Oregon Coast Intimate Wedding At Arch Cape

Have you ever dreamed of getting married on the Oregon coast? We’ve got some tips and tricks from Meg & Ian’s intimate wedding in Arch Cape, Oregon to help you plan your perfect beach wedding. 

If you’re looking for places to take beautiful couples portraits or host your intimate wedding/elopement in the Pacific Northwest, here are some nearby locations to consider that feature coastal grasses, towering sea stacks and lush greenery.

CHAPMAN BEACH, OREGON

With sweeping green coastal grasses and layers of sandy hills, Chapman Beach makes a great backdrop not only for you and your partner but for Haystack Rock on the horizon. We loved how the gulls swept right by us and seemed to be at eye level since the area is elevated from the sea below. It’s a serene area and quite private, which makes it all the more romantic for some post-ceremony quality time with your partner.

CANNON BEACH , OREGON

Meg & Ian wanted to recharge on the way back to their reception so we stopped at Mariner Market in Cannon Beach for their favorite energy drinks to fuel themselves up for the party. Haystack Rock is the most famous feature of this coastal town. The coast can definitely get foggy, so be prepared to lose visability if you’re graced with the big grey on your wedding day.

HUG POINT , OREGON

Just 5 miles from Cannon Beach, Hug Point has many natural focal points that can make for some lovely portraits. During low tide, you can access an area behind the large rock cliff that has a seasonal water fall and incredible nooks and crannies in the rocks. This recreation site is a very popular spot, especially on weekends, but we think the activity of beach goers in the background only enhances the vibe of these images.

SEATING & LOGISTICS

Ceremony logistics are also something to consider. Do you want to lug a bunch of chairs out to the water? Or are you okay with all of your guests standing? Megan & Ian chose to implement a blend of those two ideas, providing chairs for their grandparents, while everyone else gathered around them. A few seats also ensure that everyone can see the ceremony, not justs the guests in the front.

The Oregon Coast has many distinct rock features so utilizing the scenery to frame your ceremony is a must in our opinion. Who needs an arch when you have monolithic sea stacks as your backdrop?

CONSIDER SOUNDSCAPES

Don’t forget about the music. The soundscape of your day is a very important puzzle piece that is sometimes overlooked. It can make or break the overall feel of the celebration. Megan & Ian chose to have a solo violinist at their ceremony and later on a small live band set the ambiance for their cocktail hour & reception. The live music was the perfect compliment to the sound of the waves hitting the shore and gulls overhead.

HIRE A PLANNER

Last but certainly not least, hiring a planner to handle all of your day of details is an absolute must. Someone that knows the area, how to implement a rain plan, and has experience with intimate weddings is the number one way to ensure that your day goes off without a hitch. Dorotheea with Kamea Events worked with Megan & Ian to set up a tented space on the porch of their rented beach house to keep guests warm and dry, in the off chance that there was rain in the forecast and to avoid the rising tide of the ocean.

So there you have it, some tips and tricks to help you plan your Oregon Coast Beach Wedding. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who specializes in intimate wedding captures, please reach out to us! We’d love to connect with you! 

Here’s a few more photos of Megan & Ian’s day that we’re really proud of and would love to share with the world! Captured on a mixture of digital & 35mm film. 

Vendors: PHOTO & VIDEO KURO Creative House | PLANNER Kamea Events | FLORIST Brier & Ivy | RENTAL Lily & Cane| CATERING Sage Bleu Catering | MUSIC Tracy Kim Music | CAKE Dream Cakes