Cape Kiwanda Elopement Guide 2026

You saw Cape Kiwanda. You loved Cape Kiwanda. Now you have approximately 37 questions about how to actually elope there.

It might feel overwhelming, to say the least.

Cape Kiwanda is the perfect place to elope in Oregon for couples who are looking for something a little different than your typical Oregon Coast elopement location. Sure, you get the same ocean and similar views to other beaches, but Cape Kiwanda offers a kind of variety that’s unmatched by other beaches.

Apart from views of Haystack Rock with less than half the crowds you’ll find at Cannon Beach, Cape Kiwanda is also home to a giant sand dune with unreal views of the coast, as well as some rocky cliffs that are hard to find at other beaches.

It’s no wonder you fell in love with the area.

But if the planning part feels a little on the rocks (pun intended), you’re in the right place.

This guide will walk you through permits, weather, lodging, and all the little things you should know if you’re planning a Cape Kiwanda elopement.

Best Time of Year to Elope at Cape Kiwanda

You already know you want to elope at Cape Kiwanda, so we’ve got the location on lock. The next step in planning an elopement is choosing a date.

The best time to elope at Cape Kiwanda is in September, October, or May. However, each season has its perks, and Cape Kiwanda is open year-round, so technically, there’s no bad month to elope here. Here’s what you expect in each season.

Summer (June-August)

I’d keep almost all of this. Just smooth the repetition and make the last line set up fall a little better:

Summer (June-August)

Summer brings warm weather and sunny skies, but also crowds. And lots of ’em.

Cape Kiwanda is one of the most popular spots on the Oregon Coast, so expect a lot of people, especially on weekends. If you’re set on a summer elopement, I recommend planning for a weekday and avoiding the middle of the day when the beach is at its busiest.

That being said, the sunsets truly can’t be beat in the summer.

If crowds are a concern, though, fall is a much better option.

Fall (September-October)

Fall is the best time of year to elope at Cape Kiwanda. My personal favorite month to photograph elopements here is October.

September through October offers the perfect combination of warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower lodging prices. Rain is always possible on the coast, especially later in the season, but this time of year is usually still pretty mild and enjoyable.

If you want the best balance of good weather and fewer people, this is the time I’d pick.

Winter (November-March)

Winter is one of my favorite times to visit Cape Kiwanda.

Yes, it’s rainy, but the beach is much quieter, almost empty. It’s 100% possible to get an entire stretch of beach to yourself for your ceremony during this time of year.

It’s also a great season for whale watching, surfing, and cozying up with a bowl of clam chowder after your ceremony at one of the local pubs.

If privacy matters more to you than perfect weather, winter is unmatched.

Spring (April-May)

Spring is another beautiful time to visit and, in my opinion, the second-best season to elope here.

The nearby forests come back to life with greenery, and it’s a great time of year for wildlife. The weather can still be a little unpredictable and rainy, but you’ll get fewer crowds and much better lodging prices compared to summer.

May in particular is a great sweet spot if you want nicer weather without jumping straight into peak season.

Do You Need a Permit to Elope at Cape Kiwanda?

Once you’ve picked your date, the next thing to check is whether you need a permit.

The good news is no! You don’t need a permit to elope at Cape Kiwanda unless you’re bringing over 50 guests or have some kind of setup, such as a ceremony arch, table, chairs, etc. Basically, anything that isn’t part of the natural landscape.

If either of those apply, you’ll need to apply for a permit. Pricing typically starts around $150 and increases slightly depending on your guest count (usually $1 per person).

If you do need one, you can find the application and current rules here.

Pro tip: You’ll still need to pay $10 to park at Cape Kiwanda, regardless of when you’re eloping.

Cape Kiwanda Marriage License Information

If you want to elope at Cape Kiwanda, you’ll need to get an Oregon marriage license.

There’s a 3-day waiting period, which means you can’t get married until three days after picking it up. This can be waived for a $10-$25 fee if needed.

The license is valid for 60 days, and I recommend applying about a month before your wedding day.

Note: I’m using Tillamook County, where Cape Kiwanda 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
• E-mail copies of photo IDs for both parties to clerk@tillamookcounty.gov
• Once the office receives your photo IDs, you’ll get a link to pay the $60 fee online
• Pick up the license in person

After your elopement, return the signed license to the same office.

Tillamook County may also mail your marriage license to you if you’re coming from out of state and can’t show up in person. You’ll just need to request it.

Otherwise, you might want to consider getting your license from neighboring Clatsop County, which allows mailed applications for couples coming from out of state.

For the most up-to-date information, you can check out the official Tillamook County Clerk’s website here

Do I Need an Officiant and Witness to Elope at Cape Kiwanda?

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 get ordained online through the Universal Life Church.

As a PNW elopement photographer, I’m also ordained and can officiate ceremonies for my couples as part of my elopement packages.

Where to Stay When Eloping at Cape Kiwanda

With the ceremony and legal stuff figured out, the next thing I recommend booking is lodging.

