A Two-Day Olympic National Park Elopement at Hurricane Ridge + Ruby Beach
Izzy + Matt
A Two-Day Elopement Experience in Washington’s Most Diverse Landscape
If you’re dreaming about an elopement that feels like an experience—not just a ceremony—this Olympic National Park elopement is exactly what that can look like.
Izzy and Matt’s two-day elopement in Olympic National Park was intentional, slow-paced, and rooted in what matters most: connection, adventure, and meaningful time with loved ones.
From misty rainforest trails to coastal beaches and mountain-top vows at Hurricane Ridge, their elopement is the perfect example of how to turn your wedding day into something unforgettable.
And if you’re currently planning your own Olympic National Park elopement, this story will give you both inspiration and practical tips to start designing your day.
Why Choose Olympic National Park for Your Elopement
Olympic National Park is one of the most diverse places you can elope in the United States.
Within just a few hours, you can experience:
Alpine mountain views at Hurricane Ridge
Lush, moss-covered forests in Hoh Rainforest
Crystal-clear lakes like Lake Crescent
Rugged coastline at Ruby Beach
This variety allows you to create a wedding day (or weekend) that feels dynamic, immersive, and completely unique to you.
Izzy and Matt leaned fully into that—and it made all the difference.
Day One: Exploring Olympic National Park Before the Wedding
One of the most impactful decisions Izzy and Matt made was turning their elopement into a two-day experience.
Their first day wasn’t about timelines or ceremonies. It was about exploring Olympic National Park together and soaking in the final moments before becoming officially married.
Lake Crescent: Starting the Day with Intention
We met at Lake Crescent, a deep blue glacial lake surrounded by forested mountains.
The plan was to rent canoes and spend the afternoon on the water—but Olympic had other plans.
High winds made the lake too choppy, and rentals were closed.
Instead of letting that derail the day, Izzy and Matt leaned into the moment. We explored the shoreline, capturing photos with the wind moving through the trees and water.
This is one of the biggest lessons when eloping in Olympic National Park: flexibility creates better experiences than rigid plans.
Marymere Falls: A Forest Hike Through the Pacific Northwest
From Lake Crescent, we hiked to Marymere Falls.
This short trail winds through towering evergreens, wooden bridges, and moss-covered branches—everything you imagine when you think of the Pacific Northwest.
The waterfall itself felt like stepping into a hidden corner of the park, surrounded by lush greenery and soft mist.
Hoh Rainforest: One of the Most Unique Elopement Locations in Washington
Next, we headed to Hoh Rainforest—one of the most iconic locations in Olympic National Park.
The hanging moss, soft light, and quiet stillness create an atmosphere that feels completely different from anywhere else.
Izzy and Matt took their time here. No rush, no agenda—just being present together.
Ruby Beach: Ending the Day Along the Coast
We ended the day at Ruby Beach, one of the best places to elope on the Washington coast.
They shared a simple picnic, walked along the shoreline, and took in the sea stacks rising out of the ocean.
And then, one of those completely unplanned moments happened—a seal appeared along the shore.
It was quiet, unexpected, and honestly one of the most memorable parts of the day.
That’s the beauty of an Olympic National Park elopement. The moments you don’t plan are often the ones that mean the most.
Day Two: A Hurricane Ridge Elopement Ceremony
The second day shifted into celebration.
Izzy and Matt got ready at their Airbnb in Port Angeles, where they stayed with their family. Having everyone in one place created such a relaxed and meaningful environment for the day to unfold.
Getting Ready + First Look
The morning was slow and intentional.
They shared a private first look outside the Airbnb—just the two of them, taking in the weight and excitement of the day ahead.
Moments like this are what make elopements feel so different from traditional weddings.
Hurricane Ridge Ceremony with Mountain Views
We made our way up to Hurricane Ridge, one of the most popular ceremony locations in Olympic National Park.
And it absolutely delivered.
With sweeping mountain views behind them, Izzy and Matt exchanged vows surrounded by their closest family.
And then something incredible happened.
Deer began to wander through the area.
At one point, one stayed nearby for over 30 minutes—quietly existing alongside their ceremony.
It felt surreal, almost like the landscape itself was part of the celebration.
Portraits + Just-Married Moments
After the ceremony, we spent time capturing family photos and portraits of Izzy and Matt in the mountains.
This is one of the biggest benefits of eloping—you actually get time to soak it all in.
No rushing from event to event. No pressure. Just space to exist in the moment.
An Intimate Airbnb Celebration in Port Angeles
Instead of a traditional reception, the celebration continued back at their Airbnb.
And this part was just as meaningful as the ceremony.
Their parents cooked dinner for everyone, creating a warm, home-style celebration that felt incredibly personal.
There was a resident cat that became everyone’s favorite guest, soaking up attention all evening.
There was pie, cigars, laughter, and long conversations.
And most importantly—there was time.
Time to connect. Time to celebrate. Time to actually remember what the day felt like.
How to Elope in Olympic National Park: Tips for Planning Your Day
If you’re planning your own Olympic National Park elopement, here are a few essential tips to help you create a seamless and meaningful experience:
1. Plan for Changing Weather Conditions
Olympic National Park is known for unpredictable weather.
Rain, wind, and shifting conditions are all part of the experience—especially near Lake Crescent and the rainforest.
Build flexibility into your timeline and embrace the unexpected.
2. Choose Multiple Locations for Variety
One of the biggest advantages of eloping in Olympic National Park is the diversity of landscapes.
Consider incorporating multiple locations into your day, such as:
Hurricane Ridge for mountain views
Hoh Rainforest for forest scenery
Ruby Beach for coastal photos
Lake Crescent for lake views
3. Consider a Two-Day Elopement Timeline
A two-day elopement allows you to slow down and fully experience the park.
Use one day for exploring and another for your ceremony and celebration.
This creates a more relaxed, intentional experience.
4. Book an Airbnb for a More Intimate Experience
Staying in a large Airbnb—especially in Port Angeles—can completely elevate your elopement.
It allows for:
Shared time with family
A relaxed getting-ready environment
A meaningful, non-traditional reception
5. Apply for a Special Use Permit
To elope in Olympic National Park, you’ll need a special use permit for your ceremony.
Be sure to apply in advance and follow group size and location guidelines.
6. Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service
Many areas in Olympic National Park have little to no cell service.
Download maps ahead of time and plan logistics in advance.
7. Respect Wildlife and Nature
Wildlife sightings—like deer and seals—are common.
Always keep a safe distance and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the environment.
For more information on how to elope in Olympic National Park, visit my How to Elope in Olympic National Park blog post.
Why Olympic National Park Elopements Feel Different
Izzy and Matt’s elopement wasn’t about perfection.
It was about presence, connection, and creating a wedding experience that actually felt like them.
And that’s what makes eloping in Olympic National Park so powerful.
You’re not just choosing a location—you’re choosing an experience that allows you to slow down, explore, and fully step into your wedding day.
Ready to Plan Your Olympic National Park Elopement?
If you’re dreaming about an elopement that feels intentional, adventurous, and deeply personal, Olympic National Park might be exactly what you’re looking for.
And if you want help designing a day like Izzy and Matt’s—one that’s rooted in experience, not just a timeline—I’m here to help you bring that vision to life.
Vendors
Photography | Sally G Photography
Florals | Pike Place Market
Officiant | Dad
Hair + Makeup | Best Friend
Dress | Elizabeth Jacobs Bride
Her Shoes | MonoStoreVN
Suit | Men’s Wearhouse
