The Oregon Coast is one of my favorite locations in the state for elopements! However, there are some things that you’ll need to know as you are planning when to have your Oregon Coast elopement. This guide is a deep dive into the best time to elope on the Oregon Coast with helpful information about seasons, tides, and the time of day/week you are planning your elopement. Let’s get started!

Want to work with a photographer who can help you plan your day? I’m an Oregon Coast elopement photographer who can help!

What is the Best Season to Elope on the Oregon Coast?

Everyone is going to tell you that the Coast has pretty moderate weather for the location. That’s helpful… but also not really when it comes to making this important decision on the best times to elope on the Oregon Coast! So here’s my ranking of the seasons and whether or not I recommend them and why!

Summer Elopements

10/10, highly recommend. The months of June to August are peak beautiful weather on the Oregon Coast. You’re more likely to have warm weather and sunshine, the foliage is thriving, it’s a good time. The only thing you’ll want to be aware of is that the coast does get busier in the summer because the weather is so nice and people are taking vacations. If you’re choosing the summer for your elopement day, please see the advice below on the time of day and week for your elopement!

Fall Elopements

7/10, recommend with some notes. Fall is going to be a little colder of course, but EARLY fall is lovely. It’s the shoulder season and weather is getting more changeable, but there are fewer people around and you could still get some very nice weather. Check out this fall elopement at Heceta Head for reference. I’d say early October is your cut off point for pleasant fall weather.

LATER fall, I do not recommend. Later fall gets some of the king tides which make the beaches inaccessible/dangerous for a period of time. It also gets more and more stormy as you approach winter. 

Spring Elopements

7/10, recommend with some notes. Okay similar rating for spring as for fall and for the same reasons. Early spring… why are you torturing yourself with that cold weather? Later spring, things are getting good again! Late April into May is a nice shoulder season where the Coast isn’t quite as busy still and the weather will be getting better. This is also a good season for whale watching and hunting for wildflowers!

Winter Elopements

2/10, do not recommend. I don’t know y’all… Yes, you could do it… but why would you want to (I do know there are valid reasons, but still!)? The winter sees more frequent storms, there are king tides which make some beaches inaccessible/dangerous for a period of time, and it’s going to be colder. I’d more so recommend a snowy winter elopement inland near Bend or the Columbia River Gorge. I gave it 2 points still because it’s possible, but again, it’s tricky and you might end up staying in your Airbnb all day because of a storm. 

How can I plan for the Tides for My Oregon Coast Elopement?

Ah, tides. Those tricky things that dramatically change the coastal landscape. Luckily, we can plan ahead for them! The official tide prediction charts are published each year on October 1. It’s just a matter of consulting those and then planning your day around high and low tide. Low tide tends to be better on the beaches, you’ll get to explore more and have a nice sandy stretch. High tide can make some beaches inaccessible and can even be dangerous depending where you are. Aim for low tide, spend high tide somewhere up high like a coastal overlook or cliff!

Should I elope at Sunrise or Sunset on the Oregon Coast?

Okay, the sun sets in the West, so most people love the Oregon Coast for a sunset, me included. But I also love it at sunrise! You’re not going to get a dramatic colorful sun rising from the ocean, but it still has that softer light that’s good for photos or it could be moody and foggy during that time. The perk of sunrise is that there are likely no other people around. The perk of sunset is that it is often dramatically gorgeous. 

What Day of the Week Should I Get Married on the Oregon Coast?

I’m going to let you in on a secret here: aim for weekdays. Weekends tend to be more crowded, especially if you are looking at eloping during a peak season (summer) or at a popular location (Cannon Beach, Samuel H. Boardman, etc.). Weekdays!

When is Wildfire Season on the Oregon Coast?

Something else to consider for your elopement planning is fire season in Oregon. Unfortunately, it does coincide with the best times to elope (generally May – October). It’s important to have back up plans for your day and to monitor any alerts leading up to your elopement.

How I Can Help You Plan Your Elopement

From the logistics of when, to where, to how, and all the things in between… As your Oregon Coast elopement photographer, I’m here to help you plan your day AND get you beautiful photos of your experience. Learn more about my Oregon Coast elopement photography services.