How To Elope in Cannon Beach, Oregon

Dreaming of those west coast vibes for your elopement? Want to know how to elope in Cannon Beach? There’s nothing quite like the beautiful, misty vibes of the Oregon Coast. The iconic rock formations as well as the fact that this beach is dog friendly makes it a win-win. 

You can even stay after dark and set up a bonfire for some hot cocoa and toasted marshmallow vibes.

Best Cannon Beach Elopement Spots

Haystack Rock – This is the iconic rock that everyone thinks of when you mention Cannon Beach. The lone giant rock is definitely a classic icon and so beautiful. When the tide goes out you can even see some marine life including anemones and sea stars!

Hug Point Beach – This spot is super close to Cannon Beach (about 15 minutes) and has a short easy trail that provides views of the ocean and a beachside waterfall.

Ecola State Park – If you want more of a hiking adventure (while still being extremely manageable) then this area still provides you views of Haystack Rock while being a little further away from the crowds.

Indian Beach – For a great hike, views, and a bit more privacy Indian Beach is the place to go. It’s not as populated as Cannon Beach and still provides views of beautiful rocks, driftwood, and the Tillamook Lighthouse.

Oswald West State Park – To the south of Cannon Beach, this state park is full of lush forest and coastal views. One of my favorite short hikes is the Elf Flats Trail which leads to a stunning view of the ocean from a cliff.

Permits

You will need a permit to get married in Cannon Beach. The best way to get one is to contact the Oregon Parks and Recreation department (https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/pages/index.aspx)

Things To Do During Your Elopement

If you want to elope in Cannon Beach I highly recommend making a full day of it to soak in the views. Here are a few of my favorite activities:

Keep An Eye Out For Puffins – Yes, puffins are in Oregon! Spring through summer you can find these cute little birds hopping around on Cannon Beach.

Go Surfing (or just watch it) – If you’re hitting up the west coast then why not try your hand at surfing? Or if that’s not your thing then sit back and watch as surfers catch waves and glide on top of the water.

Build a Beach Bonfire (season specific) – This is probably my favorite thing to do. Not only do you get to listen to the waves and watch as the sun goes down but you get to experience the classic tradition of cozying up together in front of a fire. Don’t forget your marshmallows!

Brewery Hop – Don’t want to stay on the beach all day? I get it! Instead you can head into town and grab a nice cold local beer.

Whale Watching – Tons of whales pass by the Oregon coast every year and if you go at the right time you are even more likely to spot some. Ecola State Park offers a great elevated spot or you can stay in a beachfront hotel for even higher chances of spotting whales.

Go Hiking – There is so much to explore along the Oregon coast, it’s almost a shame not to hit up a trail or two. Even if you’re not a big hiker, there are plenty of shorter trails that still lead to gorgeous views for you to try.

Where to Stay in Cannon Beach

In addition to the local hotels there are quite a few Airbnb options (take a look at this one!) as well as camp grounds if that’s your cup of tea.

Since this is such a popular spot be sure to book accommodations well in advance!

How to Get to Cannon Beach

If you are flying in from out of town the closest airport is Portland (PDX). From there it is an easy and scenic 1.5 hour drive on US-26 W to Cannon Beach.

Best Times To Visit Cannon Beach

While the most popular time of the year is summer, don’t overlook fall, winter, and spring! The coast is at it’s most beautiful and moody during the winter plus there are far less crowds. Since it’s the coast, the weather also never gets unbearably cold.

I hope this guide helped point you in the right direction of how to elope in Cannon Beach!

Want to book your elopement in Cannon Beach? Check out my pricing guide HERE and send me a message for a free consultation!