Planning & Resources

Why Couples Love It

Cannon Beach is one of the most iconic wedding locations on the Oregon Coast. With Haystack Rock rising from the shoreline and miles of wide, open sand, it offers that classic, cinematic coastal backdrop couples dream of. It’s especially beautiful for larger gatherings — where the expansive beach gives guests space to spread out while still feeling connected to the ocean and each other.

The Vibe

Open. Expansive. Iconic. Cannon Beach feels grand and dramatic — especially near Haystack Rock — but it’s also one of the most visited beaches on the North Coast. In the summer months (June–September), it can be very busy. This is not a hidden cove. It’s a destination beach town. And for many couples, that’s exactly the appeal.

 
Planning Notes:

Tide Considerations: Unlike Hug Point, Cannon Beach is not typically cut off by the tide. The beach remains wide and usable throughout the day, though I still always check tide charts for optimal ceremony placement and photography.

♿ Accessibility 

Accessibility can be tricky depending on your entrance point.

If you are staying at an oceanfront home or hotel, access is often easier and more direct. That said, walking on sand can still be challenging for guests with mobility concerns, so planning matters.

🅿️ Parking

Parking is one of the biggest logistical considerations here.

• Summer weekends are especially busy 
• Street parking fills quickly 
• Tolovana offers the most reliable public parking to beach access

For larger weddings, I often recommend encouraging guests to carpool or stay at one of the many local Oceanfront hotels 

Permits

Small, simple ceremonies (no setup, under 50 guests) typically do not require a permit. However, if you plan to:

• Set up chairs / tables
• Bring in an arbor 
• Have a larger structured event 

You may need a special-use permit through the Oregon State Parks Department.

Ceremony, Reception & Venue Pairing

If you’re looking for a seamless experience, I especially recommend the Surfsand Resort. They specialize in beach weddings and offer:

• Direct beach wedding setup in front of Haystack Rock
• Two elegant indoor reception venues 
• Experienced event coordination 
• A built-in weather backup plan 

My Personal Tip

If Cannon Beach is your dream location, think strategically about timing and entrance points. Choosing a slightly earlier ceremony time (instead of peak hours between noon – 5pm) or positioning farther south near Tolovana or north at Chapman Beach can improve parking and accessibility challenges, especially during summer. The right planning makes all the difference here.

Is Cannon Beach Right for You?

If you’re envisioning a classic Oregon Coast ceremony with space for guests, iconic views, and nearby reception options, Cannon Beach may be a perfect fit.

Why Couples Love Ecola State Park

Famous as a filming location for The Goonies and Twilight, Ecola State Park is beloved for its breathtaking, elevated views of Cannon Beach and the dramatic Oregon coastline.

With lush coastal forest, scenic overlooks, and relatively easy walking trails, it offers sweeping ocean views without requiring a strenuous hike. For couples who want epic scenery with manageable access, Ecola is a stunning option when open.

Ecola Scenic Overlooks

Best For:

• Elopements
• Micro-weddings (2–20 guests) 
• Weddings in the grassy area off the parking lot (2-50 guests)
• Cliffside ceremonies (2-10 guests)
• Couples wanting panoramic views 
• Forest + ocean combination settings 

The Vibe

Elevated. Expansive. Cinematic. Sweeping views of Haystack Rock and the coastline stretching north and south. It feels dramatic but still grounded in forest serenity.

Planning Notes:

♿ Accessibility🟢 Flat & Easy 

Many overlook areas are accessible via short, maintained walking paths from parking areas. Terrain is firmer than sandy beaches, making it easier for guests compared to soft sand locations.

🅿️ Parking

Ecola offers a spacious parking area which makes guest arrival simpler than residential beach entrances.

Permits

Small, simple ceremonies typically do not require a permit. Larger structured gatherings or rental setups need a special-use permit through the Oregon State Parks Department.

Why Couples Love Short Sands Beach

Just 15 minutes south of Cannon Beach, this stunning cove is a favorite among surfers and nature lovers alike. Reached by a scenic half-mile trail through old-growth forest and across a charming wooden footbridge, Short Sands feels like stepping into a hidden world. It’s intimate, protected, and deeply romantic.

 Best For:

• Elopements (2-10 guests)
• Micro-weddings (10– 30 guests) 
• Nature-loving couples 
• Guests comfortable with a quarter mile hike downhill
• Forest + ocean lovers 

The Vibe

Secluded. Forested. Peaceful. The trail itself becomes part of the experience with towering trees, filtered light, and the sound of a creek running alongside you. The beach sits inside a curved cove, offering some protection from wind compared to more open stretches of coastline. At negative tide, a small waterfall is accessible at the north end of the beach, a magical bonus if timing aligns.

