Whether you’re drawn to dramatic rocky coastlines or simple sandy shores (say that five times fast), this guide will take you through every step of planning your perfect beach elopement. From choosing the perfect beach to picking the best time of year, you’ll find everything you need to make your dream beach elopement a reality.
Step 1: Choose Your Beach
Whether you’re looking for a rocky coastline, a smooth stretch of sand, or something in between, I’ve got you’re back. Here are 5 of the best beach elopement locations in the U.S.
Ruby Beach, Washington
Ruby Beach is one the most picturesque beaches in the United States. Located in Olympic National Park, this beach is home to giant sea stacks, driftwood, and fog that the Pacific Northwest is known for. It’s right outside the town of Forks (yes, that Forks), and just minutes away from other sites like rainforests and waterfalls.
- Permit required: Yes, $50
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Best time of year to visit: June, September, or October
Want to see an actual elopement at Ruby Beach? Check out Logan and Holton’s elopement!
Samuel H. Boardman, Oregon
Stretching 12 miles along Oregon’s southern coast, Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor is a paradise of dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and stunning beaches. Plus, it’s just 30 minutes from Redwood National Park, making it a perfect spot for a multi-location elopement.
- Permit required: No
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Best time of year to visit: June, September, or October
Want to explore more? I have a full guide on Samuel H. Boardman and Redwood National Park to help you plan your perfect elopement!
Cannon Beach, Oregon
You can’t talk beach elopements without mentioning the king of beaches—Cannon Beach. Known for its iconic Haystack Rock, this rocky Oregon coastline is a favorite for elopements as it’s easily accessible for guests, close to Portland, and of course, jaw droppingly beautiful.
- Permit required: No
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Best time of year to visit: June, October, or November
Want to learn more about my favorite spots? Check out my Cannon Beach elopement guide!
Hanalei Beach, Hawaii
Would this really be a beach elopement guide if I didn’t mention Hawaii? You can’t go wrong with any of the islands’ stunning beaches, but one of my personal favorites is Hanalei Beach in Kauai. This is one of the more popular beaches, so plan ahead if you’re looking to avoid the crowds.
- Permit required: Yes, $20-$50
- Dog-friendly: No
- Best time of year to visit: November-May
I’ve got a full guide on how to elope in Hawaii that you can explore here!
Pfeiffer Beach, California
Last but not least, we have Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, California. While all of California’s beaches are stunning (this is a popular state for beach elopements!), Pfeiffer Beach stands out for its stunning purple sand and iconic keyhole arch. It’s a popular spot for elopements of all sizes.
- Permit required: No
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Best time of year to visit: May-June or September-October
Big Sur catching your eye? I’ve got a whole elopement guide on it!
Step 2: Choose Your Date
The best times of year for a beach elopement are typically during the spring (April-May) or fall (September-October). I highly recommend avoiding the summer months (July-August) when beaches can be packed.
Keep in mind that each beach has its own climate—while Florida may offer warm and sunny days, the Pacific Northwest could bring rain. Be sure to check past weather reports and ask your photographer for recommendations when picking a date.
- Summer (June-August): Warm weather and long days, but crowded beaches. Plan for a sunrise ceremony to avoid the crowds.
- Fall (September-October): Less crowded with mild temperatures—one of my favorites for beach elopements!
- Winter (November-February): Chilly and rainy, especially in places like the Pacific Northwest. However, it’s the best time to avoid crowds.
- Spring (March-May): Mild temperatures, fewer crowds, though occasional rain showers. Another great time for a beach elopement!
Step 3: Hire Your Vendors
At this stage, hire your vendors. If you’re unsure about your location, hire an elopement photographer—they know the best spots, how to avoid crowds, and permit requirements for your chosen spot. I create custom location lists for my couples to help them choose the best fit for their vision. Other vendors to consider include hair/makeup artists, florists, officiants, videographers, or even a private chef.
Step 4: Apply for a Permit
You may need a “special use permit” for certain locations like national parks, forests or state parks. The process is simple. Permits can usually be applied for online, with prices ranging from $50-$150 depending on your location. To see if you need a permit, start with a Google search. Google “[beach] wedding permit” and you should find some information. Ask your photographer for guidance on this, as they should know whether or not you need a permit and where to send you!
Tip: I recommend submitting a permit application about 3 months before your elopement.
Step 5: Book Your Travel and Activities
This part is pretty self-explanatory, but if you’re interested in incorporating some fun activities on your elopement day, here are a few ideas you may want to consider.
