Sunrise elopement on the Oregon Coast

It goes without saying that I’m always excited to work with couples on their wedding day. Having the responsibility to document meaningful moments never gets old.  When I was asked to photograph this couple's sunrise elopement on the Oregon Coast, I was especially excited. Not only was it going to be a beautiful and intimate wedding, but it would also be an opportunity to show the couple the stunning beauty of the Oregon Coast for the first time.

These two are from Kentucky and came across my photos on Pinterest. They had never been to the Oregon Coast before but knew it was exactly what they wanted for their wedding ceremony. Leading up to their day I helped provide recommendations and coordinate a timeline relative to light. I shared with them my Cannon Beach Elopement Guide and list of locations around Cannon Beach for ceremonies, portraits, etc. They were in good hands as they packed their bags and flew out to the Pacific Northwest for their dream wedding.

The original plan was to meet at sunrise at Hug Point and exchange their vows on the beach but as they settled into their trip they realized that sunrise in the summer in Oregon is pretty dang early! You've really got to be a morning person to be up for the challenge. Is it worth it? Sure but it doesn't have to be the highest priority that dictates your whole day. Instead we decided to kick things off around 6:30am with some getting ready photos followed by a short drive to the beach for their ceremony. 

Despite the early hour, the couple was full of energy and joy as they exchanged vows and celebrated their love for one another. The tide was low that morning and allowed us to access areas of the beach that wouldn't otherwise be reachable. We settled on a spot that had cool mossy rocks and tide pools that created fun reflections of the couple.

They shared their vows in an intimate ceremony with just me, Jenny as a witness, and their wedding officiant, Zach of Old Ways Ceremonies, who I had recommended while planning. Zach is such a great celebrant who works with you ahead of time to prepare a ceremony that celebrates your relationship. He’s kind and just an overall great person to be around.  

After the ceremony, Jenny and I helped to set up a celebratory brunch with champagne and pastries on the beach. We then spent the morning exploring Hug Point and capturing beautiful photographs of the two of them. I love having the opportunity to show people locations in Oregon that I love and that they haven't seen before.

The couple's (almost) sunrise elopement on the Oregon Coast was a truly memorable and unique experience. It was such a pleasure and honor to be a part of their wedding day and capture these once-in-a-lifetime memories for them.

Senior Photos in the Pearl District

It was a cold but beautiful morning when I met up with this senior for their senior portrait session in the Pearl District in Portland. She was hoping for a location that might have a mix of urban and natural backgrounds. I recommended an area of the Pearl District that I had shot in before because I knew there were plenty of manicured, green spaces surrounded by new buildings and downtown architecture. 

We started by taking some photos in a nearby park where we met and we quickly moved throughout the neighborhood to spots that I had scouted just before her session. Emphasis on quickly because it was only 26 degrees!  We worked together to find poses that felt comfortable and fun and I think we got some great photos that captured the urban and natural vibe she was going for.  I love finding locations that can serve more than one purpose because it really gives a lot of variety to a session and the resulting photos. 

Following our time in the Pearl District, we got in our cars and relocated a short drive away to a nearby bridge that has good pedestrian access and provided a unique photo backdrop. The weather was warming up and the light was casting a warm glow. It was the perfect end to a fun and easy going senior photo session.

Overall, the Pearl District provided the perfect mix of urban and natural backgrounds for this senior's portraits. I loved getting to know her and working to shoot photos that captured her unique personality and style in such a vibrant and diverse setting.

Cannon Beach Elopement Guide

I put together a comprehensive guide on where, when, and how to elope at Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast (Updated for 2023). Intimate weddings and adventure elopements are becoming more popular these days but picking your special place and coordinating how to do it isn’t always easy. There are so many wonderful, beautiful places to elope in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest but none easier than Cannon Beach. Below you will find some location tips for your Cannon Beach wedding ceremony, recommendations for what times are best, and suggestions for places to celebrate afterwards.

Learn more about my elopement photography packages here and see more of my wedding work here.

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Cannon Beach Elopement Packages

4 hours: $2800| 6 hours: $3200

6 hours + Essentials (Bouquet, etc.): $4000

Unlimited photography planning and consultation for your day.

Includes my travel to and from Portland.

Final, Edited High Resolution Digital Files and Full Printing Rights.

Book Now

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Where to elope at Cannon Beach

CHAPMAN POINT

This is one of my favorite places to elope at Cannon Beach. Located on the northern stretch of the beach, across from Ecola Creek, is Chapman Point. Depending on the tide you can access the cove at the tip of Chapman Point which can be a quiet place for your ceremony. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can scramble up the rocks and have your ceremony on the bluff above. There is a small parking lot with a restroom on 5th St and for closer access to the point there is a small amount of street parking on Oak St. Thanks to its distance from the more popular areas of Cannon Beach, Chapman Point can sometimes be a little less busy.

