NorCal Redwoods + Samuel Boardman Oregon Coast Elopement

Elopement Idea: Roadtrip Edition!

Begin Among the Giants — Redwoods

Picture this: your elopement starts in the silence of the redwoods — where dappled light filters through towering trunks and the air is cool, green, and alive. These ancient forests offer a sense of intimacy and timelessness, perfect for beginning a celebration of love. Check out my Redwoods Elopement Guide for more info on the area.

From there, you’ll hit the road and make your way north — transitioning from forest to coast, and from tranquil woodlands to dramatic oceanfront cliffs. Once you hit the coast, the landscape shifts dramatically. The 12-mile stretch of the corridor is packed with viewpoints, sea stacks, hidden coves, natural arches, and rugged cliffs framed by windswept spruce and salt-sprayed ocean air.

Here are some of the best spots (and what makes each special) — great for planning a coastal elopement or intimate beach-to-forest ceremony + photoshoot day:

Arch Rock

• Located at the north end of the corridor, Arch Rock is often the first coastal landmark as you enter the park. A short stroll from the parking area leads you to a viewpoint where a massive sea-stack with a natural arch opens into the ocean. Waves crash through, sea birds fly overhead, and the contrast of stony rock against the Pacific makes for instantly dramatic photos.

• Because the path is paved and easy, Arch Rock works well if you want a quick, accessible coastal moment — maybe a first look or a quiet vow exchange before exploring deeper.

Natural Bridges Viewpoint

• Perhaps the most iconic location in the corridor: Natural Bridges reveals a cove framed by massive basalt sea arches — the result of ancient sea caves collapsing and leaving rugged stone bridges overhead.

• A short, steep path leads down from a small pull-out parking area to a wooden platform that looks out over the arches and the turquoise water below. At certain times (especially golden hour or moody weather) the cliffs glow, and waves crash dramatically.

• While I don’t personally take my couples here for photoshoots (it is too dangerous, there have been several injuries and deaths here) you should still take a peak at it along your coastal road trip!

Secret Beach

• For couples wanting more privacy and a sense of “secret discovery,” Secret Beach rewards those willing to explore a less obvious access point. A short, roughly ¾-mile trail from a minor pull-out on Hwy 101 descends to a narrow beach tucked between cliffs. Access is easiest at low tide.

• Along with hidden coves and sea-stack silhouettes, this spot can feel intimate and secluded — ideal for a couple seeking quiet romance away from well-worn tourist paths.

Ariya Beach and other scenic stops

• The corridor is packed with dozens of dramatic viewpoints — sea stacks rising from crashing surf, spruce-topped islands, narrow channels carved by waves, and cliffs that drop steeply into the ocean.

• If you time it right — early morning mist, golden hour light, or moody-cloudy skies — the coastline transforms into something ethereal and cinematic. Perfect for couples who want their elopement images to feel wild, atmospheric, and timeless.

Planning Tips: Combining Redwoods + Coast

• Begin in the forest, end by the sea — Start the day among the redwoods for calm, intimate, grounded moments. Then head coast-bound for dramatic contrast: rocky cliffs, ocean air, wind, and the vast Pacific as your backdrop.

• Mix accessible + adventurous locations — Arch Rock offers easy access if you want low-fuss photos, while Natural Bridges and Secret Beach satisfy the desire for raw, secluded, moody landscapes.

• Timing + tide awareness — Some of the most beautiful shots (tide pools, sea stacks, arches framed by waves) happen at low tide or during golden hour so plan accordingly.

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