Your ultimate insider’s guide on when, where, and how to elope at Cannon beach on the Oregon Coast (updated for 2023) by your Elopement Bff’s! (That’s us Celebrate Again and The Dropped Pin! Welcome!)
A Cannon Beach elopement is what I dreamt of as a kid growing up in the desert, but I had no idea how absolutely stunning the Oregon coast was! You see, I grew up going to the California coast and wherever a cruise ship could take us, but when work took me to the Oregon coast for the time, I fell in love.
Maybe you, too, have fallen in love with Cannon Beach so much that you want to have a Cannon Beach elopement, but you’re not sure what you need. Don’t worry friend, as an Oregon local and elopement guide and photographer with 10 plus years of experience, I’ve gathered all you need to know about how to have your very own Cannon Beach Elopement:
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How to have a Cannon Beach Elopement
Permits for your Cannon Beach Elopement
You do not need a permit for your Cannon Beach elopement unless you have 50+ people, you bring some type of structure aka an arch, or will disrupt the area. For more exact info visit the FAQ tab under “special events” on the Oregon State Park Website.
Know the Rules of the Beach or Park
Each area along Cannon Beach may be a part of Oregon State Park and may have different rules for each area. It’s your job to know these rules and follow them (but once you hire us as your Oregon Elopement photographers we’ll help you understand all the rules!) Many times in the state parks there will be signs as you enter the area letting you know about hazards (like a tsunami) you may need to be aware of while in the zone.
Pro Tip: Did you know that a Tsunami can occur quickly and with little warning? Beachgoers may only have about 5 – 15 minutes to evacuate to higher grounds.
As you can see, it’s important to know if you are in a tsunami zone and read the signs to protect yourself and the wildlife in these areas.
Cannon Beach Wedding permit: If Youre Not Eloping
As long as you keep your Cannong Beach wedding guest count below 50 people including your photographer and officiant you will not need a permit. There are other rules about using public lands for your wedding so make sure to do your own research by calling the local Oregon State Park hotline number 1-800-551-6949. If you do require one, you can find the special use permit here.
Know if the beach is open
Pro Tip: If you hire someone like us, an Oregon elopement photographer and guide, then we’ll always have backup locations that will be just as lovely!
How To Access Cannon Beach for your Cannon Beach Wedding
Depending on where you want to go on Cannon Beach, there are many access points. Scroll down to our, “Where to have a Cannon Beach Elopement” section to figure out how to get access to a specific location!
Hire Vendors Who Can Help You
In our 10+ years of work as wedding and Oregon coast elopement photographers, there’s one thing we’ve found to be in common with all brides: you may feel overwhelmed and possibly stressed out. This is exactly why hiring the right team to come alongside you on even your elopement day can be a game-changer for your stress levels and your overall wedding experience.
Cannon Beach Elopement Officiants
Hiring a Cannon beach wedding officiant can help you direct your ceremony, take care of all the legalities of getting married in Oregon and guide you in putting together a wedding ceremony that is more than just exchanging your rings and vows.
Cannon Beach Elopement Florist
Flowers are such a beautiful wedding tradition and can really add a lovely touch to your wedding day experience and help you feel more bride- or groom-like. Florists are great to work with to help style your wedding a bit more.
Pro Tip: Don’t throw out the idea of silk flowers, they are a great option if you’re traveling and you want to be more mindful of not leaving behind any petals in the area that are not native to the area.
Cannon Beach Elopement Photographer + Guide
We would also adore coming alongside you to help you navigate all the rules, permits and locations around the beach for your wedding experience as your guides and photographers.
We believe that your wedding day is meant to be cherished as an experience and not just an event. We’d love to help guide you in crafting a wedding day experience that you’ll never forget. Learn more about hiring us as your Oregon elopement photographers.
How To Get Married in Oregon
Get A Marriage License
In the state of Oregon, you have to get a marriage license from the county you’ll be getting married in.
