The Oregon Coast is 363 miles of wild and free coastline. With the beautiful pacific to the west, and towering cliffs to the east, there really is no place like it. Oregon is home to painted deserts, lush forests, stunning beaches, and so much more. The government in Oregon has declared that every inch of this coastline be free to the public, which makes for some incredible adventures.

Immersed is rooted in Oregon, so this location is held close to our hearts. Families, tourists, and artists alike travel from all over the country to experience the beauty that the state has to offer. Thanks to the beauty of the area, it has become a hub for elopements, weddings, and a variety of other photo sessions over the last decade.

Due to the diversity of landscapes, and the ever-changing weather, there are many factors you need to keep in mind as a photographer or event planner.

When to go:

Regardless of when you visit the Oregon Coast, don’t forget to pack accordingly. The weather is known to be unpredictable, so make sure to have an umbrella, sunblock, and a rain cover for your gear on hand at all times.

If your couple is looking to take in the beauty of the coast while running away from the scorching weather, then fall in Oregon is the best of both worlds. The leaves are changing, the weather is cooling down, and the summer tourists have left for the year. Keep in mind, the closer you get to the winter months, the more unstable the weather will become. It’s best to plan your fall session or elopement earlier in the season to avoid unpredictability!

If you’re looking for more consistent weather, then summer is your best bet. There are two things to keep in mind when booking during this season. First, housing accommodations can book up years in advance thanks to the popularity of the location. What happens when housing accommodations are booked? The trails get packed too. Be prepared for long waits at iconic locations and popular restaurants. If you’re looking to have trails emptier during the summer months, try getting up for a sunrise session!

Leave no trace:

We believe that it’s our job as photographers to preserve the land that we cultivate our art on. Traveling and shooting in exotic locations is an incredible part of the job, but it can also lead to displaced wildlife, damaged nature, and ultimately the destruction of our favorite locations. We have to focus on preserving these lands as we capture moments, to ensure they will be here for generations to come.

To leave no trace effectively, plan ahead, and be considerate of others, and remember to stay on the designated trails while hiking. Avoid confetti and other props that create waste that could harm wildlife. Respect the wildlife, and avoid disturbing them if they’re nesting or sleeping. We also recommend avoiding specific geotagging, that way your locations can stay true to you, and whoever else might accidentally stumble upon them. If you see someone damaging the environment, speak up. We want these lands to be here for eternity, so we have to work together!

Where to shoot:

Encourage your couple to find a location that is true to them and their story. Oregon is home to so many different landscapes, and so let’s work to create experiences for our couples that are unique.

Keep in mind, certain locations do require permits, so you’ll have to do your research on those prior to visiting. A permit also doesn’t equal exclusivity, so if you’re visiting during a peak time, there might be other tourists or photographers in the immediate area. (We’ve totally had random strangers watch the ceremony we were capturing… don’t be that person!)

If you’re looking for accessible photo locations, consider somewhere such as the iconic Haystack Rock. It’s accessible to all levels of ability and is such a beautiful landmark. Keep in mind that it is a popular tourist destination, so it can get busy on the weekends. Intimate ceremonies might need to occur during sunrise if your couple is looking for some peace and quiet.

If your couple is ready for adventure, then we have the spot for you. John Dellenback Trail is not for the faint of heart. This 6-mile hike through the dunes requires solid endurance, but the end makes the whole adventure worth it. Upon completing the hike you’ll arrive at a completely unspoiled beach that is perfect for an intimate ceremony away from all the hustle and bustle of the season.

We’ve only just scratched the surface of your Oregon Coast planning. If you’re looking for a comprehensive list of everything you need to know to travel to this unforgettable location, then Immersed Education has your back.

The Immersed Education Oregon Coast Location Guide has everything you need to confidently plan an elopement or event anywhere along the coast. This guide will cover when to visit, where to shoot, vendors, accommodations, venues, experiences, hiking, maps, and so much more.

Forget scouring the internet, trying to put together all the pieces for your session. We’ve got everything here in one place, ready to empower you to take on your next adventure.

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