Maribell and Alejandro wanted to elope in a completely different landscape than where they grew up (Florida). They chose Olympic for its remoteness, all of the amazingly different landscapes you can explore, and to go on an amazing trip with their closest loved ones to share the experience too. Leading up to their day, these two were so excited and just ready to get married. So when the day finally came, I was so happy to finally share in their excitement and celebrate.
Driving up for sunrise, we drove through incredibly thick fog. We weren’t even sure if we would get above the clouds by the time we arrived at the trailhead. Somehow though, the fog cleared as we climbed higher in the mountains and started our hike for their sunrise vows. It was almost a full moon and for the first sunrise of my elopement career–we almost didn’t need headlamps! It was such a wild experience. The trees were covered in frost, the cloud inversion hovered in the mountain valley below us, and it was perfectly quiet. One of my top Olympic experiences to date (and I used to live there).
When we arrived at the summit, Alejandro and Maribell got dressed separately before having their first look. It was such a sweet moment and their lanterns fit perfectly with the moody mountains. They exchanged private vows without anyone else around as the sun rose up over the clouds. These two were crying, laughing, and just overwhelmed with love in the moment. We celebrated and explored in the sunshine taking in the full beauty of the cloud inversion. Then we headed back down to lower elevation to meet up with their loved ones for their official ceremony.
Everyone had already arrived and set up a beautiful picnic along the lakeshore. Maribell’s dad met us in the trees privately so they could also share a first look. She even gifted him a custom tie, and I’m so glad they got to share a private moment together before the ceremony. Kate, of Tapestry Events (one of our favorite vendors in the PNW), led a beautiful and incredibly personal ceremony. Somehow even in late September, it was a beautiful and sunny day to celebrate with family. I’m so happy their loved ones were able to travel, celebrate, and experience Olympic National Park. After their ceremony, we explored in the rainforest before Maribell and Alejandro had their picnic and cake. Maribell made her own cake (since she’s a professional) and curated everyone’s picnic lunch as well. She was so sweet and caring (even making sure I had my own custom lunch).
We took a break in the afternoon before meeting up again along the coast for sunset. Ruby Beach is one of my favorite places to explore when it’s a moody day. Plus, Maribell really wanted to explore some tidepools (and this is one of the best easy-access beaches to do that at low tide). So it worked out perfectly for them. They shared champagne, explored the tide pools, and as we got closer to blue hour and the beach was more private–they finished their elopement with a first dance. It was such a magical day exploring from sunrise to sunset. I’m always over the moon when I get to explore all day with my couples and really have the opportunity to turn their day into a romantic, adventurous full-day adventure. I loved getting to know these two, their love, and meeting their family. And I’m excited to hang out with them again in the future when they come visit Colorado!
Olympic National Park Tip: While these two had absolutely stunning weather on their day, it’s quite common to have rainy & cloudy days without views of the mountains. These two were prepared for a beautiful rainy elopement without any mountain views (and just celebrating in the forest and along the coast). So if you’re wanting to elope in Olympic and want a stunning rainy elopement–you’ve chosen the right place! Just wanted to put a disclaimer since this isn’t the typical weather to expect 🙂
