Forget Vegas. Here are some thoughts on why couples would want to consider the beautiful Oregon Coast as a place to be married.

1. You don't need to be a resident of the state to be married here.

2. Although Oregon has a three-day waiting period to be married after you apply for the marriage license, here is a little-known secret to get around that. For a mere $10 additional fee, Tillamook County will waive the requirement automatically. Or, you can apply for a marriage license in Clatsop County ahead of time without having to appear in person. They will mail it to your home. So, if you're coming in from out of state, simply apply ahead of time online or by mail and the three day period will have already been served by the time you arrive.

3. Temperatures on the Oregon Coast are fairly moderate all year round. It never gets unbearably warm, even in summer. So you can snuggle up in front of a fire even in July! And rumors about the rain are greatly exaggerated. Even if it does rain, you can circumvent that problem by booking an ocean view hotel with a breathtaking view of the Pacific. If you need to move your ceremony indoors, you'll still have a spectacular ocean backdrop.

4. If you're opting for an intimate elopement at an Oregon State park, there is no fee. Some other states will charge exorbitant permit fees even for two people on the beach. And on-beach fires are allowed on most beaches. Can you imagine anything more romantic than your very own secluded spot on the beach with two glasses of Champagne and a fire?

5. Ocean or mountains? Take your pick. In some spots, you can even have both!

6. Oregon's Pacific Coast has gazillions of intimate little places to which you can tuck away for an intimate ceremony awhile also offering some of the finest venues for larger ceremonies. No matter what the size of your wedding, there is an ideal spot along the Oregon coast for it.

7. Crowds? Not here. Unless you're in a beach resort in high summer, then it's never congested here.

8. There is much to do on the coast when you're not being married (or acting married, or celebrating your marriage, or staring at your wedding bans, etc.) From surfing to parasailing to museums, festivals, wine-tastings, concerts, theater and hiking, there is something for everyone.

9. I don't know of any Elvis Impersonator officiants on the Oregon Coast. That alone, should persuade couples to cash in their Vegas tickets for Portland ones. Officiants in Oregon generally travel to all types of locations to perform ceremonies. We don't make you come to our chapel and wait in line with the other eloping couples until it's your turn.

10. When you look at your wedding photos from the Oregon Coast, chances are the background will be of a gorgeous mountain vista, a breathtaking ocean view, or an historic building. As opposed to, "Oh look! There's a picture of the newlyweds standing in front of Lucky Louie's Casino!"

Of course, some people like that sort of thing!