Exploring Forests, Coastline, and Full Moon Magic: Danna & Tyler’s Olympic National Park Elopement

Some elopement days feel carefully planned.
Others feel discovered.

Danna and Tyler’s elopement in Olympic National Park unfolded like the latter. It was a day shaped by curiosity, connection, and a shared love for wild places.

From quiet forest paths to the rugged Washington coast, their wedding day wasn’t about checking locations off a list. It was about being present, moving slowly, and letting the landscape guide the experience.

Hair & makeup by Anne Timms

A Vision for a Joyful, Present Elopement Day

When Danna and Tyler described their vision for their elopement day, they put it simply: joy.

That intention became the foundation for everything that followed.

Rather than structuring the day around a strict timeline, they wanted an experience that felt unrushed and responsive. They wanted a day that allowed space for exploration, quiet moments, and genuine connection.

Forest Exploration Along the Elwha River

Their ceremony took place beneath a waterfall, surrounded by their closest people. The sound of rushing water offered a sense of privacy and calm as they exchanged vows — intimate, intentional, and deeply felt.

Afterwards, they strolled along the Elwha River. They wandered through sacred forest spaces together, pausing often to notice details, textures, and the subtle shifts in light. Moss-covered trails, towering trees, and the steady presence of water created a grounding rhythm for the day.

From Forest to Coast: Exploring Ruby Beach

As the day unfolded, the landscape naturally shifted from forest to coast.

The Washington coastline was a non-negotiable part of their vision, and Ruby Beach provided the perfect setting. With its sea stacks, driftwood, and expansive shoreline, it offered a striking contrast to the forested beginning of the day.

Dressed in a pale blue dress that perfectly complimented the scenery and crashing waves, Danna grabbed Tyler’s hand and they explored the beach together. They exchanged whiskey shots, laughed a lot, shared intimate moments, and even stepped into the water. It was playful, unscripted, and full of joy.

Moments like these are what make elopements feel alive: choosing experience over perfection, and letting the day unfold naturally.

Ending the Day Under the Strawberry Moon

Danna and Tyler intentionally chose to get married on the evening of the full moon.

As night arrived and we made our way back from the coast, the Strawberry Moon rose softly over the mountains, marking the close of a day spent exploring forests, waterfalls, and coastline. It was a beautifully quiet ending standing together beneath the moon, reflecting on everything the day had held.

An Olympic National Park Elopement Rooted in Exploration

Danna and Tyler’s elopement is a reminder that wedding days don’t need to be tightly structured to be meaningful. When space is left for curiosity and presence, the experience often becomes richer than anything you could plan minute by minute.

Their day was joyful, exploratory, and deeply connected to the land — a true reflection of who they are and what they value.

If you’re dreaming of an elopement day that moves naturally through forests and along the coast, Olympic National Park offers endless possibilities for creating something personal, immersive, and unforgettable. Check out my guide for planning your Olympic National Park elopement, or send me an email at [email protected] to get started!