In this article, I’ll be covering the hows, whens, wheres and whys for an epic elopement on the Southern Oregon Coast.

Brookings, Oregon (and surrounding areas) – the perfect place for an Oregon Coast Elopement

In Oregon, we don’t call it “the beach.” In Oregon, we go to “the coast.” And we have a myriad of incredible options along the coast. 

Many or Oregon’s most famous locations reside in the northern half of the state, but the area surrounding Brookings often flies under the radar as an incredible elopement location choice.

Some of the Oregon coast’s most beloved and iconic scenes lay along the stretch of coast just north of the California border. Let this article be your guide on how to elope in Brookings, OR. 

Let’s just dive right in so you can fall deeply in love with the coastal wonderland of southern Oregon.

Where Is Brookings, Oregon?

First of all, the very basics… Where is Brookings, OR? 

Brookings, OR is a charming small town just 6 miles north of the California border on Highway 101. 

As you travel up the coast, there are many charming towns to be had. Brookings is the farthest south (in Oregon), and also one of the bigger towns. It happens to also be closest to some of the most desirable elopement locations in Southern Oregon.

Why Choose Brookings Oregon for an adventure elopement?

Brookings is the perfect location for an adventure elopement because of the cornucopia of adventure opportunities in the area. There is anything from immense sprawling beaches to towering cliffs and sea stacks. Away from the ocean, there are tons of beautiful areas up in the hills. 

I like the Southern Oregon Coast for an elopement because of its relative remoteness. While the entire stretch of the Oregon Coast is picture perfect for elopements, the southern portion has fewer people, is farther from major airports, and thus is a lot less likely to have party crashers. 

Granted, when you’re dealing with dazzling locations, there will almost always be other folks enjoying the scenery with you. But due to the effort required to get to the Brookings area, there’s usually fewer folks.

The forests of the southern coast are a lush mix of everything Oregon has to offer, PLUS some of the best things about California forests. I, personally, love the bay trees (aka Oregon Myrtle) and the redwoods.

In fact, the redwoods are the BEST reason to choose Brookings, in my opinion. There is a mere 30-45 minute drive to some of the most beautiful old growth redwood forests in the world. I am definitely biased, having grown up in the redwoods of the Bay Area, but these forests are the most beautiful, enchanting landscapes on the planet, if you ask me. 

Of course, the actual coastline is unbelievably stunning as well. And while this article focuses on eloping in Brookings, I want to mention some of the other amazing coastal towns that should be considered.

Gold Beach – population ~2,300; 28 miles north of Brookings

Port Orford – population ~1,200; 56 miles north of Brookings

Bandon – population ~3,300; 83 miles north of Brookings

Coos Bay – population ~15,600; 107 miles north of Brookings

For more information on these towns, stay tuned for an article on the best places in Southern Oregon for an Elopement.

There is a huge selection of options for lodging in the area, so stay tuned for another post with info and recommendations on this 🙂

FAQs about eloping in Brookings, Oregon

What is the best time of year to elope in Brookings?

Honestly, you could make a case for any season… the coast is pretty accessible all year round. Being the PNW, though, you have to be mindful of rainy weather. Luckily, the southern Oregon coast gets way less rain than farther north. 

Summer will have the warmest temperatures and the most reliable sunny days. Winter will likely be pretty soggy. Spring is BEAUTIFUL on the coast, but the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly. 

My favorite time to elope in Brookings is the Fall. With lovely colors and crisp air, it’s so lovely. Plus, the weather is still usually pretty good, but can give you some of the moody vibes that many folks are looking for. WARNING: poison oak is present in many spots here, and happens to be very beautiful in the fall. Just be careful what plants you touch! (I’m a trained botanist, so I can help you out with the ID if need be.)

What is the best time of day for Southern Oregon Coast elopement?

I prefer a morning outing with some frolicking in the forest, and then an afternoon/evening ceremony on the beach. In the morning, there’s likely to be some lingering fingers of fog, which make for a beautiful hike in the redwoods.

Similarly, the fog may start to roll in during the evening hours, so I like to buffer that time with some afternoon hours. Fog is super fun to play and shoot in, but it does block the view in spots.

How much does it cost to elope in Brookings?

Aside from parking fees in some spots, you don’t need any special permits for spots along the Oregon Coast (with the exception of Shore Acres State Park). Parking fees are about $5, unless you already have an Oregon State Parks Pass.

In the redwoods, you’ll have to get permits to shoot in the State and National Parks. National Parks always have a bit more regulation. California State Parks, too. I can help you navigate this process if eloping in the redwoods is something you want for your big day (and I highly recommend it!) It costs about $100-$150, depending on which park you choose. 

Do we need a permit to elope along the Southern Oregon Coast?

See above– also, here is the link to NPS for more info.

Can we have guests at our elopement in Brookings?

