Ultimate Guide for a Southern Oregon Coast Elopement
There are so many gorgeous locations across the US for an intimate, nature-focused elopement. Some of them are pretty common. The Blue Ridge Mountains are some of the prettiest on the east coast, Joshua Tree is an easy drive flying into LA, and Yosemite is a fan favorite for anyone who loves the national parks. If you want an intimate elopement with a jaw-dropping backdrop off the beaten path, though – a southern Oregon coast elopement is the way to go.
Eloping in a small, lesser known area of the country can be challenging because there isn’t as much information out there about the area like there would be places like Zion or Sedona. But no need to worry! I’ve rounded up everything you need to know about eloping in and around Brookings, Oregon from my time in the area to make it super simple for you! Read on to find out what to do, where to stay and what you need for a southern Oregon coast elopement.
About the Southern Oregon Coast
This stunning stretch of coastline begins when you cross from northern California into the Beaver State. I’m calling it a guide to a southern Oregon coast elopement, but really it focuses in and around the main town in this area, Brookings. Brookings is a small, coastal town only about 10 minutes up Highway 101 once you cross into Oregon from California. It has a population of less than 7,000 people, and the surrounding areas aren’t very densely populated either. They’re made up of mostly state parks, national forests, and scenic corridors.
What makes this area unique is the way the mountains meet the coastline in beautifully eroded rock formations that form picturesque scenes along the shore. Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor is the main attraction in the area. This winding highway leads you past breathtaking spots like Natural Bridges and Secret Beach. It’s like a Pinterest board come to life! If you like dramatic scenery and moody vibes, then eloping in Brookings, Oregon is the perfect place for you!
When to elope in Brookings, Oregon
Because it’s the pacific northwest, weather is an important factor when you’re choosing when to elope in Brookings, Oregon.
Summer
Obviously, the warmest and best temperatures can be found here in July and August. But like other places I’ve written about in Iceland, Alaska and Washington, this is also going to be the most busy time of year. It’s not impossible to plan an elopement here in summer, but it will be more difficult to find seclusion.
Fall
For that reason, I love a shoulder season! Try planning your southern Oregon Coast elopement in early fall for smaller crowds and still decent weather. The area starts to get more rain around mid-October so consider going before then.
Winter
The highest rainfall here happens in the winter, and temperatures can get pretty cold. If you’re okay with bundling up and you want moody, possibly foggy vibes for your photos, you could choose a winter southern Oregon coast elopement.
Spring
I love spring in this area! I was last there during springtime and it was a great time to visit. There were virtually no crowds during our time there thanks to it being shoulder season, so a spring elopement would give us plenty of options for more secluded locations!
How to legally elope in Oregon
Getting all the paperwork in place is a key part of having a destination elopement. Here’s everything you need to know about what you need to legally elope in Oregon
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In whatever state you get married in, you’ll have to obtain a marriage license. In Oregon, both parties must apply in person at a County Clerk office. Oregon marriage licenses cost $60 and are good for 60 days afterwards. However, it’s important to note that there is a 3-day waiting period to be able to use your marriage license. This means you need to get to Oregon and apply in person for your marriage license at least 3 days before your planned ceremony. OR you can pay an extra $10 and have the waiting period waived (which in my opinion, is the easiest way to do it!). Find all the Oregon marriage license details here.
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The state of Oregon requires every marriage license to be signed by an officiant and two witnesses. Great news: my husband Jake is an ordained officiant! Plus, I can be one of your witnesses so we only need one more!
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If you choose to get married on any state park property, you’ll need to call the park ahead of time and check with what that park allows. In some cases, you may have to fill out and submit a special use permit.
Best locations for a southern Oregon Coast elopement
The natural beauty of the towering rock formations and redwood trees along Oregon’s shoreline make it prime real estate for a romantic elopement. Here are some of the best spots for a southern Oregon coast elopement.
Natural Bridges
This is the spot along the southern Oregon coast that you probably recognize. Here, the waves crash into massive rock formations in the water along the coastal cliffside. Erosion over time has created the phenomenon of “Natural Bridges,” the most iconic spot in this area. However, while I do want to mention it here, I wouldn’t recommend holding your ceremony at this location. The spot may be famous on Pinterest but the trail here is very narrow along a steep cliff. We may be able to snap a few photos from a safe overlook, but your safety is always my priority as a Leave No Trace Aware photographer! There are plenty of other spots that offer just as much drama without the crowds or sketchy trails.
Secret Beach
Moving on to the second most famous spot near Brookings, we have Secret Beach. While this beach is gorgeous in photos, it’s often a bit of an Instagram vs. reality situation. The beach itself is very small and fills up quickly during summertime and peak hours. And depending on the tide and recent rain fall you may have to cross water to get to the beach. It may not be the best choice for you if you want seclusion. I suggest picking another spot for your ceremony and getting a few photos together here.
Indian Sands
This beautiful trail takes you over sand dunes along the spectacular ocean cliffside. We’ve hiked this one and think it would be a gorgeous spot for an elopement! However, no dogs are allowed on this trail, so if you want to include your pup in your elopement, you’ll want to pick a different one.
Arch Rock Picnic Area
This small area is great for a couple who wants an elopement everyone in their group can easily walk to. The picnic area provides beautiful views of arch rock, another jaw-dropping rock formation off the coast.
