Coastal Wedding Options

[investorscooter]

I'm hoping that locals would alert me to any special or unusual places where a <50 attendees wedding could take place on the ocean. Or at least with ocean view in background. As far south as Gold Beach, and probably not as far north as Cannon Beach. We wouldn't want to be in the tourist mix. Most attendees would be coming from Eugene/Springfield. Daughter is a nature lover and low-key in temperament. Any combination of park and ocean or lake, and forest would be attractive. We are also willing to look at resorts as long as they're naturalistic.

Heceta Head Lighthouse looks interesting, but I don't know if there's enough lodging for attendees.

Also, is it possible to have clam bakes/New England type boils on the beach in OR?

We are looking forward to spending a short but memorable time together on some of the most stunning ocean scenery in the USA.

Thanking in advance for some responses.

[Parnassia]

I'd start off doing some research about OR beaches through the link below, then narrow down the choices. You'll want easy access, parking, facilities for such a large group, etc. You may need a special use/event permit for the wedding. Not all beaches permit open campfires.

https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index....ile&parkId=193

[Silverfall]

Bandon has lovely sea rocks and I have found it to be a quieter beach.

Sisters Rock State Park is pretty as well. Parking might be an issue there.

I like Oceanside. There would be ample vacation rentals to book and then walk to the beach.

I love Gold Beach and the Boardman corridor. There are tons of scenic spots all along the way.

[StealthRabbit]

We rent community building 'yurts' / picnic shelters at Beverly beach State park ~ 30-50 people iirc. Short walk to the beach.

There is another state park nearby that we also rent yurts + picnic shelters.

Lots of outdoor 'raw' beach weddings at Hug Point (Arch Cape, south of Cannon Beach). No amenities, great beach and pics, especially at sunset. Many YouTube and Google images of Oregon beach weddings.

Otter Crest?

[leastprime]

Only familiar with Lincoln City, Neskowin, and Pacific City (PC). Especially PC, family had a beach home here which now belongs to my sister. Haven't visited sinc 2021.
Weekends in the summer are crowded. Parking is scarce. Weekdays are empty. Best times is earlyMay-June, and midSept-lateOctober. PC is very compact
Hot days in the Valley will probably sock the beach in fog. Look for 70-85 valley temperatures in the summer for a nice, all day, beach weather. Any summer fog is limited to couple hundred yards from beach and anything further inland will burn off by noon.
Campfires on Pacific City Beach is allowed. Bring your own wood. Community Center rents out.
Lots to do in PC: horseback tour. E-bike, paddle/canoe on Nestucca. Lake fishing at TownLake, Casino in Lincoln City. Hiking on Mt Hebo, Nestucca Headland. Clamming, crabbing if licensed, know where, tide dependent, and not closed due to algae blooms. Haystack rock-dory excursion. Pelican brewery is as close to the ocean as you can get. My sister says that our local fisherman/wholesaler died in 2020 from Covid, late 50's and very healthy.
Lots of beach home rentals in these areas.

[texasdiver]

If you want to spend some money, this is your place: https://www.hecetalighthouse.com/events#weddings

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Because of a combination of frequent rain, high winds, storms, and bad weather, and the necessity to do long term planning for a wedding, I suggest that you find a nice indoor space and look at the ocean out the windows. You can't really adjust the date of a wedding at the last second to work around weather.

[texasdiver]

PS, I wouldn't try to find lodging for all your attendees. Just give them enough notice on the date that they can find their own lodging. There are bazillions of AirB&Bs everywhere on the coast as well as lots of traditional hotels. And if most of your guests are coming from Eugene many many not want to even bother with lodging but rather just make a day of it.

[investorscooter]

I'd like to thank each and every one of you, who've given personal experiences, links and thoughtful responses, all of which will be considered in this process. I mean it, the points are all reasonable and significant. Thank you.

[Hemlock140]

A co-worker got married in Gearhart, and though I didn't attend, from the pictures it looked like a beautiful beach wedding. Sadly they divorced after 6 years.