Take it from someone who has photographed beach elopements up and down both the West and East Coast: no two beaches are the same. Whether you’re dreaming of Washington’s rugged coastline, Florida’s sunny white-sand shores, or something in between, this guide will help you plan the perfect elopement right on the sand. Using my years of experience, I’ll walk you through exactly how to plan a beach elopement step-by-step, including the best beach elopement locations, permit info, weather, and how to make your day feel stress-free. Let’s dive in (see what I did there?).
10 Best Beach Elopement Locations in the US
When it comes to planning your elopement, you’ll first need to choose a location. As I stated before, not all shorelines are created equal. From rocky shores to clear waters, take it from someone who has photographed them all: these are the top 10 beach elopement locations in the US.
1. Ruby Beach, Washington
Ruby Beach… where to even begin? If you couldn’t tell from the photo above, this beach really likes to show off. Located in Olympic National Park, Ruby Beach is best known for its giant sea stacks, driftwood, and the foggy weather the Pacific Northwest is known for. You’ll find it just outside the town of Forks (yes, that Twilight Forks), and just minutes away from rainforests and waterfalls.
- Permit info: Yes. $50 if you have more than 5 people total.
- Crowds: Fairly popular, especially in the summer, but lots of room to roam.
- Best time to elope: May-October.
Photographer tip: In order to access the giant sea stacks you see here, be sure to visit the beach at low tide!
2. Secret Beach, Oregon
Don’t be fooled by the name. Secret Beach isn’t so secret anymore, but once you see it, you’ll understand why it’s become so popular. Just 45 minutes north of Redwood National Park along the southern Oregon coast, this spot offers some of the most breathtaking views in the state. There’s even a small waterfall right on the beach. Personally, this beach is one of my favorites for elopements.
- Permit info: No permit required.
- Crowds: Moderate in the summer; very quiet otherwise.
- Best time to elope: May-October.
Photographer tip: Parking at the trailhead is limited, and the trail down includes some rock scrambling. The walk back up is steep. Check tide charts before you go, since the beach is only accessible at low tide.
3. Pfieffer Beach, California
Pfeiffer Beach is one of those places you arrive at and can’t help but say “wow.” Known for its purple sand and the famous Keyhole Arch, this beach is one of the most memorable spots in all of Big Sur. Photographers and couples from all over the world come here to watch the light stream through the arch during the winter months. And while a permit isn’t required (score!), weddings are not allowed here from March 15 through October 15.
- Permit info: No permit required.
- Crowds: Busy year-round, especially at sunset. Expect people.
- Best time to elope: October through November; weddings are not permitted March 15 through October 15.
Photographer tip: The road in is narrow and parking is limited. In the winter, the road leading to Pfeiffer Beach can be flooded, closing the road. Always check conditions before heading out.
4. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Look at any list of the best beach elopement locations and I can guarantee Cannon Beach is on it. Famous for its long shoreline and the iconic Haystack Rock, this spot is an Oregon Coast favorite. Fun fact: National Geographic once named it one of the world’s 100 most beautiful places, and I’d have to agree. Not only is it dog-friendly, but it’s also one of the few along the coast that allows fires (s’mores after a ceremony, anyone?).
- Permit info: No permit required if there are less than 50 people.
- Crowds: Very busy in the summer; fairly quiet otherwise, though you can always expect people.
- Best time to elope: June-October.
Photographer tip: Visit during low tide to get close to Haystack Rock and explore the tidepools.
5. Hanalei Beach, Hawaii
You didn’t think I’d forget Hawaii, now did you? For something a little more tropical, you can’t go wrong with Hanalei Beach. Located on the north shore of Kauai, this beach is known for its crescent-shaped bay surrounded by mountains. It’s one of the most photographed beaches in Hawaii and offers plenty to do from surfing and volleyball to paddle-boarding and sunset watching. This is a great beach elopement location for laid-back couples.
- Permit info: Yes. A $65 beach permit is required, and gatherings are limited to 30 people or fewer.
- Crowds: Busy year-round, sunrise is best for crowds.
- Best time to elope: April-November.
Photographer tip: Parking fills up quick, get there before 8am to snag a spot.