- Have a beach bonfire and roast hotdogs and s’mores
- Build an epic sandcastle
- Try surfing, boogie boarding, or water skiing
- Have a romantic picnic during sunset
- Take a stroll and look at all the seashells
- Go whale watching
- Rent bicycles and ride around town
- Try a famous funnel cake on the pier
- Have a fancy dinner at a restaurant overlooking the ocean
As far as travel tips go, don’t forget the sunscreen, prepare for wind (especially in the Pacific Northwest), and avoid holidays like the plague if you’re not a fan of crowds!
Step 5: Get Your Marriage License
It’s time to get a marriage license. Google the county you’re marrying in, followed by “marriage license” for details. In most cases, you don’t need a marriage license from the county you’re marrying in, but it’s best to start there. Some states, like Washington, allow online applications, while others, like California, require in-person. As a reminder, ask your photographer about this! They should have all the information you need!
Step 6: Make a Timeline
You’re almost there! Before the big day, create a timeline to make sure everything flows smoothly. Here’s an example of what a beach elopement timeline might look like:
8-Hour Timeline
12:00pm – Brianna arrives at the Airbnb for getting ready images
1:00pm – First look near the beach
1:15pm – Head to the beach for the ceremony
2:00pm – Arrive and begin the ceremony
2:15pm – Family portraits
2:30pm – Quick couple portraits on the beach
3:00pm – Travel to a nearby coastal viewpoint
3:30pm – Couples portraits and candid shots by the ocean
4:00pm – Head to a local cafe for a private picnic
5:00pm – Picnic and portraits
6:00pm – Travel to a nearby forest
6:30pm – Quick couples portraits in the forest
7:00pm – Leave for a secluded beach for sunset photos
7:30pm – Sunset photos and family toasts
8:00pm – Photo coverage wraps up, Brianna leaves
4-Hour Timeline
12:00pm – Brianna arrives at the Airbnb for getting ready images
1:00pm – First look near the beach
1:15pm – Head to the beach for the ceremony
2:00pm – Arrive and begin the ceremony
2:15pm – Family portraits
2:30pm – Quick couple portraits on the beach
3:00pm – Travel to a nearby coastal viewpoint for additional portraits
3:30pm – Quick couples portraits on the cliffside
4:00pm – Photo coverage wraps up, Brianna leaves
Tip: When planning your timeline, make sure to check the tide reports. Some beaches may be inaccessible at certain times due to high tide.
Step 7: Elope!
Woohoo! You did it! Can you believe you just planned the most incredible beach elopement? I hope this guide was instrumental in helping you throughout the process. If you’re looking for additional assistance, take a peek at my elopement packages below. I would love to help you bring your beach elopement to life!
Beach Elopement Packages
I’m Brianna, a Northern California based elopement photographer who specializes in outdoor elopements around the Pacific Northwest. We’re home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world. It would be a honor to show you my favorites! Whether you need help with permits, picking the perfect location, the best time of year to elope, vendor recommendations, or other things, I would love to help. Check out my packages below!
Beach Elopement Package Pricing
- 4 hours – 2 days of elopement coverage anywhere in the world
- A personalized elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
- Personalized elopement location recommendations
- Vendor, lodging, and activity recommendations
- Assistance and information to help you with permits, licenses, etc.
- 90+ page elopement planning guide filled with tips and tricks
- Customized elopement timelines
- Optional complimentary officiant services
- Online gallery with full resolution images and printing rights
- 24-48 hour sneak peeks to share with the world
- Travel fees to anywhere in the world are already included
- Starting at $8,000
Don’t forget your FREE elopement guide!
An all-in-one planning guide for all things elopements! Whether you’re hoping to hike through the mountains of Washington or sip a margarita on the beaches of California, this comprehensive elopement guide has everything you need to know about how to plan the perfect elopement.
You? You’re the kind of person that gets a lil’ teary eyed looking at an epic view…
That moment when you turn to the person you’re with and ask, “Are you seeing this?” I live for it. Places with trees and mountains and soft breezes that make you say, “I can’t believe this place exists,” I spend pretty much all of my free time searching for and exploring them.
These places have always felt like home to me. And if you’re the kind of person who also feels more at home surrounded by trees than by people? Then we’ll get along really well. The Pacific Northwest is full of secret spots that are too special to share with just anyone. But it would make me happy to share them with you on your wedding day.
If the mountains/beaches/redwood forests are calling your name, go ahead…
(I promise you won’t regret it.)
P.S. I’m Brianna. My mission is to create custom, one-of-a-kind elopement experiences in the Pacific Northwest that allow couples to fully immerse themselves in the highest levels of excitement and wonder on a day designed exclusively for them.
