Anna + Madi’s Adventure in the PNW

Anna and Madi’s Elopement Day in Olympic National Park will forever be a core memory for me. Starting out with a slow morning in their airbnb, then travelling up the mountain to Hurricane Ridge, and finally finishing out their day at Rialto Beach felt so intentional and so uniquely them. I feel so lucky and grateful that I got to spend ALL day with these amazing women. This experience was once in a lifetime, and Anna and Madi were able to soak up all of these memories – their love for each other tangible all day.

Anna & Madi’s Olympic National Park Elopement Timeline

7:30 AM
Coffee and breakfast together at Airbnb in Port Angeles

8:30 AM
Hair & makeup along with a first look at the Airbnb!

11:00 AM
Drive to Hurricane Ridge

12:00 – 1:00 PM
Portraits in the mountains

1:30 PM
Ceremony (officiated by yours truly)!

3:00 PM
Lunch at the Airbnb (which consisted of absolutely delicious trader joes salad mixes)

4:30 PM
Drive to Rialto Beach

6:00 PM
Frolic around the beach for some more photos (and a champagne pop because they did the dang thing)!

7:30 PM
Sunset

Why Olympic National Park Is One of the Best Places to Elope

When Anna + Madi first reached out, I was thrilled just to be part of their story. But actually hopping on a plane, joining them in the Pacific Northwest, and standing beside them as they shared vows in one of the most beautiful places on earth? That’s something I’ll never forget.

The Olympic Peninsula is truly unlike anywhere else. It feels like a whole world tucked into one corner of Washington. Gigantic mountain peaks, wild coastlines, moss-draped rainforests, and crystal-clear lakes… it’s the kind of place that forces you to pull off of the highway every two seconds to take it in (I may be speaking form personal experience here haha).

If you’re considering eloping in Olympic National Park or Washington State, here are a few adventures you won’t want to miss:

• Watching the sunrise over the mountains at Hurricane Ridge
• Wandering through the lush, mossy trails of the Hoh Rain Forest
• Chasing waterfalls like Sol Duc Falls or Marymere Falls
• Catching a fiery sunset along the rugged shores of Rialto Beach or Ruby Beach
• Canoeing or picnicking by the turquoise waters of Lake Crescent
• Hiking up to alpine lakes and wildflower meadows in the heart of the Olympic Mountains

And if you’re up for it, ending your day stargazing beneath some of the clearest skies in the PNW is the perfect way to close out your elopement adventure.

A Slow and Cozy Morning in the Airbnb

Home base was a cozy Airbnb in the town of Port Angeles (Twilight fans stand UP)! We started the day with an easy pace, sipping coffee and enjoying the crisp September air.

Anna and Madi got ready side by side, helping each other with their hair and make-up, and soaking in all of their wedding-morning feels! It felt so relaxed, so intentional – the perfect way to set the tone before heading into such a meaningful adventure.

An Emotional Ceremony at Hurricane Ridge

Hurricane Ridge gave us the most breathtaking mountain views for their vows, with the skies unbelievably clear (a gift in the PNW!).

It was my first time officiating a ceremony, which made this moment even more special. Their words were heartfelt, the views were unreal, and it was one of those times where you just know you’ll remember the exact feeling forever.

From Mountains to Coast : Road Tripping to Rialto Beach

After a quick bite to eat, we hit the road for the hour-and-a-half drive to the coast.

There’s something magical about watching the landscapes shift from rugged mountains to misty shoreline. On our way, we were lucky enough to drive right along Lake Crescent! The water was some of the most crystal blue that I have seen, and the mountain views were to die for.

This whole drive felt like a journey in and of itself – it was almost impossible to not pull off every 10 seconds to take in a brand new view.

Sunset Portraits at Rialto Beach

Rialto Beach was the perfect finale. Anna + Madi popped champagne, braved the cold rocks barefoot, and leaned fully into the moment, even as the salty breeze whipped through their jumpsuits. Personally, I was suited up in a couple of layers and was somehow still chilly!