Understand The Requirements
- You must be at least 18 years or older, or have a signed consent form from either parent or guardian.
- The fee is $60 as of October 2020, which is non-refundable if you change your mind.
- You have to wait three days after you get your license to get married. (It can be waived with special permission).
- The license is valid for up to 60 days if you have to reschedule.
- You don’t have to be a resident in the county to get married there.
- Two witnesses over the age of 18 need to be at the ceremony (many times this can be your photographer and officiant if you do not want any other parties present.)
Hire An Officiant
You’ll need an officiant to get married in the state of Oregon, but Oregon doesn’t require the officiant to be registered with the state or county before performing the ceremony, so that means your best friend could be ordained online through The Universal Church in about fifteen minutes and become your officiant!
For more tips on what is an elopement and how to elope check out our guides!
Consider Your Wedding Day Experiences
Do you want to have an Oregon adventure elopement? Do you value your experiences over hosting a party? Check out our how to elope guide to help walk you through truly casting a vision for your wedding day experience and all that it could include.
You know, like starting your day off with some yoga, playing frisbee on the beach with your beloved pup, a romantic fireside picnic, dancing as the sun sets to your favorite tunes, then tossing your wet suits on to go surfing!
P.S. Did you know Lumalia is a portland yoga teacher too? She’d love to guide you in a flow to start your wedding day experience!
Where to Have a Cannon Beach Elopement
Ecola State Park
As of 2020, many of the trails and lookouts in Ecola state park are closed due to some reconstruction. With stunning views of Chapman Point and Haystack Rock, it’s no wonder this is a bucket list location for all Cannon Beach goers. When the state park is open, there is a small parking fee. For more info check out Ecola State Park Wedding guide.
Chapman Point
Tucked away behind a rock, you’ll find Chapman Point on the northside of Cannon beach.
Accessing Chapman Point Oregon
You can access this point via Chapman beach off 5th Street or park along Oak Street, being mindful of any residential signs for no parking. Depending on the tide level, you can access this cove walking around the beach or scrambling up the rocks if the tide is high and you’re feeling more adventurous.
Pro Tip: Be mindful of stepping on any plant life and having a forecast of the tide so you don’t get stuck in a spot you can’t get back from if the tide comes in quickly!
Haystack Rock
Just south of Chapman point is the prominent Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach’s well known landmark. This is usually a busy spot, but close to sunset mid-week or during the winter, you’ll find the beaches starting to empty out.
Accessing Haystack Rock
You’ll find a public parking lot off Gower Ave and S Hemlock St. There are public restrooms across the street. If you follow W Gower Ave west, then turn left on Ecola Ct, you’ll find yourself at the beach!
Accessing Haystack Rock Via Tolovana Beach
Another place you can access near Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock is the Tolvana beach state recreation site. Here you’ll find ample parking, restrooms, a boat launch, and a water spigot to rinse off the sand. It is a bit of a longer walk but still accessible!
Silver Point
Further south along Cannon beach, you’ll find another series of sea rocks creating Silver Point. This is a perfect place for coastal elopements. The best access point is Tolovana Beach, but be aware it is still a decently long walk. If you do a bit of driving around,
being mindful of private residential parking and signs, you can find some spots to park.
Wondering about more Oregon Elopement Locations? Check out our guide on the best 20 Best Places to Elope in Oregon or this Samuel H. Boardman State Park elopement!
Other Locations South of Cannon Beach
If you’re looking for a place to stay too check out this Airbnb wedding venues in Oregon guide.
Hug Point Elopement
A few minutes south of Cannon Beach is Hugh Point Recreation Area with a modest-sized parking lot, restrooms, and a short walk to beach access. Depending on the tide, there are lovely spots for an elopement ceremony.
Client Only Locations
We love exploring around our stomping grounds, so for our clients we work hard to find more exclusive, lesser-known areas for your Cannon Beach elopement! We’d love to help you find the perfect Oregon coast elopement location!
