Waterfalls to Waves: A Multnomah Falls & Cannon Beach Elopement

If you’ve ever daydreamed about a Pacific Northwest elopement, chances are it looked a lot like this. Towering waterfalls, misty forest trails, dramatic sea stacks, and the kind of moody light that turns every photo into a painting. This couple’s day started at Multnomah Falls, one of the most iconic spots in the Columbia River Gorge, and ended on the windswept shores of Cannon Beach—proving that yes, you can chase waterfalls and dip your toes in the Pacific all in the same day.

It was the best of both worlds: lush, mossy romance in the morning, followed by a slow, golden-sky walk along the coast. This is what I love most about eloping in Oregon—how much variety you can pack into one single, magical day.

Land Acknowledgement

Multnomah Falls and the surrounding Columbia River Gorge are the ancestral homelands of the Multnomah, Wasco, Wishram, and other Chinookan peoples, who have lived along the Columbia River since time immemorial. The falls themselves are named after the Multnomah people, whose stories and presence are deeply tied to the landscape.

Cannon Beach and the North Oregon Coast are the traditional lands of the Tillamook and Clatsop peoples, part of the broader Chinookan and Coast Salish cultures. These communities have long histories of fishing, weaving, storytelling, and coastal life that continue to this day.

As we explore and celebrate love in these breathtaking places, it’s essential to recognize the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded (and never ceded) them for generations—and to approach these lands with respect, gratitude, and a spirit of care.

Iconic Oregon Elopement Story

Myrissa & Angelica knew exactly what they wanted when I met them for their discovery call.

Often times, especially when my couples travel to Oregon from out of state, folks rely on me to make location recommendations and help with timeline assistance. I definitely still helped with the planning, but M & A knew exactly where they wanted to go.

They had their minds set on two of the most iconic scenes in all of Oregon, and the greater Pacific Northwest– Multnomah Falls and Cannon Beach.

We started with a short-but-sweet first look at their vacation rental. They had adorable matching slippers and robes, and managed to keep both dresses secret from one another. While dress shopping, they decided to have a trusted friend come along with both of them, and she was able to provide feedback about the styles and if they complimented each other. Quite a brilliant idea, and a great way to have friends be involved without being present during the actually elopement day.

Our first stop was to say hello to the tallest waterfall in Oregon. Multnomah Falls cascades nearly 600 feet down the side of the Columbia River Gorge. Being so tall, beautiful and well-known, there tend to be a lot of people there. 

During the peak hiking season, permits are issued on a timed entry basis in order to curb the large volumes of folks exploring. Luckily, M & A’s date was after peak season, and on a weekday, which made it slightly less crowded than it could have been. There were definitely still a lot of people there, but we were saving the important stuff for later.

Multnomah Falls was on the itinerary purely to take in the magnificent view, and because the two had been dreaming of visiting for a long time. 

It’s not always guaranteed that I get to hang out with folks who are nerdy about nature, but we bonded a bit with Myrissa’s hunting and tracking knowledge. I enjoyed looking around at moss with them, and was later regaled by Myrissa’s mammal knowledge (you’ll find out what I mean when I talk about the beach…).

After the midday break, and the hour and a half drive to the beach, we met up near Cannon Beach to do their ceremony. M & a had several intimate things planned that would be annoying to do around big crowds. 

Since Cannon Beach is THE BEACH of the Oregon Coast that most people think about or know, and it’s proximity to Portland, it is very well-traveled. Just down the road, however, there is a place called Chapman Beach, which is removed from the main part of town– but Haystack rock is still visible from here. Plus, the main access points are across a coastal river, making it much less crowded and a great spot for elopement ceremonies.

For inspiration and information about other places to elope on the Oregon Coast, read this article 🙂

In addition to reading their vows to each other, they brought a small jar to fill with colored sand together. Before starting with the blue and purple sand they brought, they put a small amount of the sand from the coast at the bottom in order to capture and remember the place they made these important promises.

We followed it up with a champagne toast and cake cutting (and eating) before heading to Cannon Beach proper. Father south, there is an access point to the beach that drops you right at the foot of Haystack Rock. 

We finished the day with this AMAZING sunset, nervous that the rain might not clear… but it cleared to give us an unbelievable view. And a bonus mission to find folks to sign the marriage license as witnesses. (I love when people ask passersby for this part of the day because people are very touched and get really excited… it’s so cute.) 

My favorite way to end any day is with a campfire, and extra points if its on the beach. Cannon Beach allows fires year round, which is rare to find in Oregon these days– fire restrictions go into place pretty early in the summer now that wildfires are becoming more and more commonplace. *I had put my camera away at this point because our coverage time ran out and it was very dark, so there’s no photos of this last part of the day.*

This is where I learned about Myrissa’s hunting prowess, because we heard strange sounds in the dark. Myrissa immediately identified them as a couple of elk calling to each other. Cannon beach is quite famous for having elk roaming the sands regularly. I’d seen them on the road and in the forests nearby A LOT, but never encountered them on the beach. It was a bit eerie because we could NOT see where it was, but it was still a magical experience to know that we were sharing space with such big, gorgeous animals.

PNW Elopement Photographer

I’m not just here to take photos (though I’ll make sure you look amazing doing whatever wild, windswept thing your heart is set on). My background is in outdoor education and guiding, which means I bring a deep understanding of the land, weather patterns, logistics, and—yes—how to turn a trailhead into the start of something magical.

Whether you’re exchanging vows under a waterfall, scrambling over driftwood at the coast, or sipping coffee on the tailgate as the sun rises, I’m here to help you craft a day that feels real. I’ll guide you through every step: finding the perfect locations, mapping out a timeline that flows naturally, handling permits, and making sure you’re both present and relaxed on the big day.

My style is organic, documentary, and rooted in storytelling. I’m all about capturing the unposed, in-between moments—because that’s where the magic really lives.

Ready to Plan Your Own Waterfalls & Waves Elopement?

If this day speaks to your heart, you can have one just like it—or completely your own. Whether you’re dreaming of the Columbia River Gorge, the Oregon Coast, or some hidden alpine gem, I’m here to help you bring it to life.

Check out my elopement packages here and let’s start planning your adventure.