Yes! Along the Oregon Coast, you do not need a permit unless your group size is over 50… at which point, it’s not an elopement. 

How accessible is it?

The accessibility ranges, depending on which location you choose. Most places are pretty rocky with large steps or rock scrambling to get down to the sand. Some spots require a little bit of a hike, as well. 

Harris Beach is the most accessible beach that I know of in Southern Oregon, with a long ramp all the way down to the sand. This is an amazing option if you have folks with mobility concerns in your group. And with sea stacks creating a mosaic all the way down the beach, you don’t lose any beauty. 

There are several other locations that have more accessible zones, and I’m happy to recommend some if you want!

Can we bring our dog?

On the Oregon Coast, yes! As long as you obey local and state leash laws. (Sidenote: I used to work in wildlife rehab, specifically with seals, and learned that leashing your dog on a beach where seals are known to frequent is the best way to keep your dog safe. Many seals that haul out on beaches away from colonies are sick, and they are closely related to dogs. Meaning, they may get your dog sick if you get too close.)

The redwoods will have different rules for dogs, depending on the specific park you choose. National Parks generally have strict dog rules due to environmental concerns.

What to Pack for an elopement on the Southern Oregon Coast

RAIN GEAR! On the Oregon Coast, you can never be totally sure that some weather won’t swoop in. I, personally, love a little bit of weather on an elopement day. But it’ll only be fun if you’re prepared.

I am happy to provide a customized packing list for all my clients, based on their location and the time of year, but rain gear is a must anytime you’re in the PNW.

Best Spots to elope near Brookings

Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor

This is the location that you’re probably picturing in your head. The spots that pop up in your instagram feed. I bet I can guess which landscape you’re thinking of, and I bet it’s along this stretch of coast.

There are many beautiful waysides, hiking spots, and beaches in Samuel H. Boardman, but here’s some of my favorites.

Indian Sands

Honestly, SO UNDERRATED! I absolutely love this spot, and everytime I stop, there’s never anyone else there. I think the most cars I’ve seen parked in the lot is 2 others, and one quickly left.

Indian Sands has a great little hiking loop down to some amazing bluffs. It’s a bit steep, but it goes through some lovely forest. (I found an owl feather there once!) 

One downside is that there isn’t any actually beach access, but there are beautiful dunes and cliffs to explore. No other spot nearby has sand dunes.

Secret Beach

This is not a very big secret. It is, in fact, quite popular. But it’s popular for a very good reason. It is simply stunning. 

There are a couple of ways to get down to the beach– a short steep jaunt, of a slightly longer moseying walk (about a mile, I think).  These trails will lead you to an overlook, and to get down to the sand, you’ll need to do some scrambling. This spot is extremely affected by the tides, so make sure you’re checking that info before you go.

Please be careful here, because a lot of the seemingly picture perfect spots for an elopement portrait, or even a vow exchange, are covered in poison oak. It is very beautiful, but you might get itchy in a few days… no fun.

Natural Bridges

A gorgeous stop along the coast, but a pretty treacherous hike. 

It’s honestly kinda sketchy to hike down to the bridge, and I am hesitant to take most folks here. But it is super gorgeous and I do enjoy visiting.

Arch Rock

It’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like. It is a lovely lookout spot where there is a great view of a rock shaped like an arch. There’s some great spots, slightly off the beaten path, nearby that are excellent for wandering with just as beautiful scenic backdrops. 

Whaleshead Beach

A lot of the stops along the Samuel H. Boardman corridor have amazing bluffs and cliffs, but lack beach access, so adding Whaleshead Beach to your itinerary is a great way to get both! 

This is a wide beach, but it also have some beautiful sea stacks that the southern Oregon Coast is known for.

Harris State Beach

This beach is very close to the town of Brookings, and is therefore pretty popular. BUT is has a truly amazing maze of cliffs, rocks and sea stacks that make it such a fun beach to play on. 

Plus, it is an excellent option for folks who have guests with mobility considerations. They’ve made it very accessible with a large ramp down to the sand, which is absent from a lot of beaches in Oregon. 

Lone Ranch State Beach

Another lovely spot with ocean access and those big rocks that we love in Southern Oregon. I have never seen too many people at this beach, but I tend to visit on weekdays… 

This beach has amazing tidepools, so it’s a perfect spot for the ecology enthusiast or life-long learner 🙂

Chetco Point Park

This spot is in the middle of town, and although it’s not terribly wild, I’m mentioning it because of the accessibility. Often, people who have a smaller wedding party need ceremony spots with better accessibility. It is a beautiful park with paved trails and nice views.

Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint/Ariya’s Beach

My FAVORITE spot. Handsdown. 

Rolling, grassy dunes. Big, giant sea stacks. Sprawling, sandy beach. When sunset and low tide coincide, this beach is so fun to take photos at because you can run around all the rocks and create GORGEOUS lighting situations. Capturing warm, intimate moments that allow you to truly interact with the natural world. 

