Are you dreaming of getting engagement photos at Cannon Beach? Or even eloping at Cannon Beach?
Cannon Beach in Oregon is an iconic spot for photos, and has the most majestic sunsets. Here are some tips for engagement photos at Cannon Beach along with tips on how to elope at Cannon Beach in Oregon.
For the best photos at Cannon Beach, timing is everything. What is the best time for photos at Cannon Beach?: Sunrise or sunset are the best times for photos at Cannon Beach, to get the sun low in the sky for epic scenery and flattering lighting on the subjects. The lighting just after sunrise or before sunset gives a dreamy and ethereal glow, and is incredible for engagement photos and elopements.
Be Aware of Crowds: If you hire us for your engagement photos at Cannon Beach or your elopement at Cannon Beach, rest assured we will edit any extra people out of your photos. Like most iconic spots, crowds are sometimes unavoidable. We always try to get a secluded area, but the best areas for photos tend to have other people, and that’s ok!
Even if you have a crowded beach, we will find both secluded spots and have the skills to remove extra subjects out of your images, if needed.
What to wear for engagement photos at Cannon Beach?:
Let's talk outfits! Whether you're envisioning a laid-back beach vibe or something more formal, make sure your personalities are #1 on your priority list. You don’t want to feel like you’re looking at a stranger when you view your photos. With that in mind, I always suggest including a casual outfit and a more dressy outfit for engagement photos. The biggest tips I have are to keep colors neutral, wear colors you know look good on you, and when it comes to the dressier outfit- I always suggest something flowy for a feminine vibe. You won’t get as much variety with a skin-tight dress than you will something we can move around and play with. That being said, if you want your dressy photos to be all class and more posed, by all means, wear what you feel best in! But I definitely suggest earthy and/or neutral colors, flowy materials, and to bring layers in case of weather changes.
Be prepared for weather changes: If a sudden rain shower catches us off guard or the wind decides to tousle our hair, let’s embrace it. That’s where the art happens, baby.
Make it Personal: Engagement photos should be as unique as your love story. I have couples bring things that reflect them as a couple so we can have fun together and tell their story. We’ll get all the regular shots you’d expect, but I love adding personality in my sessions! Eating pizza together, feeding each other sushi, doing something you did on your first date. I’ve had couples bring the cutest things, and it adds so much to the photos!
Leave the rest to us!: We love being trusted photographers at Cannon Beach, and are happy to give suggestions after you book us. Wether you’re getting engagement photos, wedding photos, or eloping at Cannon Beach, we are here to create epic photos for you. We’ll laugh, have fun, get romantic, and create art at a gorgeous location. We don’t JUST want to take photos, we want to create a memorable experience.
Can you elope at Cannon Beach?: Yes, as long as your guest count is under 50 people. Keep in mind you cannot bring chairs or special decor, so keep in mind guests with mobility issues, as they will need to walk on the beach and stand for your ceremony. At Cannon Beach, the scenery is so beautiful, there is no need for extra decor.
If you do want to have a ceremony with more than 50 people, you must apply for a special use permit. For intimate ceremonies and elopements, I always suggest keeping the guest count to under 25 people if possible, at Cannon Beach.
Getting to the beach requires some walking when nearby parking is full. I suggest parking downtown and walking a few blocks, if you’re able to.
Where to park for Cannon Beach: The closest parking is on Pacific Street, however, the spots go fast! To get to Pacific Street, you go west on either West Dawes Avenue, which turns into Pacific. Or go West Gower Avenue and turn left at Wayfarer Restaurant. There is access to the beach from the West end of Gower Avenue, and a path from Pacific Street to the beach just south of the intersection with West Dawes.
The best place for public parking for Cannon Beach is on the corner of So. Hemlock Street and Gower Avenue, next to the Cannon Beach City Hall. From there, you’ll walk west on Gower Avenue and cross the foot bridge to get to the sand dune. You’ll see Haystack Rock to the South. This is where I tend to park. It’s just a short walk to Cannon Beach from this lot.
If all the parking lots are filled up, you can find paths to the beach at the West end of these streets: Harrison Street; Van Buren Street. All streets from Jackson Street north to Washington Street. They will require a bit of walking.
If you are eloping at Cannon Beach, I highly suggest including guests who do not have mobility issues. It is an adventure wedding and elopement spot, and is not easily accessible by wheelchair, etc. However, if it’s just the two of you and you don’t have limitations, it is a breathtaking area that will give you stunning views.
Ecola Park is near Cannon Beach and has some incredible foresty spots for photos. Please keep in mind, if there are busses, DO NOT STOP AND LET THEM PASS. It is easier if you pass first and then provide them with the full road. I saw a near-death disaster because of a car who insisted on stopping to let a bus go first. It is not polite. It is dangerous. Please be smart! This applies to all narrow canyon roads.
Ecola Park is a great place to get some additional wedding photos after your elopement, for a different vibe, without your guests. It feels like you’re in Jurassic Park. I’m happy to share photos with any couples who are interested in engagement photos or elopement photos!
We do elopement photo and video, as well as wedding photo and video in Oregon, and would love to get to know you and your love story! Reach out here if you have any questions <3
Hey, look. It’s me! Can’t wait to meet you :)
