People gather around a campfire on a misty beach at dusk as waves crash on the Pacific Northwest shoreline.

Washington State Olympic National Park - Elopement at Rialto Beach

Summer Washington Elopement - Olympic National Park


Eloping on the Olympic Peninsula is unlike anything else in the Pacific Northwest. (If you dont know where the Olympic Peninsula is, it's that part of Washington that looks like it might break off into the Pacific Ocean. The far northwest corner, between the ocean and the Puget Sound.) In a single day, you can wander through lush, moss-draped rainforests, stand along a rugged, moody coastline, experience sweeping mountain views, and witness the most stunning turquoise lakes and waterfalls. The variety here is breathtaking - honestly. So putting together a plan for what to include and how much time you might need can be a little daunting. Danica knew she wanted mossy rainforests and the coastline. So I suggested she find a vacation rental near Forks (the home of all things Twilight) so we could get it all in in just one day.


The Oklahoma couple expected about 12-15 family members for their ceremony, but wanted to experience most of the day together -just the two of them. So of course I helped them plan it that way!


I met the couple at their Airbnb for their first look, then we drove about half an hour to a secluded trail just outside the Hoh Rainforest, where we could escape the summer crowds of Olympic National Park.

A couple in wedding attire stands facing each other on a forest path surrounded by tall evergreen trees and dappled sunlight.
A couple having their first look moment in a sunlit forest during their intimate outdoor wedding.
A couple embraces in a romantic forest wedding photo, with the bride in a sleek white dress and groom in dark suit.
A loving couple shares an intimate embrace on a sunlit forest path surrounded by tall trees and dappled light.
Couple shares intimate wedding moments in a romantic sunlit forest setting wearing formal attire.
A rider on a white horse traverses a narrow wooded trail path surrounded by lush forest vegetation.
A couple shares an intimate moment in a lush garden setting while looking at a rustic bouquet of flowers together.
A couple sits together in a lush garden setting surrounded by ferns and greenery.
A romantic garden scene shows a couple sharing an intimate moment among ferns and foliage.
A close-up of a navy suit jacket with brown vest and red tie, adorned with a delicate floral boutonniere.
A bride in a fitted white dress and groom in dark suit share a romantic moment among ferns in a forest setting.
A couple shares an intimate embrace against a tree trunk in a lush forest setting during their rustic outdoor wedding photoshoot.
A couple shares a tender moment while sitting on a cliff edge overlooking turquoise waters and coastal scenery.
Two people relax together on a rocky coastal overlook with bright blue ocean waters visible below.
Close-up detail of an elegant white wedding dress neckline with a delicate pearl necklace on display.
A couple in wedding attire embraces in a lush forest setting surrounded by towering trees and ferns.
A bride in a sleek white dress poses in a sunlit garden path surrounded by lush ferns.
Person joyfully walking through a lush forest path with sunlight streaming through trees.
A wedding couple shares an intimate moment surrounded by ferns in a forest setting.
A person walks through a lush garden path surrounded by green ferns and foliage in dappled sunlight.
A black and white photography collage showing intimate moments of a couple on their wedding day.
Couple walking hand in hand through a lush green forest path on their wedding day.
Black and white photo showing a romantic couple holding hands while walking through a wooded forest setting.

After their walk through the rainforest, we headed out to Rialto beach to meet the family for the ceremony. It was really windy with lots of thick fog, but everyone was all smiles (and tears).

A wedding party stands along a foggy beach shoreline near a large driftwood log on a misty day.
A scenic beach wedding ceremony takes place on a misty Pacific Northwest shoreline with driftwood and mountains in background.
A couple in wedding attire looks at a phone together while standing in a dramatic forest landscape.
Wedding party poses dramatically leaning back in unison on rocky beach with forest backdrop.
A tender moment between newlyweds outdoors as wind blows through her hair while she holds a dried flower bouquet.
A bride in white dress holds a autumn-colored bouquet while sharing a moment with her partner outdoors.
Scenic Pacific Northwest beach wedding ceremony amongst driftwood and crashing waves with mountain views in background.
A couple in wedding attire shares a romantic moment on a driftwood-covered beach with evergreen forest in background.
A couple stands together holding hands on a foggy beach with driftwood log and mountains in the background.
A couple sharing a joyful moment at their intimate beach wedding ceremony beside driftwood on a rocky shore.
A beachside wedding ceremony takes place against a misty ocean backdrop with driftwood and rocky shore.
An intimate wedding ceremony on a rocky beach with guests gathered around as vows are exchanged.
Close-up of bride and groom exchanging rings during outdoor wedding ceremony against cloudy backdrop.
A close-up black and white shot of hands exchanging rings during a wedding ceremony.
A romantic couple shares an intimate kiss on a misty beach while wearing wedding attire.
A monochrome image of someone walking along a foggy, rocky beach with hills and houses in the misty distance.
A couple share a joyful moment together on a misty rocky beach wearing wedding attire.
Ethereal white fabric flows in coastal breeze against dramatic driftwood on moody beach landscape.
A panoramic black and white sequence of photos showing a couple posing and embracing on a beach.

