Jayne and Scott’s Oregon Coast adventure elopement was something we not only photographed but helped design and plan. We’ve been lucky to photograph destination weddings far and near, but one of our absolute favorite canvases is the wild Northwest backyard of our own home. We feel honored to be among the few Portland wedding photographers who specialize as destination wedding specialists. For Jayne and Scott, we guided them on an unforgettable Oregon Coast adventure elopement where the wild wilderness meets the sea.
🗺️ Quick Guide: How to Plan an Oregon Coast Adventure Elopement
Thinking of planning your own rugged, woodland-meets-sea elopement? Use this quick roadmap inspired by Jayne and Scott’s secret wedding:
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The Location: Short Sands Beach is nestled inside Oswald West State Park. It features a scenic, 0.5-mile hike through stunning old-growth rainforest that opens up to a dramatic ocean cove.
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Best Time of Year: Summer and early fall offer the driest trail conditions and clearest coastal views. However, a moody, misty spring day brings out that authentic, magical Oregon atmosphere.
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Permits & Regulations: For small, intimate elopements (just the couple, an officiant, and a photographer), special use permits aren’t typically required at Oswald West, but always double-check current Oregon State Parks guidelines.
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Where to Stay: To elevate your experience, look for nearby architectural gems in Manzanita or Cannon Beach. The Awtrey House offers an incredible modern aesthetic with private ocean views perfectly suited for getting ready. Another great place to stay is the Arch Cape Inn is another incredible option just minutes from the trailhead.
Choosing the Perfect Oregon Coast Elopement Location
Scott and Jayne live in Florida and had been engaged for a year and a half. Scott is originally from North Carolina, and Jayne is from England. No doubt about it, these two live for adventure. Among the many places they’ve traveled, they love Scotland, Mallorca, hiking on the Isle of Skye, Galicia, Italy’s coastlines, and Jayne’s unique work on one of the largest yachts in the world in Saudi Arabia.
When we first Skyped with them, their vision was incredibly specific: they wanted an authentic Oregon Coast elopement in a secluded, wooded area where the dense forest drops straight into the ocean wilderness.
We immediately suggested an Oswald West State Park elopement at Short Sands Beach. It’s a pristine stretch of coastline where wild trees are dramatically shaped by the Pacific winds right along towering ocean cliffs. They told us they fell in love with the raw storytelling in our photography—the unconventional camera angles, the intimate feel, and how we bring the surrounding landscape into the memories. We became fast friends and immediately started co-planning their intimate Pacific Northwest adventure.
Getting Ready at The Awtrey House
After several cross-continental planning sessions, we developed a perfect timeline. They chose to get ready at a spectacular, modern bed and breakfast nearby called The Awtrey House. Run by former NBA player Dennis Awtrey and his lovely wife, the property looks out over the hypnotic Pacific Ocean from a stunning private terrace, making it an ideal backdrop for those quiet morning moments before heading into the woods.
Their Cliffside Wedding Ceremony at Short Sands Beach
The Short Sands trailhead is located just a couple of miles down the road from the property, providing a gorgeous trail that ushers you through a dense forest canopy along a rushing stream.
Instead of staying on the main beach path, we decided to venture off-trail, climbing up a secluded cliffside that directly overlooked the crashing waves below. It ended up being the absolute perfect spot for a completely private ceremony—hidden in the trees, looking out over the endless ocean horizon.
Much of this day relied on a spontaneous, organic process, which made the entire experience incredibly exciting. Jayne and Scott stood right on the edge of the cliff where the forest meets the sea and exchanged deeply personal, exquisite vows. It felt like a true “secret marriage”—untamed, raw, and absolutely breathtaking.
Looking for photographers to help design and photograph your private elopement?
A Wedding Premiere Across the World
Weeks later, we shared their customized digital wedding premiere, blending select photographs with a curated two-song soundtrack. Because of their traveling schedules, Scott was back in Florida while Jayne was working halfway across the world in Saudi Arabia.
They logged onto a Skype date together to experience their wedding gallery for the first time. Shortly after, we received a text from Scott that truly filled our hearts:
“Now that I’ve had time to really absorb what you sent, I’m absolutely speechless. These photos are amazing and have made me so happy to relive that day. I honestly can’t describe how much these photos mean, and I know Jayne feels the same way. I’m so thankful you were able to join us and accomplish so much. You completely flipped my evening on its head.”
📋 The Elopement Creative Team
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Photographers: JOS & TREE
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Getting Ready Venue: The Awtrey House or The Arch Cape Inn
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Ceremony Site: Short Sands in Oswald West State Park
Ambassadors & Affiliates: MagMod | Holdfast Gear | Visual Flow Lightroom Presets | SLR Lounge | Superfeel | Fundy Designer | DVLOP | Fearless Photographers | International Society of Wedding Photographers | Worlds Best Wedding Photos
See how we photographed Lisa & Jared at Short Sands for their maternity photos:
See our full adventure elopements resource guide:
Need help planning, designing and photographing your private elopement?