Cannon Beach Elopement: The Complete Guide

Planning a Cannon Beach Elopement?  

The long, sandy shores at Cannon Beach can be a perfect, romantic elopement spot for couples looking for a gorgeous beach destination. This dreamy beach locale has incredible rock formations and sweeping views of the ocean. As one of the prettiest dog-friendly beaches, a Cannon Beach elopement also works well for couples with furry friends. 

Plus, Cannon Beach is a short drive from Manzanita, another beautiful beachside spot far less crowded with some amazing spots for photos and accommodation.

Read on for all my best tips on planning the perfect Cannon Beach elopement! 

Cannon Beach Elopement Locations

So many people rank Cannon Beach as one of their favorite spots in Oregon, and the beach has built a reputation as a gorgeous spot for photos, relaxation and everything in between. If you’re planning to elope at Cannon Beach, I’ve got some of the best Cannon Beach Elopement locations right here. These locations are close by and we can easily stop at a few throughout the day. 

• Haystack Rock: This 235-foot rock off the coast of Cannon Beach is one of Oregon’s most recognizable landmarks. At low tide, the water retreats far enough for visitors to walk right up to the rock and explore the tide pools. In spring, you’ll spot some puffins too! No matter the season, this beautiful spot makes for a dramatic backdrop for your vows and wedding photos. Plus, Cannon Beach is very dog friendly, so it’s a great option for couples with furry friends! 
• Ecola State Park: Three miles north of Cannon Beach, the beautiful Ecola State Park offers nine breathtaking miles of secluded coastline, secret coves and grassy hillsides. If you’re planning a Cannon Beach elopement, this state park is close enough that we can visit and explore some of the natural beauty. 
• Hug Point Beach:  This short trail near Tolovana Park leads you to a small waterfall on the beach. It’s less than 15 minutes away from Cannon Beach, so if you’re planning to elope at Cannon Beach, we can stop by Hug Point Trail for more secluded, unique wedding photos. 
• Chapman Point Beach:  Chapman Point is located on the northern section of Cannon Beach. This more private spot has a number of cool rock formations both on and off shore with plenty of sandy spots to say your “I Dos.” 
• Oswald State Park: This stretch of rainforest along the coast has so much to offer for couples looking to elope at Cannon Beach, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding area. In my opinion, Oswald State Park is one of the most spectacular spots along the coast. Picture long bridges, dense forest, stretches of sandy beach and gorgeous lookout points. Plus, it’s less than 15 minutes from your Cannon Beach wedding elopement! 

Permits for Your Cannon Beach Elopement

You will need a permit for your Cannon Beach wedding elopement if you plan on having your ceremony on Cannon Beach. To apply for the permit, call the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department at (541) 994-8152. 

What to Do During Your Elopement 

If you plan to elope at Cannon Beach, expect to spend your day relaxing and taking in the beautiful scenery. There are so many ways to enjoy your wedding day on the Oregon coast: 

• Beach Picnic: Grab a nice blanket, some pillows and some of your favorite foods (or pack a charcuterie board!) and spend part of your day relaxing on the shore, talking and connecting, for a more intentional wedding day. 
• Bonfire on the beach: If you plan to spend the evening at the beach, a bonfire is the perfect way to spend time together (or with family and loved ones!) following your magical Cannon Beach elopement. 
• Whale Watching: During the spring and during the winter, catch some of Cannon Beach’s biggest temporary residents offshore. Whale watching for an hour or two can be a magical way to connect – perhaps with a picnic nearby? 
• Hiking: Spend part of your big day being active! Oregon’s coast has plenty of short, scenic hikes that can make a great addition to your Cannon Beach elopement plan. 

Best Times to Visit Cannon Beach

There’s no denying that Cannon Beach can be quite busy and crowded, especially during the summer. That doesn’t mean you have to shelf your plans for a stunning Cannon Beach elopement, though! 

Visit the Oregon coastline between June and September for your Cannon Beach wedding elopement for the best weather. 

To avoid crowds, plan to elope on a weekday sometime in the early morning. A sunrise elopement makes for gorgeous light and provides enough privacy for an intentional elopement. 