Harris Beach State Park
This state park features sandy beaches, jagged rocks and ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. As a state park, it has a few more amenities than some of the other spots in the area. Remember to check into state park event permitting before you go!
Lone Ranch Beach
This sandy beach is a great spot to take in the sea stacks offshore. The sea stacks are aplenty here, and in the springtime Cape Ferrelo is coated in brightly-colored flowers.
Chetco Point Park
If there weren’t already enough beaches to choose from, check out Chetco Point Park. This 9-acre beach park has beaches, bluffs and tidal pools to explore.
Alfred A. Loeb State Park
If you’re looking for something a little more woodsy than coastal, Alfred A. Loeb State Park is a great choice. Myrtlewood trees have a distinct aromatic smell and are very popular on the southern Oregon coast. This park protects an old-growth grove of these beloved trees along the banks of the Chetco River.
Oregon Redwood Trail
There are only two old-growth redwood groves in Oregon, and this is one of them. They aren’t the biggest redwoods you’ll ever see, but they’re still beautiful to see. If the redwood look is a must for you, and you’re open to some adventuring, there are massive redwoods right across the state line at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. It’s only around 30 minutes away from Brookings so it would be perfect for a second portrait location! More on this spot in an upcoming blog.
Let’s pick a spot off the beaten path
The great part about working with an elopement photographer is that we know how to find you a spot that will capture the vibe that you want without being overcrowded or inconducive to a ceremony! You don’t have to do all the research yourself. We can plan an Airbnb elopement and then set out to take some great photos, or I can introduce you to a spot that is just as pretty as some of the more iconic ones here but with way more romantic and secluded vibes.
Check out more of my elopement destination guides!
Where to stay for a southern Oregon Coast elopement
Because this is such a small area, lodging can be humble when you choose to elope in Brookings, Oregon. My husband and I camped in a van there and loved it! But if you’re looking for a bit comfier accommodations, here are a few suggestions.
Coastal Cliffs – If we’re being honest, there aren’t a ton of beautiful hotels in Brookings. This collection of cute cliffside cabins can be found on Airbnb and serves up some of the best views.
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort – this is in Bandon, not Brookings, but if you want posh lodging, it’s worth the distance. It’s one of the only upscale resorts in the area and the rooms are sleek and modern.
Oceanfront studio in a vintage cabin – oceanfront hot tub! What’s not to love?!
Barney B’s Cornett private barn remodel – stunning modern interiors with wood beam ceiling
Luxury apartment ocean retreat – pretty views in a modern apartment
Things to do when you elope in Brookings, Oregon
Thanks to the natural beauty of the area, there is so much to see and do in Brookings. The town itself isn’t exactly an impressive destination, but it’s the area surrounding it you’ll love. Still, you have to eat while you’re there! I rounded up a few restaurant options for your southern oregon coast elopement.
Food
Black Trumpet Bistro – upscale Italian
Zola’s on the Water – pizza and Italian with harbor views
Superfly Martini Bar & Grill – casual but cool bar food
Oxenfre Public House – local ingredients and seasonal cocktails
Activities
While you should obviously visit the other spots on the elopement location suggestions that you didn’t pick, here are some tips on other things to do when you elope in Brookings, Oregon.
Road trip Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor – stating the obvious here, but even when we aren’t zipping about for your elopement photos, you should absolutely take the time to cruise this scenic road!
Visit Azalea Park – this area is known for its azalea flowers and you can even attend the Azalea Festival on Memorial Day weekend!
Go whale watching at Harris Beach State Park – from December through March you can see gray whales migrating south to Mexico from this beach. Pack your binoculars to get a closer look!
Charter a boat at Port of Brookings Harbor – this cute harbor in town has boats you can charter for a day on the water. How cute would it be to get photos at the docks in the harbor and from the boat with the coast in the background?!
Go antiquing at Goldilocks Antiques – bring home a unique memento of your wedding weekend by browsing the antiques at Goldilocks. This store is a popular stop in the area and you’ll never know what you may find!
Eat along the Wild Rivers Coast Food Trail – this is such a fun tour to take in the area! There are a few different variations you can go on, from a berry-focused adventure to a delicious journey through seafood stops along the way.
Take in history at Mt. Emily Bomb site – for history buff couples, this spot 16 miles from Brookings is believed to be the only spot in the contiguous US that saw enemy fire during WWII. The goal of the Japanese submarine that launched the attack was to set a raging forest fire that would weaken war-fighting resolve. Luckily, the moist climate of the area prevented this from happening. The event is commemorated with the Mt. Emily bombsite trail.
Rent ATVs on the sand dunes – just north of Brookings, there are huge sand dunes at Oregon Dunes Natural Recreation Area. Rent ATVs and cruise the dunes for a fun group activity!
Drive down the coast to Northern California – Northern California is just as beautiful as southern Oregon! Just a short drive away, you’ll find Redwood National Park and several other gorgeous state parks as well. Highly recommend fitting this into your itinerary while you are there!
Let me help you elope in Brookings, Oregon!
Ready for a secluded, dramatic southern Oregon coast elopement?! I’d be thrilled to help you plan it and capture the most epic photos of your love there! When you work with me, I’ll help you find all of the best spots, pick the best time to avoid the crowds, and make sure everything goes smoothly on your wedding day! Plus, I’ll bring snacks. What could be better than that?! Let’s start planning!