Check out our guide on how to elope in Oregon for more info on planning your Oregon elopement
Check Out This Cannon Beach Elopement
Hit play on this cannon beach elopement slideshow to get an idea for what your Cannon Beach elopement experience could look like too!
For more Oregon elopement locations check out this Wahclella falls wedding!
CANNON BEACH ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER + GUIDE
We’re here to be your elopement day BFF’s and share our expertise through the entire planning process.Schedule a call with us to get this party started!
We believe in intention over tradition and that your wedding day should feel like you!
Let’s craft a wedding day experience that lets you run wild.
Learn more about hiring us as your Oregon elopement photographers.
Map of Cannon Beach Elopement Locations
Want more locations? Check out our best place to elope guide!
Where to stay
We’re big fans of the Wayside Inn as my husband and I stayed there once on a vacation before we moved to Oregon! It is such a charming hotel with lovely ocean views on the west side of the building, and is a three minute walk from the beach.
We love these Airbnb‘s in Canon Beach!
When To Have A Cannon Beach Elopement
Oregon is indeed known for its luscious landscape which means a lot of rain, but did you know that into September there can still be warm sunny days? Getting married here mid-week at sunrise or sunset is your best bet.
Crowds tend to arrive late morning or mid-day to catch the warmest beach time. July and August are peak beach-going seasons so make sure you know of some lesser-known locations if you don’t want to have “extra wedding guests.”
Summer Cannon Beach Elopement
While the busiest time of year for the beach, it is a wet climate here in Oregon.
Expect some rain showers early in the summer and cooler temperatures in May or June. Sunset or sunrise may the best time to elope at Cannon Beach to escape some of the crowds.
Summer can still be windy and chilly, so don’t forget to bring a coat to warm up for a few minutes if you’re feeling cold!
Fall Cannon Beach Elopement
You can expect to have rain on your fall Cannon Beach elopement, or at the very least some fog. We recommend you just embrace the mood and trust your Cannon Beach Elopement photographer to guide you. Enjoy playing in the rain!
Pro Tip: Did know in some cultures rain on your wedding day is a sign of good luck?
Winter Cannon Beach Elopement
Winter is chilly, rainy, and foggy, but if you love the juxtaposition of the power of your love story mixed with the mood swings of the weather, it can create for an epic experience and stunning photos if you’re working with the right photographer (hint hint).
The key to staying warm is taking breaks if it’s super rainy or looking at the forecast for periods with only fog or cloud cover.
Spring Cannon Beach Elopement
The wettest season in Oregon can extend into the spring, so be mindful of that when choosing a Cannon beach elopement wedding day, and skip back up to our tips about a winter elopement!
Tips For Your Cannon Beach Elopement
Have the right layers
If you aren’t going full on barefoot (which we highly recommend for a beach wedding), having some good waterproof boots with wool socks are a good idea to keep you warm–yes, even in the summer.
For more on what to wear for your elopement, check out our how to find your elopement wedding dress guide!
Watch the Tides
The tides can create some epic experiences. A negative tide can usually allow you to get closer to Haystack Rock or access more coves like Chapman Point.
Pro Tip: Practice “Leave No Trace” principles when near these marine life areas. They are home to many species of wildlife. So watch where you step and don’t bring anything into these environments, especially trash or compost.
You can look up the tide forecast for Cannon beach here.
The Beach Is Windy
A silly tidbit, I know, it seems obvious, but for someone like me who grew up in the literal desert, this fact didn’t occur to me until I was there in person!
If you grew up near the beaches, you’ll know they can be very windy. At times there can be blowing sand which may be unpleasant. It’s good to be aware of this and try to roll with the changes in the weather or have a backup good plan and alternate location if the wind is too much.
Check the forecast ahead of time. Typically winds over 15mph are what start to feel uncomfortable to be in unless you love the wind blowing your hair around wildly.
