the story


Brad and Taylor are from the East Coast, and when they approached Google with their query “Coolest places to elope,” they were intrigued by flying to the West Coast for their special day. They both love to hike and travel, so the lush, magical forest of the Olympic Peninsula was a perfect destination to celebrate their love. Brad and Taylor were enticed by the idea of having a private ceremony where they could share their vows on a mountain top overlooking the lush forest in Olympic National Park. They were looking for a simple, yet meaningful, experience – and that is exactly what they got! They rented a car and road tripped around Washington for a week after their elopement, which acted as their unique spin on a fun, humble honeymoon.  


Their special day started out by waking up in a rustic treehouse on an adorable hobby farm near Port Angeles, Washington, located on the Upper Olympic Peninsula. After getting ready, Brad and Taylor shared their intimate first look on the wooden ramp to the treehouse. After a few tears were shed, it was time to load up their packs and head out for an adventurous day of love and laughter. 

Wedding dress hanging on a rustic treehouse Airbnb near Port Angeles, Washington
Bride and Groom backpacks with custom elopement day mugs clipped on with carabiners.
An eloping couple holds hands looking at each other while standing on a boat dock at Lake Crescent
An eloping couple stands on a moss covered log and kisses with their backpacks and hiking poles
A bride and groom hike to a waterfall for their elopement. Marymere Falls in Olympic National Park.
A bride and groom hike in their wedding attire with backpacks and hiking poles. Bride holds her dress up from the dirt.
A couple embraces while at Marymere Falls for their unique wedding experience.
A groom hugs his bride from behind as they both gaze off into the distance taking in the view of Lake Crescent.
A couple giggles and kisses while hugging near Lake Crescent.
A couple stands on a rock in front of Marymere Falls, the groom kisses the bride on the cheek.
Detail shot of custom elopement day mugs couple ordered for their hiking elopement.
Detail shot of wedding dress with long sleeves hanging on a rustic cabin treehouse Airbnb in Washington State.

They made the most of their day by exploring Lake Crescent before driving up to Hurricane Ridge. They were even able to sneak in a hike to Marymere Falls, where they soaked in the sights and sounds of the roaring falls.  

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After fitting in some newlywed photos at Lake Crescent and Marymere Falls, it was time to drive up to Hurricane Ridge for their ceremony. We met up with the officiant, John Candler from Best Day Ever, and drove until we came across the perfect spot: A secluded pull-off with panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and evergreens. After much anticipation, Brad and Taylor wrote another chapter in their epic love story by exchanging comical and teary-eyed vows.  

A couple and their officiant during their elopement ceremony at Hurricane Ridge. Officiant smiles
A groom reads his vows to the bride during their elopement ceremony in Olympic National Park
A couple has their first kiss as husband and wife after they are officially married at Hurricane Ridge.
A bride and groom cheer on top of Hurricane Ridge after their elopement ceremony.

After the big “I do’s” it was time to celebrate! They pulled out their custom elopement day mugs and poured a celebratory drink. A toast atop a mountain never felt so monumental.  

a bride and groom cheers and clank their mugs together after their ceremony, with some water flying out as a result
a bride and groom celebrate their elopement by drinking water from their custom elopement day mugs

what do you think? would you elope in olympic national park?

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if you want to learn more about planning an elopement in this magical place, check out my guide to planning an olympic national park elopement! :)

Vendors: 

  • Airbnb: Romantic Treehouse Farm Stay
  • Officiant: John Candler, Best Day Ever