T & J’s October elopement was the stuff of Oregon Coast dreams. Sunshine, stunning sunset, and good vibes. This Heceta Head Beach elopement was one for the records, and I’m going to walk you through not only how the day went, but also give some insight into the planning process so you can get started on planning your own elopement.

I’m an Oregon Coast elopement photographer who helps couples leave the big wedding behind and plan an awesome day focused on celebrating themselves and their love. Learn more about my photography and planning services.

Time of Year: October Elopement on the Oregon Coast

The coast’s weather is generally more mild year-round, but it does get a bit more changeable the further you get into fall (late fall especially will likely have king tides and more frequent storms). That’s why when I began working with T & J, I suggested early October for their fall elopement date, rather than waiting until later in the season. And oh did the weather show out for them! Their elopement day was pure sunshine.

Aiming for the best possible weather for your elopement? I recommend June – August!

Location: Saying Vows at Heceta Head Beach

For T & J’s elopement, we were looking for an epic beach with no hiking needed near Florence, Oregon. They also wanted somewhere that wouldn’t be too busy for them to still have privacy during their ceremony. Heceta Head was the perfect match, being a short walk from the parking area and having a large variety of landscapes for their elopement photos.

And though Heceta Head is a popular location (there’s a gorgeous lighthouse hike leaving from the same parking area), it’s one of those spots on the Oregon Coast that you will still have plenty of space at for an intimate elopement ceremony. During T & J’s elopement, we easily found a deserted section of the beach for them to say their vows. 

Working with a Photographer to Choose Your Location

As you’re planning your Oregon Coast elopement (especially if you aren’t from the area), it can be hard to find the perfect location. You don’t want to accidentally choose somewhere too busy or somewhere that’s not super accessible. That’s why I recommend couples work with a photographer who is familiar with the Coast.

As an Oregon Coast elopement photographer, I have personally scouted popular locations and hidden gems all over the Coast. As part of my location scouting process, I consider how busy each location is (are you going to feel crowded during your elopement or be able to have an intimate ceremony?), what the accessibility level is (paved paths and flat walks vs. hiking and more strenuous paths), and what amenities are available (restrooms, parking). My goal is to make sure you choose not only an epic-looking location, but also one that fits your needs for the day!

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Permit Coordination: Navigating Heceta Head Permit Requirements

As part of my elopement photography services, I help couples coordinate any necessary permits for their elopement day. I called ahead to the State Parks office and let them know what T & J were planning. Since they weren’t getting legally married (they opted for a symbolic ceremony) or doing a large ceremony, no permit was needed in this instance. Super simple!

Learn more about my Oregon Coast elopement photography and planning assistance. 

Enjoying the Day: Adding in Fun Elopement Activities

Fun activities can help make your elopement day feel super special and unique to you. One I love recommending to couples is popping champagne and toasting to your marriage.

T & J celebrated their Heceta Head Beach elopement with an alternative to champagne. They chose a bottle of Blanc Sparkling Tea from Trader Joe’s (that also happened to perfectly match their green color scheme) and it was the perfect touch!

Looking for more activities you can do on the Oregon Coast? Check out my blog with 10 fun ideas for your elopement day.

Timing the Tides: Exploring Heceta Head Beach at Low Tide

We planned T & J’s elopement ceremony to take place around sunset, and, luckily enough, low tide ended up falling at the same time. After officially tying the knot, T & J explored the rest of Heceta Head Beach, starting with a sea cave that had been exposed from the tide going out.

Track the Tides

The Oregon Coast is famous for its  beaches, and they are awesome to explore at low tide. Whether you’d like to uncover sea caves like T & J did or do some tide pooling, there’s just so much more you can do and see at low tide! When I’m helping my couples plan their elopement days, one of the first things I research is the tide table for their day and location, and I recommend you do the same!

Looking to plan your own elopement on the Oregon Coast? Learn more about my Oregon Coast elopement photography and planning assistance. 

Time of Day: Watching An Epic Sunset on Heceta Head Beach

The sun sets in the West, and that makes the Oregon Coast one of the most epic spots for a sunset elopement on the beach. To take advantage of that epic lighting, I always recommend couples build their timeline around having their ceremony or exploring somewhere awesome at sunset.

T & J opted to have their ceremony a bit before sunset began and then explored Heceta Head Beach and took elopement portraits as the sun set behind them. They played in the sand, checked out all the rocks exposed at low tide, and just soaked in each other’s company while taking in the beautiful sunset views. 

Work with me as your Oregon Coast elopement photographer.

Planning Advice: Extra Tips for Your Heceta Head Elopement

Find Awesome Stays in the Area

To really make the most of your elopement day, I recommend renting an awesome cabin as your home base. You can take getting ready photos there, do a first look, cuddle up by the fire and roast some s’mores, take a dip in the hot tub, make a home cooked meal, and more.

Here are some spots near Heceta Head that I would recommend:

• Lakefront home in Florence
• The Blue Pearl in Yachats
• The Surf House in Yachats

Get Your Parking Permit

There is a parking permit required for Heceta Head. There are pay machines at both lots that accept card, so it’s super simple to purchase onsite!

Download the Map

You will not have cell service at Heceta Head, and you won’t have service for miles around either. Make sure you make arrangements for your photographer and guests to be traveling with you/at the same time so no one is late to the occasion. And also make sure you have all downloaded an offline map of the area so you don’t get lost!

Make the Most of Your Elopement Day

I always recommend couples plan full day elopements, because eloping doesn’t mean you can’t have an awesome celebration together – it might just look a bit different from a traditional wedding day. As you plan your day, add in your favorite activities (hiking, picnics, s’mores, enjoying a hot tub), explore multiple locations, and generally make the most of this once in a lifetime day.

Your Oregon Coast Elopement Photographer

Hey, I’m Desiree! I help couples plan epic Oregon Coast elopements in awesome locations like Heceta Head! If you’re looking to leave behind the big wedding and have the elopement of your dreams, reach out to learn more about how I can help you plan and photograph your Oregon Coast elopement.