Post Summary: In this guide to eloping along the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor of southern Oregon, I’ll be sharing what I love about this region of the coast, why you should consider a summer or fall elopement, where to elope, and more importantly, where NOT to elope. Make sure to pay careful attention to the locations I recommend, because there are tons of misconceptions out there about where you’re actually permitted to go on the coast.

Where is the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor?

First of all, can we all agree that “Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor” is a mouthful? I’m just going to call it Samuel H. Boardman at times, to make things less obnoxious throughout this guide!

Now back to what you came here for: where is this scenic corridor with much too long of a name?

The Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor is one of the most iconic drives in Oregon, spanning 14 miles along the 101 from Gold Beach down to Brookings. This stretch of coastline is absolutely stunning every step of the way, passing by glorious views of the deep blue ocean, lush tree-lined shores, sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and many of the towering sea stacks that the Oregon Coast is so famous for. 

To get to the corridor, you could either fly into Portland from the north, if you want to explore the whole span of the coast, or into Del Norte County Regional Airport, which is about 30 minutes south of Brookings in Crescent City, California. It really depends on how you want to structure your trip—if you love road trips and driving past incredibly beautiful landscapes, the trip from Portland down to Brookings could be a really fun way to start your elopement.

Why Elope Along the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor? 

Don’t get me wrong: I LOVE the entirety of the Oregon Coast, and every single region has its own unique beauty. . . but there’s something different about the southern coast, where the Samuel H. Boardman corridor lies.

While the Northern Oregon Coast is famed for its iconic viewpoints, curved coastlines, easily-accessible beaches, and quaint coastal towns, the Southern Oregon Coast has a bit more of a wild & rugged feel: craggy bluffs, huge offshore rock formations, rock scrambles and challenging hikes, and hidden beaches. The northern and central areas of the coast tend to be busier and are much more developed, whereas the southern coast is quieter, more secluded, and less touched by humans. This is what makes it so enticing and enchanting every single time I visit: there is SO much natural beauty to explore and I never feel like I’m surrounded by crazy amounts of tourists like I might be at places like Cannon Beach, Tillamook, or Ecola State Park.

Wanna know the best part of it all? You don’t always need to embark on a crazy, strenuous hike to see amazing views: the Samuel H. Boardman Corridor has plenty of easy hiking trails that don’t require as much effort. Some beaches only require a short walk along a flat, easy path, or a loop around a 1-mile trail—but if you do want more of an adventure, there are plenty of harder options for you, too. If you time it right, you might even be able to go whale watching from some of the coastal trails during the fall & spring months!

Best Time of Year to Elope on the Southern Oregon Coast

I’ll be honest: there is no bad time to elope on the Oregon Coast. Every season has something beautiful to offer, so it really comes down to what you’d like the vibe of your day to be like + what activities you want to incorporate into your timeline. Let’s go through a brief overview of what each season is like on the Southern Oregon Coast, and what you should keep in mind when planning your elopement. 

And don’t worry—if you’re struggling to figure out the right time of year for your special day, reach out and we can work through it together.

Summer (July-September)

Summer is by far the best season to elope on the Southern Oregon Coast in terms of weather—it never gets too warm on the coast, but this is the warmest time of year for sure. With the comfortable temperatures, cool mornings and evenings, gorgeous sunsets, and the lowest chance of rain that you’ll get all year, it’s an amazing time to hit the trails, explore the coastline, and admire the stunning views. However, this is also the time when everybody wants to visit the coast—so while this region won’t be quite as crowded as the northern part of the coast, the popular spots will definitely see more crowds throughout the summer months. Airbnbs and hotels can also book up wayyy in advance, so be sure to plan ahead of time and figure out where you want to stay as early as possible!

Fall (October-November)

If you want to avoid the summer crowds, but you still want good weather, fall is a fantastic season to elope on the Southern Oregon Coast. You might actually get warmer temperatures than you think, as some years there’s what locals call a “second summer” during the early fall months, where temperatures stay fairly warm and the heaviest rain of the year hasn’t showed up yet. You’ll be able to explore the crowds with more privacy, and accommodations in the area are less likely to be booked up. Plus, the fall foliage around the coast is absolutely beautiful and lights up the landscapes!

Winter (December-March)

Winter isn’t the best time to be on the coast, thanks to the rainy weather and cold temperatures, but it certainly has its own special beauty to offer. If you’re down to dance in the rain and get a little (or a lot) muddy, you’ll have beaches to yourselves, the chance to go whale watching, and embrace the cozy, moody vibe that’s so quintessential to the Pacific Northwest. I personally adore the overcast skies and the earthy, neutral colors that fill the coastal landscapes in the winter months—the atmosphere is incredibly enchanting in its own way.

