An Oregon Coast Elopement site that is an elopers dream?! Hug Point is one of our favorite Oregon Coast Elopement locations! From the nature beach vibes to the rock formations, to the tide pools, caves, and waterfalls… what more could you want in an elopement location?!
After sending Sam & Tadd a few ideas, they quickly settled on this ceremony site location, and it is so easy to see why!
About Hug Point State Recreation Site
Hug Point is a 43-acre park located about 5 miles south of Canon Beach in Oregon. It features a 15 foot waterfall (weather permitting), tide pools, sea caves, and more!
For elopements, we love the short walkway to the beach, restroom access, hiking trails, picnic areas, and the massive beach to allow you to have space for your elopement (without tons of onlookers!).
Tide Information for Hug Point
It is EXTREMELY important to know your tide when visiting Hug Point. You don’t want to get trapped here on your wedding day! When visiting, we recommend going at low tide and keeping track of when it will come back in again. When you visit at low tide you can go around the rocks and explore the waterfall, sea caves, and other rock formations! The waterfall makes for a perfect elopement backdrop 🙂 Click here to check the tide times!
Parking at Hug Point
There is a fairly large parking lot (with walkways on each side). If you are planning a sunset elopement we suggest getting there several hours before to ensure you have a space. This lot can tend to fill up later in the day, so plan accordingly!
You do not need a parking pass here. Parking here is FREE!
Directions To Hug Point
Hug Point State Recreation Site is located on the Oregon Coast. Here are directions to Hug Point State Recreation Site from Portland, Oregon:
- Head west on US-26 W toward Seaside.
- Continue on US-101 S.
- Take the exit toward Hug Point State Recreation Site.
- Turn left onto Hug Point State Recreation Site Rd.
We always suggest using your GPS to get here though, especially because it will let you know traffic issues and such!
Distance From Nearest Airport
The closest major airport is Portland International (PDX). It’s about 1 hour and 45 minutes away!
Hiking At Hug Point
It doesn’t require too much effort to hike around Hug Point State Recreation Site. It’s a 0.7 mile out and back trip and takes about 16 minutes if you are just heading straight there. You can also take a trail up to the top through the woods and get a birds eye view of the falls! This trip isn’t too steep either. We like to checkout both perspectives with our couples as it offers a variety of scenery!
When to Elope at Hug Point Oregon Coast Elopement Site
As far as the waterfall goes, the best time to view it is in the fall or after a heavy rain. You also want to make sure you visit Hug Point at low tide (as explained above)so you can get to the waterfall. But when you are looking at planning your elopement on the Oregon Coast in general, it’s important to consider the shoulder months! These are the months just before or after the locations busy season! We also highly suggest eloping on a weekday versus the weekend to avoid the crowds!
Permit Information for Hug Point Oregon Coast Elopement Site
Before you exchange your vows at Hug Point it is extremely important for you to check permits and regulations! But don’t worry, we will help you with this! In the meantime, we suggest visiting the Oregon State Parks Website and reaching out to them to get clarification on your specefic details of your wedding and if you will need a permit.
Likely if you have over 50 guests at your wedding you will need a special use permit. In addition, if you are trying to bring in structures (arches), furniture, etc you will more than likely need a permit.
But again, we always suggest reaching out to them directly to clarify! HERE is the packet that explains more in detail. You can also reach out by calling the phone number listed (which we highly suggest!).
Ceremony Site Ideas
Our favorite thing to do with a couple is explore and find the perfect spot for the two of you. Often we will be hiking around and find a spot that just “feels right”. But the spots at Hug Point are endless! Some ideas include:
- In front of the waterfall
- In front of giant rock landscape
- In front of the Ocean
- In front of the first cave formation upon descending the stairs (to the right).
- Forest Vibe – by hiking to the right of the parking lot up the cliffs.
It really just depends on what backdrop you are hoping for!
Where To Stay
There are lots of local airbnbs, campgrounds, and inns that are perfect accommodations for eloping couples! A few favorites have been listed below!
- Oceanfront Townhome
- Beachfront House by Hug Point
- Arch Cape Boutique Hotel – short walk to the beach! We have stayed here and it was perfect!
- Arch Cape Home (short walk to beach)
Sample Timeline
8:00 – Hair/Makeup
8:45 – Couple Enjoys coffee in Airbnb together
9:00 – Vow Writing
9:30 – First look at beach and
10:30 – Head to Lucky Dog Tattoo Shop
11:00 – Tattoos at The Lucky Dog
1:00 – Leave The Lucky Dog
1:30 – Arrive at airbnb to freshen up
3:30 – Leave for Hug Point
3:45 – Arrive at Hug Point
4:00 – Ceremony
4:30 – Charcuterie Board Picnic & Dessert
5:00 – Hiking & Exploring the Coast, Flying Kites, Tide Pooling, Watch the sun go down together, and other elopement day activities!
7:30 campfire, smores & sparklers on the beach
Top Tips for a Hug Point Elopement
- Get married on a weekday! This will ensure that you don’t have to deal with as many crowds!
- Choose some fun elopement day activities to enhance your experience! Weather it be morning yoga on the beach together, flying kites, or enjoying smores! All of these experiences help make your elopement day memorable!
- Always check tide charts! This is extra important for this location!
- Sunset or Sunrise offer the best lighting here!
- Be prepared- always check the weather and be sure to be prepared for whatever type of weather might come your way. Remember it could be rainy, foggy, misty, or bright and sunny! Just come prepared!
Hug Point Oregon Coast Elopement Packages
We hope you enjoyed the tips and tricks we provided in this blog! If you are planning an Oregon Coast Elopement reach out and we can help you start planning today!
Our Oregon Coast elopement packages start at $2500 and we’d love to work with you to plan your perfect day!
XOXO,
Sam & Bryt
