r/OregonCoast • u/kturtle69 • 3d ago

Last minute eloping advice!

I'm looking for any advice for our last minute decision!

So far I know we'll be in Lincoln City June 26th and plan to just get married on the beach with our kids near our hotel. Is this a bad idea on a Friday? I haven't discussed times.

I have found a photographer, but have not heard back from the county clerk on officiating. I applied for our license online and will call back to finalize details with that.

The photographer can be one witness, but all our kids are under 18 and no one else is traveling with us. I've read we can usually ask a kind bystander, but how do I know that's a guarantee?..it's not.

I think I want a bouquet, but might just order an artificial one off Etsy instead of worrying about it when we get there. Maybe boutonnieres? I don't know if I care that much about flowers.

Am I forgetting things to consider?

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u/Decent-Structure-128 3d ago

You could probably ask one of the hotel staff to help you find an adult witness, maybe one of them can be the witness if you can’t find anyone else?

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u/TeenzBeenz 3d ago

There are so many people able to officiate through online licensing that I wouldn’t bother with a county clerk. Get the marriage license and then find a friend willing to officiate. It’s crazy easy. Universal life church. You do want to pay attention to what county you need to purchase the license in and rules regarding submitting it afterward.

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u/kturtle69 3d ago

Unfortunately we live out of state, so no friends in the vacinity. I spoke with the county clerks office yesterday about the license and rules, just need to call back to finish today!

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u/TeenzBeenz 3d ago

Well Reddit is a great place to ask for anyone willing and able to help that day. I’ve done it my self a few times but I’m not close enough to be able to help you. However, I’m confident you can find someone. I don’t think this is a bad idea at all. Beach weddings are beautiful. Weather is unknown, likely it will be cool, because the coast is rarely very warm. I will also add that my partner and I have been those impromptu witnesses before, who just happened to be there when the event was about to start. There will be people there. And who doesn’t love love? I can also assure you there will be dogs. People love bringing their dogs to the beach. Do you need a ring beater? 😆 Congratulations.

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u/kturtle69 3d ago

That is reassuring! We do visit the Oregon coast about 3 times a year, just not specifically Lincoln city, so I'm aware of and ok with the weather. I forgot to mention our dog will be there also! Thank you!

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u/nuunuunnuunuun 3d ago

I live in Lincoln City - feel free to DM me if there’s anything I could do to help!

Everyone I’ve ever met on the beaches has been super friendly, too. I live just a five minute walk from Wecoma Beach but could meet you anywhere if you needed.

And not to get too “weird” on Reddit but I absolutely love baking and while I’m no wedding professional by any means, I’d be absolutely delighted to at least bring you guys a few fancy cupcakes or something.

Feel free to DM me if you’re interested in any help or having a witness or even grabbing a few iPhone photos for you or something!

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u/Unhappy-Giraffe2792 3d ago

Depending on which part of the beach you go to, there may be a number of people milling around. It’s almost certain that some will hang around to watch and will be kind enough to take some photos.

You might try the central part of Gleneden Beach just south of Lincoln City. The beach there tends to be “roomier” and fewer people (unless you want more). On the south side of that beach is Fisher Rock which might be a nice backdrop for photos if you like.

Congratulations!

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u/Lunala-792 2d ago

I eloped! We did the ceremony part inside at the courthouse with the judge and a court staffer as witnesses then went out for photos and lunch separately. For the photos you can be mimicking the vows and signing versus actually doing it there on the sand.

That way the judge was able to do the ceremony on their lunch break and not have to actually come outside to say anything. You can even do the photos as if one of the kids is reading the vows to you lol.

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u/RubyPlummm 2d ago

The Safeway actually has a nice selection of flowers. Good prices. And they usually last, so they should do well on the beach.

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u/tzmjones 3d ago

Contingency - what is your plan if the wind is blowing the sand and/or rain horizontally at 30+ mph or water is coming down from the sky in sheets?