We’re not gonna say ‘west coast is the best coast’, but we’re also not not going to say it. We looooove the west coast and if you’re thinking about eloping while overlooking the Pacific Ocean, or hiking in the Redwood forests, or running in the sand, hand-in-hand, have we got the spots for you! Enjoy our list of west coast elopement locations – featuring California, Oregon, and Washington!
Oregon + Washington Coastal Elopement Locations
cannon beach
Cannon Beach is one of our absolute favorite elopement locations. Home of Haystack Rock, one of Oregon’s most recognizable landmarks, Cannon Beach offers a truly unique space to marry your honey. We’re specifically partial to sunsets at this location, not to mention “The Needles” just south of Haystack Rock. The best way to access Haystack Rock is through Cannon Beach’s Midtown area, just a block west of the public parking lot at Gower Street. Because this area is so famous, try to plan for a weekday elopement or come ready to walk on the gorgeous beach until you find a spot of your own.
Check out our Cannon Beach Adventure Session here!
arch cape
Arch Cape is the perfect location if you’re looking for incredible scenery but don’t want to deal with crowds! Located between Manzanita and Cannon Beach, Arch Cape is in a great location as it’s surrounded by state parks, hiking, and sweet secluded beaches. You can hike along the Oregon Coast Trail, elope at a cave or a waterfall at Hug Point, explore Oswald State Park, or plan a peaceful post-elopement-getaway here. If cute little ocean towns and beaches are what you’re looking for in your west coast elopement locations, this is the one for you.
oswald west state park
Just two hours outside of Portland, Oswald West State Park offers both miles of beach coastline and forest hikes – perfect for a west coast elopement adventure. This location is specifically cool because it provides a little of everything Oregon has to boast about. Do you have a furry friend? They can be part of your elopement! Dogs are allowed at Oswald West State Park – just make sure you keep them on a leash and pick up after them.
Check out our Oswald West State Park Elopement here!
hug point state recreation site
Just five miles south of Cannon Beach, Hug Point offers easy access to a gorgeous beach. It’s dog friendly, has a forested picnic area and restrooms. Pro tip: if you’re not careful, the tide can strand you while exploring the point! Check out tide information before you go – and enjoy the seasonal waterfall and tidepools on your adventure! Think: tidepool photos in your wedding attire!
manzanita beach
It’s a whole vibe. Tucked in the Oregon Coast just south of Cannon Beach, Manzanita Beach provides a charming beach town, views of the Neahkahnie Mountain to the north, and food, food, food. You read that right! There are so many delicious opportunities to enjoy yourselves during or after your adventure elopement. Imagine – a beach elopement, an adventure hike, and finishing out the day with a culinary tour. Ooh, we just can’t wait to capture all your sweet moments!
lincoln city
Built for busy bees, Lincoln City is great if you love hiking (so many hiking opportunities!), kayaking, standup paddleboarding, fat tire biking, or even flying a kite! You can even rent all of your adventure gear at Safari Town Surf, so all you need to do is bring your wedding attire, photographer/videographer (us!), an officiant, and your epic elopement adventure plan we help you create.
samuel l. boardman state scenic corridor:
With over 18 miles of coastline adventure opportunities, Samuel L. Boardman Scenic Corridor is home to breathtaking views of rugged coastline and memorable sunsets. Pick one of the many beaches or viewpoints to share your special vows, then spend the rest of the day exploring the area! We think Arch Rock Hike (hello, 8-mile hike!) and Natural Bridge Trail (where you can see iconic arch rocks and blowholes!) are areas you won’t want to miss.
Check out more Oregon coast locations here, including where to stay in Oregon and what to EAT!! Oh and because we couldn’t resist, we made a whole guide on Oregon waterfall elopement locations you can’t miss if you… you know, love waterfalls (like us!)
north cascades mountains
North Cascades Mountains is a National Park located in the northern region of Washington state, with a mountain range stretching all the way into Canada! From strenuous hikes with rewarding views to camping with your honey under the stars, or fishing and boating on the lakes (you can even boat-camp!), this park is suited for everyone and anyone looking for a mountain elopement in Washington.