Planning Notes:

🌊 Tide Considerations 

The main beach remains accessible at most tide levels, but the waterfall at the north end is only reachable during negative tide.

 🥾 Accessibility  🔴 Steep / Trail / Stairs 

This location requires a half-mile walk each way on a maintained forest trail. 

🅿️ Parking

Parking is along Highway 101 and can fill quickly in summer months. Carpooling is strongly encouraged. Parking fee is $12 per car.

Permits

Small ceremonies without setup are typically allowed. Chairs, arches, amplified sound, or larger structured events may require a permit through Oregon State Parks.

 Guest Capacity Recommendation

I recommend keeping guest count under 30 to ensure a comfortable, intimate experience and manageable trail flow.

 My Personal Tip

If you choose Short Sands, build in extra time. The walk through the forest slows everything down in the best possible way. It becomes part of the ceremony experience.

Why Couples Love It

Just a few minutes south of Cannon Beach, Arcadia Beach offers a wide, sandy shoreline framed by dramatic cliffs and forested land. It has that classic Oregon Coast beauty, but feels a little more relaxed and less crowded than central Cannon Beach. 

Best For

• Elopements (less than 10 guests) 
• Micro-weddings (10–30 guests) 
• Simple ceremony setups (chairs/arbor-friendly at select areas) 

The Vibe

Open. Natural. Peaceful. Arcadia feels expansive without being overwhelming. The cliffs to the south create a beautiful frame, and Lion Rock just to the north of the entrance adds a dramatic focal point for photos.

Planning Notes

🌊 Tide Considerations

Arcadia remains accessible throughout most tide levels, though lower tides provide more space and better photo opportunities.

At low tide, you can:

• Walk south toward Hug Point 
• Easily walk to the base of Lion Rock 

♿ Accessibility  🟡 Sand / Rocks/Uneven Terrain

Arcadia Beach is not ideal for wheelchair access. While the path to the beach begins right off the parking area and is relatively short, it includes uneven sand and a slight incline, which can make mobility challenging.

🅿️ Parking

There is a small parking lot just off Highway 101. In peak summer months (June–September), it can fill quickly, especially midday. Early morning or later afternoon/evening ceremonies are often more comfortable. For larger guest counts, carpooling is recommended.

Permits

Small, simple ceremonies without setup typically do not require a permit. If you plan to have a larger gathering (50 or more), or have a smaller gathering with rentals (chairs, tables, an arbor) a permit through Oregon State Parks may be required. NOTE: Permits are not issued at Arcadia Beach between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Guest Capacity Recommendation

Arcadia works beautifully for:

• 2–30 guests comfortably 
• Slightly larger gatherings outside of peak months 

Because the beach is wide, it can accommodate small chair setups more easily than some tucked-away coves.

My Personal Tip

If you love the idea of Hug Point but want easier logistics and more flexibility with tides, Arcadia is often the perfect alternative. It gives you cliffs, drama, and space without the pressure of racing the ocean.

Is Arcadia Beach Right for You?

If you’re envisioning a scenic coastal ceremony with simple access and natural beauty, Arcadia might be the perfect balance. Let’s talk through your guest count, tide timing, and overall vision to see if it’s the right fit.

Why Couples Love It

A hidden gem along the North Oregon Coast, Arch Cape Beach offers a peaceful and scenic setting for a ceremony without the busyness of nearby Cannon Beach. The more secluded south end features dramatic rock formations that resemble a natural cathedral (if you plan it during a very low tide). 

Best For

• Elopements 
• Micro-weddings (2–20 guests) 
• Couples seeking privacy 
• Minimal setup ceremonies 
• Dramatic rock backdrops 

The Vibe

Quiet. Raw. Almost secret. Arch Cape feels less like a destination beach and more like a tucked-away stretch of coastline that locals know and love. The cliffs rise steeply behind you, and the south-end rock formations create a sense of enclosure, almost like standing inside nature’s cathedral. It’s simple, understated, and deeply beautiful.

Planning Notes

🌊 Tide Considerations

The secluded south-end rock formations are only accessible at a negative tide, typically during late summer when tides drop the lowest. 

At higher tide levels, that portion of the beach becomes inaccessible. If you’re drawn specifically to the “cathedral” rock area, ceremony date and timing must be planned carefully around the tide chart.
 

