After recently being named Expedia.com’s #5 Place in America to “Pop the Question,” it only makes sense to plan your big day, and at least part of your honeymoon, in Florence—Oregon’s Coastal Playground.
This article is dedicated to anyone asking the question: “Where should we get married?” If you are in the planning stages of your wedding and are curious about holding your big event in or near Florence, here’s a page or two to come back to after scanning through the following outline.
Why Florence for Your Wedding?
Tucked along the stunning Oregon Coast beside the scenic Siuslaw River, Florence offers a breathtaking setting for couples looking to tie the knot. Whether you envision a romantic beach ceremony, a historic lighthouse backdrop, or a cozy gathering in Historic Old Town, among the trees of an ancient forest, or near a gorgeous waterfall, Florence has everything you need for an unforgettable wedding experience—including glorious sunsets!
Here are some ideas for things to do with your wedding party leading up to the big event.
Florence is loved worldwide, and with all these glowing reviews, you know you’ll have a great time here! Check out this impressive list touting Florence as your wedding, reception, and honeymoon destination:
- Expedia.com’s #1 Most Beautiful Town and #5 Place in the US to “Pop the Question,”
- BestLifeOnline.com: 10 Cutest Small Towns on the West Coast,
- USA Today’s #1 Best Small Town in the Northwest and #2 Small Town In America for Adventure,
- WorldAtlas.com: One of Nine Towns in the Pacific Northwest with The Best Main Streets; Best Oregon Towns for a Weekend Trip; Best Small Towns to Visit on the Pacific Coast; One of Nine Best Storybook Towns in Oregon; One of Seven Most Relaxing Oregon Towns; One of 10 Coziest Small Towns in Oregon
- MSN.com: #6 among 15 Most Scenic River Towns in the Northwest
- Yardbarker.com: One of the 14 Most Beautiful Beach Towns on the West Coast
- TheTravel.com: #2 Best Small Towns in Oregon; #6 Most Beautiful Towns in America; #3 Most Underrated Beach Towns in the US (Ranked higher for desirable travel than any west coast beach (none made the list) and higher than the famous beaches of Siesta Key, Florida; Jacksonville, Florida; Gulf Shores, Alabama; and Hampton Beach, New Hampshire.);
- WeDreamOfTravel.com: #8 Best Oregon Coast Photography Locations to Explore
- Stacker.com: One of 11 Best Beach Towns in Oregon
- FastCompany.com: #2 Most Beautiful Towns in America
- Flight .com: 8 Coolest Cities You Must Experience for Yourself
- Oregonian/OregonLive.com: Readers’ Favorite Coastal Getaway
Read on for the best information on Oregon Coast Wedding locations, catering, lodging, photography, florals, and more!
Best Wedding and Reception Venues in Florence, Oregon
Capacity: Up to 500 guests (but the space is dividable for as few as a dozen or so.)
Perfect for weddings and receptions of any size, the Florence Events Center offers flexible indoor spaces. You also get to choose décor, lighting, a PA/sound system, chairs, tables that are decorated and arranged just-so…the Florence Events Center has everything you need to make your wedding truly special. Our venue can be customized to your theme, design, and colors—and important accessories such as stages or risers, podiums, projector and screen, a customizable-sized dance floor, piano, sound shell, or a beautiful wedding arch are available—all with professional event coordination included. There are even separate changing areas for the wedding party (with showers if you have your ceremony at the beach). Outstanding onsite catering options expand your choices to make your day the most memorable.
Whether you’re planning a grand reception or an intimate ceremony, this venue ensures a seamless experience—even if you have an outdoor location in mind! The Florence Events Center has everything from dance floors to chairs and tables to a sound system ready for delivery—when and where you need it. Contact them at 541-997-1994 or info@eventcenter.org to find out more about planning your perfect day!
Capacity: Up to 150 attendees indoors or out
For a wedding with stunning coastal views, Heceta Head Lighthouse is a dream come true. Exchange vows on the beach below or the bluff above overlooking the Pacific, then celebrate in the historic Keeper’s House with catered dining and overnight accommodations. A huge tent is available to cover all your guests, gifts, food, and more. Our host can help secure music, photography, flowers, seating, and anything else you need.
Capacity: Up to 120 guests
Located in the heart of Florence, The Playhouse offers a charming and intimate space with a stage, flexible seating, and a warm ambiance perfect for a personalized wedding celebration and reception.
Capacity: Varies
For couples who love the outdoors, this picturesque park provides a romantic riverside setting under a traditional gazebo surrounded by Florence’s historic charm. Ideal for smaller ceremonies, this park allows for a beautiful yet budget-friendly option. Located at the intersection of Laurel Street and Bay Street along the Siuslaw River, the park features a gazebo, nearby restrooms, a drinking fountain, picnic tables, and a balcony over the river. Contact: City of Florence
Beach Weddings on the Oregon Coast
Imagine saying "I do" with the sound of crashing waves and the sun setting behind you! Florence’s pristine beaches offer a magical, natural setting for a barefoot beach wedding. Popular spots span miles and miles of uncrowded beaches, and local vendors offer complete Oregon Coast beach wedding packages.
