Callie and Nolan’s beach engagement photos were seriously to die for. It’s not every day that couples can bring in a PUPPY for their photos, and their little black lab added so much cuteness to this session.

‘Tis the season to get ENGAGED! We’re coming off of that wonderful Thanksgiving through Valentine’s Day season where many couples get engaged (but don’t worry – the rest of the year is still just as beautiful of a time to get proposed to!).

If you did just get engaged, I highly recommend reaching out to start talking about your engagement photos and even your elopement, as spots can fill up quickly once late winter and spring hit.

Why Oregon for beach engagement photos?

The Oregon coast hits different. Our coastline here offers stunning backdrops for beach engagement photos, from dramatic cliffs to rocky and sandy beaches. The combination of natural beauty here, plus the typically soft lighting, can make your engagement photos turn out so romantic.

Make your beach engagement photos a trip!

A lot of my couples even make it a trip! A lot of my couples actually don’t live in Oregon, so they’ll book both their engagement photos and elopement with me, and fly out for their engagement photos. That’s a great time to come explore the area and scope out where you might want your actual wedding to take place. It’s also a good time to take note of your favorite restaurants and hangout spots so that you have some good recommendations for your family and friends that come for your elopement or intimate wedding. 

Check out my Cannon Beach Elopement guide and inspiration to start dreaming up your elopement!

Callie & Nolan’s Beach Engagement Photos at Haystack Rock

The engagement session of Callie and Nolan at Haystack Rock truly embodied everything I love about beach engagement photos—the raw beauty of nature, the genuine emotions of this cute couple and their pup, and the timeless romance of the beach. Callie and Nolan embraced the elements, walking barefoot through the wet sand, laughing as the breeze tousled Callie’s hair, and holding each other close to stay warm.

As a Leave No Trace photographer, I really love to scout locations and keep them private to my clients only, most of the time. But, it’s easy to recognize the beauty of Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach. It’s a staple for Oregonians, and honestly can get quite crowded during the warm, sunny months here!

The ever-changing weather on the Oregon Coast adds to the magic of your beach engagement photos. Some days are bright and sunny, while others, like Callie and Nolan’s session, are misty and mysterious. It’s nice because it creates a soft and romantic vibe. The reflection of Haystack Rock on the wet sand at low tide adds another layer of beauty, making for more artistic shows which I looovvveee!!

They started the session in casual, cozy outfits—wearing soft sweaters and blue jeans. As we moved closer to the shoreline, they played in the water, sharing kisses and wrapping up in each other’s arms as the waves lapped at their feet. And of course, we had to get some cute photos of them snuggling their puppy.

One of my favorite moments was when they stood hand in hand, gazing at each other with Haystack Rock towering behind them. The mist gave the entire scene an almost dreamlike effect, blurring the lines between sky and ocean. Every shot captured their love in such an organic, unposed way—it was simply them, in their element, celebrating their love story. And that’s what I want for all of our couples, engagements, elopements, and weddings alike!

More About Haystack Rock for Your Beach Engagement Photos

To my out-of-state couples, Haystack Rock a dreamy spot. It offers up sandy stretches of beach, which isn’t always a given for Oregon coast photos! A lot of our beaches here can be pretty rocky, so that’s something to keep in mind. We’ll chat about it more when we’re chatting about your engagement and elopement photo locations. Keep in mind whether you want to walk on easy, soft sand or work a little harder and traverse across some gravel or bigger rocks. Whatever we decide on, you’ll want to make sure you have comfy outfits and shoes that cater to the type of location we’re in!

Ready to plan your own beach engagement photos??

If Callie and Nolan’s session has you inspired to book your own beach engagement photos, here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:

• Dress for the elements. Light, flowy fabrics look amazing against the coastal breeze, but don’t forget to bring layers! Sweaters, rain jackets, shackets, shawls, or even a cozy blanket can add a warm, intimate feel to your photos.

• Embrace the weather. The Oregon Coast is known for its misty mornings and foggy evenings, so it’s easiest not to fight it! While we love sunny beach photos, it’s just not always possible. We can’t predict it, so try to be flexible with the feel of your photos. Some of the most stunning and unique engagement photos come from unexpected weather conditions.
• Go barefoot! There’s something so romantic and freeing about sinking your toes into the sand during your session. Obvi this means that you will get dirty, but that’s part of the experience for my couples!

• Choose a time close to sunset. The golden hour light combined with the natural reflection on the wet sand creates an absolutely stunning effect.

Thinking about a beach engagement session? Let’s chat! I’d love to help bring your vision to life and create stunning photos that you’ll be able to hang in your home for a lifetime. Reach out here to inquire about your session.