Intimate Elopement at Short Sand Beach on the Oregon Coast
There’s something about the Oregon Coast that feels timeless and untamed — the kind of place that makes you pause and soak in the beauty around you. One of my favorite hidden gems along the coast is Short Sand Beach (also known as “Shorty’s”), tucked away inside Oswald West State Park. To get there, you wander down a forested trail lined with ferns and towering trees before the sound of waves leads you to a breathtaking cove. It’s the kind of place that feels made for elopements.
Recently, I had the honor of photographing a couple who chose this spot for their intimate day, and it was absolute magic from beginning to end.
The Hike In-
Instead of rushing into the day, the couple embraced the journey. They held hands as we walked the trail together, stopping every so often to breathe in the fresh air and take in the forest around us.
The Ceremony by the Sea-
When the trail finally opened up to the cove, we were greeted with that classic Oregon Coast view: cliffs rising on both sides, the ocean stretching endlessly ahead, and driftwood scattered across the sand. They chose a quiet corner of the beach for their ceremony, just the two of them, and the rhythmic crash of waves as their backdrop. As they exchanged vows, the mist from the ocean drifted through the air, making the whole scene feel otherworldly.
Exploring Short Sand Beach-
After the ceremony, we explored the cove for portraits. They climbed driftwood logs, kicked their shoes off to run through the sand, and even ventured near the tide pools as the waves rolled in. Short Sand is one of those places where every angle looks like a painting — the dark cliffs, lush green forest edges, and soft sandy beach make for such a romantic canvas.
For me as a photographer, capturing an elopement here was a dream. Every moment felt genuine and connected — the kind of day where the location becomes part of the story, not just the backdrop.
If you’re dreaming of an Oregon Coast elopement, and you want something a little adventurous but still accessible, Short Sand Beach might just be your perfect spot.
