If you have visions of a romantic wedding on the beach in Cannon Beach, advance planning is the key to a happy and successful event. There are many things to consider if you plan on a beach wedding. As soon as a date for your wedding has been decided, contact the Cannon Beach Police Department at (503) 436-2811 to prevent conflicting events, apply for permits and understand the regulations, especially during the high season: late spring to early fall.

It may be necessary to obtain a Miscellaneous Use Permit or an application for a Certificate of Insurance for liability from Oregon State Parks. Parking for a beach wedding is an important consideration. Cannon Beach public parking lots and streets are quite busy on weekends and in the summer when parking is at a premium, and on weekdays as well. Here again, advance planning and coordination are important. Cannon Beach is becoming an increasingly popular location for beach weddings, however there are some restrictions. Haystack Rock is a protected area and no events may take place within 1000 feet north and south of the rock. Oregon's beaches are considered Ocean Shore Recreation Areas open to everyone, so no specific beach site can be reserved to exclude others, and no beach access points can be blocked.

Part of the planning is getting a marriage license at least three days prior to the wedding date. A marriage license can be obtained at any Oregon county courthouse, and the nearest one to Cannon Beach is in Astoria. There are florists, officiants, photographers, tuxedo rentals and great places for receptions in and around Cannon Beach, as well as wedding consultants to handle all or part of the wedding preparations.