Let's choose where we're getting married!
Oregon Coast Location Guide
Oregon Coast Location Guide
“People from all around the world come to the Oregon Coast to get married.
BUT SHE IS A MOODY GIRL!!
The PNW is known for having beautiful fog, wind and rain 8 months out of the year. The more you embrace her cloudy attitude, and lower your expectations on sunshine, the better!” - Alesia
Welcome to the official Alesia Films Oregon Coast Location Guide!
This Guide is broken up into 3 sections: Northern, Central and Southern.
I recommend that you choose ONE section of the coast so for our timeline assistance call, we can go over which beaches in that area are best for low tide, high tide, sunrise vs. sunset, beach vs. forest vibes, driftwood elements, sea cave opportunities and more.
On our call, we will narrow down our Cloudy/Rainy Timeline and a Sunny Timeline - both with optimized lighting and weather conditions considered so no matter what, you are going to have an incredible wedding day!
GET STARTED:
1. Choose your ceremony location and contact the Oregon State Parks Coastal Office to see if you need a "Special Event Permit".
When: May-September (peak season); contact them well in advance (45-90 days).
Why: Needed for groups over 50 or if using structures (arches, tables).
Contact: Reach out to their Special Events team for the permit process, fees (around $150+), and insurance requirements.
2. Then, pick out 4-5 location favorites in your coastal section. Our timeline call will narrow down your list when we start discussing tide charts, and timing between locations according to our coverage.
3. Bring a pair of hiking boots, a chic trench coat/bridal jacket to keep warm and a set of two clear umbrellas to be safe. Even if you're getting married in the summer!
NORTHERN
This is for couples who want to be closest to Portland for ease and convenience. Especially if family is flying in. The Northern Coast is the most popular because of the iconic Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach and all of the surrounding little towns full of coastal charm. We live the closest to Cannon Beach so we have the most extensive knowledge of this area.
ASTORIA
Astoria is the northernmost town on the Oregon border and has classic historical and coastal charm.
It's a small town filled with retired artists and is most known as the filming location of the Goonies.
With fishing docks, sea lions and long wooden piers instead of beaches, Astoria is not to be overlooked if you decide you want a cozier alternative to a coastal chic wedding rather than a beachy one!
THE RUINS (VENUE)
Great place for an indoor ceremony if you want to ensure a dry location with old hotel vibes! It can be booked as a regular wedding venue to host a dinner/reception with guests.
FLAVEL HOUSE MUSEUM
Great place for portraits outside with the fall leaves and on the surrounding porch if we get permission!
*Be my first couple to photograph here!
PETER IREDALE SHIPWRECK
Great place for some awesome and unique portraits! This shipwreck is really cool and is a great place for edgy photos. They also have extensive beach grass meadow on the hill above the shipwreck for more classic photos.
ECOLA STATE PARK
Ecola State Park is located just minutes from downtown Cannon Beach, offering some of the most cinematic coastal views in Oregon. With miles of moss-lined trails, towering evergreens, and dramatic sea stacks rising from the surf, this park feels both wild and deeply romantic—like stepping into a Pacific Northwest daydream.
Down the winding road within the park is Indian Beach. Fans of Twilight may recognize it instantly—this was the filming location for “La Push,” giving the shoreline an extra layer of pop-culture magic and moody mystique.
For couples craving windswept elegance, forest-meets-ocean backdrops, and a touch of cinematic nostalgia, Ecola State Park is a breathtaking choice that captures the heart of the Oregon Coast.
VIEWPOINT
The first stop in the park is the parking lot with a viewpoint of Haystack Rock. It's an easy paved trail along a 180 degree view of the ocean and also features a lighthouse in the distance.
*Be my first couple to photograph this spot!
FOREST PULL-OFF
The entire 15 minute drive to Indian Beach has several pull offs to get out and shoot in these beautiful fern-filled mossy forests. This is a great spot to do some "running down the road" type of cinematic photos too!
