Location Scouting at Cape Disappointment, Washington State

Ana and the dogs at Dead Man’s Cove

Cape Disappointment, Washington is about 30 minutes away from Astoria, Oregon at the mouth of the Columbia River. It got its name for being the place that the Lewis & Clark expedition reached the Pacific —except that their first view of the “Pacific” was actually the mouth of the Columbia River and they were disappointed.

The history alone makes Cape Disappointment a place worth visiting, but the landscape is one of the most beautiful that Washington has to offer. Driving into the state park feels like driving to the Oregon Coast but with Washington Mountains somewhat visible. It truly is the best of both worlds.

This would be a wonderful place to camp the night before a sunrise elopement and to take a walk on the beach, or have a beach picnic and a glass of wine. The next morning, there is no need to rush out of bed since the location for the ceremony —hilariously named Dead Man’s Cove— won’t have direct sunlight until noon so there’s plenty of time to enjoy some breakfast around the campfire.

Our campsite had a view of the ocean

The beach near the campsite would make for a beautiful location for a ceremony or a picnic

A phenomenal sunset location

There are so many craggy rocks to use as a background for your day

Imagine yourself having a toast to your new life here

In my mind this is the perfect place for an intimate wedding. All of the campsites are open to one another so you have the option to really include your family in the whole day if you want; there are also easy ways to separate from your family if that’s more your style. If camping isn’t your thing, Cape Disappointment State Park is only a 5 minute drive from Ilwaco and 30 minutes from Astoria where you can find hotels and vacation rentals.

Hiking into your ceremony location just after sunrise

Your first glimpse of where you’ll say “I Do”

“I Do”

Hopefully you’ll see how this area—among other areas around the Washington coast—is another reason why you should elope in Washington State.