Otter Point & Agate Beach

Otter Point is a cool sandstone point with views to the north and south. You can pretty easily walk all the way out there. It’s especially gorgeous during the sunrise hours, when everything looks soft and gentle. 

Agate beach is fun to romp around on, and especially fun if you like rocks. You can grab a little pouch and sift through the sand for pretty little stones.

There’s some pretty decent tidepools here too, so you can spend a little bit of time hunting for little critters along the coast.

Cape Blanco State Park

This historic park just north of Port Orford features all our favorite trapping of the southern Oregon coast– beaches dotted with big rocks, bluffs, tidepools, etc. But it also has quite a scenic lighthouse.

Humbug Mountain State Park

For the couple who is looking for some lush forest time along with some beautiful rugged coastline. Or if you seek an epic hike, this might be a good option as well. You can hike to the top of the ridge, with a little viewpoint. 

Floras Lake State Natural Area

This area is rather large, and extremely underutilized. Boasting a large diversity of landscapes, it is a perfect spot for a slightly more adventurous elopement. Sprawling beaches, a large coastal lake, forests, AMAZING bluffs and a gorgeous cape are all here to explore, if you’re willing to take a pleasant beach hike.

Bandon Beach

I love this beach because it is so pretty, so close to town, AND features big rock islands that are national bird sanctuaries. In the Spring and Summer, you can see a variety of really cool seabirds nesting here, including PUFFINS!

I would recommend this beach for folks who want to mix time on the beach, with perhaps a slow morning in the AirBnB or a catered dinner or something. It’s a really great option close to lots of vacation rentals, and is a perfect beach for a sunset portrait session. (It is allowed to take breaks on your elopement day! You do not need to be out in the elements all day long.)

Redwoods National and State Parks

Technically in California, but it’s such a short drive from Brookings, OR, that I’m including it. The advantage to including a trip to the redwoods as part of an Oregon elopement (instead of California), is that the marriage laws in Oregon are a little less complicated. For example, your license is not county specific.

I feel like I shouldn’t need to sell you on the redwoods, but I’ll go ahead and gush a little bit anyway. 

I grew up in the redwoods of the Bay Area, so I feel very deeply connected to these trees. It is really special to walk among such ancient beings that support so much life, and a really beautiful way to celebrate an elopement. 

Stay tuned for a post dedicated to eloping in the redwoods.

Things to do for your Brookings Elopement

Hiking

Tidepooling

Fly a Kite

Camping

Fishing

Kayaking/Paddle Boarding

Build a Sandcastle

Cook a Luxurious Breakfast Together

Have a Campfire

Ocean Dunk

Rock Hounding

Climb a Tree

Scenic Picnic

Sample Timeline

For an 8 hour elopement day

9am-10:30am– slow breakfast at AirBnb in Brookings

~drive to Redwoods, about 45 minutes~

10:45am-1:00pm– hike through the redwood forests, finding a nice spot to write down vows

Midday Break

5:00pm-6:30pm– getting ready/final touches & first looks at AirBnb

~Drive to Beach~

7:00pm-7:30pm– ceremony/vow exchange

7:30pm-8:00pm– celebration picnic with cake and champagne toast

8:00pm-9:00pm– explore the beach & tidepools (depending on tides), sunset portraits, celebratory ocean dip! (OPTIONAL: warm up by a campfire…)

More Resources for Eloping in Oregon

Oregon is one of the nation’s very best elopement destinations, in my opinion… although I may be slightly biased! The entire coast is stunning, but there’s also amazing forests, waterfalls, deserts, and mountains galore.

And if you’re not set on eloping in Brookings, OR, check out these articles for further inspiration:

Top 16 Places to Elope in Oregon

15 Spots to Elope near Bend, Oregon

Best Places to Elope on the Oregon Coast

Brookings, Oregon Coast Elopement Photographer

Hey there 🙂 I’m Ginger, the photographer and owner at Tule Walks. Your local Oregon elopement expert, here to hold your hand through the planning process. I live in Bend, but I frequent the Oregon Coast for business and pleasure. 

I’m all about curating your elopement day to fit your needs and your style. Obsessed with wandering through nature, authentic moments, and telling your story. If you’re looking for an Oregon Elopement Photographer to lead you and document your Brookings, Oregon elopement, whether it involves trekking miles to the perfect spot for vow exchanges, or chilling at a charming AirBnB for most of the day (while awaiting a golden hour session perhaps?) I’ve got you covered.

Oregon Elopement Packages & Pricing

When you are ready to hire an Oregon elopement photographer, I’d be honored to be considered. 

I love all things ‘Oregon Elopement” and would be so excited to help you plan your magical day in this beautiful state, whether it’s at Smith Rock or some other awe inspiring elopement location (there are so many in Oregon).

Check out my pricing page for more information.