INDIAN BEACH
One of my favorite beaches for sunset with how much variety it serves but also the PERFECT spot for a moody, foggy rainy portrait session as well. To the right we have a forest sea cliff jutting out into the ocean and to the left we have sea stack rocks and drift wood for excellent editorial photos.
CANNON BEACH
Cannon Beach is the quintessential coastal destination—known for its charming boutiques, driftwood-lined shoreline, and the iconic Haystack Rock rising dramatically from the waves. On summer weekends it becomes the #1 tourist destination on the Oregon Coast, buzzing with travelers who come for tide pools, sunset strolls, and that unmistakable seaside energy.
Starting from left to right, this guide literally goes down the beach towards Manzanita in the following order. If you’re dreaming of a classic Oregon Coast backdrop with easy access to multiple beach locations minutes apart from each other, this is the EASIEST itinerary to incorporate into your wedding day. All of these locations are considered "pull offs" except for Short Sands and Elk Flats that require a 10-15 minute walk.
CHAPMAN BEACH
The northernmost part of Cannon Beach before you hit Ecola State Park, Chapman Beach is a quiet locals beach tucked away in a charming neighborhood. Excellent beach for pre-golden hour portraits with less people and has incredible sun rays from March-May.
HAYSTACK ROCK
The most photogenic sea stack rock on the entire Oregon coast line. Nothing screams "I got married on the Oregon Coast" more than doing your portraits in front of Haystack Rock. Best at sunset. Avoid on summer weekends.
ARCADIA BEACH
Minutes from Haystack Rock is this short stretch of sand with beautiful sand stone rocks perched perfectly where the tides hit offering beautiful mid-day light for ceremonies and beautiful textures at sunset.
HUG POINT
MY PERSONAL FAVORITE BEACH!! This beach gives you the most beautiful variety of sea stack rocks, sea caves and even a waterfall. As a photographer, I get the most creative compositions at this beach. Downside, it's only accessible at low tide and the tide has to be low enough to access the main point of the beach.
ARCH CAPE
A short stretch of sand tucked away in a neighborhood that has beautiful sea stack rock symmetry. Very quiet beach if privacy is your goal. Only accessible at low tide.
SHORT SANDS BEACH
The best spot for sunrise! This beach requires a short 10 minute walk through the mossy rainforest of Oswald State Park. Then, you're greeted with a large stretch of driftwood and trees with INCREDIBLE sun rays beaming on the sand. Purple flowers by the creek are in bloom from July-August.
ELK FLATS
This is an iconic cliff viewpoint with 180 degree views of the ocean during sunset with Ireland-like cliffs on each side. Requires a 15 minute steep walk down to the spot from the parking lot. Not ideal for older folks and good shoes are a must. There isn't a lot of space here so sharing this spot with other visitors isn't ideal. Great for mid-day cloudy ceremonies but we can still take the risk for sunset and just wait our turn if other photoshoots are happening. Purple flowers bloom end of June.
MANZANITA
Manzanita is a charming town just 20 minutes south of Cannon Beach full of grassy meadows giving the most stunning editorial photos. This is a great place for a mid-day sunny ceremony or sunset portraits if it happens to be high tide during golden hour.
OCEANSIDE
Oceanside is another quiet little town perched on a hill that gives you "little amalfi coast" vibes. Located conveniently next to the most stunning cape overlooks, lighthouses and forest trails. Oceanside gets it's own itinerary if you'd rather spend your wedding here than drive the hour and 15 minutes north to Cannon Beach.
OCEANSIDE BEACH
This is the main beach accessible from town that has a couple sea stacks in the distance and the view of the town perched on the hill above.
TUNNEL BEACH
Only accessible at low tide and a short walk through a wet, rocky tunnel.
*Be my first couple to photograph here!
LOST BOY BEACH
A rocky section of the beach full of sea caves, drift wood and sea stack rocks. A great spot for classic PNW romance and moody photos. A great spot for sun rays in the morning.