Spring (April-June)

We all know that the PNW is rainy, so it’s no shock that the Oregon Coast is super wet during the spring months. It never gets too cold during the spring, with temps ranging from the 40s to 60s, but you’d better be prepared to get out your rain jackets at any time of day—the weather can change on a dime! Spring is one of the best seasons to get incredible coastal sunsets, though, thanks to the dramatic clouds in the sky after a rainy or stormy day, so make sure you stay out late to catch the sun dropping over the horizon. You may even be able to see gray whales out in the distance!

Where Can You Elope Along the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor?

Wondering where the best elopement locations are along the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor?

I don’t see enough photographers talking about this, so I’ll tell you outright: you have to be very careful and intentional about where you elope on the Southern Oregon Coast.

Over the years, some of the popular elopement & photoshoot locations along the Samuel H. Boardman Corridor have closed down for public access, or are no longer safe to explore—the most common one being the Natural Bridges viewpoint.

This is a gorgeous spot, yes, and I used to photograph couples here myself, but unfortunately Natural Bridges is no longer safe to visit. The cliffside has eroded away over the years, making it super unsafe to travel on, in addition to the steep cliffs and areas that would require a dangerous scramble. Even despite this viewpoint being off-limits now, I still see couples, photographers, and hikers checking out the trail, not realizing the danger they are putting themselves in. I personally won’t put your (or my) safety in jeopardy just for the sake of a beautiful photo. Luckily, I know PLENTY of other gorgeous spots in the area that I can take you to, instead!

It’s important to note that many of the beaches along the corridor can actually be quite difficult to access, very different from the beaches up north (like Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock, etc.) that you can simply walk up to. A lot of the beaches along the Southern Oregon coastline require rock scrambles to get up and down, climbs up steep inclines, etc. and can be unsafe in the wrong conditions.

Secret Beach, for example, is a popular one that most people don’t realize is pretty hard to get to! You have to walk through a really narrow trail for the first half of the hike—one that gets super muddy after rain—and then it’s a scramble to get down to the beach.

Here are a few great trails along the corridor that offer breathtaking views and safer hikes:

• Cape Ferrelo Loop
• Cape Ferrelo to House Rock
• Whaleshead Beach
• Indian Sands Trail

No matter where you elope on the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor (or anywhere on the coast, really), it’s essential that you do proper research in advance to know what you’re up against, and have the right expectations to keep yourselves safe. And as a photographer who’s been to the area MANY times, I have a ton of secret locations & hidden gems up my sleeve that are easier to access, and much safer! You’ll get access to all of them if you hire me for your big day 🙌

Legalities of Getting Married on the Southern Oregon Coast

Do You Need a Permit to Elope on the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor?

Nope, no permit is needed to have an elopement ceremony along the corridor. It is a State Scenic Corridor, protected by Oregon State Parks, so be sure to follow other important state park rules and regulations wherever you go. 

P.S. There’s no fee to enter the corridor, it’s totally free!

Learn more about obtaining the proper permits for your Oregon elopement here.

Can You Bring Guests to a Samuel H. Boardman Elopement?

Technically, yes, but I recommend keeping your group as small as possible if you do want to bring guests. Most of the ceremony spots along the corridor are somewhat narrow and limited on space, so you wouldn’t be able to fit a large group around you as you say your vows. I would consider meeting up with your guests later on in the day after you’ve explored the coast, maybe for a picnic or a catered dinner back at your Airbnb, instead!

How Do You Legally Get Married on the Samuel H. Boardman Corridor?

All you need to do is follow Oregon’s marriage laws in order to apply for your marriage license! The fee to get a marriage license ranges from $50-$75, depending on the county you go through. You can apply for your license through any County Clerk’s Office in Oregon (the corridor is part of Curry County) by bringing a valid photo ID, and having an officiant + two witnesses in place.

I’m actually a registered officiant and can officiate your ceremony for you, if you don’t want to hire someone—or I can act as a witness, if you have someone else officiate!

Make sure you don’t apply for your license too soon, though, because it’ll expire 60 days after your initial three-day waiting period is complete. Once you’ve had your ceremony, you’ll need to mail your paperwork back to the county clerk within five days of your elopement.

Where to Stay for Your Elopement on the Southern Oregon Coast

When it comes to booking a cozy place to stay for your elopement along the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, you’ll find the most options in Brookings, as well as the little area right by Whaleshead Beach. Here are a few charming little places I found for you to check out, including a whimsical treehouse with views of the coast, an adorable creekside cabin, and a beachfront resort!

