Actual Elopements

January 23, 2026

Film Photography: Cape Kiwanda Elopement

An Oregon Coast elopement on 35mm film featuring Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City, OR and beaches in Oceanside, OR.

A couple walking on the beach during their elopement day, captured on film in black and white

In a world where photography is perfectly smooth faces, AI generated elements, and weddings that are more event than expression of love, there’s something so special about an elopement day on film.

This gorgeous Oregon Coast elopement day was yet another reminder of why I love capturing film alongside digital images. The bride is also a film photographer which made it extra important to capture some beautiful film moments.

While most of the gallery this couple received is digital, they also received a roll of film photography. All elopement packages include film photography because it’s an essential piece of story telling for my personal photography style. I don’t want money and add-on costs to be the reason you miss out on such an amazing medium for your elopement.


Oregon Coast Photos and Ceremony

We started this elopement day at an amazing state park where forest meets the sea. It’s one of my favorite spots to recommend for a combination of forest and ocean without having to move locations. The couple officially got married under the forest canopy with a view of the ocean beyond and the sound of crashing waves.

Some ceremonies on the Oregon Coast require a permit depending on your group size or setup. Check out this blog for more information or learn more on the Oregon State Park website.

A micro wedding ceremony on the Oregon Coast on 35mm film
A couple walking on the beach during their elopement day, captured on film

Oregon Beach Picnic and Vows

Whenever a couple has guests along for their elopement, I recommend they section off time for just the two of them. We work together on their timeline to find the just right balance of quality time together and with their loved ones. This picnic and private vow exchange was the perfect way to take a pause in the middle of the day and connect.

A couple shares a beach picnic during their elopement day on the Oregon Coast on 35mm film
A couple exchange vows on an Oregon Coast beach during their elopement day on 35mm film
A couple shares a beach picnic during their elopement day on the Oregon Coast on 35mm film
A couple exchange vows on an Oregon Coast beach during their elopement day on 35mm film

Reception at Pelican Brewing and Photos at Cape Kiwanda

Pelican Brewing is the place to go for a lowkey reception during your elopement or micro wedding. It’s a private space but the setup isn’t as elaborate as a full venue space. You can share a meal, cake, toasts, and first dance (you can even have your ceremony inside if you’re worried about the Oregon Coast weather, check out this winter elopement where Pelican Brewing kept the guests out of the rain). Learn more about their reception spaces here. They even have options in Lincoln City, Tillamook, Rockaway Beach, and Cannon Beach!

The best part? The restaurant has a view of the beach. That also meant I could sneak away with the couple for sunset pictures and then bring them right back to continue celebrating with their family.

A micro wedding reception inside Pelican Brewing in Pacific City, OR on the Oregon Coast on 35mm film
A couple on Cape Kiwanda beach together during their Oregon Coast elopement on 35mm film
Bride's heels and veil on the sand during an Oregon Coast elopement on 35mm film
Details of a couple's wedding attire during their Oregon Coast elopement on 35mm film

If this elopement day has your dreaming up your own Oregon Coast elopement, check out these other resources!

A Local’s Guide to Eloping on the Oregon Coast

Southern Oregon Coast Elopement on Film

Marriage Licenses When Eloping in Oregon

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