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So you’re considering a Cannon Beach elopement? You couldn’t have picked a more beautiful location! The Pacific Northwest and Oregon specifically have many stunning coastal towns, with Cannon Beach being one of them.
A Cannon Beach elopement would be the perfect way to start this new chapter in your love story. It is also an ideal place to have a beach wedding in Oregon– trust me, it is absolutely dreamy.
Though I’m based in Seattle, Cannon Beach is one of my very favorite cities for elopements. For a small coastal town, the views are absolutely spectacular.
What Is Cannon Beach?
Cannon Beach isn’t actually a beach, but it is a city with a beach, along with other gorgeous scenery. Cannon Beach is located on the Oregon Coast, just about an hour and a half away from Portland.
Cannon Beach was named one of the world’s most beautiful places by National Geographic. It has even been featured in numerous movies like Point Break and Twilight (which we all re-watch every year… right?)
Along with its stunning state parks and beaches, Cannon Beach has charming shops, lodging, and restaurants.
Best Locations to Elope in Cannon Beach
From the state parks to the beachfront, Cannon Beach has so many beautiful places to elope. Below are a few of my favorite places, but if you have a different place in mind, contact me and let me know! And if they’re all calling your name? Let’s make a day of it! The hardest part will be picking your ceremony spot.
Near Haystack Rock
Haystack Rock is an enormous rock formation that is located close to downtown Cannon Beach. Events are not allowed to be within 100 feet of Haystack Rock because it is protected by the Oregon Islands Wildlife Refuge, but that still gives us plenty of space to roam! While your ceremony can’t be right at the base of Haystack Rock, having it in the background of your wedding will still be absolutely breathtaking.
Oswald West State Park
Oswald West State Park has everything that you could want in a beach wedding. It is only 10 miles south of Cannon Beach. It has views of the beach, waterfalls, and even mountain views. There are a couple of places in this park that you may want to have your wedding in, but my pick would be Devil’s Cauldron. It is an overlook that has the most magnificent views of the water and coastline.
Ecola State Park
Like Oswald West State Park and Hug Point, Ecola State Park is only a few miles away from Cannon Beach and is home to the historic Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. Not only does Ecola State Park have picturesque views, but it also has multiple hiking trails and picnic areas where you can soak in the joy of your wedding day.
Chapman Point
Chapman Point is in the northern part of Cannon Beach and has captivating views of the ocean. You’ll find Chapman Point in John Yeon State Natural Site. If you go to Chapman Point at low tide, we may even be able to access the coves for some very unique beach wedding photos.
Hug Point State Recreation Site
Hug Point is only a few minutes away from Cannon Beach. Hug Point has gorgeous waterfalls, trails, and hilly forests. Fun fact: Hug Point was named so because depending on the tides, you had to “hug” the point to move around it without getting wet. So I’ll make sure to get a picture of you and your partner “hugging” this beautiful landmark!
These are the most scenic places to get married in Cannon Beach. If you’re looking for more traditional wedding venues, Cannon Beach has those as well!
Tips for A Cannon Beach Elopement
Now that you’ve seen all of the beautiful places that you can elope in Cannon Beach, let’s talk about a few other things you should know about eloping in this coastal paradise.
Know if You Need a Permit
Depending on the location and the number of people at your wedding, you will more than likely not need a permit. Generally, as long as you do not block public access or have more than 50 people gathering, a permit is not required.
To make sure, you can check this document to learn more about permits. You can also call the Oregon State Parks information line at 1-800-551-6949 (for weddings at state parks) or the Coastal Region Office (for weddings at beaches). Don’t worry, I’ll guide you through it!
When To Elope
There are two big things to consider if you’re planning on having your wedding in a public, outdoor area in Cannon Beach: crowd size and weather.
The best time to have a wedding in Cannon Beach if you’re looking for good weather would be early June to the beginning of October. You’ll have warm weather, but potentially a lot of people who are out enjoying it. To mitigate that, have your wedding early in the morning or later in the evening. State parks are usually open from sunrise to sunset.
Cannon Beach can be pretty rainy for the rest of the year, but if you don’t mind a little rain, you can get some fantastic cloudy day photos. We can work together to figure out the best time of day to get the images you want.
Where You Should Stay
Your elopement will be both memorable and exhausting. So you’ll need a place to get some rest and relaxation in. Whatever kind of hotel, Airbnb, or bed and breakfast that you like, Cannon Beach has something to offer. These are just a few places that top my list:
- Hallmark Resort & Spa Cannon Beach – If luxury is what you are looking for, the Hallmark Resort & Spa is it. Some of their amenities include a full spa, two indoor pools, and free bike rentals.
- Anchor’s Retreat – Anchor’s Retreat is a fantastic vacation rental if you’re planning on spending a few days in Cannon Beach with a large group. It is also only a few blocks from the beach. You can have your wedding on the beach and walk right back to your rental.
- Arch Cape Inn – This gorgeous Castle (!) is just a few minutes away from downtown Cannon Beach. It has only 10 rooms so you’ll be secluded and ready for romance.
- Top Airbnbs on the Coast – Here are some of the top-rated stays on the Oregon coast; ranging from luxurious and intimate to cabins perfect for the whole family!
Where You Should Eat (or Host a Reception)
There are many excellent restaurants in Cannon Beach, with many of them being right near the water. The following restaurants and bakeries give you just a taste of what Cannon Beach has to offer for dining after your wedding.
- Driftwood Restaurant and Lounge – If you love seafood and steak, Driftwood is for you. They have both indoor and outdoor seating and even a fire pit.
- Bistro – This charming restaurant has a delicious menu filled with fresh local seafood. You can book it as a private event space for up to 36 people. It also has live music!
- Bruce’s Candy Kitchen – And, importantly: this candy store would be perfect for any desserts or treats that you’d like to have at your wedding. Check out the “Color My World” section to find treats that match your wedding colors!
Cannon Beach is a wonderful place to elope and make memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re planning a Cannon Beach wedding, what location sticks out to you the most??
Want to chat about your elopement in Cannon Beach or another beach wedding in Oregon? With your elopement photography package, you’ll have personalized timeline assistance, printing rights, vendor recommendations, and more! Contact me here 🙂
-M
Oh hi!
I’m Marla, an adventure elopement photographer based in the Pacific Northwest corner of the US. In my spare time, you can find me exploring new corners of this magical region, from the North Cascades to Samuel H Boardman State Park, looking for the very best spots for my couples that choose to elope here.
I’m here to help you throughout the entire planning process, from choosing your perfect location to finding the best vendors, creating a timeline of activities and helping you apply for the right permits. I’d love to photograph your Oregon coast elopement!
