When it comes to beaches, I have to admit that Cannon Beach really does live up to all the hype. Not only is it one of the best beaches in the world for an elopement, but it easily made my list of the best places to elope in Oregon, and I’ve been photographing elopements here for over 7 years.
Whether you’re planning a ceremony right at the base of Haystack Rock or just trying to figure out permits and logistics, you’re in the right place. This is my foolproof guide to eloping in Cannon Beach.
Cannon Beach Elopements: A Quick Overview
If you’re not a big reader, or let’s face it, you just came for the meat and potatoes, here’s what you need to know about eloping at Cannon Beach.
- Best time to elope: September or October
- Best location: Haystack Rock
- Permit required: No, unless you have more than 50 guests or any setup
- Guest count: Typically under 50 for permit-free ceremonies
- Best time of day: Sunrise for privacy, sunset for golden light
5 Best Places to Elope in Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach might be best known for Haystack Rock, but there’s so much more to explore beyond just one spot. Between the long stretches of coastline, nearby state parks, and hidden corners along the beach, there are plenty of beautiful places to elope here. These are some of the best locations to consider for your day.
1. Haystack Rock
It wouldn’t be Cannon Beach without Haystack Rock, right? This is by far the most popular place to elope in the area. The beach itself stretches for over 4 miles, so even though this spot is well-known, it’s still totally possible to find a quieter area for your ceremony.
If you want to get married right at the base of Haystack Rock, you’ll need to time your ceremony around low tide, since that’s the only time it’s fully accessible. You can check the tide charts for your date here. As a bonus, low tide also gives you access to some really incredible tide pooling out there.
2. Ecola State Park
Ecola State Park is easily one of my favorite places for elopements in the Cannon Beach area, so much so that I wrote an entire guide on how to elope here. It’s located just 15 minutes north of Cannon Beach and is home to some of the most incredible overlooks in the state.
In addition to the viewpoints, Ecola is also home to Indian Beach (yes, the La Push scene from Twilight was filmed here), lush Sitka spruce forests, and a variety of different landscapes you can incorporate into your day.
3. Hug Point
Hug Point is located just a few minutes south of Cannon Beach and is known for being a lot less crowded, which is a huge plus if you’re trying to avoid the typical Cannon Beach crowds.
It’s only accessible during low tide, but that’s part of what makes it less traveled. Here you’ll find waterfalls, tide pools, and even a few really cool rock caves along the beach.
Like all the locations on this list, Hug Point is also dog-friendly!
4. Oswald West State Park
Oswald West State Park is usually a local favorite.
This park is best known for its variety of hiking trails, many of which lead to incredible cliffside overlooks. While it’s especially popular for hikes like the Cape Falcon Trail and Short Sands Beach, you don’t need to hike for miles to reach a ceremony location, though I will say that this state park is definitely geared a bit more towards couples who don’t mind a hike.
5. Chapman Beach
Last on my list is Chapman Beach, located just a few minutes north of Cannon Beach.
It’s definitely a lot quieter than Cannon Beach, but just as, if not more, breathtaking. There’s even a little hidden trail that takes you up to an incredible overlook of the ocean, where you can watch the waves and see Haystack Rock in the distance.
This is easily one of my favorite hidden gems in the area.
Do You Need a Permit to Elope at Cannon Beach?
No. You don’t need a permit at any of the locations listed above as long as you’re keeping things simple.
You will need a permit if you have:
- More than 50 people present
- Any setup that isn’t part of the natural landscape, like chairs, an arbor, or floral installations on the beach
If either of those apply, you’ll need a permit. It costs $150 and covers up to 50 guests, with an additional $1 per person over that.
If you do need a permit, you can find the application and all the rules you need to know here.
Best Time of Year to Elope at Cannon Beach
Summer (June-August)
Summer brings warm weather, but also crowds and higher prices. Finding parking can be a challenge.
Cannon Beach is very popular this time of year, so it’s not uncommon to deal with traffic, limited parking, and fewer lodging options.
If you’re hoping for something more private, I usually recommend waiting until September.
If you’re set on a summer elopement, try planning it during the week instead of the weekend.
Fall (September-October)
Fall is the best time of year to elope at Cannon Beach.
September through mid-October is often called “second summer” by locals. Temperatures are still warm, crowds start to thin out, and prices begin to drop.
Rain becomes more likely toward the end of October, but if you time it right, you can get some really beautiful weather.
Winter (November-February)
Winter is the rainiest season, but it’s also one of my personal favorites.
The beaches are quiet, whale watching is at its peak, and it’s much easier to find good deals on lodging and activities.
If you don’t mind a bit of rain, this can be a really slept-on time to elope.
Spring (March-May)
Spring is a vibrant time to visit Cannon Beach.
Everything is green, puffins return to Haystack Rock, and things start picking up around town. It can get a bit busier, especially during spring break, but it’s still a great time to visit.
The weather is on the cooler side and rain is always possible, so make sure to bring a jacket.
Cannon Beach Marriage License Information
If you want to elope at Cannon Beach, you’ll need to get an Oregon marriage license.
There’s a 3-day waiting period, which means you can’t get married until 3 days after picking it up. This can be waived for a $10 fee if needed.