♿ Accessibility🟡 Sand / Rocks/Uneven Terrain

Access is relatively simple from nearby street parking.

• Guests will walk on sand 
• The south end requires additional walking and across a low lying stream at low tide 
• Not wheelchair accessible 

For guests with mobility limitations, other beaches may be a better fit.

🅿️ Parking

Street parking is typically available in the residential areas near the beach access points Because Arch Cape is quieter than Cannon Beach, parking is usually manageable for small gatherings with just a few cars. Carpooling is encouraged for larger groups. Some couples choose to rent an oceanfront house at Arch Cape for easier access (see lodging section).

Permits

Small, simple ceremonies without rentals typically do not require a permit.

If you plan to bring:

• Chairs 
• An arbor 
• Larger structured gatherings 

You may need to contact the Oregon State Parks Dept about a special-use permit.

Guest Capacity Recommendation

Arch Cape works beautifully for:

• 2–20 guests comfortably 
• Intimate gatherings 

Because of tide restrictions at the south end, I recommend keeping guest count modest for flexibility and comfort.

My Personal Tip

If you’re drawn to Arch Cape, let the landscape lead. This is a location that rewards simplicity and minimal setup, soft tones, and a ceremony that feels grounded in the natural surroundings.

When the tide is right and the light hits those rock formations, it truly feels like standing inside something ancient.

Is Arch Cape Beach Right for You?

If you’re dreaming of a peaceful ceremony framed by dramatic coastal rock formations — and you’re flexible with tide timing — Arch Cape may be the perfect fit.
 

Let’s talk through guest count, tide charts, and seasonal timing to see if it aligns with your vision.

Why Couples Love It

Manzanita Beach is one of the most spacious and guest-friendly ceremony locations on the North Oregon Coast. With sweeping views of Neahkahnie Mountain to the north and miles of wide, open shoreline, it offers dramatic coastal beauty — without the heavy tourist traffic of Cannon Beach. For couples planning a larger gathering, rental setup, or ceremony with accessibility considerations, Manzanita is often the ideal choice.

Best For

• Micro-weddings and larger weddings 
• 2–50 guests (possibly more but parking is limited)
• Chair and arbor setups 
• Guests with mobility considerations 
• Sunset ceremonies 
• Simple, stress-free logistics 

The Vibe

Open. Calm. Expansive. Manzanita feels peaceful and breathable. The beach is wide and flat, giving you flexibility in placement and space for guests to spread out comfortably. Unlike more tucked-away coves, there’s no pressure from tide timing or narrow ceremony areas. It’s beautiful in a relaxed, grounded way.
 

Planning Notes:

🌊 Tide Considerations

Manzanita remains accessible throughout most tide levels due to its wide shoreline. Lower tides provide even more usable space, but you’re not restricted to a tight low-tide window like Hug Point or Arch Cape. This flexibility makes planning significantly easier.
 

♿ Accessibility

Manzanita is one of the most accessible beaches on the North Coast.

• Multiple public access points 
• Short, manageable beach entrances 
• Flat shoreline 
• Beach wheelchairs and track chairs are available through the Manzanita Visitor Center

For couples inviting guests with mobility concerns — or renting chairs and arbors — this beach offers far fewer logistical challenges.
 

🅿️ Parking

Parking is generally manageable, especially compared to Cannon Beach.

There are:

• Street parking options 
• Multiple access points 
• Less concentrated tourist traffic 

For larger guest groups, carpooling is still encouraged.
 

📋 Permits

Small, simple ceremonies without rentals typically do not require a permit.

If you are bringing:

• Chairs 
• An arbor 
• Amplified sound 
• A larger structured gathering 

A Special Use Permit may be required depending on setup and guest count. I help guide couples through this process if needed.
 

Guest Capacity Recommendation

Manzanita works beautifully for:

• Intimate elopements 
• Micro-weddings 
• Larger weddings with structured seating 
• Guest counts over 30 

Its width and openness make it one of the most versatile beaches on the coast.

My Personal Tip

If you’re feeling torn between a dramatic beach and easy logistics, Manzanita is often the most balanced choice. It gives you sweeping mountain views, open coastline, and the flexibility to design your ceremony without worrying about tight tide windows or crowded tourist zones. 

Is Manzanita Beach Right for You?

If you’re envisioning a ceremony with space to breathe, room for guests, and beautiful coastal views without complication, Manzanita may be the perfect fit. Let’s talk through your guest count, setup plans, and vision to make sure it aligns beautifully.