Elopement at Olympic National Park in Port Angeles, WA
Abby and Brendan’s adventurous elopement at Lake Crescent and Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park
A Love Story Made for the Mountains
Abby and Brendan are the kind of couple that just gets each other. You know the type — finishing each other’s sentences, giggling over inside jokes, and always down for an adventure. When they first told me they were dreaming of an elopement that felt like an escape into nature, Olympic National Park was their first choice.
Abby and Brendan were neighbors in Boston that got closer and closer during the lockdowns in 2020. After a year of being good friends, they moved across the country together and the rest is history! When describing their ideal elopement, Abby said “we hope to see the epic scenery that makes us remember the feeling of how monumental the day was for us- the epic/big world/expansive location like a metaphor for how big the day was.” I love that.
They wanted something peaceful, intentional, and 100% them — and this day turned out to be pure magic from start to finish.
Location Details
One of my absolute favorite things about Olympic National Park is how many different vibes you can soak in within just one day. Forests, beaches, mountains, lakes — it’s like four national parks rolled into one. For Abby and Brendan’s elopement, we kicked things off by the lake, where they exchanged private vows and shared a little picnic complete with cake and champagne (10/10 recommend). It was quiet, intimate, and felt like a hidden pocket of the world made just for them.
After their ceremony, we laced up our boots (figure of speech, it’s the PNW, we definitely all had Blundstones) and took a short hike around the forest. The trails near Lake Crescent are incredible- filled with wildflowers and ferns the size of cars. At Golden hour, we drove up to Hurricane Ridge. The sun hit the Olympic range just right, and it gave their portraits the kind of dreamy, glowy magic you just can’t fake. We stayed a while to soak it in — no rush, just us, surrounded by all that epic scenery.
As golden hour faded, we climbed a little higher into the snowy stretches of the hill. Abby and Brendan bundled up in cozy blankets and brought out lanterns for the coziest nighttime shots ever. It was giving storybook ending, and I was here for every second of it.
Favorite Photoshoot Locations at Olympic National Park
If you’re dreaming up your own adventure elopement in Olympic, let me just say: you’ve got options. This place is an actual goldmine of stunning backdrops. Here are some of my all-time favorite spots:
- Hoh Rain Forest
Towering moss-covered trees, a soft green glow, and ferns for days — it’s like stepping into a fairytale. If you want that enchanted forest energy, this is the spot. - Rialto Beach + Hole-in-the-Wall
Moody coastal vibes with dramatic sea stacks and driftwood galore. It’s especially gorgeous at sunset when the light gets all golden and surreal. - Hurricane Ridge
Mountain views that will have your jaw on the floor. Plus, it’s super accessible — no major hike needed to get that high-alpine feel. These photos were taken right off the parking lot. You just need to check to make sure the road leading up to it is open in the off-season. - Lake Crescent
A glacial lake with insanely blue water, surrounded by forest and peaks. It’s peaceful, romantic, and perfect for lakeside vows or a picnic break. The trails around the lake are also lush and beautiful- some of the trees are almost redwood-sized! - Sol Duc Falls
A short, dreamy hike through lush woods that ends with a waterfall and a bridge that’s made for those iconic just-married shots.
How to Prepare for an Olympic National Park Elopement
Olympic is breathtaking, but it’s also wild and ever-changing — which makes prep a must. Here’s what I recommend bringing to keep the day smooth and stress-free:
- Layers, layers, layers. Even in summer, the temps can drop fast (especially in the mountains). Think cozy shawls, jackets, or blankets you can toss on between photos. We were super happy with light layers at the lake and then were absolutely freezing on the ridge- even in full sun!
- Comfy shoes. You can totally switch into fancy ones for the ceremony or portraits, but good walking shoes are essential for getting between locations.
- Snacks + water. Keep your energy up, especially if you’re hitting multiple spots! Abby and Brendan’s midday picnic gave them a moment to relax, pop some bubbly, and soak in the experience.
- Blankets + lanterns. Not just practical — they also make for the dreamiest, most romantic shots when the sun dips low.
- A photographer who knows the park (hi 👋). Olympic is huge and unpredictable in the best way. Having someone who’s familiar with the light, trails, and hidden gems makes all the difference.
Whether you’re dreaming of a mountaintop vow exchange, a lakeside picnic, or just want to run wild through a misty forest hand-in-hand with your person, Olympic National Park is the kind of place that makes it all possible.
Ready to start planning your own epic elopement? Let’s make some magic together — contact me here!
