Katrina + Joe’s Two-Day Olympic National Park Elopement: From Cloud-Covered Mountains to a Lakeside Celebration with Family
Katrina + Joe
Some love stories begin quickly. Others take time, growing quietly and steadily over years until the timing finally feels right. Katrina and Joe’s story is the second kind — the kind that starts in high school hallways and matures over fourteen years into something deeply rooted and beautifully intentional.
Their Olympic National Park elopement felt less like a wedding day and more like a celebration of everything they’ve built together over the years. And choosing to spread their experience across two days allowed them to create space for both quiet, intimate moments and meaningful time with their closest family.
It truly felt like the perfect balance of adventure, intention, and celebration.
Day One: Above the Clouds at Hurricane Ridge
Katrina and Joe knew they wanted time that was just for them. No timeline pressure. No audience. Just space to soak it all in together.
So the first day of their elopement was all about adventure and intention.
We met early in the morning at Hurricane Ridge, one of the most iconic mountain areas in Olympic National Park, and began hiking Hurricane Hill as fog wrapped around us. Visibility was so low in the parking lot that we honestly wondered if we’d see anything at all that morning.
But sometimes the mountains reward patience.
By the time we reached the top, we had climbed completely above the fog layer. The mountains stretched endlessly around us while a sea of clouds settled beneath our feet. It felt like we were standing on top of the world.
Katrina and Joe changed into their wedding attire at the summit and shared a private first look overlooking the mountains. With no one else around, they simply took time to be present together — laughing, holding each other, and taking in the surreal beauty surrounding them.
We spent the morning wandering the ridgeline, capturing photos and letting them soak in the moment. No rush. No pressure. Just two people deeply in love, celebrating the journey that brought them here.
And honestly, it was magic.
After our adventure, we parted ways so they could rest up for the next day’s celebration with family.
Day Two: Lakeside Vows and Family Celebration
Day two felt completely different in the best way — slower, warmer, and centered around family.
We started the morning at Katrina and Joe’s cozy lakeside cabin, where they got ready together. Instead of separate rooms or big wedding-day traditions, they chose to help one another prepare. It was simple and sweet — the kind of quiet teamwork that clearly reflects their relationship.
Once everyone was ready, we headed to Lake Crescent for their ceremony. Their guest list was intentionally small: parents and siblings only, totaling just eight people. It created such an intimate, emotional atmosphere.
And then came one of the sweetest unexpected moments of the entire weekend.
As Katrina walked down the aisle with her father, a group of ducks waddled along the lakeshore beside them — unintentionally becoming part of the ceremony procession. Everyone burst into laughter, instantly easing nerves and making the moment even more memorable.
Their vows were heartfelt and emotional, bringing tears not only to family members but to pretty much everyone present — myself included. Fourteen years of memories, growth, and commitment culminated in this beautiful lakeside promise to one another.
Afterward, we celebrated with a relaxed picnic along the shore before heading deeper into the forest for our next adventure.
Forest Magic at Marymere Falls
From Lake Crescent, we made our way to Marymere Falls, hiking through mossy forest trails to reach the waterfall. Olympic National Park feels like stepping into another world — towering trees, glowing green moss, and soft filtered light create such a peaceful atmosphere.
It was the perfect setting for family photos and more candid moments as everyone explored together. Instead of simply posing for photos, Katrina and Joe created memories with their loved ones.
Exploring Port Angeles Together
The celebration didn’t stop there.
After the hike, everyone headed into Port Angeles for a relaxed afternoon exploring the waterfront. We wandered along the wharf, watching boats pass by and gazing out toward Canada across the water.
Then we stopped at Sea to Summit Charcuterie for snacks and drinks before heading across the street to Mighty Pine Brewing — a favorite kind of activity for Katrina and Joe and something both families enjoy together.
These everyday moments are what make elopements so meaningful. Instead of squeezing celebrations into a rushed reception, the entire day becomes part of the story.
Dinner and Sunset at Lake Crescent Lodge
That evening, everyone returned to Lake Crescent for dinner at Lake Crescent Lodge. The atmosphere was cozy and celebratory as everyone shared stories and reflected on the day together.
After dinner, we walked down to the dock just in time for sunset. Light filtered through the clouds, casting warm tones across the lake and surrounding mountains. Katrina and Joe stood together watching the light change — soaking in the final moments of their wedding celebration.
Back at the cabin, they ended the night with cake cutting and relaxed conversation, closing out two days that perfectly represented their relationship.
It was emotional, joyful, adventurous, and deeply personal — exactly what an elopement should feel like.
Tips for Eloping in Olympic National Park
If Katrina and Joe’s story has you dreaming of your own Olympic adventure, here are a few helpful tips:
1. Consider a Two-Day Elopement Experience
Splitting your elopement into two days allows you to enjoy both private adventure time and family celebration without feeling rushed.
2. Embrace the Weather
Olympic National Park is famous for unpredictable weather. Fog, clouds, and rain often create incredibly moody and beautiful scenery. Trust the experience — conditions often shift in magical ways.
3. Choose Locations Close Together
The park is huge, and driving times add up quickly. Pair locations like Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, and Port Angeles to keep travel manageable.
4. Include Activities You Already Love
Whether it’s hiking, brewery hopping, picnicking, or exploring waterfront towns, incorporating activities you already enjoy makes the day feel authentic.
5. Keep Your Guest List Intentional
Small gatherings help maintain intimacy while still allowing family to be present for important moments.
6. Plan Time to Slow Down
Your elopement isn’t just a photoshoot. Build in time to breathe, explore, and enjoy the experience together.
For more information on how to elope in Olympic National Park, visit my How to Elope in Olympic National Park blog post.
Katrina and Joe’s elopement was a beautiful reminder that weddings don’t need to follow traditional timelines or expectations. After fourteen years together, they created a celebration that truly reflected who they are — adventurous, family-oriented, and deeply connected.
And honestly, there’s no better way to start a marriage than that.
“Sally made our dream mini wedding come true! She helped us plan for our big day for a year leading up to it and was so very communicative the whole time. Sally felt like a friend we’ve known forever. She is so sweet and we were so relaxed and comfortable around her. She was so knowledgeable about different ceremony spots, hikes, local vendors and any other little detail you could need to put together your big day. We received a ton of sneak peaks super quickly and are so blown away by how she captured us. Her photography skills are outstanding! We couldn’t be happier with our photos. We can’t recommend her enough. Thank you Sally!🩷”
Vendors
Photography | Sally G Photography
Florals | A&E Florals
Cake | Middle Name Baking Co
Dress | Vow’d Minneapolis
Her Shoes | Betsey Johnson
Dinner | Lake Crescent Lodge
Brewery | Mighty Pine Brewing
Charcuterie | Sea to Summit Charcuterie Co
READY TO START PLANNING YOUR ELOPEMENT? REACH OUT NOW!
Hey, I’m Sally! I’m a destination adventure elopement photographer based in Washington, but traveling worldwide!