On an Oregon beach, you generally don't need a permit for a small, informal ceremony with fewer than 50 guests and minimal setup. However, for larger events or if you plan to set up chairs, tables, or other decorations, you'll likely need a Special Use Permit from Oregon State Parks.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- General Rule: Oregon beaches are public land, so you don't need a permit for a simple wedding ceremony with a small group and minimal decorations.
- Need a Permit? If you have more than 50 guests or plan to set up chairs, tables, arbors, or other decorations, you'll likely need a Special Use Permit from Oregon State Parks. To determine if you need a permit and to obtain one, contact the appropriate Oregon State Parks office, either the park manager of the specific park or Oregon State Parks & Recreation at 503-986-0707. You can find information about Special Use Permits and the application process on the Oregon State Parks website.
Local Wedding Services in Florence
Photography
Specializing in Legacy Portraiture, Rodger provides images of the inner traits and personalities of the people he photographs. Titling his work "Legacy Portraiture", he makes portraits that show the things about his subjects that friends and family love most. The photo environment can be in the studio or in a location that puts additional meaning into the image. Happiness is guaranteed. Rodger also offers unique art photography, showing remarkable scenes of the local area, along with wildlife and travel photos. 541-991-3455
Capture the essence of your moments with Dan, the exceptional freelance photographer based in scenic Florence, Oregon. Through his lens, creativity knows no bounds. With a keen eye and a passion for visual storytelling, Dan crafts images that leave a lasting impression. Dan has a primary focus on digital photography, and seamlessly blends artistry with technology to deliver stunning results. From captivating portraits to breathtaking landscapes, every shot is a masterpiece.
While Dan specializes in digital, he's no stranger to the allure of medium format film. This versatility ensures your moments are captured with precision and care.
Catering
Florence Events Center: Even if you don’t hold your ceremony or reception at this outstanding venue, you can hire their chef and crew to cater at your location of choice.
Homegrown Public House & Brewery: Locally inspired cuisine featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients for a truly Oregonian dining experience.
Waterfront Depot: Offering elegant catering with a focus on Northwest seafood and gourmet delights.
Floral Arrangements
“We make perfect scents.” Since 1996, Florence in Bloom has been a full-service florist and flower shop servicing the Florence, Mapleton, and Reedsport areas with fresh floral arrangements for weddings and all other occasions. They even have silks, gifts, wines, chocolates, and gift baskets of various types. Website orders are welcome at www.florenceinbloom.com. Local deliveries and worldwide wire services are available. Drop in to Florence In Bloom between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday thru Friday and 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday. Florence In Bloom at the corner of Kingwood and Rhododendron in the beautiful town of Florence, Oregon.
Unique, Bespoke Designs—Specializing in customized, high-end wedding florals to make your special day unforgettable. From intimate elopements to grand celebrations, Truck Full of Posies works closely with couples to create one-of-a-kind designs that reflect their love story and perfectly complement their wedding aesthetic. Every design blends natural beauty with a touch of whimsy, making each bouquet a true work of art. They are a local, full-service florist dedicated to working with local farmers, ensuring vibrant, high-quality blooms while supporting our community and the environment. Each design reflects the beauty and charm of the Oregon Coast.
Music/Entertainment
Elevate your occasions with captivating solo violin music of Robbie Dee's artistry, designed to add a touch of elegance and emotion to any event. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, Robbie's exquisite performances resonate with passion and grace, creating unforgettable moments that linger in the hearts of all who listen. With a diverse repertoire spanning classical masterpieces, contemporary favorites, and bespoke compositions, Robbie tailors her music to suit your occasion's unique ambiance.
DJ Al: A professional DJ and MC service and digital photo booth to keep your reception lively. Contact him directly at 602-505-1293.
Florence offers a variety of lodging options, from cozy B&Bs to riverfront and oceanfront accommodations, ensuring you and your guests have a comfortable, memorable stay.
Wedding Rentals
From FlorenceEventCenter.com:
Décor, lighting, a PA/sound system, chairs, tables that are decorated and arranged just-so…the Florence Events Center has everything you need to make your wedding truly special. Our venue can be customized to your theme, design, and colors—and important accessories such as stages or risers, podiums, projector and screen, a dance floor, piano, sound shell, or wedding arch are available.
If you have an outdoor location in mind, we have everything from dance floors to chairs and tables to a sound system ready for delivery—when and where you need it. We also have on-site dressing rooms, complete with showers, if you just came from the ceremony at the beach! Click on any photo to see our album of happy couples, then contact us at 541-997-1994 or info@eventcenter.org to find out more about planning your perfect day!
Make Florence Part of Your Love Story
Whether you're dreaming of a beachside ceremony, a historic lighthouse wedding, or an elegant reception at the Florence Events Center, this coastal town provides the perfect backdrop for your big day. With incredible venues, talented local vendors, and stunning scenery, Florence, Oregon, is an unforgettable destination for your wedding celebration. And the list of fun things for friends and family to enjoy before or after the big event is long!
For more information or to start planning your dream wedding in Florence, explore our local vendors and reach out to venues early to secure your date!
