The Oregon coast is frequently described as “magical.” The reason? Being oceanfront in this part of the Pacific Northwest really does make you believe in magic. The way in which the Coastal Range hugs the shore creates unforgettably dramatic scenery. The sea stacks that jut out of the water and other types of natural rock formations give the coast an otherworldly feel. The landscape can quickly change on the Oregon coast, giving visitors access to imposing sand dunes, desert-like landscapes, rain-forest waterfalls, towering moss-covered trees, sea caves populated by sea lions, rolling farmland and plenty in between—all in a day’s drive.
“Weddings here are about memories,” says Sarah Bunce, director of sales for Surfsand Resort. And she’s right. Surfsand Resort is a favorite spot for weddings on Cannon Beach. With one of Oregon’s most iconic attractions as a backdrop, photos from a wedding at this resort will likely look dreamily surreal. Wedding ceremonies can take place at the foot of Haystack Rock, while receptions and rehearsal dinners can unfold at Haystack Gardens beneath a tent, in the Ocean View Ballroom, on the Surfview Rooftop Deck, or, for small gatherings, in the Wayfarer Restaurant next-door. Speaking of the Wayfarer, this upscale restaurant caters the weddings held at Surfsand and can serve impressive dishes for a variety of dietary concerns, which isn’t an easy-to-find accommodation in this area.
Imago Dei Photography
Photo-ready Cannon Beach is perfect for any season, and that includes the occasionally moody springtime. “Many couples prefer to get married in the spring, because the town is not quite as busy, which can be appealing. Also, the weather can be beautiful in the spring,” says Bunce. The prices can be a little lower in the springtime, too, so take note if your wedding budget is tight.
For fans of FernGully (seriously), Salishan Resort in Gleneden Beach offers an enchanted forest atmosphere and an air of rustic luxury. The newly remodeled resort has been updated with woodwork made from local timber and luxurious marble accents. Several options exist on the property for large weddings together with lots of spaces for medium and small weddings. Offering everything from a cozy romantic wine cellar and a nature trail that’s straight out of a storybook to sandy beachfront, a bay-view swath of greenery and an open section on the golf course for sprawling tent celebrations, Salishan separates itself from the rest with its assortment of venues for weddings and related events. The resort’s spa is gorgeously appointed as well, with hot tubs facing Siletz Bay. On-site catering can accommodate various dietary needs and includes traditional Salish cedar-roasted potlatch salmon, to further enrich the coastal experience for guests. “There really is something for everyone,” says Salishan’s director of catering, Kirsten Hanson.
Although Cannon Beach’s Haystack Rock is the most famous one by that name on the Oregon coast, Pacific City’s Haystack Rock is also remarkable. Situated next to a windblown, multicolored rocky cape with a spellbinding mountain of a sand dune, this site is ideal for weddings. As Anna McPeck, sales department manager of Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa, says, “There is nothing as picturesque as this sweeping, moody coastline. It is not on everyone’s radar yet either. It’s a bit wild, unspoiled—the perfect natural backdrop.”
Headlands provides luxuries at every turn, including iron soaking tubs in the guest rooms, which are bound to leave you swooning. The Meridian restaurant, on the grounds, is the perfect choice for fresh and perfectly assembled meals made from ingredients that are sourced from Northwest farms and purveyors. Intimate weddings and elopements can take place near the crashing waves, or inside in the private event spaces that can accommodate as many as 30 guests.
Farther down the coast, The Inn at Otter Crest in Otter Rock gives couples wanting to wed on the Oregon coast yet another distinctive spot to consider. In this case, the scenery is the rocky cliffside that surrounds Otter Rock. Visitors can watch seals lounge, observe the mesmerizing tide pools, walk through the natural rock arch on the beach and check out the captivating Devil’s Punchbowl. Adobe Resort, to the south of Otter Rock, orchestrates weddings on an ocean-facing bluff and is a great nearby choice for smaller weddings.
Should a couple be on a quest for a stunning coastal backdrop to their wedding, the Oregon coast is an obvious choice. Just be sure to make your arrangements well in advance because, well, the magic of this region isn’t exactly a secret.
Oregon Coast Vendor Guide
Catering
EVOO Cannon Beach: Sophisticated, fine dining offerings made from fresh and local ingredients.
A Posto Personal Chef Services: Healthful and flavorful catering for smaller celebrations taking place anywhere from Pacific City to Florence.
Cake
Simply Cakes by Jae: Custom cakes made to your specifications with fresh and natural ingredients. This Cannon Beach cake bakery is especially known for its scrumptious Italian buttercream frosting.
My Petite Sweet: This Lincoln City bakery offers 30 cake flavors, more than 20 different fillings and nearly a dozen frosting options. You can choose an existing cake design, design your own or work with the My Petite Sweet team to create a truly unique cake.
Flowers
Pacific Coast Floral Design: This boutique florist based in Pacific City is known for artistic and imaginative flower arrangements and fantastical floral installations.
Sea Glass Floral: Gorgeous flowers that deliver on clients’ floral dreams. Based in Lincoln City.
Photography
Rustic Bloom Photography: This Lincoln City–based photographer will capture you and yours in the best light.
Shannon Mae Photography: Whether you’re seeking light and bright or dark and moody, this photographer will work with you to capture the aesthetic that matches your vision.
Party Rentals
Oregon Coast Event Rentals: Specializing in coastal occasions with everything from tents to dance floors.
Event Planning
Creative Celebrations: A resource to help you realize your vision without all of the planning hassle.
A Simply Beautiful Affair Wedding & Event Planning: A Newport-based company with a reputation for expert event coordination.
Venues
Surfsand Resort: A casually classy venue right at the foot of Cannon Beach’s famous Haystack Rock with space for as many as 200 people.
Salishan Resort: The perfect Central Coast venue for a couple who wants a variety of choices, from the forest to the beach to ballrooms and everything in between. Capacity is 300.
Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa: For an upscale experience at dreamy Cape Kiwanda, Headlands is the choice for those who prefer a small but luxurious wedding or elopement. Weddings can take place outdoors or inside in one of the private event spaces, which can accommodate 30 guests.
The Inn at Otter Crest: Individual condos make up the lodging portion of this inn, which is situated on 35 forested, oceanfront acres. Three event spaces at the inn’s lodge can accommodate both small groups and as many as 300 guests.
Adobe Resort: Offering weddings on a captivating ocean bluff in Yachats, together with planning packages and a lovely wedding suite.
Pelican Brewing Company: This flagship spot can accommodate weddings right in front of Cape Kiwanda’s Haystack Rock. With the capacity for 90 people indoors and larger parties outdoors, this is a great option for myriad types of weddings.
Cannon Beach Community Hall:
With the capacity to host as many as 160 people, this location includes afireplace and a deck, and is mere footsteps from Cannon Beach.
