A Cannon Beach elopement is one of those experiences that doesn’t need much convincing. You have a coastline that stretches wide, Haystack Rock rising out of the water, and the most soft, golden lighting. It’s the kind of setting that makes an intimate wedding feel like more than just a simple day.
Hannah and Kevin’s Cannon Beach elopement was inspired by that exact feeling. It was dreamy, film-inspired, and really showcased what makes the Oregon Coast so special. From windswept shoreline portraits to epic drone shots (because honestly, you can’t not take advantage of a landscape like this!), every part of this day highlighted the natural beauty of the coast.
For transparency, this was a styled shoot, but it was designed to show just how possible (and how stunning) a Cannon Beach elopement can be for couples who want something intentional with drop-dead gorgeous views, and a little bit cinematic along the Oregon Coast.
If you’re starting to plan your own day here, I’m also sharing a few helpful details below, like permits, how to get your marriage license, and what you need for a legal ceremony to make the process feel a little more straightforward.
Why Cannon Beach is Perfect for an Oregon Coast Elopement
There’s something about Cannon Beach that just works for an intimate wedding day. The scale of it all with the cliffs and the shoreline really creates a setting that feels expansive without taking away from the intimate moments. It’s the kind of place where you can keep things simple and still have it feel like a full experience.
And golden hour here is unreal. You get the softest lighting, the beach starts to empty out, and everything takes on that warm, film-like glow. It’s the kind of lighting you plan your entire timeline around honestly. And when you layer in small details, like lanterns glowing against the sand as the sun drops, it adds just enough atmosphere without taking away from the natural beauty of the coast.
Cannon Beach doesn’t need much. That’s what makes it such a great choice for couples planning an Oregon Coast elopement. It gives you space to slow down and let the setting do the heavy lifting!
Cannon Beach Elopement Inspiration With Hannah & Kevin
Hannah and Kevin’s Cannon Beach elopement shoot was all about keeping things simple and letting the location lead. The wind off the coast, the soft texture of the sand, and the scale of the location created a setting that didn’t need much added to it.
Hannah wore a gorgeous flowy, off-the-shoulder gown that moved beautifully with the coastal breeze, and Kevin wore a classic suit. Their attire felt right at home against the muted tones of the Oregon Coast.
As the sun started to drop, the beach shifted into that golden, film-like light that Cannon Beach is known for. We leaned into and captured some wide, cinematic shots (including drone views that really show off just how expansive this place is) and finished with lanterns glowing along the shoreline. Truly such a dreamy session!
Depending on the time of year and when you plan your elopement, you might even run into a few unexpected visitors. We spotted a group of Roosevelt elk moving through the dunes, which was such a fun and very “Oregon Coast” moment to witness! They’re most active around dawn and dusk, so if you’re planning your timeline around golden hour anyway, there’s a chance you could experience something like this too. It also makes for a pretty incredible addition to your photos!
If you’re hoping to experience something like this during your Cannon Beach elopement, take a peek at the Best Places to Have an Elk Encounter around Cannon Beach.
Do You Need a Permit for a Cannon Beach Elopement?
One of the best parts about planning a Cannon Beach elopement is how simple it can be. If you’re keeping things true to an elopement (just the two of you and witnesses or a small group without any major setup, you likely won’t need a permit.)
Permits usually come into play when you’re planning a larger wedding (around 50+ guests) or bringing in items like arches, chairs, tables, or other equipment. Keeping your day minimal not only makes things easier logistically, but it also allows the natural beauty of the Oregon Coast to take center stage.
How to Get a Marriage License in Clatsop County
To legally elope at Cannon Beach, you’ll need an Oregon marriage license. These are issued at the county level, but once you have one, it can be used anywhere in the state. If you’re planning a Cannon Beach elopement, many couples choose to go through Clatsop County for convenience.
You start by completing the application online. After that, you’ll schedule an in-person appointment (usually around 20 minutes) to finalize everything. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID and your application fee.
There is a required 3-day waiting period before your license can be used. A waiver might be issued if needed. Once issued, your marriage license is valid for 60 days.
If you’re traveling from out of state, you can contact the clerk’s office to complete your application by mail:
Phone: (503) 325-8511
Email: clerk@clatsopcounty.gov
The non-refundable fee to activate your marriage license is $60.
You can find all this information on the Clatsop County Marriage License Page.
What You Need for a Legal Ceremony on the Oregon Coast
For your ceremony to be legally recognized, there are a few additional requirements.
You’ll need at least two witnesses present, and your officiant cannot count as one of them. (Your photographer can absolutely be one of your witnesses, something I’m always happy to help with!)
You’ll also need an ordained officiant to perform the ceremony. You can find a list of local Cannon Beach marriage officiants here.
Planning Your Oregon Coast Elopement?
Cannon Beach has a way of making everything feel a little more intentional. The coastline, the light, the space to slow down, it all comes together in a way that doesn’t need much added to it. Even in the colder months, like this late March day, it still feels like a dream. If anything, the mood and the quietness of the beach make it even more special.
My approach to photography leans into that. I’m drawn to documenting days in a way that feels natural and true to the environment you’re in. Like letting the location lead while still creating something that feels personal to you.
I’m really hoping to spend more time along the Oregon Coast this year, and I would love to do that alongside couples who feel connected to places like this. If you’re dreaming about your own Cannon Beach elopement or planning something along the Oregon Coast, I’d love to hear from you!
You can learn more about me here, and you feel like I might be the right fit as your Cannon Beach or Oregon Coast elopement photographer, you can inquire with me. In the meantime, you can see more weddings and elopements across the PNW and beyond on the blog.
Lauren New Photography | PNW + Cannon Beach Elopement Photographer
Vendors:
Photography: Lauren New Photography
Models: Hannah & Kevin
Flowers: Summit Blooms NW