*Be my first couple to photograph here!
SHORT BEACH
Long staircase down the hill to access but absolutely worth it for an iconic cove-like view if you're up for some adventure and climbing rocks. Great spot for sunset with waves as your backdrop.
*Be my first couple to photograph here!
CAPE MEARES LIGHTHOUSE
Tucked away on a hightop cliff full of forest trees, this is a quick drive from town if you would like iconic lighthouse portraits, especially at sunset. The viewpoint is fenced off so not very ideal for photos but great to look at!
*Be my first couple to photograph here!
CAPE LOOKOUT
The Cape Trail is stunning and has beautiful light rays coming in between the trees on misty days. This is a hike so good shoes and an adventure mindset is required! Great spot for forest fairytale-like portraits.
*Be my first couple to photograph here!
CENTRAL
This is for couples who want a more affordable experience in larger coastal cities featuring excellent seafood restaurants and more options for accommodation. This stretch is most known for epic stretches of sand dunes and fishing piers.
Fun Fact: I got engaged in Pacific City on the Cape Kiwanda sand dune! And it was my favorite place to photograph landscapes for my coffee table book.
PACIFIC CITY /NESKOWIN
Pacific City is a laid-back surf town known for its sweeping sandy shoreline and the striking Haystack Rock that sits just offshore—this time with surfers riding waves in its shadow. Home to the famous Cape Kiwanda dunes and the dory boats launching straight from the beach, it’s a spot where adventure meets slow coastal living.
Neskowin is conveniently the town 15 minutes away and has an even more quiet atmosphere with it's own unique beaches and places for portraits.
CAPE KIWANDA
This is the main beach in Pacific City and is known for wild stretches of sand dunes, surfers, viewpoints of the ocean and is great in every weather condition - but my favorite is mid-day sun for editorial style portraits!
Be my first couple to photograph here!
PROPOSAL ROCK
Conveniently park next to the cute Neskowin Provisions and check out this beach with a ton of photo backdrop oppurtunities! Certain times of the year reveals sunbeams through the trees and right onto the sand!
*Be my first couple to photograph here!
NESTUCCA WILDLIFE REFUGE
A great pitstop for photos on our way to or from Pacific City. Would make beautiful cloudy/foggy portraits with the flower fields just conveniently off of the trails. We will practice Leave No Trace here.
*Be my first couple to photograph here!
RAINFOREST TRAIL
Very close to Neskowin Provisions/Proposal Rock.
Can be muddy. Best at 12pm with the sun coming through the trees!
*Be my first couple to photograph here!
CASCADE HEAD TRAIL
This trail is only meant as a quick pitstop for this cute fern/rainforest tree spot. The spot is just a couple feet away from the parking lot. We would not go any further.
*Be my first couple to photograph here!
THE KNOLL
Easy 15 minute hike also known as "God's thumb" to the locals. I grew up doing this hike so I'm very familiar! Best time to go is sunset.
*Technically this is closer to Lincoln City so it would be a little more of a drive.
*Be my first couple to photograph here!
NEWPORT
Newport blends working–waterfront charm with classic coastal views, where colorful fishing boats, salty sea air, and historic lighthouses create a distinctly Oregon atmosphere. The bayfront buzzes with local seafood spots and barking sea lions, while nearby beaches offer wide stretches of sand perfect for evening walks or sunset portraits.
For couples who want a balance of picturesque shoreline and lively seaside character, Newport delivers—offering timeless coastal backdrops with just the right touch of small-town energy.
YAQUINA LIGHTHOUSE
A beautiful coastal bluff with wooden walkways and sea lion-filled beaches. This would be a great spot for a morning stroll or a first look/mid-day portraits as they close this area at 4pm.
*This location has not been scouted yet.
*Be my first couple to photograph here!
