One of the things I love most about photographing elopements in Olympic National Park is that no two days ever look the same.

Some couples want a quiet, slow morning and a simple ceremony tucked into the forest. Others want to hike, explore, chase light, and squeeze every bit of adventure out of the day. The beauty of Olympic is that you can do both, often within the same day!

As someone who lives here and spends a lot of time exploring these trails and coastlines, I help couples build days that feel natural, intentional, and true to who they are — not just a checklist of pretty locations.

If you’re dreaming up your own Olympic National Park elopement, here are five ideas to make the day feel meaningful and unforgettable.

1. Start with a Slow Morning Near the Water or Forest

Your elopement day doesn’t need to start in a rush. And honestly, some of my favorite moments happen before we even head into the park.

Imagine waking up in a cozy cabin near Lake Crescent, drinking coffee together while the morning light hits the water, or getting ready in a quiet Airbnb tucked into the trees outside Port Angeles. Couples often tell me this part of the day feels grounding. It’s just the two of you, soaking it all in before the adventure begins.

These slower moments create space for connection and help the whole day feel more relaxed and present.

2. Share Your Vows Somewhere That Feels Wild and Personal

Olympic gives you so many options for ceremony locations, and the “best” spot is always the one that feels right for you.

Some couples are drawn to the soft forest light along the Elwha River or near Lake Crescent, where everything feels calm and intimate. Others want big, open views like the sweeping alpine landscapes at Hurricane Ridge or the dramatic coastline at Rialto Beach.

Because I hike and explore here regularly, I help couples choose locations that match their comfort level and vision – whether that’s a short walk from the parking lot or something more adventurous.

3. Build in an Adventure

Your elopement doesn’t have to be just a ceremony and portraits. Some of the best days include an experience you genuinely love doing together.

That could look like:

• A relaxed walk through old-growth forest trails near Marymere Falls
• Exploring tide pools and sea stacks at Ruby Beach or Rialto Beach
• Hiking the Hurricane Hill trail for expansive mountain views
• A quiet forest wander along the Elwha River

I always tell couples that Olympic is for everyone. You don’t need to be hardcore hikers to have an incredible day here. But if you do want to hike farther or go more off-the-beaten-path, I’m absolutely here for that too and have loads of trail suggestions for you!

4. Celebrate in a Way That Actually Feels Like You

One of the biggest gifts of eloping is that you get to celebrate however you want.

I’ve seen couples pop champagne on the coast, share whiskey shots after their vows, dance barefoot in the surf, ski down a mountain post-“I do”, hold a private chef catered dinner in a cabin, or sit together with a picnic along a crystal clear lake. Some bring a small cake, others pack their favorite trail snacks.

These moments aren’t about tradition, they’re about creating memories that feel real. And honestly, they’re often the moments couples remember most when they look back at their photos.

5. End the Day Chasing Light

Olympic National Park has some of the dreamiest light — especially when you give yourselves time to slow down at the end of the day.

Sunset at Ruby Beach can feel moody and cinematic, with clouds moving in and out and waves reflecting the last light. Up at Hurricane Ridge, evening light can turn the mountains soft and golden. And sometimes the best moments happen when the weather shifts — fog rolling through the trees, dramatic skies, or those quiet in-between moments where everything just feels still.

Leaving space for golden hour or sunset gives you a chance to breathe, walk together, and really soak in what just happened.

Your Olympic National Park Elopement Can Look However You Want

There’s no one way to elope here, and that’s exactly why I love it.

Whether you want a simple, quiet day in the forest or a full adventure exploring beaches, mountains, and hidden trails, Olympic National Park gives you room to create something that feels like you.

And if you’re not sure where to start, that’s what I’m here for. As a local photographer who spends a lot of time hiking and exploring this place, I help couples plan days that feel relaxed, intentional, and deeply connected to the landscape.

Here are a few elopements to inspire you in your planning:
An Olympic National Park Elopement exploring waterfalls, forests & coastline
Waterfalls to Ridgetops – an Olympic National Park Elopement

Ready to start dreaming up your Olympic National Park elopement? Let’s plan something that feels true to you.