Jillian & Emily

Way up in the northern regions of California are the mighty redwoods. And I got to say, you can really feel how alive everything feels. The lush green foliage, the towering trees, the ethereal fog and moisture that sometimes roll through the forests—it’s no wonder couples are drawn here for their wedding day.

But this isn’t just any wedding day, we are talking about. Today, we're telling the story of Jillian & Emily’s all-day adventure elopement in Olympic National Park.

Beaches, Lakes, Rainforests—Oh My!

The big day started at an Airbnb in Port Angeles, with the sunrise stretching its delightful glow over the world. It’s such a magical experience to wake up, just the two of you, awaiting the wedding day ahead. There’s so much excited energy in the air, on top of a bit of nervousness, too. It’s only natural.

Yes, it was early. But the wake-up call for hair and makeup was so worth it. I snapped photos of our couple getting ready for their elopement wedding day, while also taking moments to take pictures of their details. It’s the little things that add a lot of personality, after all.

all-day-adventure-elopement-olympic-national-park-5.jpg

all-day-adventure-elopement-olympic-national-park-6.jpg

all-day-adventure-elopement-olympic-national-park-7.jpg

We gathered up all our goodies for the day and drove out to the beaches of Olympic National Park. The diversity of natural features in the park is one of the major draws for the area. We’re talking about cascading waterfalls, epic craggy beaches, hikes to stunning mountain views, and the only rainforest in the US.

The beach was a bit chilly this early in the day. But that’s just an excuse to get close to each other. Or—if you are as adventurous as Jillian & Emily—you also keep warm by running down the beach and exploring the coast!

all-day-adventure-elopement-olympic-national-park-26.jpg

all-day-adventure-elopement-olympic-national-park-28.jpg

all-day-adventure-elopement-olympic-national-park-35.jpg

all-day-adventure-elopement-olympic-national-park-18.jpg

After getting the heart rate up with a little beach jogging in wedding dresses, Jillian & Emily settled down to write their private vows. No peeking!

The couple wrapped up their moment at the beach to explore a nearby lake. Despite the gloomy weather, common to the area, Jillian & Emily opted for some paddling After all, the best way to have time together away from everyone—including the wedding photographer!

all-day-adventure-elopement-olympic-national-park-44.jpg

all-day-adventure-elopement-olympic-national-park-51.jpg

all-day-adventure-elopement-olympic-national-park-47.jpg

After that, the two read their vows on the shoreline of the lake. It was an absolutely heartwarming moment as Jillian & Emily glowed about each other, shared special moments of their history, and expressed their hopes for the future.

Still feeling at one with the natural wonders, Jillian & Emily explored even further into the unique rain forest in Olympic National Park—with a visit to a waterfall, of course.

all-day-adventure-elopement-olympic-national-park-78.jpg

all-day-adventure-elopement-olympic-national-park-82.jpg

all-day-adventure-elopement-olympic-national-park-87.jpg

all-day-adventure-elopement-olympic-national-park-99.jpg

We headed back to the Airbnb, feeling quite hungry from the day’s activities and emotional expenditure. Our couple hired a personal chef, and were treated to a delicious meal as they chatted about their favorite moments of their Olympic NP wedding day. Since I got to eat with them, I can confirm—the food was amazing!

Tips for Your Own Olympic NP Adventure Elopement

If you feel the almost magnetic pull to say “I do” in Olympic National Park, you should absolutely follow that feeling. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your elopement in Olympic National Park:

Consider the seasons and weather. Olympic is wild and wonderfully diverse! Expect cooler temps and rain on the coast and in the rainforest, especially in fall and winter. Summer is the driest and most accessible season, but higher elevation areas like Hurricane Ridge can still be snow-covered into late spring.
Weekdays are generally easier and less crowded than weekends. For a more private experience, aim for a weekday elopement. The park sees heavy traffic on weekends, especially in summer. Planning for a Tuesday morning instead of a Saturday afternoon can make all the difference.
Practice Leave No Trace. Help preserve the beauty of Olympic by staying on designated trails, avoiding picking flowers or disturbing wildlife, and packing out all trash (yes, even confetti and flower petals). Nature will thank you.
Don’t forget your permits. A Special Use Permit is required for weddings and elopements in the park. Your elopement photographer (hi, that’s me!) can help you figure out what you need and how to apply. Give yourself at least 3 or 4 weeks for processing.
Stay happy, healthy, and hydrated. Bring water, snacks, layers, sunscreen, and comfy shoes—especially if you’ll be hiking to your ceremony spot.
Expect some driving. Olympic is huge, and not all areas are directly connected. Plan travel time between locations, and consider staying nearby the night before if you have an early start planned.
Embrace the moody vibes. The fog, the mist, the soft filtered light—it’s all part of Olympic’s magic. Don’t stress about “perfect” weather; trust the PNW to bring its own beauty.