6. El Matador Beach, California
El Matador Beach is the definition of if the Washington coastline had a baby with Southern California. Somehow, you get the most beautiful combination of soft sand and giant rock formations. Located along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, this small but stunning beach is famous for its sea caves, archways, and sunsets.
- Permit info: Yes, a $200 permit is required.
- Crowds: Busy during summer and weekends, but sunrise or weekdays are much quieter.
- Best time to elope: April-November
Photographer tip: Parking is limited and the walk back up from the beach can be difficult for older guests.
7. Driftwood Beach, Georgia
The first East Coast beach on this list, Driftwood Beach in Georgia, is exactly what it sounds like—a stretch of shoreline covered in massive weathered driftwood trees. The fallen trunks and twisting branches make this one of the most unique beaches in the country. Located on Jekyll Island, this is a great beach elopement and honeymoon all in one!
- Permit info: No permit required.
- Crowds: Fairly busy during the summer months; quiet otherwise.
- Best time to elope: March-November.
Photographer tip: The beach faces east, so sunrise is better than sunset here!
8. Siesta Key Beach, Florida
Consistently rated as one of, if not the best beach in all of Florida (and sometimes the entire US), Siesta Key Beach truly does live up to the hype. Siesta Key is known for its unbelievably white sand (made of nearly pure quartz by the way) and turquoise water. When most couples picture a beach elopement, this is probably the scenery that comes to mind. Goes to show you there really is a beach out there for everyone!
- Permit info: Yes, a $300-$600 permit is required depending on location.
- Crowds: Busy year-round, especially in winter and spring. Sunrise or weekdays are best.
- Best time to elope: October-May.
Photographer tip: Afternoon storms can roll in quickly, especially in summer, though they tend to last just a few minutes.
9. Glass Beach, California
Glass Beach in Northern California is one of the most unique beach elopement locations in the country for a lot of reasons. First, the “sand” is actually made up of smooth, colorful sea glass. Second, it offers both great tidepooling and overlook spots. And third, it’s just minutes away from some redwoods. Talk about a slam dunk of a beach elopement location!
- Permit info: Yes, a $200+ permit is required.
- Crowds: Moderate; can be busy in the summer but quiet otherwise.
- Best time to elope: April-November.
Photographer tip: Winter months (December-April) bring migrating gray whales along the coast, often visible right from the bluffs above the beach!
10. Indian Beach, Oregon
Last, but certainly not least, we have Indian Beach in Oregon, or should I say La Push? Yes, this was the beach used in the Twilight movies for the La Push scene! Located within Ecola State Park, this cove is surrounded by dramatic cliffs, dense coastal forest, and sea stacks. The scenery here makes it feel straight out of a movie (literally)!
- Permit info: A permit is not required if you have less than 50 people.
- Crowds: Moderate; busier on weekends and in summer.
- Best time to elope: May-October.
Photographer tip: The cliffs above the beach offer some of the best views on the entire Oregon Coast!
When Is the Best Time of Year for a Beach Elopement?
Now that you’ve chosen your location, the next step is picking a date.
In general, the best times of year for a beach elopement are typically in spring (April–May) or fall (September–October).
However, keep in mind that each beach has its own climate. While Florida may be warm and sunny day, the Pacific Northwest could be foggy and rainy. Be sure to check past weather reports and ask your photographer for recommendations when picking a date. In general, here’s what each season may look like:
Summer (June-August)
Warm weather, long days, and great sunsets, but beaches are usually very crowded. It’s the most popular time for travel, so naturally, everything tends to be a little busier and a little more expensive. Depending on the state, it can also be very hot. If you don’t mind sharing your location with others, summer is a great time to elope, though I personally recommend holding off until fall if possible.
Fall (September-October)
After Labor Day weekend, crowds are instantly cut in half, if not more. This is one of the best times for a beach elopement. The weather is mild, crowds are small, and in places along the Pacific Northwest, wildlife is abundant. Fall sunsets are in full swing, and the cooler air makes it easier to explore without breaking a sweat.
Winter (November-March)
Winter is the wildcard season for beach elopements since every coastline behaves differently. In Hawaii, it’s a great time to visit for warm weather (just avoid the major holidays if you want fewer people). In the Pacific Northwest, expect rain and mist but incredible, moody lighting (and you’ll likely have the entire beach to yourselves). On the East Coast, it’s usually chilly, but the beaches are quiet and people-free.
