An Adventure Elopement at Hug Point in Arch Cape, Oregon
At first, I was bummed when Alex and Viviana reached out to me since I wasn’t able to meet them up in on their date for a National Park elopement in Washington. I recommended some other photographers and explained that I wasn’t able to travel far for the elopement until the end of the month unless it was in Oregon.
They came back with, “We will totally do it in Oregon!” Within a week, they had traveled to the coast for their license application and we booked their day. Viviana and Alex met with me on zoom and I immediately could feel their connection. Viviana was so sweet and excited while Alex, the planner, took to the details of the day. Their wedding vision was so fun, to truly elope, just the two of them. They booked a weekend in Seaside and we chose a spot about 20 minutes down the coast line to elope called Hug Point.
Location Details
Hug Point recreation site is a small beach about seven minutes south of Cannon Beach. The main beach area has a sandy beach and rocky scenery similar in style to Haystack rock with a inlet cave and cliffs covered with trees on both sides of the beach.
The best part though, is a secret area to the right of the beach, only accessible during low tides. You can access it walking around the rock structure on the North side (right side) of the beach. Around the rock structure are towering rocks lined with trees, a couple of caves and even a small waterfall that flows back into the ocean. With lowest tide being after sunset, we were a little nervous. Thankfully, it was totally accessible three hours before the lowest tide. Note: it doesn’t have to be lowest tide, just low. I wish someone would have said that in all my searches! You can check tides in the area here.
If you plan to go there, here are some other details that might be helpful! There are a couple of walking trails in the woods before you head down to the beach from the parking lot. The main bathrooms are closed until summer. A single use (not great) “bathroom” is open in the winter months. The spot has plenty of parking but can fill up on a summer day.
The Weather
This Hug Point elopement was perfect proof that even on the worst weather days, an elopement can be beautiful. It was, of course, the one rainy, windy day after a couple of sunny ones. We are talking sideways rain and gusts that almost carry you away! Alex and Viviana were not phased at all and these ended up being some of my favorite photos! They were willing to just go with it, to get wet and sandy and not let the messy hair or dirty dress get them down.
I would definitely recommend sunrise or sunset on a sunny day or a cloudy day without rain. Usually summer months are your best bet for these kinds of days but every once in a while, you get a no rain stretch in the off season.
Accommodations
Lodging
If planning a Hug Point elopement, I definitely recommend staying in the nearby town of Cannon Beach. It is a super cute upscale beach town that has plenty to do but still has a small town vibe. While Seaside is also a great option, Cannon Beach is just more quaint and romantic in my opinion. We stayed at the Hallmark but there are several great boutique hotels and Air Bnb options as well. The room we chose was absolutely perfect on a cold beach day, it had a jetted tub in the room big enough for two. Arch Cape Lofts was one we looked at too that was beautiful and a bit more secluded down the road.
Lunch and Dinner
If you stay in Cannon Beach, head to the Cannon Beach Smokehouse for a spicy margarita and the barbecue nachos. We love barbecue and this did not disappoint. They also have a pretzel that looks so good! The Pelican brewery is also a local favorite if you have a bigger group. They are famous for their chowder and craft beer. For a memorable seafood experience, head to the iconic Ecola Seafoods Restaurant & Market, where they feature fresh catches of the day. Another popular choice is the Driftwood Restaurant & Lounge, known for its cozy ambiance and delicious Pacific Northwest-inspired dishes. For those craving a little Italian, Newman’s at 988 has a delicious looking menu featuring handmade pasta dishes. And if you’re in the mood for something more casual, another favorite is Pizza a’fetta.
Breakfast
For a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, head to the Sleepy Monk, where you can enjoy artisanal coffee and pastries. Another favorite spot is Sea Level Bakery + Coffee, where they make all their pastries and quiches with locally sourced ingredients. For those seeking a more hearty breakfast, we went to The Lazy Susan Café. Another local favorite is The Wayfarer Restaurant & Lounge. Here you can enjoy panoramic views of Haystack Rock while sipping on mimosas!
Things to Do
We of course, started our day with coffee and a stroll on the beach. It is really true what they say, Haystack Rock is just so cool in person! If the tide is far enough, exploring the tide pools around Haystack Rock is a fun activity too.
If you are staying longer and want a more nature-inspired experience, there are several trails along the coast. Known for their panoramic views of the rugged coastline and forests are Clatsop Loop Trail or the Ecola State Park trails. Definitely visit Hug Point before or after your elopement ceremony for the caves and exploring during low tide.
For a more laid-back experience, enjoy a picnic at one of the beachfront parks. Or hit the shops and boutiques lining Hemlock Street. One of our favorite memories as kids is to gather around a bonfire on the beach, roast marshmallows and play flashlight tag!
This experience was a much needed getaway and getting to tell Alex and Viviana’s love story was unforgettable! I definitely recommend Hug Point if you are looking at possibly eloping on the Oregon Coast! If you need help planning the elopement of your dreams, see my blog post here on How to Elope or The Best Places to Elope in the Pacific Northwest.
Florals: Cherity Bloom of A Bloom for You designed this sweet spring-inspired bouquet.
