February 2, 2021

Oregon Coast Wedding Venues


Eloping on the Oregon coast is actually pretty simple. Thanks to the 1967 Oregon Beach Bill, all of this beautiful state’s 363 miles of beach is free to the public! Yes, there is a permitting process in place for larger events (or events that will include ceremony arches, tents, or other fixtures). But for couples who simply want to say “I do” in a small outdoor ceremony– no-frills – the coast is your playground! From the redwoods of the south to the historic buildings of Oregon’s oldest city in the north, Oregon’s coastline is marked with hidden gems. You could get married with Cannon Beach’s iconic Haystack Rock as your backdrop, or stand before the black rock cliffs of Ecola State Park. This varied, dramatic coastline is truly the crown jewel of Oregon – choose from endless beauty and plan the adventurous wedding of your dreams!

Below, I’ve curated a collection of my 7 favorite Oregon coast wedding venues (plus 2 elopement locations)! Each ceremony spot is close to dozens of trails, beaches, or other outdoor locations to extend any weekend into an Oregon adventure. The small towns on the Oregon coast are also home to gorgeous short-term rentals, incredible restaurants, and seaside breweries with breathtaking views. Whether you’re looking for a just-us ceremony spot, or a venue that can host your closest friends and family, I love the places listed below! 

If you’re looking for more Oregon elopement inspiration, check out this list of my favorite small wedding venues throughout the state. Oregon is the perfect place to get married for couples who want a gorgeous outdoor location without having to hike far out into the wilderness. There are endless trails, of all skill levels, that take you to stunning locations along the entire coastline – waterfalls, cliffside overlooks, sandy (or rocky) beaches, and even thick mossy forests that go right up to the water’s edge!

Alderbrook Station

A gorgeous old red barn-style venue on the Columbia River in Astoria. Explore the historic waterfront and get married at a venue that encapsulates the iconic history of this west coast port city.

Astoria, Oregon

The Ruins

Located in the historic Jacob Astor building in Astoria, The Ruins are a beautifully restored wedding venue in the heart of downtown. The recent restorations accentuated the history of this unique venue by revealing the old stone walls, a brick fireplace, and enough space to invite your loved ones to enjoy a romantic ceremony and intimate reception.

Astoria, Oregon

Cannon Beach

Get married on Oregon’s gorgeous coast with the iconic Haystack Rock creating a dramatic backdrop to your beach wedding. Explore the tide pools, rocky outcroppings, and the quaint town of Cannon Beach to see some of the best parts of Oregon’s remarkable shoreline.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Capella By the Sea

This unique chapel is in Brookings, which is the southernmost section of Oregon’s coastline, and right by the redwoods that extend down into California. The coast of Brookings is incredibly rocky, which makes for incredibly gorgeous scenery for weddings.

Brookings, Oregon

Pelican Pub & Brewery

This is an incredibly fun small wedding venue at an appropriately sea-themed brewery beloved to Oregon locals! Get married right on the beach and come back to the pub to celebrate with a group of friends and family. Then, cap off the day with a sunset walk along the shore and explore the tidepools, caves, and jagged rock formations that make the Oregon coast famous!

Pacific City, Oregon

Crook Point Vacations

This venue has multiple on-site ceremony locations to choose from, and enough on-site residences to house a small wedding ceremony or elopement. Choose from cliffside ocean views or mossy green forests for your wedding ceremony here. Then, you can further explore the Oregon coast as this site is located nearby many trails just north of Brookings.

Brookings, Oregon

Neskown Beach

It’s not quite as large as Haystack Rock, but the grand feature at Neskowin Beach is called “Proposal Rock” and there’s not much more romantic than that! Get married here at the sandy shore and stay the weekend in one of the adorable beachside bungalows with ocean views. When the tide is low you’ll see stumps of an old forest – estimated to be at least 2,000 years old – which was unearthed from the sand during a winter storm almost 25 years ago. This is known as the “Ghost Forest” but can only be explored when the tide is at its lowest.

Neskowin, Oregon

Hug Point

This easily accessible beach is a short walk from the parking lot with remarkably rewarding views! A waterfall to the right of the trailhead flows straight onto the sand, and dramatic rock features make this whole site a place worth exploring. Nearly straight-up cliffs made of black rock separate the shoreline from a thick coastal forest you can hike through above. This site features a picnic area and bathrooms that are open year-round.

Arch Cape, Oregon

Are you ready to begin planning your own Oregon wedding adventure? Reach out!

Hey there!

I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant



For the last 14 years I’ve traveled to 40 countries, all 7 continents, and planned & photographed over 300 elopements all over the world.

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Ready to start planning your dream destination elopement?

Hey, I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant

A person with long hair and glasses is sitting on sand, smiling at the camera. They are wearing a black lace cardigan over a beige top, with hoop earrings and a necklace. The background is a sandy expanse.

“The woman who sparked the adventure
elopement trend”  – Forbes

I don’t just photograph elopements –
I design and plan a curated, unique experience around the two of you—one you’ll enjoy every minute of.

I want to get to know what makes you two feel alive and create an experience worthy of this
incredible love you’ve found

“The woman who sparked the adventure elopement trend”  – Forbes

40

countries and 7 continents worth of travel experience and knowledge

13

years experience planning and photographing elopements & weddings

300

one-of-a-kind elopements & intimate weddings planned & photographed

2019

the year I eloped too (after planning my own destination elopement in just 6 weeks)

What makes my elopement packages different?

Every Adventure Instead elopement experience includes:

Reach out to start planning your dream destination elopement

Don’t worry, most couples who inquire with me have no plans at all. 
Helping turn vague ideas into a thrilling plan is my specialty.

I can’t wait to hear your ideas and help bring them to life

Note: I usually only photograph weddings with 25 guests or less
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I created the ultimate destination elopement planning guide & checklist to help you get started