Celebrate Again After
A good meal is always a must on any celebration day. Here are some local favorites for the best places to dine after your Cannon Beach Elopement. We crowdsourced from our couples and other locals for the best places and here is the list for you!
- Newmans at 988
- Supposed to be amazing!
- Came highly rated!
- The Table
- Bistro
- Castaway’s
- “Incredible food and delcious cocktails”
- Stephanie Inn
- Comes very highly rated!
- May be a perfect fit for couples looking to have a private venue and wedding cake. We hear their catering is amazing!
- Lazy Susan’s (breakfast/lunch only):
- Fresh, seasonal, made in house, down to earth.
- The Wayfarer
- High class and highly rated!
- Has great food and great views of Haystack Rock
- Pro tip: Make reservations ahead of time!
If you don’t mind driving to Lincoln City, word on the street is Blackfish Cafe has some of the best steak around!
For more ideas on how to make your elopement special check out our guide!
Where To Stay
Check out our guide on airbnb wedding venues on the Oregon Coast!
Cannon Beach Elopement Packages
We’d adore coming alongside you and helping you plan out your Cannon Beach Elopement experience, research permits for you, familiarize ourselves with the tide for that date, look up forecasts and what time of day to catch the best light! Our Oregon elopement packages begin at $1500. Click to read more about our Cannon Beach Elopement Packages.
Feeling Overwhelmed?
Check out our free elopement checklist to help guide you in the process! You can also download our free elopement checklist pdf too!
NEED HELP PLANNING YOUR ELOPEMENT?
DOWNLOAD OUR FREE COLORADO ELOPEMENT PLANNING GUIDE
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Want to see more of the best places to elope in Oregon check out these other Oregon elopement weddings and resources:
- Cannon Beach Elopement Wedding
- Ecola State Park Elopement Wedding
- Samuel H. Boardman State Park Elopement
- Wahclella Falls Elopement
- Airbnb Wedding Venues Oregon
- Tolovana Park Elopement Wedding
- Chill Surfer Wedding
- The Perfect Coastal Elopement
Don’t miss out on How to Elope in Oregon, you’re insider’s guide!
And check out this guide on planning your Oregon Coast Elopement from our sister company.
Feeling like you want some extra support right now? We gotcha bb. Check out some of our fave elopement guides we’ve made just for you:
- 🧐Should I Elope Quiz
- Elopement VS Wedding deciding which is right for you
- How to Get Married Without a Wedding for couples that want a different kind of day
- ✨How To Make Your Elopement Special
- ⌚️Elopement Timeline
- 👗Elopement Wedding Dress For Your Outdoor Wedding
- ☑️Elopement Checklist
- 🏠Eloping with Family
- 🧳Elopement Packing List
- Elopement Ceremony Guide
- 💦Waterfall Wedding Venues
- Ethereal forest wedding inspo
- Adventurous Hiking Elopement
- 🏞Best Places to Elope
Washington Resources
- How to Elope in Washington State
- The Pros and Cons of a Mount Rainier Elopement
- Your guide to planning your Olympic National Park Wedding
- North Cascades Elopement Guide
- Ruby Beach Elopement Inspo + Planning Tips
- Get to know your Washington Elopement Photographers
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18 Responses
Wow, there are so many beautiful locations on Cannon Beach and they make for some pretty incredible photo spots! Ecola State Park, in particular, looks absolutely breathtaking!
Wow, this looks like such a cool place to plan an elopement!
I was lucky enough to spend a few weeks on the Oregon coast while I was RVing and Cannon Beach is gorgeous. The whole coast is amazing and a perfect spot for a wedding!
I’ve heard so many amazing things about the Oregon coast, and it sure looks like there’s a market for elopements in this area! What a stunning backdrop and so private! Something I would definitely do!
This place looks gorgeous! Such a beautiful place for a wedding. If I lived somewhere in the USA, I’d definitely consider this spot. 🙂
Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.