Most couples stay in Pacific City, a small coastal town with mom-and-pop restaurants, small grocery stores, and plenty of outdoor activities. This is where Cape Kiwanda is located.

If you’re looking for a few Airbnbs or hotels in the area, these are some of my personal recommendations:

• Historic Riverfront Cabin – The best of both worlds, with a cabin located on the Big Nestucca River and just a few miles from the beach.
• Oceanfront Home – An inviting, modern beachfront home right on the sand.
• Surf and Sand – A 1940s inn located in the heart of Pacific City.
• Inn at Cape Kiwanda – A popular boutique hotel right across the street from Cape Kiwanda.

Cape Kiwanda Elopement FAQ

These are some of the most common questions I get asked when it comes to eloping at Cape Kiwanda.

Are Dogs Allowed at Cape Kiwanda?

Yes! Dogs are allowed at Cape Kiwanda, but they do need to be kept on a leash.

Can You Have a Fire at Cape Kiwanda?

Yes, beach fires are allowed at Cape Kiwanda. However, if there’s an active burn ban in the area, which is pretty common during the summer, fires aren’t allowed.

What Is the Best Time of Day to Elope at Cape Kiwanda?

Sunrise and sunset are going to be your best options.

Sunrise is best if you want fewer crowds and more privacy, while sunset is better for the warm, golden light Cape Kiwanda is known for. Sunset does tend to be a little busier, especially during the summer, so if privacy is your biggest priority, I’d go with sunrise.

How Crowded Does Cape Kiwanda Get?

Cape Kiwanda can get very crowded, especially during the summer and on weekends. It’s one of the most popular spots on the Oregon Coast, so if you’re hoping for something more private, I’d recommend planning for sunrise or a weekday.

If you’re eloping during the off-season, from October through April, you can expect way fewer people around.

Where Do You Park?

There’s a main public parking lot right next to the beach in Pacific City, which gives you easy access to Cape Kiwanda.

It can fill up quickly, especially during the summer and on weekends, so arriving early is your best bet.

Cape Kiwanda Elopement Activities

We’re almost done! At this point, you’ve got the big planning pieces figured out. Now it’s time to build your timeline and start adding in the fun stuff.

Cape Kiwanda offers so many fun ways to make your elopement day feel more like an experience than just a quick ceremony. One of the best parts about eloping is having the freedom to slow down and actually enjoy the day together, whether that’s exploring the dunes, watching the waves, or doing something a little different.

Below are some of my favorite ideas to help you make the most of your time here.

• Grab a burger and a beer at Pelican Brewing right on the beach (local’s favorite)
• Go whale-watching (done during the winter months)
• Climb the top of the sand dune at Cape Kiwanda and overlook the ocean
• Go tidepooling
• Have a campfire with s’mores and hot dogs
• Go hiking nearby to get a beautiful overlook of Cape Kiwanda
• Soak in a hot tub before getting ready for the day
• Pack a picnic to enjoy on the beach
• Book a horseback ride on the coast with Twin Creeks Beach and Trail Rides
• Bring your dogs and play fetch on one of the many off-leash beaches
• Watch (or fly) the hang gliders/paragliders
• Drive the Three Capes Scenic Loop (Cape Kiwanda, Cape Meares, Cape Lookout)

Leah and Tre’s Cape Kiwanda Elopement

Now that you’ve got all the pieces to planning a Cape Kiwanda elopement, let me show you what it looks like in action.

Leah and Tre eloped at Cape Kiwanda in August, starting in the mid-afternoon and staying through sunset. We ended up getting pretty lucky that day because there weren’t a ton of people on the beach. Shocking for August!

I met up with these two and was immediately in photographer heaven when I saw Leah’s dress, Tre’s outfit, and all the sunglasses, hats, and boho realness they could muster up.

We spent a solid two hours just roaming around and taking photos. We of course got some on the beach in front of Haystack Rock before making our way over to the dune. It was a fairly steep climb, but the views were incredible. We were even the only ones at the top for the rest of the night.

Something I loved so much about this elopement was how simple it was. Like I walked you through in this guide, you really don’t need to put in a ton of planning to get an incredible result. A date, timeline, marriage license, and place to stay are really all you need to have the Cape Kiwanda elopement of your dreams!

Need a Cape Kiwanda Elopement Photographer?

And just like that, you know how to plan a Cape Kiwanda elopement!

I’m Brianna, a Pacific Northwest elopement photographer who has been helping couples plan elopements along the West Coast for over 7 years. Cape Kiwanda is one of my favorite places to photograph, and I love helping my couples bring their vision to life here.

From location ideas and vendor recommendations to timelines and permits, I’m here to help you figure it all out so you can just focus on enjoying your day. If you want to learn more about what I offer, you can check out my elopement packages here or get a glimpse of what’s included below.

Cape Kiwanda Elopement Packages

• 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 to the best places to elope in the Pacific Northwest or my beach elopement guide for even more ideas.