Want to know why I love living in the Pacific Northwest? There’s so much access to rugged, untouched nature—and along the Oregon Coast, that beauty is on full display. Coastlines stretch for miles in either direction, with dramatic cliffs and sea stacks, lush evergreen forests, and the endless Pacific Ocean. If you’re dreaming of getting married in a wild place where land meets sea, the Oregon Coast might be exactly what you’re looking for. In this guide, I’m sharing some of my favorite Oregon Coast wedding venues that highlight this incredible landscape, along with practical tips to help you craft a day that truly feels yours.
What’s So Special About an Oregon Coast Wedding
The Oregon Coast is a landscape that feels raw and deeply inspiring. Dense evergreens meet an unspoiled shoreline, weathered driftwood lines the sand, and striking rock formations dot the horizon. It’s a place that feels entirely its own.
The light here is just as special. Fog and rain bring that classic Pacific Northwest moodiness, while sunny days lead to a soft mix of color over the ocean as the sun sets. No matter the weather, the coast has a kind of magic you won’t find anywhere else.
Beyond the scenery, the Oregon Coast is dotted with charming small towns, cliffside lookouts, and wedding venues alike. It’s rugged and tucked away from everyday life, yet with easy access to quiet living, it’s easy to understand what makes this area so appealing for so many couples.
The Best Oregon Coast Wedding Venues
Here are a few of my top Oregon Coast wedding venues that showcase the best this area has to offer, each with its own unique personality.
Crook Point
Crook Point is a Southern Oregon favorite if you’re looking for a blend of intimacy and luxury. The lodge sits on dramatic cliffs with sweeping ocean views, and there are six outdoor ceremony spaces for weddings of 30 to 300 guests.
One of my favorite things about the property is the hidden private beach, makes it possible for an intimate ceremony by the water without having to worry about onlookers. Plus, it’s just a short drive from Redwood National and State Parks, which is a perfect add-on to extend the adventure.
Capella by the Sea
Capella by the Sea feels like something out of a storybook. This intimate space in Brookings’ Azalea Park seats 49 guests and is built from native wood and stone. Windows all around showcase views of the forest and the Chetco River, letting the beauty of the outdoors shine in.
The chapel itself is gorgeous, but the surrounding landscape really steals the show. Forest paths, riverbanks, and the rocky coastline give you so many options for photos. It’s perfect if you want something intimate, photogenic, and full of character.
The Ruins at the Astor
For couples looking for a wedding that feels especially unique, the Ruins at the Astor is a standout. This historic building has Gothic Revival architecture, a century of history, and space for 150 seated guests (250 standing).
Located in Astoria, you’ll have views of both the Pacific Ocean and the Columbia River, plus easy access to charming boutiques, local restaurants, and the Oregon Film Museum. It’s a small town with a big personality, and a special place to experience as a part of your wedding.
Check out weddings I’ve photographed at the Ruins below.
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Heceta Head Lighthouse is one of the most iconic spots on the Oregon Coast. Perched 205 feet above the ocean, the 56-foot tower makes for a dramatic backdrop. With private beach access and expansive coastal views, it’s ideal if you want a classic coastal vibe.
The nearby Keeper’s House is a charming little stay you can use to get ready or to spend the night. Built in 1893, it’s one of the last remaining assistant lightkeepers’ houses on the Pacific Coast! As a bonus, it’s also an amazing spot to watch whales during their winter and spring migration.
Pelican Brewing Company
For a laid-back, guest-friendly wedding, look no further than the Pelican Brewing Company in Pacific City. It has beachfront access for a ceremony on the sand and floor-to-ceiling windows in the reception space for uninterrupted ocean views.
With a capacity of 82 guests, it’s perfect for micro or small weddings. Packages include dining, chair rentals, meal selection, and setup/cleanup, so you can focus entirely on the celebration. Plus, you’ll have views of Cape Kiwanda and Haystack Rock from both the beach and the indoor reception area, offering constant stunning vistas.
Salishan Coastal Lodge
Salishan Coastal Lodge is a one-of-a-kind spot that feels both forested and coastal at the same time. It perfectly shows off the wild, rugged beauty of the Oregon Coast, with towering old-growth forests on one side and dramatic coastline on the other. I especially love The Glen, which feels like stepping into an enchanted forest, and the indoor spaces are just as stunning, with huge windows that bring the outside in no matter the weather.
This oceanfront property has plenty of lodging for you and your guests, which makes celebrating together feel effortless and extra special. You’ve got private beach access and miles of nearby hiking trails to soak in the natural beauty, or you can treat yourself to the spa for a little well-deserved relaxation. It’s the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and luxury all in one place.
In addition to the Oregon Coast, there are lots of amazing venues all across Oregon. Check out this roundup, which features my favorite wedding venues in the entire state!
What’s the Best Time of Year for an Oregon Coast Wedding?
After landing on a wedding venue, the next step is determining the time of year you want to get married. Luckily, there really isn’t a wrong season for an Oregon Coast wedding, but each season offers something different.
- Summer brings long days, warm weather, and spectacular sunsets, though popular spots may be busier.
- Late fall and early spring are quieter, often foggy, and full of soft, moody light that’s distinctly PNW.
- Winter is wetter and windswept, which works well if you’re looking for an intimate, cozy vibe.
Oregon Coast Wedding Advice and Tips
Beach Wedding Permits
If you’re planning a beach ceremony, you may need a special-use permit. For weddings with 50 guests or fewer that don’t block public access, you’re typically fine. Larger gatherings with equipment like amplified sound or structures require a permit, which comes with a $100 processing fee. A call to the Coastal Region Office at (541) 563-8500 can help clarify requirements and save you from unexpected stress.
Embracing the Weather
One of the best things about the Oregon Coast is how wild it feels, and that extends to the weather. Still, that’s part of the charm of the area. Fog, rain, wind, or sunshine all create beautiful, picturesque conditions. Embracing whatever the day brings is what makes your wedding feel adventurous, authentic, and unforgettable.
Incorporating Local Touches
When you’re planning your Oregon Coast wedding, the local touches are what make the day truly yours. Whether that’s including fresh seafood caught that morning in your reception dinner, or bouquets full of coastal blooms. Maybe you have a moody morning and steal a foggy first look, or pause during the day to watch the sun set over the waves. Whatever you choose, it’s these little coastal moments that make your wedding feel unforgettable.
If you’re looking for a celebration that’s a little smaller and more intentional, check out my guide all about eloping on the Oregon Coast.
My Approach to Documenting Your Oregon Coast Wedding Experience
As an Oregon wedding photographer and Pacific Northwest local, I know how to make a wedding feel intimate, adventurous, and effortless. I approach my photography with the goal of documenting both your love and the surrounding landscape, preserving moments that feel timeless, adventurous, and full of love. I’ll also help guide the timing, lighting, and locations so you can soak in every moment and make the most of your day.
The Oregon Coast is wild, rugged, and endlessly beautiful. It’s a place that allows you to slow down, soak in the moment, and celebrate your love surrounded by nature. These Oregon Coast wedding venues let you do exactly that. When you’re ready to start planning your coastal wedding, reach out. I can’t wait to help make your vision a reality.
