How to Elope in Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

I’ve driven up and down the Oregon Coast more times than I can count, and I can say without a doubt that the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor area is hands down the best stretch of coastline in the state. The cliffs, the beaches, the views—it’s just incredible. Add in the lack of crowds (something you won’t find in northern Oregon—I’m looking at you, Portland), and you’ve got yourself the perfect place to elope.

This guide is all about how to plan your elopement in Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. I’ll cover things like ceremony locations, permit information, and more so you’re fully prepared to plan the best elopement possible. Let’s get into it!

4 Best Places to Elope in Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

From beaches littered with rock formations and sand dunes to coastal overlooks and nearby Redwood groves, these are the 4 best places to elope in Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.

Secret Beach

Don’t be fooled by the name—Secret Beach isn’t so secret anymore. Once you see the photos, you’ll understand why. It’s by far the most popular spot to elope in Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor. A short walk leads you to some of the most stunning sea stacks on the coast, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a seasonal waterfall. This spot isn’t recommended for older folks, as climbing the rocks down to the actual beach could be a bit challenging, but if you’re up for a short walk, this spot is guaranteed to take your breath away.

Indian Sands

If you’re up for a bit more hiking on your elopement day, I highly recommend checking out the Indian Sands Trail. It’s just over a mile roundtrip and the payoff is incredible. There are so many different landscapes along the way such as forests, sand dunes, overlooks, and of course, the ocean. While it’s somewhat of a popular trail, visit during sunrise or sunset and you’re practically guaranteed to have this entire trail to yourself.

Whaleshead Beach

Whaleshead Beach is known for its rock formation that looks oddly enough, like a whale head. When the water hits it just right, it spurts a spray that looks like a whale spouting. The road down to the beach can be rough. However, there is parking before the road if you’re nervous about the drive. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous stretch of beach and even some marine life if you come during low tide. There’s plenty of room for a ceremony and it’s accessible for guests of all ages.

Cape Ferrelo

Cape Ferrelo is probably my favorite spot on this list (it’s hard to choose just one). The entire trail is only a mile long, but it offers stunning views the entire way. Once you reach the ‘summit,’ you’re rewarded with an incredible bird’s-eye view of Lone Ranch Beach. There’s plenty of room for a ceremony and portraits, and the best part is that it’s dog-friendly (like all locations on this list).

Best Time of Year to Elope in Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

Summer

Summer is a great time to explore the area if you’re looking for warm temperatures and sunny skies. The only downside to this time of year is that because Samuel H. Boardman is so close to Redwood National Park, there tend to be more crowds around the area this time of year. However, there are so many different locations in this area that it’s not difficult to find a secluded spot.

Fall

Fall is a gorgeous time of year to elope in the area and one of my personal favorites. The weather has cooled down a bit so you may experience some wind and potential rains near the tail end of fall, but if you’re willing to take the risk, you’ll be met with crowd-free locations, potential fall colors, and cheaper pricing on travel.

Winter

Winter is incredible in Samuel H. Boardman. While winter may not be everybody’s cup of tea, it’s my second favorite time of year to visit (right after spring). Yes, it’s chilly and rainy, but if you’re looking for a peaceful, crowd-free experience, this is the time to elope. The beaches are foggy and moody and create the perfect light.

Spring

Spring is my absolute favorite time of year in the area. The greens this time of year are incredible after a long winter rain. There may be some occasional showers, but I promise it’s worth the risk. The summer crowds haven’t made their way to the area yet, so you get to explore all the popular spots without seeing tons of people.

How Do I Get a Marriage License for My Elopement in Samuel H. Boardman?

You can get a marriage license in any county in Oregon. However, Curry County is the closest county to Samuel H. Boardman. Here are the steps to getting one:

1. Call the County Clerk’s office at (541) 247-3295 to make an appointment.
2. When you arrive, you’ll fill out your application. You’ll need to both show up in person with your IDs.
3. Pay the $50 marriage license fee and get your license. Note that there is a 3-day waiting period in Oregon, meaning you’ll need to pick up your license 3 days before the ceremony for it to be valid.
4. After the ceremony, mail or drop-off the marriage license at the County Clerk’s office.

If you need more information, check out the official website for Curry County here.

Pro tip: If you’re coming from out of state, you can also get your marriage license by mail in certain counties to bypass the 3-day waiting period!

Do I Need an Officiant and Witness for My Samuel H. Boardman Elopement?

Yes, you will need two witnesses and an officiant.

Pro tip: I’m ordained and can officiate ceremonies.

Do I Need a Permit to Elope in Samuel H. Boardman?

No. Unless you’re having over 50 people present at your elopement, you don’t need a permit to elope in Samuel H. Boardman (score)!

Can You Bring Your Dog?

Yes! Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is one of the most dog-friendly locations in Oregon! You can bring your furry friend at almost every single location in the corridor.

Best Places to Stay for Your Samuel H. Boardman Elopement

These are some of the best places to stay if you’re looking to stay close to the area!

Brookings

Brookings is by far the closest place to stay since it’s only 6 minutes away. Brookings is a small coastal town with a few chain grocery stores like Fred Meyer and lots of local businesses. The downtown area is super cute and walkable.

• The Working Lighthouse – Stay in a literal lighthouse with gorgeous views of the Pacific!
• Coastal Cabin Getaway – A quaint cabin right on the Chetco River just minutes away from the coast.

Crescent City

If you’re looking for something a bit closer to the Redwoods, I recommend Crescent City. It’s a small town in California and is about 30 minutes from the area. There’s not a ton to do here, but you will find lots of chains like Walmart and McDonalds.

• Redwood Wonderland – 3,900 square foot home nestled amongst 2 acres of private Redwood forest.
• Oceanfront Mid Century Home – A unique oceanfront duplex bungalow with chic, mid-century character.

Gold Beach

Gold Beach is 30 minutes north of Samuel H. Boardman. It’s smaller than Brookings and doesn’t provide much, but the beaches are beautiful. I recommend exploring this area if you’re looking for something a bit more secluded and quiet.

• River’s End – A 2-acre home with unreal views of the Rogue River and ocean. Plus, it has a hot tub!
• Queen Bee – Cozy home right on the sand. Walk to the beach or relax in the hot tub.

Things to Do for Your Samuel H. Boardman Elopement

If you’re looking to incorporate some fun activities on your elopement day, or even just during your trip, these are some of my best recommendations.

• Celebrate with a dinner at Black Trumpet Bistro
• Have a picnic on one of the many cliffsides
• Hike the nearby Redwood trails
• Enjoy a cold beer at Chetco Brewing Company
• Go whalewatching
• Relax in the hot tub before getting ready
• Grab a bite to eat at Zola’s On The Water
• Hire a private chef
• Make s’mores on the beach
• Stay past the sunset and go stargazing
• Go kayaking on the Chetco River
• Rent a bike and explore downtown

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor Elopement Packages

If you’re ready to elope in one of the most breathtaking places in Oregon, I’m ready to help you plan. I’m Brianna, an elopement photographer who specializes in the area. I help couples plan unforgettable elopement days by providing personalized location recommendations, permit assistance, timeline creation, and more. Take a peek at what each package has to offer below or check out my packages page here.

• 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
• 24-48 hour sneak peeks to share with the world
• Travel fees to anywhere in Oregon are already included
• Starting at $7,000

Need more elopement inspiration? Check out my Redwood National Park Elopement Guide, Northern California Elopement Guide, and Best Places to Elope in Oregon!