The license is valid for 60 days, and I recommend applying about two weeks before your wedding day.
Note: I’m using Clatsop County (where Cannon Beach is located) as an example here. Each county has its own process. You don’t have to get your license from the same county you’re getting married in, but you do need to return it to the county you got it from after your elopement.
In-Person
- Fill out the online marriage license application.
- Make an appointment at the County Clerk’s office located in Astoria.
- Show up and fill out the marriage license application in-person. Be sure to bring your ID and $60 to pay for the license. Currently, the County Clerk’s office is taking appointments Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm.
- After your elopement, drop off the signed marriage license.
Mail-In
If you live out of state, you can request to complete the marriage license application via mail.
- Fill out the online marriage license application.
- Call (503) 325-8511 or email your mailing address to clerk@co.clatsop.or.us to get the license in the mail.
To get all up to date information, you can check out the official Clatsop County Clerk’s website here.
Do I Need an Officiant and Witness to Elope at Cannon Beach?
Yes, Oregon requires an officiant and two witnesses.
Pro tip: A friend or family member can officiate your ceremony for free! All they need to do is fill out the application on the Universal Life Church website to become an ordained officiant. As a PNW elopement photographer, I’m also ordained and officiate ceremonies for free in all my elopement packages!
Cannon Beach Elopement FAQ
Planning an elopement at Cannon Beach comes with a lot of questions, and I’ve got answers.
These are the most common questions I get when it comes to planning an elopement here.
Yes! Cannon Beach is a dog-friendly beach and dogs are allowed off-leash.
The closest parking to Haystack Rock is along Pacific Street near West Dawes, but it fills up fast. There’s also a public lot near Hemlock and Gower by City Hall, plus additional street parking throughout town.
Most couples spend around $5,000-$10,000 on a Cannon Beach elopement. If you’re not hiring vendors or traveling far, it can be completely free if you’re keeping things simple. If you have under 50 guests and no setup, you won’t need a permit. If you do need one, it starts at $150.
Yes, beach fires are allowed. All beach fires must be a minimum of 50 feet away from seagrass or other combustible materials (driftwood, seawall, etc.).
Sunrise and sunset are the best times for fewer crowds and the best lighting.
Where to Stay for Your Cannon Beach Elopement
Most couples stay in the town of Cannon Beach. The town has no shortage of great places to stay, whether you’re looking for something right on the water or a little more tucked away.
Personally, I always recommend booking somewhere within walking distance of the beach if you can. It makes your day so much easier, especially when it comes to not having to deal with parking. There are plenty of cozy beachfront hotels, inns, and vacation rentals to choose from depending on your budget.
If you want to save some $$$, I recommend checking out the nearby towns of Seaside, Gearhart, or Arch Cape for more affordable lodging options.
Cannon Beach Elopement Activities
If you want to get the absolute most out of your elopement day, consider incorporating some activities the two of you can do together to make the experience more memorable. Below are some of the best places to eat, along with some of my favorite activities you can do on your elopement day in Cannon Beach.
- Enjoy at romantic dinner at Gatsby’s Oceanside Speakeasy & Steakhouse
- Grab a burger and drinks at the local’s favorite spot – Pelican Brewing
- Have a luxury picnic on the beach
- Go whale watching in the winter
- Walk downtown and explore the local businesses
- Have a bonfire on the beach with s’mores and hot dogs
- Slow dance in front of Haystack Rock
- Fly a kite on the beach
- Try your hand at tide-pooling
- Take a surfing lesson
Cannon Beach Alternatives
Before we wrap up, I wanted to share a few alternatives in case you’re looking for something with fewer crowds.
As beautiful as Cannon Beach is, it can get busy, especially in the summer. The good news is there are so many incredible beaches along the Oregon Coast that offer very similar views with a bit more privacy.
If you’re open to exploring, here are a few of my favorites. I’ve also linked full guides for each so you can dive deeper into locations, permits, and planning tips.
- Samuel H. Boardman Elopement Guide
If you want dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and some of the most insane coastal views in Oregon, this is the spot. - Stunning Brookings, Oregon Elopement
A great option if you want something a little more low-key with beautiful beaches and way fewer crowds. - Ecola State Park Elopement Guide
Perfect if you love the Cannon Beach area but want more variety with overlooks, forests, and beaches all in one place. - Cape Kiwanda Elopement Guide
Cape Kiwanda is all about sand dunes and fewer crowds. It’s a great alternative if you want something similar but a little more adventurous.
Cannon Beach Elopement Packages
I’m Brianna, a Pacific Northwest elopement photographer helping couples plan epic, intentional elopements along the West Coast. Cannon Beach is one of my favorite places to photograph, and I love helping my couples bring their vision to life here.
From location scouting and vendor recommendations to timelines and permits, I’m here to guide you through the entire process so you can actually enjoy your day instead of stressing over logistics. If you want to learn more, you can check out my elopement packages below or go straight to the pricing page here!
- 4 hours – 2 days of elopement coverage in Oregon
- 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 Oregon are already included
- Starting at $6,500
Need more elopement inspiration? Check out my guide on the best places to elope in the Pacific Northwest, how to plan a hiking elopement, and how to plan a national park elopement!
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.