HAYSTACK ROCK

The focal point of Cannon Beach is undoubtedly Haystack Rock and what better place to get married than at the base of it. Getting close to the mammoth sea stack is a short walk from either the town of Cannon Beach or a slightly longer walk from Tolovana. Both of these areas have ample parking and access to restrooms. The most convenient public parking is located at the intersection of S. Hemlock St. and E. Gower Ave. Once parked you can walk down Gower Ave. to Ecola Ct. and get right on the beach. To get even closer to the big rock you can head further south down S. Hemlock St. but services (parking and restrooms) are tricky.

SILVER POINT

At the southern end of Cannon Beach is a location called Silver Point. It’s a rocky stretch of beach with a smaller, yet still impressive sea stack. This part of the beach is definitely not as popular as the other spots and is a little tricky to access but it could be the perfect place for your elopement. Use Google Maps to find a side street that has access to the beach otherwise be prepared for a long walk on the beach from Tolovana.

HUG POINT

This isn’t technically Cannon Beach but it does deserve a mention. Drive south down Highway 101 about 10 minutes and you'll find a small state park called Hug Point. It’s a beautiful rocky part of the coast with craggy ledges and coastal caves. There is a small parking lot that fills up fast in the Summer months and restrooms are on site too.

Ecola State Park

The view from Ecola State Park is breathtaking (and if you’re a fan of the Goonies probably familiar). It looks down on to Crescent Beach with Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock in the distance. Depending on the size of your elopement and what you’re looking for it could be great. There is a decent sized parking lot that is $5 for the whole day. Unfortunately due to erosion some of the lookouts and several of the trails are closed.

Bonus Locations and TIPS

When you hire me to photograph your Cannon Beach Elopement, you will receive a full list of North Oregon Coast locations which includes photos and videos of each ceremony location, info about accessibility, and other helpful tips.

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When to have your ceremony

The best time to elope at Cannon Beach is definitely during the week and in the morning or early evening. Cannon Beach in the Summer is a busy place and unless you want your wedding party to include hundreds of out-of-towners it’s best to stick to the weekdays. Exchanging your vows in the morning or early evening can work lovely for photos too as light is at it’s best. Be sure to check sunrise and sunset times and work with your photographer to pick the best time for photos.

Another important thing to keep in mind is what the ocean will be doing when you’re out there. Be sure to check the weather forecast as well as tide tables. At low tide you can access some pretty great places especially near Haystack Rock and Chapman Point but conditions can change quick so be safe out there!

Weather

The Oregon Coast can be a wet place. All that moisture is what makes Oregon so lush and magical (did you know there are 238 waterfalls in Oregon?!). It also means that there is a good chance your wedding vows may get a little soggy. Embrace it! If you’re looking for sunny beach weather, you might not get it. However, picking a wedding date in July, August, or September will probably increase your chances of sunshine. These are the driest, warmest months of the year but also the most popular. If you do luck out and get a sunny day, avoid having your ceremony in the afternoon when light is at its strongest. Nobody wants squinty photos in hard light and on a warm sunny day that sand gets hot!

Cannon Beach Wedding Permits

Unless you’re planning on having a big wedding ceremony (more than 50 guests) you probably won’t need a special use permit for your Cannon Beach elopement. Most intimate gatherings that don’t prohibit the public from also accessing the area are in the clear. That being said review the rules by Oregon State Parks and see if they may apply to you and your wedding.

If you plan to use tables, chairs, or any structures that require assembly with nails or screws you will need a permit. However, if you work with an expert like Pacific Coast Floral Design they can help design a ceremony structure that may not need a permit.

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Cannon Beach Wedding Photos

Check out some of my recent work and get inspired for your wedding!

Sunrise Elopement

Hug Point Elopement

Beach House Wedding

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Vendor Recommendations

Cannon Beach and the Portland metro have some amazing wedding vendors from hair and makeup artists, florists, and officiants. Below are some of my personal favorites who are sure to make your day beautiful and stress free.

Cannon Beach Wedding Officiants

You may have the perfect, most well spoken friend who comes to mind immediately when thinking about your wedding day. That’s so awesome! Alternatively, you might want a professional to take care of all the logistics. Zachary of Old Ways Ceremonies, Carolyn of Oregon Beach Ceremonies, and Emily of Rooted and Wild are all wonderful officiants who help couples create ceremonies that are authentic and unique. They’re well-versed in elopements, the Oregon Coast, and Oregon marriage law.

Cannon Beach Wedding Hair and Makeup

The Union Knot is a full service bridal salon that specializes in bridal hair and makeup. They’ll have you looking your best on your wedding day.