Where to Stay During Your Elopement 

Picking the perfect home may be one of the most difficult parts about planning to elope at Cannon Beach. It’s important to find the right place with the right vibe: do you want something coastal, or tucked away in the forest? Private, or floor-to-ceiling windows? 

The Oregon coastline has so many gorgeous housing options for your Cannon Beach elopement. Take a look at some of my favorites: 

• The Haystack Haus: This coastal cabin, tucked away in the woods, offers couples the opportunity to unplug and relax in a beautiful setting – while still being in a central location. 
• Hilltop Retreat: Located in the beautiful Manzanita, a short drive from Cannon Beach, this beautiful hilltop property exudes relaxing vibes. Plus, it’s a short walk to Neahkahnie Beach.
• Tranquil Getaway: This bright, tranquil spot is located near both the forest and the beach in nearby Manzanita. The home features an outdoor firepit (perfect for entertaining!), a wood-burning stove and a beautiful raised patio. 
• Beach Haven: Beach lovers will love this gorgeous spot DIRECTLY on the beach! There’s no better spot to enjoy your time as newlyweds than this pretty spot tucked into the coastline. 
• Luxury Beachfront Home: This centrally located beach home couldn’t be more gorgeous! Enjoy stunning views of the ocean and coastline from the floor-to-ceiling windows, or your expansive patio out front.

Elopement Vendors near Cannon Beach 

An elopement takes a lot of stress out of your wedding day. But if you plan to elope at Cannon Beach, there are still a few finishing touches you may want to make your wedding day extra special. 

• Pacific Coast Floral Designs: I’m swooning over these gorgeous floral arrangements! Nicole, the owner of the company, offers a variety of stunning modern and romantic arrangements for couples that plan to elope at Cannon Beach.  
• Rooted & Wild: This officiant specializes in creating a unique ceremony that works best for your special love story for those looking for a non-traditional experience. 
• Cannon Beach Bakery: Help take the stress out of your wedding day by having this lovely bakery make your wedding cake. If you live nearby, you can stop by for a cake consultation too. This bakery can make a number of beautiful cakes, from more traditional styles to more modern cakes. 

Where to Eat near Cannon Beach 

Where will you sit down and celebrate your new union? These spots to eat, near Cannon Beach, offer a variety of different options, no matter the vibe you’re going for. 

• Pelican Brewing: Pelican Brewery really is a one-of-a-kind spot. You can enjoy a fresh brew and casual bites of food while literally running your toes through the sand on the beach. Plus, there’s a beautiful view of rock formations and sand dunes. 
• Wayfarer Restaurant: This spot focuses on locally crafted food with its roots in seafood using local ingredients. Think troll-caught salmon from Astoria or Dungeness crab with wild chanterelles. Plus, enjoy sweeping views of the coastline. 
• Public Coast Brewing: Enjoy good brews and good food at this local Cannon Beach spot right near the water. This more casual brewery has outdoor seating with more casual food with local ingredients. 
• MacGregors Whiskey Bar: This Manzanita spot is an upscale restaurant just three blocks from the beach. With more than 200 brown liquors from around the world, whiskey lovers and liquor lovers alike will find the perfect drink to toast to their future together. 

How to Get to Cannon Beach 

If you plan to elope at Cannon Beach, you may want to rent a car. Fly into Portland International Airport and drive along Highway 26, westbound, to Cannon Beach. It will take you about one and a half hour to get from Portland to Cannon Beach. 

Cannon Beach Elopement Packages 

What’s included in each package:

• Choose from 8, 12, 16 and 24 Hours of Photography Coverage
• High-Resolution Digital Images
• Full Printing Rights
• Online Gallery to share, download and print from
• All photographer travel fees included
• Assistante Planning Your Perfect Elopement Day
• Dream Big Questionaire
• Custom Elopement Location Lookbook
• Custom Elopement Location Timeline
• 90+ Page Elopement Guide Exclusively for JayneMayAgnes Couples

Cannon Beach Elopement Packages start at $3,800

A Cannon Beach elopement can be a gorgeous, romantic spot to tie the knot in an intentional, intimate way. This spot is one of my favorite places along the coast, and I can’t wait to help you plan the perfect Cannon Beach elopement. If you’re looking to elope at Cannon Beach (or you want advice about other elopement options in Oregon), shoot me an email and we can talk about it!