An Oregon Coast elopement featuring Arch Cape Inn, Short Sand Beach, Oswald West State Park, and Pelican Brewing in Cannon Beach, OR.
When these two first chatted with me, they wanted the FULL Oregon Coast experience. They wanted the beach adventures but they also wanted an epic place to stay and fun, local restaurants. What they got was an elopement day that really highlighted the best of the Oregon Coast and Oswald West State Park. Their day is a great reminder that you can add all sorts of events into your day, traditional or not!
We started the day at Arch Cape Inn. This is the perfect, central location for Cannon Beach area adventures. They also went above and beyond to celebrate these two and their special day. After capturing some fun photos around the property, we went to Short Sand Beach in Oswald West State Park. Their ceremony was officiated by our on staff officiant (never underestimate the power of a good officiant on your elopement experience). They enjoyed a picnic on the beach afterwards made by Arch Cape Inn.
Our next stop was the most incredible cliff view nearby. If you can stand the steep cliffs, you’re sure to get some exceptional photos. Our last stop was Pelican Brewing in Cannon Beach. The staff even helped us get some photos with their brewing supplies!
This day was SO much fun. We had so much fun exploring Oregon together and I’m so glad I could give them the local experience.
Vendors
Photography: Venturing Vows
Hair and Makeup: Underwood Artistry
Lodging: Arch Cape Inn
Post Adventure Meal: Pelican Brewing – Cannon Beach
Arch Cape Inn in Cannon Beach, OR
Getting ready photos are the perfect opportunity to get used to a camera being around, especially if you’re feeling a bit nervous. These two also did one of my favorite things: getting ready together. Some couples are anxious during the getting ready portion of the day and it’s mainly because they’re apart from their partner. This gives me the chance to capture all sorts of candids of you two as well as easing your nerves. There’s a reason you’re getting married!
Elopement Ceremony at Oswald West State Park
This is a popular surf beach that can get quite busy (sometimes not even enough parking spots). Make sure to plan so you can get the best experience! Try visiting on weekdays, earlier/later in the day, or in the off season. While this beach is accessible at all tides, it gets significantly smaller during high tides. For more space to get away from crowds, visit during lower tides.
Our on staff officiant guided the couple through a custom ceremony with stories from their relationship. This can really set the vibe for your day. There’s a lot of emotions going on and having a professional guide you through the most emotional part of the day makes all the difference. Learn more about why you should hire a pro for your ceremony here!
Cliff Portraits in Oswald West State Park
This is, without a doubt, one of the most epic views on the Oregon Coast. Like many of our epic views though, it can be a popular one. If you’ve found a spot online, so have many other couples and photographers. The area isn’t particularly large so it’s important to plan around the crowd patterns. This is detailed advice I love offering to my couples. As someone who lives on the coast and drives past these places when I’m doing as small of things as running errands, I can tell you what spots need to be planned around crowds and which don’t. Finding this kind of information can be difficult for you, especially if you’re planning from afar. A local elopement photographer or someone with experience at the exact spots you have in mind can make a huge difference.
This is also a classic example of why you shouldn’t be walking right next to cliffs on the coast. We have a lot of crumbling and eroding scenery (that’s why the view is so epic to begin with). Your safety should always come first!
Post Elopement Drinks at Pelican Brewing
Pelican Brewing has locations up and down the coast and they’re a great option for some post celebration food and drinks. Most places close around seven on the Oregon Coast but Pelican stays open far later. They’re so helpful and kind about my couples visiting and me documenting. One of the staff even took us behind the scenes to get photos with the brewery equipment without us asking!
Oregon Coast Elopement on Analog Film
All of my elopement packages come with one roll of 35mm film. While 95% of galleries are in digital, that roll of film adds something special to the gallery. Here’s some of my favorites from these two’s day.
Feeling inspired by this Cannon Beach, OR elopement? Check out these other resources!
Ultimate Guide to Eloping on the Oregon Coast
Cannon Beach Intimate Wedding
Marriage Licenses in Oregon
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