Capella by the Sea is easily one of the most unique wedding venues on the Southern Oregon Coast. This small chapel overlooks the Chetco River and Pacific Ocean and is located in one of the most incredible parks, making it one of the best venue options for couples planning an intimate wedding or elopement.
After photographing multiple wedding at Capella by the Sea and exploring everything the Brookings area has to offer, I can confidently say this venue is best for couples who want something small, affordable, and surrounded by nature.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting married at Capella by the Sea, including how much it costs, how many guests you can bring, the best time of year to get married, where to take wedding photos, and how to book the venue. Plus, I’ll show you a real Capella by the Sea wedding I photographed so you can see exactly what getting married here looks like.
How Much Does a Capella by the Sea Wedding Cost?
Capella by the Sea costs $250 per hour with a two-hour minimum, which would put the minimum venue rental at $500. A 50% nonrefundable booking fee and event insurance are also required.
How Many Guests Can You Have at Capella by the Sea?
Capella by the Sea has a maximum capacity of 49 people.
That said, 49 people can feel pretty cramped inside the chapel. After photographing a few weddings here, I personally think Capella is best suited for weddings and elopements with around 20 guests or fewer.
When Can I Get Married at Capella by the Sea?
One of the perks of getting married at Capella by the Sea is that the venue is available to rent year-round. That said, if you’re hoping to take advantage of everything Brookings has to offer for wedding photos, some months are definitely better than others.
Spring is one of my favorite times for a Capella by the Sea wedding. The venue sits inside Azalea Park, so you have blooming flowers and tons of trees right outside the chapel.
Summer generally gives you longer days and more time to explore the coast after your ceremony, but it also means more visitors at popular beaches and viewpoints. Fall is another great option if you want fewer crowds while still having enough daylight to explore. And Winter can be beautiful if you don’t mind rain and want the fewest crowds!
Best Capella by the Sea Wedding Photo Locations
One of my favorite things about getting married at Capella by the Sea is that you can truly get the best of both worlds. Have your ceremony inside the chapel, then spend the rest of the day exploring the coast.
A few of my nearby favorite portrait locations include:
- Azalea Park: The easiest option because you’re already there. The trees, gardens, and seasonal flowers give you a completely different look from the coast without adding any driving time.
- Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor: If the dramatic Oregon Coast views are what brought you to Brookings, this is where I’d go. The corridor stretches for miles along the coast with forests, cliffs, beaches, and viewpoints, so there are tons of options depending on how much walking you want to do.
- Lone Ranch Beach: A great option if you want beach photos without turning your portrait session into a huge hike. It’s one of the more accessible stops along the Samuel H. Boardman corridor.
- Chetco Point Park: Another option close to Brookings if you want ocean views without driving far up the coast.
How to Book Capella by the Sea
Capella by the Sea is owned and managed by the City of Brookings, so you’ll need to contact Brookings Parks & Recreation to check whether your wedding date is available and submit an application, which can be found on their website.
A Real Capella by the Sea Wedding
Now that we’ve covered the logistics, let me show you what a real wedding at Capella by the Sea actually looks like.
Sylvia and Andrew chose to celebrate their wedding over two days, which gave them plenty of time to incorporate their families, traditions, and everything they wanted to experience in Brookings.
The first day was all about honoring tradition. Sylvia is Korean, so it was important for them to include a Paebaek, a traditional Korean wedding ceremony with their families. The ceremony included bowing to their parents, serving tea, receiving blessings, and, of course, the tradition of catching dates and chestnuts tossed by their parents. There were plenty of laughs and more than a few happy tears.
The next day was their wedding at Capella by the Sea. I met them at their Airbnb on the grounds of Crook Point for getting-ready photos before we headed into Brookings for their ceremony. They exchanged vows and rings inside Capella surrounded by their closest friends and family, then celebrated with champagne and a charcuterie board.
Afterward, we took advantage of one of my favorite things about getting married at Capella: how much incredible scenery you have nearby. We started with portraits in the forest surrounding the chapel before heading out to explore more of Brookings and the Southern Oregon Coast.
To end the night, everyone met back at their Airbnb for an intimate dinner filled with toasts, dancing, and a mix of Korean and Polish dishes honoring both of their families. And obviously, their lab-golden mix, Ted, was there for the celebration too.
It’s days like this that make me fall in love with what I do all over again.
- Photography: Me!
- Videographer: Savage Winds Film
- Venue: Capella by the Sea
- Venue #2: Crook Point
- Hair and Makeup: Whit Marie Hair and Makeup
- Officiant: Officiant Jimmie
- Florals: Freckled Fleurs
- Chef: Miere Catering
- Airbnb: Mervue Estate
- Cellist: Dolce Fuoco Strings
- Car Service: EMC Black Car Service
Planning a Capella by the Sea Wedding?
If Capella by the Sea sounds like your kind of venue, I get it. It’s my kind of venue, too.
As an elopement photographer who has photographed numerous weddings here, I help with more than just the photos. From figuring out the best time for your ceremony and choosing portrait locations to building a timeline for the day, I’m here to help the planning process feel like a breeze.
Still exploring your options? Check out my guide to the best places to elope in Oregon for more of my favorite locations throughout the state. And if you love Capella but want something with on-site lodging and a little more space for guests, take a look at this Lost Whale Inn wedding for another intimate venue a few hours south.
If your heart is already set on Capella, I’d love to help you make it happen. Take a look at my elopement packages below to see what’s included and start planning your day.
- 4 hours – 2 days of elopement coverage anywhere 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
- Complimentary album design
- 24-48 hour sneak peeks to share with the world
- Travel fees to anywhere in Oregon are already included
- Starting at $6,500
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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.
