Short Sands Beach Elopements Oregon Coast

Everything you need to know for a Short Sands Beach Elopement on the Oregon Coast

  1. Weekdays are your friend. Weekends on the coast can be very busy so I always recommend weekday elopements. It’ll more intimate and you won’t have to worry about parking or people in the background of your photos.
  2. You can elope year round at the coast. The winter brings rain and storms but it’s also my favorite time of year on the coast. It’s far more dramatic than the summertime but I love both.
  3. Get there early, stay late. I always like to arrive early to get parking and stay right up until sunset. It’s one of my favorite beaches and is perfect for a small elopement.
  4. Book accommodations ahead of time. This is a popular part of the coast so I always recommend booking well in advance so you don’t have to make the drive back to Portland if you don’t want to.
  5. Unlike many rugged parts of the coast there is a bathroom at this beach which makes is super convenient for a group of people since the hike is about a half mile from the parking lot. It’s an easy, flat hike but a hike nonetheless.

Short Sands Beach Elopements at the Oregon Coast are one of my absolute favorite spots to shoot on Oregon’s North Coast. Olga and Matt decided to travel from Colorado to elope here because it was a very special place to both of them. It was one of the first hikes they did together and where they started forming their love. The beach itself is beautiful and in a cove that’s also known as “Smuggler’s Cove.” It’s a popular surf spot as well. It doesn’t get the love Cannon Beach does but I enjoy it far far more. It’s private, beautiful and the hike down goes past some giant old growth forests.

After the ceremony the family had a short dinner in Manzanita at the winery. After dinner I met back up with Matt and Olga at Hug Point for some photos. We were hoping to do the entirety of the portraits there but the tide was coming in and it was very crowded. So no problem, we just went right back to Short Sands which I actually prefer because it has more of a rugged coast vibe. All in all it was a fantastic day and I was stoked to be able to guide them around the coast.

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again…finding people that vibe with you is SOOO IMPORTANT to your wedding day and the photos. Make sure your photographer aligns with you and your day will go great. For me, I try to work with adventurous couples that are focused on having fun and enjoying the day. I know if a couple is prioritizing those things they’re going to have a great day no matter what.

If you’re wanting to elope or have an engagement in here in Oregon please get in touch

More elopement package info can be found HERE.