The Cape Kiwanda area is a unique place on the northern Oregon Coast and one of my personal favorites. Unlike other places on the Oregon Coast though, this location can be a bit more rigorous if wanting to truly explore and see all there is to see and experience. This location is also everchanging through erosion, which is unfortunately sometimes at a higher rate then other areas of the coastline. With all that in mind, if up for an adventure and beautiful views, a Cape Kiwanda sunset elopement can be a great choice!

The Location: Cape Kiwanda area

Cape Kiwanda is located about 15 minutes off Highway 101 and borders Pacific City, Oregon. Located half an hour north of Lincoln City, Pacific City is a small coastal town with limited options for food and lodging locally. When planning in-season events, weekdays are recommended.

Geology

Cape Kiwanda is one of the few prominent headlands on the northern Oregon Coast that is not made of basalt – the black rock that is created by ancient lava flows. The geology of Cape Kiwanda consists of middle Miocene sandstone and siltstone of the Astoria Formation. These rocks are ~15 million years old and were laid down during a period of time when the Pacific Ocean extended over much of western Oregon (Lund, 1974). So many unique formations remain from years of erosion, but they do change each year. Thankfully the sandstone and siltstone are partially protected by remaining lava flows in the area. The most visible basalt remains being the Chief Kiawanda Rock which is the sea stack located off the coast of Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area in Pacific City, Oregon. (Often referred to as another ‘Haystack Rock’)

Their Elopement Day

Delany and Andrew’s Cape Kiwanda sunset Elopement was not the original plan for their day, but it was always the dream. Having a beach elopement with their closest loved ones and they always wanted a private ceremony, followed by a larger reception with all friends and family. It just was a matter of how. What began as a single day celebration, turned into a multi-day celebration. Delany requested the change and I was very excited to provide this option so they could have their dream beach ceremony followed by their larger reception the next day.

It was a windy but beautiful evening on the coast. They began with a first look before finding a more protected area for their ceremony. Their beach ceremony still included Delany being walked down the aisle by her Dad, led by a dear family member and witnessed by their closest family and loved ones. After saying ‘I do’ and being pronounced husband and wife, we continued with some group photos before their guests departed and the newlyweds continued to enjoy their Cape Kiwanda sunset elopement.

Cape Kiwanda has some of the best views on the Oregon Coast but also holds many special memories for Andrew & Delany so getting to say their vows and enjoy the scenic area as newlyweds was a dream come true. The wind also kept many others away as we had the beach basically to ourselves for the evening. From walking the shoreline, climbing a sand dune, watching the sunset together and not walking back until blue hour – these two truly got to experience this unique area of the coast fully on their elopement day.

And to think this was just Day One of their celebration! Day Two’s Reception was also a beautiful occasion and stay tuned for that blog post to come. 🙂 Multi-day events can be a great option when you love aspects of elopements and wedding days. Dreaming of your own unique day? Do not hesitate to reach out!

Review

“Lets just say, Ann Marie is PURE MAGIC and everything will always work out.

I reached out to Ann ~1year in advanced from my wedding, at that time I had no true direction of the basic “where, when” details. I knew I loved the beach and the water was calling, but I was feeling the wedding pressure of a local celebration with ALL the family, then maybe an ‘after wedding photoshoot at the beach’.

Anyways, months go by and probably 3 months prior to the wedding date, I changed up the whole plan. I added a small ceremony at the beach (on Friday), an a larger reception locally (on Saturday)! I was crossing my fingers and toes that she would have room for the extra day.

Ann was the best and so flexible with this change, she had already scouted the location (at the beach) and had so many Ideas! She was also amazing as a wedding timeline coordinator (for both days!), she created a detailed Itinerary down to the minute and was able to coordinate with the DJ, she has a vast knowledge of local vendors and resources.

She treated us like a close family friend would, making sure we ate food at the wedding and drank water. Making sure we had everything we needed at both locations.
Most importantly she made us feel comfortable, My (now) husband had never had professional photos taken before and Ann made it easy to relax in front of the lens.
She is the most amazing photographer I have every worked with. (Trust me I am particular with photos and who I choose to capture my memories in time)

Also her pictures speak for themselves, they are what photo dreams are made of and I love how she made it fun and relaxing. Granted, climbing up the Cape Kawanda sand dune in a wedding dress with frigid winds swirling around us was a challenge, but somehow Ann made it a magical memory, as if time was standing still and just spending time watching the sunset with my husband.

I love how pictures can say 1,000 words, and capture the emotions and energy of a moment. Looking back at these pictures not only transports me back in time, it instills confidence that I am ABSOLUTELY choosing Ann every single time.

Thank you for the MAGIC, and MEMORIES.”
-Delany & Andrew

Planning your own elopement or wedding day? I would love to chat! You can reach out here:

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