Oregon Coast Elopement Photographer

Elopements, micro weddings, and engagements on the Oregon coast

Hey There!

I’m Katie Dawn, your Oregon coast elopement photographer and guide

And I can’t wait to show you all my favorite places when you decide to elope on the Oregon coast. The Oregon coastline is so expansive and rugged, it’s one of my favorite places in the US, and such a dramatic landscape to elope. You can spend hours exploring the sea life in the tide pools, hiking up to vistas that overlook the beach, snuggling up by a beach bonfire, or eating fresh seafood caught at the docks. My first time ever visiting the Oregon coast absolutely took my breath away, and I want to be able to give all my couples that experience as well.

I’m local to Oregon and have been all up and down the coast, so if you’re looking for a cute beach cottage, an epic trail to hike, or some mossy cedars to say your vows under, I’ll know a spot!

How to plan an elopement on the Oregon Coast

Pick a location:

The thing about the Oregon coast is that it’s pretty remote. Most places you choose (with the exception of maybe Cannon beach in the summer) will probably be pretty quiet. All the towns up and down the coast are pretty small and quiet, and there’s no big travel hubs or cities, so the beaches can be all yours. There’s amazing rock formations, cliffs, and forests in every location, it’s just a matter of choosing where is your favorite.

Pick up your license:

All of Oregon’s coastline is public space, and you can elope anywhere with 15 people or less. You will need to pick up your marriage license before the wedding, sort out an officiant, and make sure you have two witnesses- I can sign as a witness, and I’m ordained as an officiant, so I can sign for either one if needed. If you want to skip that part, though, you can always get married legally at the courthouse before your elopement day, and just have a symbolic vow reading for your actual elopement.

Do something fun:

You can just say your vows and be done with the day, but I specifically only photograph longer elopements with couples who want to make the most of their wedding day and turn it into a meaningful experience. There’s tons to do to make your day special: hire a private chef, build a bonfire and drink some hot cocoa, dance under the stars, eat a sweet treat, pop some champagne, soak in a hot tub, go surfing, do anything that feels special to your and your partner that would make your day memorable.

Best time to elope on the Oregon Coast

Summer: Late June-August

Summer is one of the best times to elope on the Oregon coast. When the rest of the state is heating up, the temps on the coast is typically in the 70s most days, and the chance for rain is at its lowest. On the flip side, this is also when the coast is busiest. Popular beaches like Canon beach are going to be busiest this time of year, but you can always walk a ways to find some solace- the beaches in Oregon are huge. Even though this is the driest time in Oregon, you should still prepare for rain just in case.

Fall: September-early November

Fall is a lovely time in Oregon, and the colors changing on the trees is a sight to behold. Fall is when the rain starts back up, typically, but it’s less rainy this time of year than it is in the winter. Bring some umbrellas and prepare for the worst but hope for the best. There’s significantly less people on the beaches this time of year, which makes for a nice, quiet place to say vows.

Winter: November-March

Winter is when Oregon is rainiest, but if you don’t mind packing an umbrella and embracing the weather, that won’t be an issue. Moody, foggy coastal days are some of my favorite. The coast is significantly warmer this time of year than areas near the mountains where it’s snowing. if you want to avoid snow, it almost never does on the coast.

Spring: March-early June

Spring is less rainy than winter, but if you’re eloping this time of year, still prepare for rain- it is the Pacific Northwest, after all. This time of year, bushes and trees begin to bloom, and waterfalls start flowing at their peak. Weather is a bit warmer and a mix of sunny and moody days. Spring is still less crowded than summer, but the temps start climbing this time of year, making the coast a lovely spot to hang out when the sun does peak through.