SOUTH BEACH
My favorite place to camp on the Central Oregon Coast, South Beach State Park has huge grassy meadows and beachy view of the Newport Bridge.
*can have lot of mosquitos in the forest during the summer!
*Be my first couple to photograph here!
CRABBING PIER
Slightly unconventional but has beautiful sailboats in the harbor, hundreds of seagulls and you're just underneath the Newport Bridge. This would make a great pit-stop for midday portraits if you're looking for a coastal chic aesthetic.
*Be my first couple to photograph here!
SOUTHERN
The Southern Oregon Coast feels wilder and more untouched than its northern counterparts, where rugged sea cliffs, quiet coves, and forested headlands create a dramatic, cinematic backdrop. Just across the border in Northern California, the Redwoods tower overhead—an easy day trip that adds ancient forest magic to any coastal itinerary.
GOLD BEACH
My two favorite locations to photograph are just south of Gold Beach towards Brookings. It is a stunning coastal drive with many pull offs but I have two specific ones that are my personal favorites! This stretch of coast line is known for having incredible colorful sunsets but also insane rain storms. I've done it all here!
CROOK POINT
The most stunning pull off into a grassy meadow overlooking two different bays. Couples love to use this spot for their ceremony and pre-golden hour portraits. Tall purple lupines are in bloom in the meadow in April and May.
PISTOL RIVER
Best at low tide to run, dance and do cinematic sunset portraits with giant sea stacks as your natural frame. Also a great place to have a dinner picnic, cake cutting and a champagne pop to end your day!
BROOKINGS
A viral Oregon Coast town with all of the stunning beaches next to each other similar to Cannon Beach. Brookings is the last Oregon Coast town before crossing the border into California so you can get the best of both worlds here if the Redwoods is also on your bucket list. Our favorite to photograph is the sun beams in the morning!
SECRET BEACH
My most viral photograph was captured here at low tide around 8am when the sunbeams were bright and beautiful in early July. This spot is best for low tide to access the beach below, but also great for sunset to stay above on the hill and take viewpoint-like photos.
NATURAL BRIDGES
Another morning favorite to capture the light beams. Only in late December and early January does the light come through the cove here! Otherwise, another beautiful spot for sunset. This is a steep 10 minute trail so good shoes are required. I encourage couples to stay off of the bridge itself - it's a huge safety risk.
*Be my first couple to photograph here!
WHALESHEAD BEACH
A great spot for a ceremony and to catch some pre-golden hour light. The sea cliff cuts off the sun at a certain time of day so it gives a "faux" sunset we love capturing.
REDWOODS
Only 30 minutes south of Brookings is the iconic Redwoods National Forest. A must-do for midday portraits amongst the giants. For timing purposes and to capture the most variety, I take my couples to the Simpson Reed Trail so we can jet back to Brookings for sunset portraits.
Extra Resources to help you plan your Oregon Coast Wedding/Elopement
8 Oregon Coast Wedding Venues
If your idea of the perfect wedding day is wind in your hair, ocean waves in the background, and golden light flooding every frame, then these Oregon Coast wedding venues deliver just that. This list of stunning venues includes everything from cozy inns to dramatic oceanfront estates. Each one is perfect for romantic celebrations, cinematic portraits, and truly unforgettable moments.
If you’re dreaming of an intimate Oregon Coast Airbnb wedding, especially near Cannon Beach, finding the right home is key. From cozy A-frames to modern cabins with especially breathtaking ocean views, the Oregon Coast offers incredible Airbnb options that serve as the perfect backdrop for your elopement.
Cannon Beach Airbnb Guide for your wedding
Planning a coastal chic wedding is all about balance—refined and effortless, elevated and natural. It’s a celebration that honors the wild beauty of the coastline while embracing timeless elegance and cinematic romance. Whether you’re dreaming of windswept cliffs in Oregon or a barefoot ceremony beside gentle ocean waves, here’s how to plan a coastal chic wedding that feels deeply personal and visually stunning.