Tiffanie Chante' is also a very experienced hair and makeup artist located in Cannon Beach.

Cannon Beach Florists

Nicole at Pacific Coast Floral Design makes incredible bridal bouquets inspired by the Oregon Coast. They offer a variety of beautiful, colorful, and fun arrangements for your day. Her team can also assist you with wedding ceremony structures.

Robin of Anderson Florists is located in Tillamook but works in the Cannon Beach area regularly. She can provide bridal bouquets for elopements or full service floral design for larger beach weddings.

Cannon Beach Wedding Catering & Dining

After your perfect day at the beach you’ll probably be hungry and ready to celebrate over a good meal and drinks.

For smaller elopements and micro weddings, I highly recommend The Bistro in Cannon Beach. Chef Jack and JJ are the sweetest people to work with and make incredibly tasty food.

If you want to stay on the beach for a smaller meal or if you are interested in a full-service intimate dinner at your beach house rental, Sage Bleu Catering can work with you to create an unforgettable experience.

Don’t forget desert! For more traditional Cannon Beach weddings or for some elopement sweets, check out Cannon Beach Bakery. They are a full service bakery that’s been operating for over 80 years.

Cannon Beach Hotels

Thinking about staying the night or making a weekend out of it?

If you’re looking for a romantic place to unwind, here are a few places that are worth checking out:

• The Ocean Lodge

• Surfsand Resort

• Inn at Cannon Beach (Bunnies! So. Many. Bunnies.)

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Additional Resources

Still not convinced that Cannon Beach is the place for you? Check out some other locations and tips on when and how to elope in Oregon.

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About Chris Brodell

I’m a wedding and elopement photographer located in Portland, Oregon. I photograph weddings and elopements in both the Pacific Northwest and the SF Bay Area in a candid and photojournalistic style and create images that are full of love, light, and vivid colors. To learn more about pricing and my approach, visit my adventure elopement photography packages below or complete the contact form.

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Now Booking 2023 Cannon Beach Elopements

Complete the form below and I will get back to you within 24 hours. Please let me know if your date is fixed or flexible and I can share my availability with you. I can’t wait to hear from you!

The Evergreen Wedding

This was my first wedding at The Evergreen in Southeast Portland and I really loved it. While I love outdoor wedding venues, indoor venues that are full of natural light are a must in Portland and The Evergreen shines. This historic space has large windows on both the west and north sides of the building as well as two large skylights above. The wedding suite has a wall of south facing windows which make taking well-lit getting ready photos a breeze.

The Evergreen can accommodate some pretty large wedding celebrations (this one was around 120, I think) but overall the venue can accommodate 200 people for seated receptions.

Following their ceremony, we took some family photos on the street outside while their guests enjoyed cocktail hour at the Loyal Legion, a wonderful beer hall connected to the venue. In addition to family photos, Alder St. and the nearby neighborhood has plenty of great backdrops for couple and wedding party portraits and of course the venue itself and Loyal Legion make for great settings too.

If you’re getting married at The Evergreen, I’d love to chat! You can view more of my wedding photography here and learn about my wedding packages.

Best Places to Propose in Portland

Portland is full of beautiful and romantic spots perfect for popping that big question. Whether you and your loved one live in Portland or you’re just visiting for the weekend, these are some of the best places to propose in Portland, Oregon. From unique city parks to scenic viewpoints, one of these locations is sure to inspire your marriage proposal plans.

Where to Propose in Portland

1. Redwood Deck

The Redwood Deck in Hoyt Arboretum is a beautiful wooden deck surrounded by tall trees and nature. The deck is relatively private, depending on the season and day of the week, and makes for an intimate and peaceful place in the forest. It’s the perfect place to go for an easy nature walk and take a break and pop the question on the deck.

To get a sense of the space, check out this small wedding I photographed there.

2. Rose Garden 

Like the Redwood Deck, this location is also in Portland’s Washington Park. The International Rose Test Garden is home to a huge amount of roses, more than 10,000 blooms! Typically the garden is in bloom from May to October. Just about anywhere here would make for a romantic proposal but keep in mind that this is a popular destination among tourists so you might end up in a few tourist photos.

Cathedral Park under the St. Johns Bridge

3. Cathedral Park

Cathedral Park, located under the St. Johns Bridge in North Portland, is one of the more unique city parks in the city. The bridge columns create such a cool atmosphere with scale and depth.

Unfortunately due to bridge construction the staircase and deck may be impacted throughout 2022. I’d recommend visiting the park before moving forward with your plans.

4. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

This garden and city park is one of my favorite parks nearby and one of my favorite wedding venues in Portland. It’s 9.5 acres are full of Pacific Northwest flora and fauna and the space is perfect to find a private little nook to propose.

