You should also consider the crowd levels. Some locations are going to be more popular than others; however, sunrises, especially on work days, are often the best bet for most privacy.
  
  
• Oregon is incredibly dog-friendly, but make sure your location allows pups to be present if you’d like to include them in your elopement day.

More Oregon Elopement Resources

• Oregon Elopement Guide
• Cannon Beach Elopement Guide

My Oregon Coast Elopement Packages

Hi! I’m Christina! Documenting love in the great outdoors and helping my couples create an unforgettable meaningful experience is my everything! That is what this is all about! I’m here to celebrate you and get to know what is most important to you so we can make it happen! Eloping in Oregon is truly an amazing way to celebrate the future you are building together.

My elopement packages offer a half, full or multi-day experience. I’m here to help you design the celebration of your dreams! If you can dream it, we can make it happen. To learn more, head over to my pricing page or if you are ready for next steps, fill out my contact form and we can get together on a call! I can’t wait to make your day so special!