Olympic National Park Elopement
Oh, man. I don’t even know where to start describing this amazing elopement.
Whether a couple gets married in a church, barn, their backyard, or at a destination location, it’s always an honor to be given the opportunity to capture such an important day. Elopements, though, just seem so special and I know they’re not for everyone. Perhaps there is just something magical about two people choosing not to have any distractions on their wedding day, just the two of them, a witness, soaking up every moment.
I was ecstatic when Tom and Joy mentioned eloping in Olympic National Park. I had only been there for a brief visit in 2018, but that short trip was long enough for me to fall in love with that area. I remember being amazed at the combination of beach and forest. It’s such a contrast of scenery coexisting in a beautiful way, and very different than the east coast with our sandy beaches and hotels lining the way.
Tom and Joy’s elopement was so laid back and peaceful, just like the two of them. Joy even got ready in our camper (yes, it doubles as a bridal suite) while Tom waited in their VW camper van rental through Peace Vans. Once they were both ready for the ceremony, Tom and Joy did a first look in the forest, surrounded by towering trees and hanging moss.
When I say it was a laid back day, I mean it. We weren’t even sure of the ceremony location until the moment it was happening. They had a few places in mind to scope out and ended up landing on Rialto Beach. We strolled down the beach until we found a gorgeous backdrop and had the area to ourselves. It was the perfect ceremony in between the rocks with the waves crashing behind them. After Tom and Joy said “I do”, we explored the beach to find some massive driftwood trees. They were both well equipped to do some adventurin’ for Bride and Groom photos (see Joy’s hiking boots below).
Once we wrapped up with photos, Tom and Joy celebrated with a campfire and champagne at the campground. I hope these photos do a slight justice to show how beautifully epic and tranquil their wedding day was.
