Our Magical Time at Cannon Beach, Oregon
Hey y’all!
We’re Soraya and Brandon, Cannon Beach photographers who specialize in capturing couples, elopements, and love stories on the Oregon coast. Today, we want to share a piece of our own story—our very first time at Cannon Beach. What began as a magical trip turned into one of the most meaningful adventures of our lives, and it’s a big part of why we now call this breathtaking place home.
Exploring Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is famous for its sweeping sandy shoreline, dramatic coastal cliffs, and the ever-iconic Haystack Rock. We still remember our early morning walks here—the waves rolling in, the sky painted in soft pastels, and the peace of having the beach almost to ourselves.
As photographers, we couldn’t resist capturing portraits against Haystack Rock’s towering silhouette. It’s one of the most photogenic spots on the Oregon Coast, making it perfect for Cannon Beach engagement photos or dreamy couples sessions.
Culinary Delights
Of course, no adventure is complete without good food. Just north in Seaside, we stumbled upon Grizzly Tuna, a roadside seafood shack that served the best fish tacos we’d ever had. Back in Cannon Beach, Tom’s Fish & Chips became our go-to for casual, hearty meals, while Sleepy Monk Coffee fueled our mornings with some of the best coffee on the coast.
Whether it was coffee before sunrise photos or fish tacos after a beach walk, these local gems made Cannon Beach feel like home.
Bonfires & Stargazing
One of our favorite memories is gathering around beach bonfires at night. With hot dogs, s’mores, and Oregon Pinot Noir in hand, we made new friends under a sky glittering with stars. If you’re planning a session here, don’t skip a nighttime stroll—the romance of Cannon Beach after dark is pure magic (though pack a puffy coat, it gets chilly!).
Unique Local Finds
Cannon Beach is full of quirky and charming stops. The Screw & Brew (a hardware store meets pub) had us laughing and lingering longer than expected. The Cannon Beach Liquor Store introduced us to a wine expert who recommended an unforgettable Pinot Noir, which we later took on a picnic at Manzanita Beach.
And at The Butler Did It antique shop, we found a vintage blue floral plate that now lives in our collection—a little reminder of our very first Cannon Beach adventure.
Wildlife & Coastal Beauty
Cannon Beach isn’t just about ocean views. We once stumbled across a herd of elk, one of which genuinely looked like it was smiling for our camera. Moments like these remind us why couples photography here is so special—nature always has a way of joining in.
Final Thoughts
Our first trip to Cannon Beach was filled with everything we love most: adventure, connection, nature, and laughter. From the grandeur of Haystack Rock to the warmth of the local community, it was here that we discovered not just a destination, but a place where love stories come alive.
Today, we’re grateful to capture couples, engagements, and elopements on these same shores. Every time we photograph at Cannon Beach, we’re reminded of our own magical first trip—and we can’t wait to help others create memories that feel just as timeless.
With love,
Soraya & Brandon