Spring (April-May)
Spring is such a slept-on time of year for beach elopements. Temperatures are mild and crowds are minimal, though rain showers can come and go. Wildflowers bloom along the cliffs in some areas, and its often overcast which is amazing for lighting. It’s a great time for balance — not too hot, not too cold, and not too crowded.
Do You Need a Permit to Have a Beach Elopement?
Usually, no. However, it depends on where your beach is located. If your ceremony spot falls within a national park, state park, or national forest, you may need what’s called a special use permit. The process is simple — most permits can be applied for online, with fees typically ranging from $50 to $300 depending on the location.
To check if you need one, start with a quick Google search: “[beach name] wedding permit.” You should be able to find the most current information for that area. Your photographer is also a great resource for this and can usually point you in the right direction.
Photographer tip: Apply for your permit as soon as you can, as processing times vary. A good rule of thumb is to apply for a permit about three months before your elopement date.
How Much Does a Beach Elopement Cost?
One of the best things about eloping on the beach is that it can be as simple or luxurious as you want it to be. On average, most couples spend anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on travel, photography, lodging, and whether they’re hiring vendors like florists or officiants. A simple ceremony with just an officiant and photographer can stay on the lower end, while destination elopements that include travel, accommodations, and a small celebration afterward can cost more.
Here are a few examples to give you an idea of what your budget could look like:
High-End Beach Elopement
- $500 – flights
- $90 – marriage license
- $150 – beach permit
- $2,200 – three nights at a luxury oceanfront resort
- $6,000 – photographer
- $800 – floral design for bouquet and ceremony accents
- $3,000 – dress, accessories, and shoes
- $500 – professional hair and makeup
- $900 – suit, accessories, and shoes
- $600 – private dinner experience or chef on-site
- TOTAL: $14,740
Mid-End Beach Elopement
- $500 – flights
- $90 – marriage license
- $150 – beach permit
- $1,200 – three nights at a boutique hotel or beachfront Airbnb
- $4,000 – photographer
- $350 – bouquet and boutonniere
- $1,200 – dress, accessories, and shoes
- $400 – hair and makeup
- $500 – suit and shoes
- TOTAL: $8,390
Low-End Beach Elopement
- $500 – flights
- $90 – marriage license
- $100 – beach permit (if required)
- $600 – three nights at a modest hotel or Airbnb
- $2,000 – photographer
- $150 – simple bouquet
- $500 – dress and accessories
- $0 – hair and makeup (DIY)
- $250 – rented suit
- TOTAL: $4,190
How to Get a Marriage License for Your Beach Elopement
Once you’ve picked your beach and have your permit, it’s time to get your marriage license. Start by Googling the county where you plan to get married, followed by “marriage license” — that’s usually the fastest way to find accurate, up-to-date information.
In most cases, you don’t need to apply for a license in the exact county you’re eloping in, but it’s always best to start there just in case. Each state is a little different: for example, Washington allows you to apply via mail, while California requires an in-person appointment.
If you’re not sure where to begin, ask your photographer or planner. They’ve likely helped other couples through the process and can point you in the right direction.
Beach Elopement Activities
This one’s pretty self-explanatory, but if you want to make your elopement day feel even more special (and a little more fun), here are a few ideas to consider:
- Have a beach bonfire and roast hotdogs or s’mores under the stars
- Build a sandcastle together — bonus points if it’s shaped like a heart
- Try surfing, boogie boarding, or paddleboarding
- Set up a romantic picnic and watch the sunset
- Take a stroll and collect seashells along the shore
- Go whale watching or take a coastal boat tour
- Rent bicycles and explore the nearby beach town
- Share a famous funnel cake or ice cream on the pier
- End the day with a fancy dinner overlooking the ocean
Beach Elopement Timeline Examples
You’re almost there! Before the big day, it’s important to create a timeline to make sure everything flows smoothly. Here’s an example of what an 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
Photographer tip: When planning your timeline, make sure to check the tide reports. Some beaches may be inaccessible at certain times due to high tide.
Beach Elopement Packages
Woohoo! You did it! I hope this guide was instrumental in helping you throughout planning your beach elopement. 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!
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, choosing 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 $6,500
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. I’m a Pacific Northwest elopement photographer whose 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.
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