Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area

Permit Information

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Special Use Permit. Ceremonies under 50 guests with no decorations, rental furniture, arches, or props typically do not require a permit. Anything larger or with decor requires an Oregon Coast Special Use Permit. Base cost is $150 for up to 50 guests ($100 application fee plus $50 day use), then $1 per person over 50. As of January 1, 2026, the OPRD review period was extended to 120 days. Certificate of liability insurance required. Cape Kiwanda has unstab…

Planning Your Day at Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area

One-Spot Day

Cape Kiwanda is in Pacific City, 90 minutes southwest of Portland via OR 18 and US 101. Base in Pacific City itself (Inn at Cape Kiwanda, Headlands Coastal Lodge) for walking access. The ceremony zones are the sandstone dune headland and the wide beach in front of it, both share the same parking lot. Start the day with a dune climb for sunrise, breakfast at Pelican Brewing on the beach, beach ceremony at golden hour. Under 50 guests with no decor requires no OPRD permit. Pacific City's Haystack Rock (different from Cannon Beach's Haystack) is the offshore anchor visible from every angle.

Ceremony + Portraits Split

Two zones, same parking lot. The Cape Kiwanda sandstone dune is a steep short climb to a headland with panoramic Pacific views, up to 20 guests on the south plateau. The wide beach in front of the dune holds up to 30 guests with Pacific City's Haystack Rock as the offshore backdrop and the dory boat fleet adding unique Oregon Coast character. Most elopements do the dune for sunset portraits and the beach for the ceremony itself. Cliff edges on the north side of the dune are genuinely unstable and have killed people, do not approach them.

A Note on Light

Sunset is the magic hour, the sandstone turns golden and the ocean glows behind Haystack Rock. Summer evenings 7pm to 9pm deliver the softest light. Winter and fall golden hour is shorter but more dramatic, and stormy weather adds moody sea spray. The dune climb is in direct sun and hot by midday June through September, avoid midday ceremony timing. Wet sandstone is dangerously slippery, avoid the north cliff edges always but especially after rain. OPRD review is now 120 days, apply early if you need a permit.

Ceremony Spots at Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area

• Cape Kiwanda Sand Dune — Golden sandstone headland rising from the Pacific with sweeping ocean views and warm sunset tones
• Haystack Rock Beach (Pacific City) — Wide sandy beach with Pacific City's Haystack Rock sea stack and dory boat launches as a dramatic backdrop