— Whaleshead Beach Resort

— Oceanfront Retreat

— The Faerie Treehouse

— Rustic Cabin

— Barney’s Guest House

— Cabin on the Creek

Sample Samuel H. Boardman Elopement Timelines

7-Hour Sunrise Elopement (Summer)

Approx. 4:30 AM – 11:30 AM

4:30 AM – Photographer arrives / getting ready shots at your Airbnb with mimosas & breakfast

5:30 AM – Change into attire

6:00 AM – First look at a creekside spot or cozy cabin deck

6:30 AM – Drive to a scenic viewpoint on the coast

7:00 AM – First look & ceremony with sunrise light

7:30 AM – Just married portraits with dramatic coastal views

9:00 AM – Post-hike champagne toast by the ocean

10:30 AM – Head back to Airbnb for brunch with loved ones

11:30 AM – Photographer coverage ends

10-Hour Sunset Elopement (Summer)

Approx. 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM

1:00 PM – Photographer coverage begins / breakfast or lunch together, vow writing

2:30 PM – Change into attire

3:00 PM – First look outside your cabin

3:30 PM – Drive to a trailhead by the coast

4:00 PM – Begin hike

4:30 PM – Private vow exchange on a cliff, overlooking the ocean 

5:00 PM – Picnic or cake & champagne toast

5:30 PM – Head back to Airbnb for private catered dinner

7:30 PM – Drive to nearby beach for sunset portraits

8:00 PM – Explore the beach until blue hour

9:30 PM – Head back to cars

11:00 PM – Photographer coverage ends

Not sure how long you should hire your elopement photographer for? I’m answering all your Q’s in this blog post.

What to Pack for Your Samuel H. Boardman Elopement

Aside from your elopement attire, accessories, and favorite hiking gear, here are a few items you won’t want to forget to pack for your elopement on the coast!

• Headlamps for early mornings + late nights by the ocean
• Warm layers (that coastal breeze will get ya)
• Vow books, license, rings
• Blanket for cozy snuggles on the beach
• Lightweight bouquet or floral crown
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Beach sandals
• Snacks & water
• Rain jackets

Leave No Trace & Elopement Etiquette on the Oregon Coast

As a certified Leave No Trace photographer, it’s always important to me that we keep sustainability and environmental protection central to your adventure elopement. Whether we’re embarking on a long coastal hike and need to be sure to pack properly & have maps downloaded for offline use, or we’re simply enjoying a walk-up viewpoint where we need to be sure to stay on paved surfaces, it’s essential that we prepare to Leave No Trace before we even arrive.

In addition to the 7 primary LNT principles, here are a few key points to keep in mind for your own safety, as well as the safety of the beautiful landscapes we’ll be exploring:

— Always be aware of changing tides to avoid getting caught in a strong current, or stranded somewhere unsafe. You can take a look at tide schedules for the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor here.

— Don’t climb on natural bridges, sea stacks, or other rock formations. Not only can this be dangerous to you and those around you, it also erodes the rocks/cliffs and causes long-term damage to the terrain. Always stay behind guardrails and fences—they’re there for a reason.

—Don’t underestimate the power of the waves. Sneaker waves are common on this area of the coast, and large waves can surprise you when you least expect them.

—Park only in designated spaces and permitted lots.

—Be careful when stepping on driftwood or logs, as they can get super slippery—especially if it’s raining.

I’m more than happy to answer any questions you might have about planning a Leave No Trace elopement, so that we can keep these places just as beautiful and safe for future couples to explore!

Meet Your Samuel H. Boardman Elopement Photographer

Katie here, your resident Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor expert & Oregon Coast elopement connoisseur! (not sure that’s the right way to use the word “connoisseur,” but oh well)

I fell in love with this part of the coast long ago, and it’s been the absolute joy of my life to guide couples around the many incredible trails, beaches, and viewpoints it has to offer. The cinematic ocean landscapes never cease to amaze me, especially when there’s a wildly-in-love couple standing in the middle of them 😉

I’m curious to hear what your dream vow exchange backdrop looks like. . . dramatic ocean views? Massive sea stacks? Lush coastal forests? A little mix of everything? Let me know when you inquire with me here!

Samuel H. Boardman Elopement Packages & Pricing

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Not quite ready to stop dreaming up your perfect celebration just yet? I’ve got a few more Oregon elopement resources that I think you’ll love.

Plus, check out a real-life Samuel H. Boardman elopement here for inspo!

The 20 Best Places to Elope in Oregon

How to Elope along the Oregon Coast