Gorgeous Shore Acres State Park Wedding in Coos Bay Oregon

I first met Dawson and Alaska a few months before their wedding when we took their engagement photos in the majestic Redwoods National Forest and Secret Beach in Samuel Boardman State Park. They had booked my two day elopement package and chose to use the first day for engagement photos and the second for their wedding ceremony. For their elopement day, they chose Shore Acres State Park near Coos Bay, Oregon as their ceremony location.

Shore Acres State Park isn’t just full of natural beauty, it’s also home to a beautifully-maintained garden. The garden also includes a lovely garden house where Alaska got ready. She started the day with hair and makeup before slipping into her gorgeous blush-colored gown. This is your friendly reminder that you definitely don’t have to wear white on your wedding day—you do you!

After getting ready, Dawson and Alaska did a first look outside the garden house before heading to the ceremony location in the garden. The ceremony took place at the steps of a pond filled with lily pads and surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers. Even though it had rained heavily the day before, the rain had cleared just in time for their ceremony. The two were accompanied by about twenty of their closest family and friends. After the ceremony, we took some group shots in the garden before the three of us whisked away for couples photos.

We started out with a few photos in the garden with just the two of them before heading down to the coast. The cloudy, coastal fog conditions made for some really beautiful light with a backdrop of waves crashing along the rocky shore. Once we were done with photos, we all went back to their Airbnb for their reception. They had their first dance, popped some champagne, and played some fun bride and groom games. They also had a local catering company make some delicious tacos for their reception dinner with cake cutting to follow.

No matter if it’s just the two of you or a close group of family and friends, I always love how intimate elopements are. It’s days like these that I have to pinch myself, knowing that I get to capture these special moments for sweet couples like Dawson and Alaska. I’m incredibly grateful!

 

Eloping in Coos Bay, Oregon

Long stretches of sandy beach, rolling dunes, sandstone cliffs, and lush forests. Located along the southern Oregon Coast, Coos Bay is surrounded by diverse landscapes. To its north, miles and miles of sand dunes, and to its south, rocky seashores and dense pine forests. The perfect backdrop for a southern Oregon Coast elopement.

Where to Elope: Shore Acres State Park

Situated along the Pacific Ocean, Shore Acres State Park boasts craggy seaside cliffs, crashing waves, and a picturesque Japanese-style garden. The breathtaking natural scenery juxtaposed with the meticulously structured garden is what makes this park so unique. Once the estate of Louis Simpson, a timber pioneer, the park also includes a grand mansion, now an observation building for visitors. From the gardens, a trail leads to a secluded ocean cove at Simpson Beach and incredible ocean vistas.

Where to Stay: Coos Bay, Oregon

Coos Bay is a bustling port city with an artsy and historic charm. Surrounded by natural attractions like the Oregon Dunes and Shore Acres State Park, Coos Bay is the perfect home base for a southern Oregon Coast elopement. Visit the historic Marshfield District, eat fresh coastal cuisine, stop by one of the local breweries, or check out the neighborhood shops while you’re there.

When to Elope: Early Fall

Dawson and Alaska eloped in mid-May, and although this time of year can be a bit more unpredictable in terms of weather, it can still be a lovely time to elope. If you’re looking for the best chance of sunny weather, early fall is considered to be one of the best times to visit the coast. The months of September and October are even referred to as the “second summer” by locals. Temperatures are usually in the 60s and 70s with sunnier and calmer weather. The summer crowds have usually dwindled and accommodations become more affordable. For these reasons, I highly recommend early fall for an Oregon Coast elopement!

Ready to whisk away to the Oregon Coast for an epic adventure elopement? Check out my post on How to Elope on the Oregon Coast with all my best tips, and if you’re ready to book, I’d love to hear from you!