While the North Cascades National Park is open 7 days a week, the bst time to visit is mid-June through mid-September. Apply for a Special-Use Permit here to get married in the North Cascades National Park – the cost is $50. The park is free to enter, and takes about 2-3 hours to drive through. Plan for a 2.5 hour drive from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (Also known as Sea-Tac) (SEA) to North Cascades National Park. There are special rules for pups (they’re allowed in certain areas of the park, but not all) – so if you want to bring your furry friend(s) along with you, here’s where they’re allowed!
California Elopement Locations
big sur
With Redwood forests, an epic rugged coastline, and sandy beaches, Big Sur, California is a stunning location for your elopement. There are many private elopement locations we can help you access, as well as a few public land options. Our favorite Big Sur elopement location is Garrapata State Park, as it offers two miles of beachfront, a 50-foot climb to the best view of the Pacific Ocean, and trails for miles where you can see diverse vegetation, sea lions, and even California gray whales during their yearly migration.
coronado
Home of Hotel Del Coronado (“The Del”), sand dunes that spell ‘Coronado, and a charming town to explore, Coronado Island is an absolutely gorgeous place to elope. Coronado is a small island town located across the bay from downtown San Diego offering pristine white sands and clear ocean waters.
silver strand state beach
In between San Diego and Coronado on the peninsula lies Silver Strand State Beach. The beach stretches for 2.5 miles and can be a quieter option if you’re looking to avoid crowds during your elopement. Camping is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and several large parking lots make for an easy-access beach. Heads up: Dogs are not allowed on the beach, in the tunnels, or on the bay side, but they are allowed on leash during day use and at the camping area parking lots. Imagine: you, your honey, watching the tide come and go, the ocean air, and being MARRIED! What more could you want for an elopement?
torrey pines
Absolutely perfect for an adventure elopement, Torrey Pines State Reserve provides hiking opportunities, golfing, sunbathing, and of course: eloping! Known as a ‘wilderness island in an urban sea,’ Torrey Pines is a 2,000-acre nature preserve located atop a cliff providing a view that stretches west out over the Pacific Ocean and across the canyons to the east. Not only does it offer multiple hiking trails and a wide beach, Torrey Pines features picturesque spots along the cliffs and access to the world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course.
Where to elope in Torrey Pines? North Overlook, South Overlook, and High Point are all fantastic elopement locations roughly 15-20 walking distance from the parking areas. While you cannot camp or picnic in the Reserve, you can certainly enjoy its high broken cliffs and deep ravines on headlands overlooking the ocean. Hike the famous Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop, an easy 2.3-mile route along the coast to see incredible wildflowers, or enjoy the 3.3 moderately difficult Torrey Pines State Beach and Broken Hill Trail Loop.
Pro-tip: Stay away from the bottom of the cliffs. Rockslides and cliff collapses occur frequently. Plan your time on the beach a minimum of 2-3 hours before or after high tides when more sand is available between the cliffs and the waves.
Check out the full Torrey Pines Adventure Session!
sunset cliffs
Located in Ocean Beach (OB), Sunset Cliffs’ name is no joke – you really do want to be here to watch the sunset! We love this west coast elopement locations for its beautiful views and nearby beach city with a relaxed, fun vibe to enjoy for your post-elopement celebration. You’ll definitely want to plan ahead for eloping at Sunset Cliffs if you’re planning a beach ceremony – the beach practically disappears during high tide! Check out tide times here so you can have that picturesque beach wedding you’re dreaming of! You can also elope along the cliffs overlooking the breathtaking ocean view.
lake tahoe
Lake Tahoe is one of the truly unique west coast elopement locations where the fresh mountainous air meets a sandy beach (or rocky if that’s your vibe!), and the sunrises and sunsets are unparalleled. We love this area, especially for the hikes and adventure opportunities – almost everything is easy to access!
