Oregon Coast Elopement

Oregon holds a special place in my heart, and I travel there frequently!

We have friends there, it’s a quick flight from Denver, and I obsess over the coasts, both there and in California. Sunny and Jarrett had already gotten married, but they never took any photos. We met at Crissey Field State Recreation Site to create an Oregon coast elopement of sorts to commemorate their love.

The Details

I love that these two made it a priority to take professional photos to hang in their home. I always say photo and video are the things that last the longest past your wedding day or elopement, so it’s an incredibly important investment.

Crissey Field State Recreation Site is super close to the Oregon-California border, and the beaches there are stunning. We lucked out and found a strip of beach that was fairly private for their Oregon coast elopement.

We took these photos during the day, which allowed us to capture a lot of different types of lighting.

Must Knows

I write a lot about Colorado elopements and self-solemnization (no witnesses required!), but that’s not the case in Oregon. If you want an Oregon coast elopement, state law requires an officiant and two witnesses for a legal ceremony. A friend or family member can become ordained online through the Universal Life Church to officiate your wedding. If you choose me as your photographer, I’m legally ordained!

Like every state, you need an Oregon marriage license to say “I do.” There’s a mandatory three-day waiting period after the license is issued, and then it remains valid for 60 days. I’d recommend applying for a marriage license about two weeks before your wedding. You can get it in any Oregon county, and then return it to that same county after your ceremony.

If you’re an engaged couple dreaming of an Oregon coast elopement, I’d love to capture your special day — without any travel fees. If you’re not sure we would vibe, learn more about me here.