Olympic National Park Elopement from the mountains to the coast
Jackie and Ryan traveled from the East to the West coast for a Pacific Northwest elopement in Olympic National Park. These two decided to elope for many reasons that a lot of our couples will relate with. They wanted a stress free day where they could connect and even get out of their comfort zones together. They were equally excited about the mountain views, the stunning coast line and a completely unique adventure elopement to start off their marriage. When we have the chance, we always love to meet up with our couples prior to their elopement day. We’re so grateful that we were able to meet up with Jackie and Ryan the night before their elopement for dinner in Port Angeles! We love being able to clear the jitters, go over all the details of the day and for our couples to get to know us better since we will be spending the wedding day with you!
The following morning we drove up the mountain as a historic meteor shower was at is prime. We arrived to a perfect mountain morning, without another soul in sight. As we started to get closer to where they would become husband and wife, the sky started turning pink and the most beautiful blue showing off the Olympic mountain range. We passed a few wildflowers still in bloom, making for a truly perfect way to start off their wedding day. We arrived at the location just before true sunrise so they could change into their wedding attire for the first look. Ryan waited on a rock overlooking the mountains and the Canada shoreline. Jackie wore a beautiful dress and made her way over to Ryan for such a special and private first look. Following their first look, they hiked further up on the pass to sit together side by side, but facing the other way from each other so no one could peak to hand write their vows into their vow books. Once their vows were complete we headed over to a private ledge for their ceremony. They walked hand in hand together as the watching the sunrise as they made their way over to where they would say I do.
Their ceremony was beautiful and touching. It was still, calm and peaceful. In the midst of their ceremony, another hiker made their way up the main trail, and stopped to watch at a respective distance. A They sealed their marriage with a kiss and then held each other close, embracing the fact that they were now husband and wife. The other hiker who had stopped to watch was just in time to become their second witness needed in the state of Washington to legally get married. We all signed the marriage licenses against one of the park signs telling you what each peak in view is.
After a few portraits while exploring the mountain top area we started our hike back down the mountain (Looking for tips on hiking during your wedding day?). We looked out for deer along the meadows as we drove down back towards Port Angeles. We all took a break to relax and eat lunch before meeting back up at their super cute A frame they had rented. Upon pulling into the driveway there were two baby deer taking a nap in the shade right outside their cabin. We got to capture some the details from their day like the map of the park, gifts they had given each other while in the cabin and flowers. We shot the last details of them getting ready for their sunset adventure before heading out.
We drove into Olympic National Park passing Lake Crescent (Check out this couples wedding day at Lake Crescent!) to arrive at Rialto Beach. We made our way along the shore line to a spot with privacy and good views to hangout for the evening. Jackie and Ryan popped a bottle of champagne in celebration of their marriage before the sun set. Then enjoyed a picnic they had packed with all sorts of yummy snacks. Ending the evening with two mini cheesecakes.
It was a beautiful day celebrating many years of building a relationship for marriage. It was a day of many firsts for these two as they explored Washington’s mountains and coasts together for the first time on such a special day. I have a hundred favorite things about elopements, but one of them is that you can honeymoon where you get married! That’s just what these two did, before heading back home, they set off to explore the Mount Rainier area.
A review from the bride!
Your Olympic National Park Elopement Photographers!
Hey there! We are a husband and wife team offering photo, video and planning assistance for adventurous weddings! We live right next door to the Olympic area and know it well from the many moody beaches and awesome mountain peaks! We believe starting your marriage off on an epic adventure, away from the distractions of everyday life is the best way to start this next chapter in your relationship. We can’t wait to hear what you’re envisioning for your own elopement day!
