This couple and I discussed a lot of potential locations before choosing an Olympic National Park sunset elopement on Ruby Beach. In the end, they were sold on Olympic National Park just due to the variety of climates and scenery here. This would end up being a helpful factor the day of, when a fire closed access to our sunrise location at the final hour! We had to pivot quickly, but it all worked out thanks to the many great backup locations in the area.
If you’re considering an elopement in Olympic National Park, Michelle and Mike’s elopement day shows off just how much variety is here. Even though wildfires forced us to change plans for the first half of the day, they were glad everything turned out exactly the way it did.
PRO TIP: always check fire conditions in the park in the days before your elopement, and have a solid backup plan!
Sunrise First Look at Crescent Lake, Olympic National Park
When access to the Hurricane Ridge area was closed due to fires, we pivoted to Crescent Lake. This was an area we discussed seeing, but eliminated it at first because it was further away. It ended up being a perfect backup location and we made it in time for beautiful sunrise light. As a bonus, we had the dock entirely to ourselves, which is extremely rare.
Also check out: FAQs for Eloping in Olympic National Park
First, Mike got dressed and walked to the end of the dock. He was immediately mesmerized by the raspberry blue color of Crescent Lake, and the crystal clarity of the water. In some places, you can see down to 60 feet.
He waited, facing over the water, as Michelle finished getting ready by the car. As she made her way to him, a few people sitting on the beach watching the sunrise cheered. She turned him around and waited for his reaction. They shared an intimate moment there on the dock, watching the sunrise light shift over the bright blue water.
After a little while, they explored the beach together, skipping rocks until they felt ready to move on.
Also check out: Lake Crescent Elopement in Olympic National Park
Ho Rainforest Hike and Vow Ceremony
Since we began the day at sunrise, Michelle and Mike chose split coverage. That means after their first look at Crescent lake, we took a break and met back up later in the day. This meant we could end their sunset elopement on Ruby Beach with a break in the middle of the day.
We met up again around noon at their Airbnb. They had chosen the most adorable tiny home to stay in, and I can’t stress how fun it is to choose unique accommodation to get ready in on your elopement day. It makes the atmosphere so much more relaxed, and the photos so much more creative. To top it off, they included lots of fun details, including sweets and coffee from Sasquatch Donuts.
Two hours away, our hiking location awaited us. We chose a lesser known area of the Ho Rainforest to avoid the crowds that add up here by the early afternoon. It was absolutely the right call, since there was no one else on the trail and it was just as mossy and lush as the famous Hall of Mosses trail. Along the way, they scouted out a spot to say their vows.
They both put a ton of love and thought into their vows, which showed in their emotions. Under the trees, they exchanged rings and hugs and I signed off as their officiant. As we hiked out, we found a couple strangers to sign off as witnesses, making their marriage 100% official!
Also check out: Erin & Russ’s Summer Elopement in Olympic National Park
Oceanside Picnic to end their Sunset Elopement on Ruby Beach
We ended their sunset elopement on Ruby Beach in some of the haziest, sunniest conditions I can remember. It was quite crowded that evening, but it hardly mattered. They ran around the beach just in awe of how beautiful the light was.
We explored until the last of the golden rays faded over the water. As blue hour crept in, they set up a picnic on the beach to end the day. That summer, they had visited France and brought back a special champagne they had saved for this moment. Along with a whole backpack full of snacks, they sat together enjoying the sound of the surf, and seagulls overhead.
Although the day started with a slight panic, it ended feeling perfect. Everything just flowed and came together organically. By the time we walked back to the car, the idea it could have gone any other way seemed funny to us.
