Okay, hot take. Sunrise is definitely the best time of day to elope on the Oregon Coast. I know you’re probably sending me some side eye – I mean who doesn’t love a good sunset on the West Coast?! I love sunset too, but for a lot of eloping couples… I’d actually recommend you opt for sunrise. That’s because the coast is empty at sunrise. There’s no one else around, and it’s the peaceful PNW vibes you’ve been craving. Let’s talk about it. 

Want the best of both worlds? For my full and multi-day elopement packages you can split your photography coverage between sunrise and sunset! Learn more about my Oregon Coast elopement photography and planning.

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Sunrise Means No Crowds

If you’re anything like I was, one of your top goals is to avoid other people during your elopement and spend time together just the two of you. I hate to break it to you, but it’s really hard to do that at sunset on the coast. Yes, there are hidden gem locations, but even at some of those hidden gems, you might cross paths with other folks. At sunrise though? Everywhere is pretty much deserted. Maybe you’ll see someone else out because they are exercising, but for the most part, you’re just going to be alone. And I LOVE that.

No crowds also means you can enjoy usually popular locations with almost no one else around (like Cannon Beach…). You won’t be having folks approach you, looking on as you say your vows, walking through your photos, or – the worst case scenario – covertly taking photos of you like you’re the real tourist attraction (yes, it happens). 

Bottomline… sunrise = peak privacy for your Oregon Coast elopement. 

I help guide couples through every part of the planning process, including how busy locations are and how best to avoid crowds. Get help planning your elopement on the Oregon Coast.

The Lighting at Sunrise is Beautiful

Sunrise on the Oregon Coast is different. It’s peaceful and dreamy. There may be a thick morning fog for those extra PNW vibes or it may be a clear day with beautiful sunlight filtering through the trees around you. The lighting is soft and if you’re in a low-lying area, you’re going to have a longer time in the shade as the sun rises over the trees and hills behind you. That makes sunrise and early morning a perfect time for photography. The light is super flattering.

Sunrise Feels Calm and Grounded

If you’re looking to plan a calm, intentional, and grounded elopement experience, sunrise is the perfect time to center the most important parts of your day around. It’s quiet and it’s just the two of you. Without the crowds and chaos of other people around, you can just soak in each other’s presence and relax. 

Picture this. You wake up before dawn, quietly getting ready together in your cabin. You head off to a beautiful beach with a light fog over the area. You find the perfect spot to say private vows just the two of you, and then you chill together over a morning picnic while watching for sea lions in the water. It’s the perfect chill start to your elopement experience. 

You’re eloping because you want to prioritize your experience and how you feel while getting married. I specialize in helping couples plan intentional and grounded elopements that allow them to feel connected and relaxed. Learn more about how I can help. 

Sunrise Let’s You Get the Nervous Stuff Out of the Way First

I’ve never met a couple who are not at least slightly nervous about saying their vows and doing the official ceremony piece of the elopement day. Since the best lighting is in those first two hours of the day, that’s usually when we’ll be planning your ceremony for. That means you’ll get the anxiety-inducing stuff out of the way early so you can just enjoy the rest of your day and soak up the happy vibes of finally being married. 

If you’re feeling nervous about the ceremony – sunrise is the way, my friend. 

Logistics: What to Know Before Planning a Sunrise Elopement

When planning a sunrise elopement there are some logistical aspects to be aware of. 

• Early wake up time. You’ll need to wake up early, potentially really early. Make sure you go to sleep early the night before so you’ll be rested, and set plenty of alarms.
• DIY Hair and Makeup or Booking Someone for Super Early Morning. You’ll want to be fully ready to go before the sun rises, so it’s important to make plans for your hair and makeup. I recommend DIYing or trying to find a hair and makeup artist who doesn’t mind the early getting ready time!
• First Look Considerations. While some couples don’t mind getting ready together and not keeping their wedding attire a secret, many couples would like to do a first look. That’s still totally possible with a sunrise elopement. For this, I recommend changing at the trailhead or location (I’ve got a pop-up changing tent!) and setting up for your first look somewhere scenic!
• Getting to Your Location Before Sunrise. If you want a true sunrise experience (hiking into the location and chilling while the sun rises somewhere beautiful), you’ll want to get to your location before it even starts. That means you’ll be hiking in darker conditions, so make sure you bring headlamps to light the way. 
• Bring Layers. On the Oregon Coast, it can be pretty chilly at sunrise. Make sure you bring a cozy blanket and/or warm layers. You may also want to consider bringing handwarmers or packing a hot drink in a thermos.

Planning an elopement can feel like a lot. That’s exactly why I help couples with both Oregon Coast elopement photography and thoughtful planning support.

Is a Sunrise Elopement a Good Fit for Me?

Okay, so no secret here, eloping at sunrise is not going to be for everyone. If you aren’t morning people and a 4 a.m. wakeup sounds like the worst thing you’ve ever heard, it’s completely okay to not do a sunrise elopement. 

Likewise, sunset is totally beautiful on the West Coast and a lot of couples want to capture that beautiful golden hour glow. There’s no shame in wanting that and it really just comes down to what you want to most prioritize during your elopement. 

So here’s a quick breakdown to see which might be the right fit for you: 

• Sunrise folks: don’t mind an early wake up call, want to prioritize privacy and getting locations when they are empty (important for more popular spots!), want to get the important stuff done early so they can relax and enjoy the rest of the day stress-free, love the soft and pastel light of sunrise.
• Sunset folks: love to sleep in and want a slower start to the elopement day, not as concerned with privacy and secluded locations, don’t mind waiting to do the ceremony until later in the day (love the anticipation!), want to prioritize the golden sunset lighting as the sun sets over the ocean.

You Can Plan an Elopement That Includes Sunrise and Sunset

Do I spy… the best of both worlds? Yes, you can indeed capture both sunrise and sunset during your elopement experience. I offer full and multi-day elopement packages that allow you to split your photography coverage. 

With a full-day elopement, you can add a break to your elopement photography coverage. This usually looks like planning part of the day around sunrise, having a break in the afternoon to rest and recharge, then meeting back up to get those gorgeous sunset photos you’ve been dreaming of. 

For a multi-day elopement experience, you can base one day around sunrise and the other around sunset. So maybe the first day you plan a sunrise excursion to get officially married and celebrate tying the knot, then the next day you explore another location starting in the afternoon and go until sunset. 

Your Elopement Photographer & Planner

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