After the ceremony, the couple said their goodbyes and headed off for dinner—and with hopes of catching a sunset. In true adventure elopement fashion, we ended up eating burgers from a food truck while the fog kept rolling in around us. On the way back, we ducked into a little convenience store where Danica picked out a candy bar for them to share as their “wedding cake.” Honestly, this is my favorite kind of elopement—no rules, just joy, spontaneity, and the freedom to make it completely your own.

Food truck with illuminated neon signs and menu boards displayed outside.
A couple enjoys dining together at a restaurant with string lights in the background.
Couple enjoying fast food together while dressed in formal attire.
Bride shopping in convenience store aisle while wearing wedding dress.
A couple browses board games at a local game shop, surrounded by colorful boxes and shelves of merchandise.
Dirty footprint marks on white tile floor in convenience store aisle between shelves of snacks and candy.
Couple sharing joyful moment while looking at something together on beach in casual wedding attire.
A couple in wedding attire laughs together while sharing a playful moment on a rocky beach.
A person in a white dress sits on a beach while the breeze blows through their hair in soft sunlight.

After their "wedding cake", they built a fire, laughed, played, and enjoyed the solitude of the beach.

A couple in wedding attire embraces on a misty beach at sunset with cliffs in the background.
Couple walking on misty beach at sunset holding hands with ocean waves rolling onto shore in background.
A couple in wedding attire shares a romantic moment on a misty beach with soft sunlight creating a dreamy atmosphere.
A couple shares a candid moment together on a scenic beach with rocky cliffs and evergreen trees in the background.
Joyful couple shares a candid laughing moment together at their outdoor beach wedding.
Sea waves crash against coastal rocks while silhouettes enjoy a moment together on a scenic beach at sunset.
A reflection in water shows two people embracing, creating a mirror-like double image effect on the watery surface.
A romantic couple shares an intimate moment on a reflective beach at sunset in formal attire.
Two people in white dresses stand together on a misty beach with a dramatic sea cliff in the background.
Wedding couple dances on a misty beach with waves and evergreen forest in the background during golden hour.
Motion blur of someone jumping on a beach with a distant sea stack and figure standing in the background.
Majestic sea stack and rugged cliffside with evergreen trees silhouetted against moody sky at coastal beach.
An eloping couple sits together on the beach near a warm bonfire as waves break on the shore at sunset.
A cozy campfire burns among rocks on a beach while someone sits nearby on a log during sunset.
Couple sits by campfire on misty beach with dramatic cliffs and sea stack in background at sunset.
A set of vintage kerosene lanterns being held up against a dark background creates a moody atmospheric scene.
A couple in wedding attire walks along a moody beach at dusk holding vintage lanterns.
A couple in wedding attire walks hand in hand along a moody Pacific Northwest beach with tall evergreens in background.
Newlywed couple walks along scenic rocky beach in formal wedding attire at sunset.
A couple in wedding attire holds hands while standing on a misty beach at dusk with waves crashing in the background.
A couple in wedding attire runs joyfully along a misty beach while holding a champagne bottle.
A couple in wedding attire runs joyfully along a misty beach holding wine bottles on their special day.
A newlywed couple holding lanterns walks along a misty beach shore with sea stacks visible in the distance.
A couple embraces and shares drinks together on a foggy beach with crashing waves in the background.
A campfire warms two people on a misty beach at dusk with evergreen trees and sea stacks in the background.
A romantic double exposure silhouette of a couple embracing against a light background.

Your Washington State Elopement Photographer


If your idea of an incredible elopement is belly laughs, sandy toes, and the kind of moments you’ll still be talking about years from now—you're in the right place. I’ll help you figure out the best time of year and locations for your vibe, take care of permits, and craft an stress-free timeline. You just show up ready to have the time of your life.


Eloping at Olympic National Park is hands-down one of the top 10 elopement locations in the PNW, and for good reason: rainforest, moody coastline, mountain peaks, turquoise lakes, and waterfalls—often in a single day. If that sounds like your kind of adventure, reach out and let’s start planning your “no rules” day together. I can’t wait to help you make it real!