The seagulls seemed to join the celebration, and the golden evening light painted everything in magic. It was a rare sunny day on the coast, crisp and clear, and it couldn’t have been more perfect.

Tips for Planning an Olympic National Park Elopement

After spending the day exploring Olympic National Park with Anna and Madi, I quickly learned that a little preparation goes a long way. This place is absolutely breathtaking, but it’s also wild, unpredictable, and much larger than most people expect. Here are a few things I’d keep in mind if you’re planning your own Olympic National Park elopement.

Dress for every season, even if it’s summer.
The weather in Olympic National Park can change in a matter of minutes. We were lucky enough to have blue skies for most of the day, but temperatures dropped quickly once we reached the coast in the evening (It was COLDDD). Bring layers, even if the forecast looks perfect.

Don’t rely on cell service.
Once you’re inside much of the park, service becomes pretty limited. Download offline maps before your trip, save any important addresses, and make sure everyone knows the plan before heading out.

Leave more time than you think you’ll need.
Driving through Olympic National Park is part of the adventure. Between winding roads, scenic overlooks, and all the places you’ll want to stop along the way, travel always takes longer than expected. Give yourself plenty of breathing room so the day never feels rushed.

Check Hurricane Ridge conditions before you go.
Roads to Hurricane Ridge occasionally close due to weather or maintenance, even outside of winter. Checking conditions before your elopement day can save you from any unexpected surprises.

Don’t forget your permits.
Depending on where you plan to exchange vows, you’ll likely need a special use permit through Olympic National Park. It’s one of those planning details that’s easy to overlook, but definitely worth checking early in the process.

If you can, choose sunrise or sunset.
Not only will you avoid the biggest crowds, but you’ll also be rewarded with the most beautiful light. Watching the first rays of sunlight hit the mountains or ending your day on the coast as the sun disappears behind the ocean is something you’ll never forget.

What to Pack for your Elopement

One of my favorite things about elopements is that they often feel more like an adventure than a traditional wedding day. That also means packing a little differently! Here are a few things I’d recommend bringing along.

• Comfortable hiking boots (you can always change into your wedding shoes later!)
• A clear umbrella…because this is Washington, after all.
• Your vow books for those emotional, handwritten promises.
• A headlamp or flashlight if you’ll be hiking before sunrise or after sunset.
• Plenty of water and a few snacks to keep your energy up throughout the day.
• Warm jackets or blankets for in between photos, especially if you’re eloping in the fall or winter, or heading up to Hurricane Ridge or the coast.

A little preparation makes it so much easier to stay present and simply enjoy the experience.

Olympic National Park Elopement Details

• Location: Hurricane Ridge + Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington
• Airbnb: A cozy little cabin in Port Angeles, right at the base of Hurricane Ridge!
• Season: September
• Coverage: Full-day elopement
• Guest Count: Just the two of them
• Ceremony: Private mountaintop ceremony
• Adventure: Mountain views, road trip through the park, sunset on the coast
• Photographer + Officiant: Sofia Kate Photography

Your Olympic National Park Elopement Photographer

Olympic National Park completely stole my heart.

Between the mountain views at Hurricane Ridge, the UNREAL crystal-blue water of Lake Crescent, and the coastline at Rialto Beach, it felt like every turn revealed an entirely new landscape. It’s one of the places in this world that reminds you just how incredible Earth really is, and getting to document Anna and Madi’s day here was something I’ll never forget.

If you’re dreaming of an Olympic National Park elopement, I’d love to help you create a day that feels intentional, relaxed, and completely true to the two of you. From building a custom timeline that lets you experience every part of the park, to helping scout locations, traveling wherever your adventure takes us, and even officiating your ceremony if you’re looking for an all-in-one experience, I’m here to help bring your vision to life.

More than anything, my goal is to create photographs that don’t just show what your elopement looked like, they transport you right back to how it felt.