Check out this Lake Tahoe Hiking Elopement!
sand harbor beach
Located on the Nevada side of North Lake Tahoe, Sand Harbor Beach is stunning. Rocks peek out from under the water to create amazing photos for your special day. Elopements are allowed at the Ramada, which cannot be reserved but instead operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You cannot elope on the beach any time of the year, but you can absolutely elope at the Ramada and then take epic photos on the beach!
From kayaking/stand-up paddleboarding at Sand Harbor Rentals to hiking up a short half-mile trail on Memorial Point Trail to swimming and snorkeling underwater (did someone say underwater photoshoot?!), this is the perfect adventure elopement location in the summer. If you’re thinking of a winter elopement, check out the horse-drawn sleigh rides with Sand Harbor Sleigh Rides!
donner lake
Located just 30 minutes away from North Lake Tahoe, Donner Memorial State Park offers a camping and elopement adventure opportunity at an equally stunning lake! Extra plus if you have furry friends! Dogs are allowed on the Lakeside Interpretive Trail, Zig Zag Trail, fire roads, and along the shore of Donner Lake except for China Cove Beach. Vehicle costs are $5-$10, depending on the time of year.
You can elope overlooking Donner Lake, hike Donner Summit Canyon (a 3.6-mile loop – show up early as it’s heavily trafficked!) or head down to the public piers for a private ceremony on a dock! Piers are enjoyed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Other hikes you won’t want to miss: Azalea Lake and flora lake via donner summit lakes trail, which is a 2.7-mile out-and-back trail, and Monkey Rock which offers 2.6 miles of a steep climb which, in our opinion, is totally worth it.
Check out our Lake Tahoe elopement, which features Monkey Rock trail and Donner Lake!
emerald bay state park
Really, there’s nothing like Emerald Bay and Emerald Bay Overlook in South Lake Tahoe. With absolutely the best view of Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay is located on the California side of South Lake Tahoe and features the iconic Inspiration Point. You can even stay at Meeks Bay Resort for easy access to be married at Emerald Bay! Did you know? Emerald Bay was designated a National Natural Landmark for its exquisite panorama of mountain-building processes and glacier-carved granite. Cascade Falls Trail, a 1.4-mile busy trail, is a must if you’re in the area. Get there early to secure a parking spot. Cascade Falls Trailhead is here, and the hike takes about 2 hours.
d.l. bliss state park
A great option for camping, hiking, and getting hitched, D.L. Bliss State Park provides a beautiful location for your elopement adventure. Take the short, half-mile self-guided nature trail to Tahoe’s infamous Balancing Rock! Heads up: not super dog friendly, so plan to leave your pup at home.
Check out this area if you’d enjoy swimming or scuba diving in the crystal clear water of Lake Tahoe, picnicking, relaxing on the warm sand of Lester Beach or Calawee Cove, and hiking the Rubicon Trail, Lighthouse Trail, and Balancing Rock Trail.
Click here to view more Lake Tahoe elopement locations, what to do after you GET MARRIED IN LAKE TAHOE (!!), and the permits needed to elope by location.
joshua tree
If you’re looking to elope in a desert, Joshua Tree National Park is the place for you. And we can’t WAIT to join you there!) You can hike, camp, and elope in front of stunning desert landscapes. It does get, like, really really hot, so plan for a sunrise or a sunset elopement. Good news: champagne goes super well for both! Let’s be real: there are sooooo many hikes at Joshua Tree. We recommend checking out this epic list of best joshua tree trails to find which trail is best for you two! Even though Joshua Tree National Park doesn’t feature any waves, it’s still one of our favorite west coast elopement locations. I mean. Those desert vibes.
elopement packages
If the above coastal locations are at the top of your elopement list, you need a full-day elopement experience to capture your special day! Our Full Day Elopement Experience covers up to 12 hours of documentation, ensuring every minute of your elopement experience will be remembered.
[…] shops, great beach life, and lots of tasty restaurants. It’s one of our very favorite west coast elopement spots! Beaches are broken up by orange, textured sea walls of sedimentary rock, which makes this a unique […]
[…] your vision and make it a reality from beginning to end. Pssst – we have already scouted the best west coast elopement locations. We are also up for the challenge of scouting the best east coast […]