Elopement, Olympic Peninsula Weddings, Travel, Weddings

Ruby Beach Elopement | Olympic National Park Elopement Photographer

Would you believe I actually spend my days and nights dreaming about an adventurous Olympic Peninsula or Olympic National Park elopement? On the beach, in the mountains, under the dense forest canopy… Wherever you can imagine in the outdoors of Northwest Washington, I want to be there!

This elopement adventure took place at Ruby Beach, a spot that’s forever near and dear to my heart. The whole of the Washington coastline is my happy place, but especially the stretch of beaches from Rialto on the north end to Kalaloch on the north. Soon, I hope to extend that to Point of the Arches and Shi Shi beaches! Pure bliss in my mind is listening to the crashing surf and the wind sighing through the trees overhead on the Washington coast. Just add a snapping campfire and s’more ingredients and I’m literally in heaven!

For this Olympic National Park Elopement, our bride’s gorgeous modern sleeved gown was provided by The Dress Theory of Seattle, and Jamyrlyn Mallory provided gorgeous, subtle hair and makeup. Glasswing provided relaxed, comfortable menswear that kept our groom looking stylish. Thatch Floral stole the show with a jaw-dropping romantic bouquet, and Allyssa Hoffman Events helped to plan and coordinate the day.

Are you thinking about eloping in the Pacific Northwest? Here are some things to consider —

Picking a Location for Your Washington State Elopement

Location, location, location! While there are dozens upon dozens of places to choose from, the location will determine so much about how your day will unfold! Which vendors you want to work with, the environment you’ll be maneuvering in (hiking boots vs beach shoes?), not to mention the scenery that will hopefully adorn your walls for decades to come. It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with rugged coastal beaches, but maybe towering evergreen forests or sweeping mountain vistas are more your style! If you can’t pick, no worries—we can plan a day that incorporates several of your favorite environments!

Choosing Elopement and Intimate Wedding Vendors

I can’t reiterate enough how important it is to choose the right team to work with on your wedding day. It may be an elopement or micro-wedding, but it’s still your wedding! Your hair and makeup pros, a beautiful dinner or dessert to share, gorgeous florals (they show up in half the photos, so it’s worth investing), and someone to help with all the moving parts (a day-of coordinator or elopement planner) are probably my biggest recs. And where you decide to elope will play a part in who’s available in that area. I’ve worked in northwest Washington and specifically the Olympic Peninsula for over a decade, so I have a ~~rolodex~~ contact list full of pros who do incredible work and are even more importantly a joy to work with. (Does anyone even know what a rolodex is anymore?)

Finally, Pack Your Bags for your Pacific Northwest Elopement!

Here’s what you’ll need to be sure to bring with you for a Washington State elopement:

—Your outfits: a gorgeous gown (or two) or tailored menswear and whatever accessories you need to complete your look: a veil, headpiece, hat, etc.

—Footwear. In the summer, I lean towards sandals, but if your location will involve hiking, make sure to bring sturdy boots too! In the winter, boots are a must; for beach locations, I’ll often wear rainboots so I can stand in the water! Even if you take off your shoes or put on something glamorous for photos, you’ll want really good footwear for hiking in and out.

—An extra change of clothes. There’s no day that is guaranteed to be dry year round. Pack a change of clothes in case we get soaked!

—Snacks — Even if you have a beautiful catered dinner and dessert planned, bring some snacks or pack a lunchbox to tide you over! Hiking in to a spectacular location with a growling stomach puts a damper on the whole experience!

Here’s what you don’t need to worry about— The weather. Whether the day is overcast, sunny, or completely fogged in, you’re going to get amazing photos. The PNW never fails to surprise and awe me with incredible, seasonal beauty, and you just can’t beat the scenery. If you’ve got a great team, we can handle whatever the weather deities send our way! Although it never hurts to pack a pair of boots!

Bride and groom with seastacks at Ruby Beach Washington State Olympic National Park Elopement Photographer Adventure Elopement Bride at Ruby Beach

Adventure Elopement Bride at Groom at Ruby Beach Olympic National Park Elopement Photographer Ruby Beach Bride and Groom Washington Beach Bride and Groom Washington Beach Elopement