Why Capella by the Sea is the Perfect Spot to Elope in Brookings, Oregon
If you’ve been dreaming about an intimate, breathtaking wedding surrounded by the natural beauty of the Oregon Coast, Capella by the Sea in Brookings is a hidden gem that should be at the top of your list. As a local photographer specializing in elopements and small weddings, I’ve had the absolute honor of capturing several beautiful love stories at this venue — and I can confidently say it’s one of the most magical places to say “I do.”
Whether you’re traveling from out of state or you’re lucky enough to call the Oregon Coast home, Capella by the Sea offers a unique blend of natural beauty and peaceful charm that makes it ideal for small weddings and elopements. If you’re considering tying the knot here, I’ve put together some helpful tips and insights to make your day unforgettable.
Why Choose Capella by the Sea for Your Elopement?
1. The Stunning Location
Nestled within Azalea Park in Brookings, Capella by the Sea is a gorgeous, octagonal-shaped stone chapel with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the lush greenery of the park and let in the most beautiful natural light. The setting feels incredibly intimate and serene. Perfect for couples who want a simple yet breathtaking backdrop for their ceremony.
Another thing to consider about this location, and what makes it even more magical is how close it is to the Oregon Coast and the Redwoods. After your ceremony, you can head to the cliffs, beaches, or even the forest for stunning post-ceremony photos !
2. Year-Round Beauty
No matter the season, Capella by the Sea offers something unique. Spring and summer bring vibrant blooms and golden sunsets. Fall offers warm, earthy tones and cozy coastal vibes. And winter? It’s quiet, moody, and utterly romantic. Perfect for couples who want a private, intimate wedding experience.
3. Stress-Free Planning
One of the best parts about choosing Capella by the Sea is how easy it makes your wedding day. The chapel itself is small, making it perfect for elopements or micro-weddings with your closest friends and family. Additionally Brookings is a small coastal town, which means less chaos and more peace. Exactly what you want for a relaxed, stress-free wedding day.
My Top Tips for Eloping at Capella by the Sea
After photographing a LOT of weddings here, I’ve picked up a few tips that can help make your Capella by the Sea elopement even more magical:
1. Book Your Ceremony Around Golden Hour
If you want dreamy, glowy wedding photos (umm who doesn’t want that?), plan your ceremony about 2-4 hours before sunset. This gives us plenty of time to capture those post-ceremony portraits in the best possible light. Luckily, Capella’s windows provide incredible natural light. And those golden hour moments outside are pure magic!
2. Plan a Second Location for Photos
One of the best things about eloping in Brookings is the incredible scenery nearby. After your ceremony, I always recommend heading to a scenic spot like Harris Beach State Park, Secret Beach, or the Redwoods for breathtaking wedding portraits. This variety of locations allows you to get both elegant chapel shots and epic coastal landscapes all in one day.
3. Keep Your Guest List Intimate
Capella by the Sea is ideal for smaller weddings (up to 50 guests). The space feels cozy and intimate. Keeping your guest list small allows you to fully enjoy the moment without the stress of a large wedding crowd.
4. Consider a Weekday Elopement
If you’re hoping for a peaceful, quiet experience, consider getting married on a weekday. Not only will you avoid weekend crowds in the park and along the coastline, but you’ll also have a more relaxed, intimate experience overall.
5. Hire a Local Photographer Who Knows the Area
This one’s important! Brookings has so many hidden gems, from secluded beaches to towering Redwoods — and having a photographer (like me!) who knows the best spots, lighting, and timing can make all the difference in capturing the magic of your day. I can help you plan the perfect timeline to ensure you get stunning, unforgettable photos.
Ready to Plan Your Capella by the Sea Elopement?
If Capella by the Sea is calling your name, I would absolutely love to be part of your day. Whether you’re planning a tiny ceremony with just the two of you or a micro-wedding with your closest loved ones, I’m here to help capture every meaningful moment. From quiet, intimate vows inside the chapel to breathtaking sunset photos on the Oregon Coast — I’ll make sure your elopement feels like pure magic.
If you’re ready to start planning (or you just have a few questions), reach out to me here. I’d love to chat about your vision and help you create a stress-free, wildly beautiful elopement experience.
Let’s make your dream day happen — and capture every second of it.
For more info on bookings Capella by the Sea for your wedding, you can find their website here: https://www.brookings.or.us/facilities/facility/details/capellabythesea-2
