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Stephanie Jade

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October 16, 2025

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Cannon Beach Elopement | Haystack Rock Vow Renewal

PNW ELOPEMENT

If you’ve ever dreamed of running barefoot along the Oregon coast with salty hair, moody skies, and wild waves, Cannon Beach is your place. 🌊

This vow renewal session at Haystack Rock was everything coastal romance should be — windy, emotional, and absolutely stunning. There’s just something about the way the fog rolls in, the sea spray catches the light, and the ocean makes everything feel big and meaningful.


LOOK HOW freakin cute!


Why Cannon Beach is Perfect for Elopements + Vow Renewals

Located just 90 minutes from Portland, Cannon Beach feels like it’s straight out of a movie — dramatic cliffs, sea stacks, tide pools, and that iconic Haystack Rock standing tall in the mist.

It’s the perfect mix of adventure and intimacy, whether you’re renewing your vows after years together or eloping with just the two of you and the sound of the ocean as your witness.


Tips for Planning Your Cannon Beach Elopement or Vow Renewal

1. Check the Tide Charts

Timing is everything! The beach looks completely different at high tide versus low tide. If you want to explore near Haystack Rock or get those wide-open shots, plan for low tide and bring waterproof shoes just in case.

2. Embrace the Weather

It’s the Oregon Coast — which means moody skies, mist, and wind. But that’s part of what makes it so cinematic and romantic. Bring layers, and lean into the drama! Wind in your hair looks amazing on camera.

3. Get the Right Permits

If you’re bringing an officiant or having a small ceremony setup, check with Oregon State Parks or the City of Cannon Beach for current rules. Most small elopements don’t require a permit, but it’s always good to double-check.

4. Stay Local

Make a weekend out of it! There are so many cozy Airbnbs, beach cottages, and boutique hotels in Cannon Beach and nearby Manzanita. Book a seaside spot so you can sneak back to the sand for sunrise or sunset portraits.

5. Don’t Forget the Details

Think flowy dresses, neutral florals, and wind-friendly hair. Coastal sessions look best when everything moves naturally with the elements — loose, romantic, and effortless.


Why I Love the Oregon Coast

Every time I shoot on the coast, it feels like a breath of fresh air — literally and creatively. The light, the wind, the sound of the waves. it brings out something real in every couple I photograph. Whether it’s a full elopement or a vow renewal like this one, Cannon Beach has this quiet magic that can’t be replicated anywhere else.


Ready to Elope at Cannon Beach?

If you’re dreaming of an Oregon Coast elopement or vow renewal at Haystack Rock, I’d love to help you plan the perfect day. I’ll help you find the best tides, locations, and timing so you can just show up, be in the moment, and let the coast do the rest.


Why Cannon Beach is Perfect for Elopements + Vow Renewals

Located about 90 minutes from Portland, Cannon Beach is famous for its dramatic cliffs, foggy mornings, and the iconic Haystack Rock towering over the shoreline. It’s a mix of cinematic beauty and intimate simplicity — perfect for couples who want to skip the chaos of a big wedding and exchange vows surrounded by the ocean instead.

Whether you’re renewing your vows after years together or planning an Oregon Coast elopement, Cannon Beach gives you the freedom to do it your way — barefoot, windswept, and full of love.


Tips for Planning a Cannon Beach Elopement

1. Choose the Right Season

The Oregon Coast has its own rhythm. Late spring through early fall (May–October) usually offers the best weather — think soft golden sunsets, gentle mist, and fewer rainstorms. But if you’re dreaming of that true “moody” Oregon look, winter and early spring bring dramatic skies and fewer crowds.

2. Check the Tides and Sunset Times

Tides can make or break your Cannon Beach elopement timeline. Plan your ceremony or photos during low tide for wide-open sand and access to Haystack Rock. High tide can be stunning too — just be ready to chase the waves!

3. Secure Your Permits

For small elopements or vow renewals, you typically won’t need a full event permit. But if you plan to set up an arch, chairs, or anything structured, check in with the City of Cannon Beach or Oregon State Parks for current permit info.

4. Book Local Vendors

From florists to hair and makeup artists, hire local creatives who know the coast’s unpredictable weather and light. They’ll know exactly how to work with wind, fog, and sea spray — and help you keep things stress-free.

5. Plan for Wind and Weather

Wind is part of the charm here — but it helps to plan your look around it. Opt for flowy dresses, natural hair textures, and secure florals. Think “undone and romantic” instead of “perfectly polished.”

6. Stay Close to the Beach

There are so many cozy places to stay in Cannon Beach! From beach cottages to oceanfront Airbnbs, you’ll want to be close enough to sneak back to the sand for golden hour portraits or a sunrise session the next morning.


Elopement Planning Tip: Make It a Weekend

Don’t rush your day! Turn your elopement into a weekend getaway — explore the tide pools, have dinner at a local seafood restaurant, and take a slow morning walk on the beach together. Your elopement deserves more than a few quick hours — make it an experience.


Why I Love the Oregon Coast

Every time I shoot on the Oregon Coast, I’m reminded why I love what I do. The light changes every minute, the wind keeps you laughing, and the views are just chef’s kiss. It’s raw, real, and romantic in the best way — the perfect backdrop for two people in love.


Ready to Plan Your Cannon Beach Elopement?

If you’re dreaming of a Cannon Beach elopement or a Haystack Rock vow renewal, I’d love to help you plan a day that feels true to you. From scouting tide times to helping you find the most private ceremony spots, I’ll make sure it’s easy, fun, and unforgettable.

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