Photo credit: Portland Aerial Tram

5. Portland Aerial Tram

In practice this one might be a little tricky but I think it’s worth the mention just because it’s fun. The Portland Aerial Tram goes between the OHSU medical campuses and treats travelers to beautiful views of the city and Mt. Hood. It’s a four minute trip so you’ve got to be quick!

Unfortunately the tram is closed currently due to covid.

6. Holman Swim Dock

The Holman Dock is located just south of the Hawthorne Bridge and can be accessed via the Eastbank Esplanade. It’s a great spot to get down to the water and have the twinkly city lights from downtown set the romantic mood.

7. Portland Spirit

Set sail on the Willamette River with a sightseeing or dinner cruise on the Portland Spirit.

Want something a little more private on the river? Book a Yacht Tub…it’s a hot tub boat.

Foggy sunrise on Mt. Tabor in Southeast Portland

8. Mt Tabor

Mt Tabor Park is natural gem in the middle of Southeast Portland with dense forested areas and nice views of the city at the top. What I also love about Mt Tabor is that you can find your own little quiet spot to have a picnic and propose.

9. Portland City Grill or Departure

For that classic restaurant proposal with city views, Portland City Grill is the perfect spot. It’s located on the 30th floor of Big Pink in Downtown Portland. Another option is the rooftop of Departure.

10. Waterfall Proposal

Multnomah Falls is the largest waterfall in Oregon and probably the first waterfall that comes to mind as a breathtaking spot for a waterfall proposal. It’s a popular attraction though but definitely worth considering if you're ok with a few onlookers.

Latourell Falls isn’t too far away from Multnomah Falls but often feels a lot less busy. The coolest thing about Latourell is it’s an easy walk from the parking area and you can walk right up to the bottom of the falls for a misty, windy, romantic marriage proposal.

"Abiqua Falls, Oregon" by Thomas Shahan 3 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Abiqua Falls is located about 1.5 hours outside of Portland and it’s truly a unique experience. Getting down to the waterfall usually involves a bit of rappelling down a rope but once you’ve arrived you’ll be in a breathtaking rock amphitheater.

Marriage Proposal at Hug Point State Recreation Area

11. Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast is a magical place and a favorite weekend destination for many Portlanders. There are countless beaches and scenic viewpoints that I think would work great as the setting for your marriage proposal. Haystack Rock, Ecola State Park, or Hug Point are just a few places near Cannon Beach that would be perfect.

Check out some photos from this Hug Point proposal I helped coordinate.

12. Vista House

The Vista House is a beautiful location and has sweeping views of the Columbia Gorge.

13. Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

Each Spring the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm transforms into a scene straight out of Holland with fields full of colorful tulips and if you’re lucky a view of Mt. Hood. They even have a wooden windmill too. It’s a beautiful place to visit and a perfect spot to propose. If you’re feeling adventurous, hop a ride on a hot air balloon and propose in mid air!

14. Mt Hood 

Trillium Lake is one of the most easiest viewpoints to access, at least in the summer months.

Timberline Lodge puts you higher up on the mountain and provides a great place for celebratory meal afterwards.

If you and your partner are hikers, you can get stunning views of Mount Hood from the Timberline Trail near the Top Spur trailhead.

Portland Proposal Ideas

While any of the above Portland locations would make for a beautiful place to propose, I think the best location is the one that is most meaningful to you and your partner. Maybe that location is at your favorite park or maybe it’s just in your own backyard.

Proposal picnic setup on Cannon Beach

1. Plan a picnic

Many of these Portland places would work great for a picnic spot. Team up with your friends or family to set up a little magical spot beforehand and put together some of you and your partners favorite snacks. “Stumble” upon it while you’re taking a neighborhood walk and I’m sure your partner will love it.

2. Revisit your first date

A great proposal idea is to revisit your first date location. Head to that coffee shop where you first met, your old high school, etc. If you met out of state, try to include significant pieces that remind you of that first impression.

3. Take a hike

If you and your partner love the outdoors, you probably also love hiking to scenic vistas and taking in the view. Luckily in the Pacific Northwest we have no shortage of impressive nature nearby. You could include a picnic in this one too or even include your friends and family all waiting at the viewpoint when you arrive.

4. Scavenger hunt

If you’re feeling a bit more creative, design a scavenger hunt around the city that your partner will enjoy solving or include their friends and assorted activities along the way which all lead back to you.

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Portland Proposal Photographer

Need some help documenting your perfect Portland marriage proposal? Contact me and we can work together. Since proposals are a unique, personal experience I recommend you come ready with a plan. I’m then happy to provide feedback as it relates to photography.