Ev & David lucked out the weekend of their elopement with the most gorgeous weather ever seen on the Olympic Peninsula! We traipsed around Lake Crescent, the coast, and the mountains, laughing hysterically throughout the day. I absolutely treasure getting to photograph such joyful love, and I’m so excited to finally share this peek into their day, especially the golden hour elopement portraits at Hurricane Ridge!
Ev & David’s Joyful Hurricane Ridge Elopement
A sun-soaked morning at Lake Crescent Lodge
When I say that Ev & David had the loveliest day in Olympic National Park, I mean it! From the morning sunlight to blue hour in the mountains, it was everything you dream of when you set out to explore this gorgeous part of Washington.
They had described their perfect day to me as follows: waking up in a cabin, putting together breakfast (or grabbing it from a local spot nearby), snuggling under covers, and packing up their gear to head into the mountains. So what do you think their morning consisted of? Waking up in their room at Lake Crescent Lodge, eating breakfast and prepping for the day ahead, and packing up their bags– except this time, donning their elopement attire rather than their go-to hiking outfits. We love a bride-lacing-up-her-hiking-boots moment!
It was important to both Ev and David that their elopement be centered around nature, where they’ve shared many of their happiest times together over the years. Barely any of the day was spent indoors once they stepped out of the cabin for their first look, especially since they were fortunate to get the most GORGEOUS weather possible.
Their first moment together was shared right on the sun-soaked shores of Lake Crescent, where they were surrounded by green hills in the distance and the deep blues of the lake– two of their favorite kinds of outdoor landscapes. When these two told me they’d love to elope somewhere with mountains, forests, coasts, and maybe even a lake or two, I knew ONP was the place for them 🙂
Private vows on the shores of Lake Crescent
After a short jaunt through the forest, Ev and David met up with a select few loved ones to share their ceremony with. There is truly no better place for an elopement ceremony in Olympic National Park that feels like it was just made for moments like these; spectacular views, peaceful landscapes, and lots of love to go around. Their ceremony was simple but just perfect for them, led by the lovely Officiant Grace with personal vows, a heartfelt ring-warming & cleansing, and celebratory bubbles as they shared their first kiss as husband and wife.
I’d say we achieved exactly the vibe Ev and David had set out to create on their special day: relaxed, private, and full of joy! Which, by the way, was the EASIEST thing ever to accomplish– they were so easy to have in front of the camera, just getting lost in each other and spending the whole day laughing <3
Picnicking & Polaroids on the Olympic Peninsula
Ev and David have quite the adorable list of stories related to instant cameras throughout their relationship, mostly involving Ev falling in love with a camera and David gifting it to her because he is the sweetest. So of course we had to give her an opportunity to admire the sights and pull out her favorite Polaroid camera on the day-of! These coastal views of Salt Creek were stunning, and doubled as both a beautiful photo spot & place to hold her and David’s post-ceremony picnic. Snacks from Trader Joe’s, toasts in Yeti mugs, and sunny portraits by the water with Ev’s adorable floral fleece? Count me in!
See more of this gorgeous area of the Washington Coast in Kate & Abby’s All-Day Adventure Elopement Around the Olympic Peninsula.
Golden hour elopement portraits at Hurricane Ridge
Hiking is one of Ev and David’s favorite ways to spend time together, so it was only appropriate that we end their elopement with some of the most phenomenal views in the state. These two were no less giddy and giggly than when the day started, so we had a blissful time together up at Hurricane Ridge– enjoying the most insane golden hour I think I’ve ever seen up there! Equally as magical were the clear mountain views during blue hour, and the subtle pink alpenglow that lit the snow-capped peaks in the distance. Oh, and the furry friends we met along the way!
Walking from your car to catch these views at sunset? Perfect way to end your elopement day, if you ask me. Congratulations to these two love bugs on the most joy-filled start to marriage!
FYI– Hurricane Ridge is a fabulous choice if you’re looking for an ADA-accessible place to elope. Find more of my favorite easy-to-reach spots in this guide to ADA Accessible Locations in Washington for an Elopement!
“We couldn’t be happier with our gallery!”
Thank you to Ev for the sweetest review post-elopement day 🥲
“Working with Marla was smooth and easy. She walked us through the elopement roadmap and process including how to get marriage and park licenses, came up with suggestions for locations and timeline, and really extensively got to know us through questionnaires and video calls. On the day of, she stayed in contact with us as she commuted to us, so there were no surprises; her communication throughout has been consistent and quick. We couldn’t be happier with the gallery. She really put us at ease and made us feel comfortable in front of the camera!
We had a stress-free elopement experience with Marla, and we highly recommend her!”
Hurricane Ridge Elopement Vendors
Florals: Farmhouse Box & Bloom | @farmhouse_box_bloom
Hair & Makeup: Jocelyn DeChenne | @hairandmakeupbyjocelyndechenne
Officiant: Grace Macleod | @officiantgrace
Attire: Hugo Boss, Unona
FAQs for a Hurricane Ridge Elopement
A Hurricane Ridge elopement is always guaranteed to be stunning, no matter the weather! It’s the best spot in Olympic National Park for easily accessible mountain views, and one of the most popular attractions.
Can you elope at Hurricane Ridge?
Yes, absolutely! You can elope at Hurricane Ridge, as long as you follow proper permitting rules, of course.
Luckily, Olympic National Park requires a wedding permit only for ceremonies with more than 5 people (including you two, vendors, and any guests). If you do need one, you can find the Special Use Permit application here. Otherwise, you’ll just need to pay the regular park entrance fee of $30 per car, which you can purchase online in advance or when you drive into the park.
Where is the best place to hold a Hurricane Ridge elopement ceremony?
Pretty much anywhere you can find that is on a trail, and fits your group! Don’t worry– I know Hurricane Ridge like the back of my hand, and will be happy to help you scout out the best spot for your unique ceremony.
What are the best months for an intimate wedding or elopement at Hurricane Ridge?
The summer months, no doubt about it! The road up to Hurricane Ridge is only open in the summer, typically from around mid-May to October– though winter conditions can change that at any time. Clear skies, wildflowers, and endless mountain scenery are abundant during this time of year; there is truly nothing else like it!
Getting to Hurricane Ridge in the summer is easy– simply drive up Hurricane Ridge Road and park your car in the lot, where you’ll be met with sweeping views of the snow-capped peaks around you. If winter conditions arrive earlier than planned, or snowmelt lasts later into spring, you may have to park farther down the road and hike up to the parking lot.
Want to dive deeper into all that this incredible park has to offer? Don’t miss my complete Olympic National Park Elopement Guide, where I guide you through it all 🙂
Ready to plan your Hurricane Ridge elopement?
I’m just the girl you’ve been looking for!
Hi, I’m Marla!
I’m a full-time photographer based in Seattle who specializes in intimate weddings and elopements. I consider the Olympic Peninsula one of my (many) second homes around the PNW, though– it feels like I’ve stayed in every lodge and Airbnb in the area. I’m there throughout the year photographing elopements throughout Olympic National Park, and I’d love nothing more than to be there for yours. Whether mountains, forests, coasts, lakes, or beaches are more your thing (orrr all of the above), Olympic’s got ‘em all!
My goal on your wedding day is to balance artistry with authenticity; giving you the most beautiful photos possible without turning your wedding day into a production. If you’re ready to start planning, I’d love to chat with you! View my pricing, or inquire below.
