Gold Beach Oregon Coast Engagement Session

Amanda reached out to Hannah to do an Oregon Coast engagement session at Gold Beach on the southern Oregon Coast back at the beginning of 2021. It was a perfect way to kick off the year!

Even though it was a photo couples session, Adam drove the 8 hours down to Gold Beach with me. We booked an Airbnb the night before, and got up early to do a morning shoot! (If you’re heading to the southern Oregon Coast, we recommend these Airbnbs: Heartland Treehouse, Airstream Tiny Home in Gold Beach, and Riverside Cabin in Brookings). The morning shoot worked the best because we only had a 2 day window to do the session since Andrew (Amanda’s fiancé) had to fly back to California. He had flown up to visit Amanda at school! HOW SWEET!

Adam and I picked the spot the day before, and agreed to meet Amanda and Andrew in the early morning! We were really hoping to beat the rain that was on the forecast for the whole day. When we arrived, it was only a little windy! And can I just say that we had an absolute BLAST. It started sprinkling during the session, but both Amanda and Andrew were down to have a good time. 

They focused on each other the whole time, which made every second really special. I did my best to accurately capture how playful they were, and how beautiful their love is. Both of them are very down to earth, kind people. I could tell from the second I saw them that their connection is really strong. It was especially cute how Andrew didn’t want to stop holding Amanda! 

I absolutely love couples sessions because everyone’s relationship is so different. If you’re interested in a couples session, don’t hesitate to contact me! Adam and I also offer photo + video for couples sessions!

How To Plan An Oregon Coast Engagement Session

Oregon Coast Engagement Session Locations

The first thing you need to figure out is what beach you want for your coastal engagement session! And let me tell you, there are TONS. The Oregon Coast is extremely diverse. If you’re looking for expansive sandy beaches, some of the best locations include: Cannon Beach and Gold Beach. Both locations also have fun rock formations like Haystack Rock. If you’re wanting even more sand, check out the sand dunes at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Some of our favorite beaches that have a bit more rock formations and include more of the rugged coastal range include: Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, Ecola State Park, Hug Point State Recreation Area, and God’s Thumb trail in Lincoln City. Finally, the BEST spot on the Oregon Coast is hands down the Natural Bridges along the southern part of the state. The natural formations are just stunning! Catch and sunset there and you won’t be sorry. I promise!

Oregon Coast Tide Charts

Another HUGE consideration when planning your coastal engagement session is to consider the tide. Sometimes, you don’t even think about where the tide is going to be, but then you could end up stuck or with less beach than you had anticipated. It’s important to be prepared! Here is the Gold Beach Tide Chart information if you’re planning a trip there.

Be Flexible With Weather

Weather in the PNW is very unpredictable. It could be raining one minute and then sunny the next! It’s important to check the weather ahead of time, but remember to be flexible. This session was very time sensitive, and we didn’t have the option to reschedule. So, instead of letting the rain get to us, we made the most of it! If you’re shooting in cloudy or rainy weather, make sure to schedule your session for the late morning or midday so that you have the most light.

Pack Extra Clothes

It’s very likely that you’ll get wet if you’re at the coast! I usually always ask my couples to splash in the water (if they’re down for it). So, remember to pack 2 towels and some warm clothes to change into afterwards.

Be Prepared For Wind

Along with unpredictable rain and sunshine, be prepared for the wind! Often times, the coast is very windy, both during the day and in the evening. It’s pretty rare to have calm days. For example, we shot this Tropical Beach Tiny Wedding on the Oregon Coast at Cape Kiwanda back in 2020 and it was a wind and rain storm! It was nuts, but we made the most of it. There’s not much you can do to avoid the wind. You can try to choose locations that have rock formations to shield you from the majority of the wind. But you’re still likely to encounter it. We recommend bringing an extra jacket/blanket if the wind is cold, and maybe pack sunglasses to sheild your eyes from the flying sand!

Have A Good Time

The best tip we can offer, though, is to have a good time! Embrace the weather, embrace the cold, embrace the water! You won’t regret it.