If you’re envisioning an Oregon Coast elopement that’s raw, organic, and brimming with adventure, Cannon Beach is the perfect backdrop! Jamie and Ben ran barefoot along the shore, the salty ocean breeze in their hair, waves crashing as they held each other close. It was just them, their love, and the vast, endless horizon. This is the kind of magic Jamie and Ben fully embraced during their intimate Cannon Beach elopement.

Planning Your Cannon Beach Elopement

Cannon Beach is an epic spot for couples who want something breathtakingly beautiful but also wildly simple. It’s one of those places that looks incredible year-round, but timing is everything if you want the best experience.

The Best Time to Visit

The Oregon Coast is known for its moody, ever-changing weather, so timing your elopement is key. Summer (June-August) offers the warmest temperatures and more predictable conditions, but it also attracts more tourists. Spring and fall (April-May and September-October) bring fewer crowds, soft golden light, and a mix of sunshine and misty magic. Winter (November-March) is ideal for couples who love dramatic skies, stormy waves, and cozying up after an adventurous ceremony.

The Weather & What to Expect

Cannon Beach weather is famously unpredictable. Mornings often start with fog, which burns off by midday, revealing stunning blue skies. Sunset is magical, but coastal winds can pick up, so bring extra layers! Blue hour (the time after sunset) brings moody, cinematic lighting perfect for dreamy portraits!

What to Wear

The Oregon Coast can be chilly, even in summer, so layering is key! Opt for:

• Flowing dresses or skirts that catch the ocean breeze beautifully.
• A warm shawl, wool coat, or stylish jacket to stay comfortable.
• Comfortable shoes (barefoot is an option, but sturdy boots help for rocky areas!).
• Neutral, earthy tones that blend beautifully with the natural landscape.

The Best Time for Sunset Portraits

Golden hour at Cannon Beach? Absolute perfection. The way the sun dips behind the horizon, casting everything in a dreamy golden glow, there’s nothing quite like it. If you’re after those warm, cinematic tones, aim for a ceremony about 1-2 hours before sunset. This way, you have time to soak in the moment, say your vows, and still get those golden-hour portraits before transitioning into blue hour magic.

Why Blue Hour is Pure Magic

If you’ve never considered staying past sunset for photos, let me tell you, it’s 100% worth it. Blue hour (the time right after sunset when the sky turns deep blue and everything feels extra moody) is seriously underrated. There’s something about the quiet stillness, the cool tones, and the way the ocean reflects the fading light that makes it feel like time stands still. Jamie and Ben ran along the shoreline, wrapped up in each other, lost in their own little world. The result? Pure, unfiltered emotion captured in the most cinematic way.

The Documentary Approach: Candid, Raw, and Real

If stiff poses and overly structured shots aren’t your vibe, you’ll love my documentary-style approach. I don’t just take photos, I capture the way the moment feels. That means movement, real laughter, salty kisses, and wind-blown hair are always welcome! See how Jamie and Ben spent their elopement being? No forced smiles, no awkward poses, just love in its most natural form. That is the beauty of my documentary approach!

Running Wild & Free

There’s something about the Oregon Coast that just invites you to let go. Maybe it’s the vastness of the ocean, the way the mist rolls in, or the untamed beauty of the cliffs and shoreline. Whatever it is, it’s the perfect setting for couples who want their elopement to feel like an adventure rather than a checklist. Jamie and Ben ran through the waves, danced barefoot in the sand, and held each other close as the sky turned to twilight, moments that felt effortless, unposed, and completely them.

Ready to Plan Your Own Cannon Beach Elopement?

If you’re drawn to the idea of an elopement that’s all about you, your love, and the natural beauty of the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach is calling. Whether you want to exchange vows on the shoreline, explore the rocky cliffs, or chase the last light of the day into blue hour, this place offers endless opportunities for breathtaking moments.

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PNW Elopement Featuring an Epic Waterfall

Oregon Elopement Photographer | Paula Milena

Whether you’re dreaming of a misty, windswept elopement in the Pacific Northwest or a golden-hued desert celebration in Palm Springs, I’m here to help craft a day that feels completely like you. From scouting the perfect secluded spot to navigating all the little details, I’ll make sure your elopement is effortless, adventurous, and unforgettable. Ready to start planning? Secure your date here!

See more of my destination elopements on Pinterest!