There is no wedding venue like the Oregon coast! Oregon beach elopements are my forever favorite. They’re intimate, yet at the same time, they make you feel connected to the vast landscape of the coast. Jenna and Jessie’s waterfall elopement had all the most charming aspects of a small ceremony with Hug Point’s beautiful natural features.

The groom kisses the bride's forehead at their waterfall elopement Hug Point

Beautiful Hug Point

The Oregon Coast has so many incredible locations for elopements. (You can check out my roundup of my seven favorite spots here.) There’s something special about Hug Point, though. You can’t compete with the backdrop of waterfalls and rock walls that set this beach apart from the rest!

the bride's jewelry and flowers for the waterfall elopement

Hug Point is a cove about five miles south of Cannon Beach. While Cannon Beach tends to get a lot of well-deserved attention, Hug Point is equally beautiful and sometimes less crowded. Ideal for a waterfall elopement!

The couple stands in front of sandstone caves at a Hug Point waterfall elopement

The view of the sunset at Hug Point is unforgettable. Waves crash on the sandy stretch of beach, shimmering in the sunlight at golden hour. Water fills little tidal pools that you can explore. The towering sandstone cliffs cast cool shadows on the sand. There are even caves you can explore. It’s quite breathtaking.

the couple embraces during their waterfall elopement ceremony

So what exactly makes Hug Point a waterfall elopement destination? Hug Point is unique among Oregon Coast beaches in that there is a seasonal waterfall at the foot of the hills. The water cascades onto the beach where it forms a pool during periods of consistent rainfall. Just a short distance from the sandstone caves, the waterfall adds to the magic of the landscape.

the bride smiles at the groom on the beach

Rolling hills surround the beach. Sitka spruce and ferns grow abundantly and bring a touch of forest beauty to the scenery. Hug Point is a state recreation site, and it’s just a short walk through the trees from the parking lot to the beach. Even though Hug Point is so accessible relative to some other Oregon beaches, the hills make it feel like you’re in the middle of the wilderness.

The couple kisses on the beach at the end of the waterfall elopement ceremony

An Adventurous Waterfall Elopement

A waterfall elopement at Hug Point was just the right mix of whimsy and romance for Jenna and Jessie. I love this couple. They started out as clients but quickly became friends. Everything about their wedding day reflected their kindness and sense of hospitality. They made me feel like part of the family every step of the way.

The groom picks up the bride at the waterfall elopement

The day of Jenna and Jessie’s elopement started quietly. Instead of making wedding prep into a big production, they kept it simple and quiet. Jenna looked stunning in her dress and veil. The floral lace detail of the dress and long billowing veil looked so elegant and completely natural on the beach. Guests also wore neutral colors to create a very breezy, natural aesthetic.

waterfall elopement portraits after the Hug Point ceremony

Jenna and Jessie exchanged vows in the sunshine in front of the sandstone caves and waterfall. Their love was palpable, and their smiles were contagious. After their first kiss, Jessie literally swept Jenna off her feet in excitement. The whole ceremony was so genuine and so authentic to them.

After the ceremony, the sun began to set. We took romantic portraits in the warm golden light. The sandstone cliffs glowed to life around us. You can see how happy Jessie and Jenna are in these pictures. They laughed and toasted champagne. I’m so grateful that they’ll have these images to remember celebrating their love with their family.

Jenna and Jessie’s Sunset Wedding Picnic

Instead of a conventional wedding reception, Jenna and Jessie had a picnic on the beach following their waterfall elopement. The creative decor elevated the experience and gave their guests a bit of luxury at the otherwise low key event. Everyone sat on coordinating white and beige pillows crocheted in different patterns. Their plates sat on wicker mats, and peach vases held white flowers and long plumes of decorative grass. It was so artistically done and made the space feel very special.

The picnic is set up for the waterfall elopement reception

During the sunset picnic, the atmosphere was one of deep connection. Jenna and Jessie treated the people they loved most to a memorable evening amid the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.