A Dreamy Washington Elopement | Trekking Through the Olympics

Looking for some inspiration for a Washington elopement that is truly a unique and completely unforgettable way to get married? We cannot wait to share this magical and deeply intentional Washington elopement that happened nestled in the heart of Olympic National Park.

The lush canopy of this old growth forest, the gushing waterfalls, sparkling lakes, rocky beaches, and all of the diverse landscapes Olympic National Park has to offer makes it the perfect location for an adventure elopement.

K + Vs elopement in the heart of Olympic National Park was pure magic and will for sure leave you feeling excited to plan yours.

A backpacking elopement was the perfect way for these two to spend their wedding day. Their love story is woven with adventures including backcountry hikes for their favorite dates and a waterfall proposal of epic proportions. It was only fitting that their wedding day celebrated their shared love of adventure.

Your Washington Elopement Photographers

Howdy friends! We’re Washington elopement photographers, Sam and Kyle, the husband and wife duo behind The Dropped Pin. For the past few years, we’ve lived in our RV, exploring every nook and cranny of the Pacific Northwest (and beyond). We’ve had the privilege of working closely with couples to plan their Washington elopements, document and bear witness to the magic of these intimate moments in the great outdoors.

But, we’re more than just Adventure Elopement Photographers. We’re fellow adventurers, storytellers, and explorers with an insatiable curiosity. We’ve planned countless of our own personal adventures in the diverse landscape of the Pacific Northwest. From hiking through dense forests, backpacking along mountain ridges, and sleeping under the stars, we’ve loved it all.

So whether you’re seeking an intimate elopement, an incredible adventure, or the perfect combination of each, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Consider us your elopement day bff’s, planning and capturing one hell of a story.

Planning their Backpacking Washington Elopement

During our first chat with K + V, they told us the scenery they were craving. Somewhere wild, with a rainforest, big tree energy, massive waterfalls and the chance to explore somewhere they’d never experienced before. They wanted to backpack for three days, sleeping next to alpine lakes and wanted to exchange vows near a waterfall. Having lived in Forks, spending multiple seasons exploring and backpacking in Olympic National Park, we knew it was the perfect place for these two adventure seekers.

Read more about planning a “just us” Olympic National Park Wedding.

Pro Tip: Thinking of having an Olympic National Park wedding? We’ve got ya covered with our comprehensive guide to your Olympic National Park Wedding. With our insider knowledge and expert advice, this bad boy has everything you need to make your Olympic National Park elopement dreams come true.

Collaborating with K + V to plan their Washington elopement was almost as exciting as the day itself. There were so many logistics to consider, routes to suggest, and elements to keep in mind. It was like solving an adventure puzzle, our favorite kind of challenge. Curating the perfect experience for our couples can call for flexing some pretty beefy problem solving skills. From suggesting the perfect locations, assisting with permits, building intentional timeline, and providing trail reports, we’re here to support our buddies through it all!

Washington Elopement Pro Tip: For backpacking in Olympic National park, you’ll need to get your wilderness permits. Olympic National Park may also require a special use permit for a ceremony taking place in the park. You can get your permits here.

They decided on one of our favorite routes, a trail that explores a dense rainforest, boasts a magnificent waterfall, had a private campsite at an alpine lake, and another on a mountain ridge with staggering views of the Olympics. A total dream, right? We helped them secure their wilderness permits, figure out their timeline and the best location for their private ceremony.

Washington Elopement Pro Tip: The best time to backpack in Olympic National Park is also the busiest season. To help K+V, we recommend planning their adventure early in the peak season (mid-end of June) and aim to explore on weekdays.

The Flow of the day for This Washington Elopement

K+V wanted to be able to take their time, prioritize privacy, and make it to their first campsite before sunset. We recommended a sunrise start to make it all happen. Here’s how their day flowed:

– Meet at sunrise at the trailhead – Get ready in the forest – Have a private first look – Hit the trail – Take time to soak it all in – Exchange vows at a waterfall – Head to their campsite

As their Washington elopement photographers, we built a timeline to fit in all the elements and logistics that still allowed for these two to fill their souls with experiencing each bit of the old-growth forest where they would start this new chapter of their lives together. Read more about building an intentional elopement timeline.

5 Tips for Planning a Washington Elopement

#1 | After choosing a general location apply for any necessary permits.

#2 | In case of rain, pack some waterproof layers and consider a pair of clear umbrellas.

#3 | To avoid crowds, plan your elopement for the late spring and early fall.

#4 | The best lighting for your Washington elopement will be around sunrise and sunset.

#5 | For even more privacy for your Washington elopement elope on a weekday to avoid crowds!

Check out this guide on How to Elope in Washington State.

Washington Elopement | A First Look Deep in The Forest

It was an early start and we all met at the trailhead. The sky was a pearly gray, cloaking the lazily rising sun in misty clouds.

A perfect PNW moody morning met K+V as they stepped out of their car and we all hugged after months of working together to plan this incredible day. The energy was absolutely buzzing with the anticipation of the adventure that was beginning to unfold.

In their hiking gear, we split up to separate locations so K + V could get ready and share a first look. The sun was still fighting behind the cloudy skies and hadn’t even begun to touch the canopy. We passed K + V our lanterns to help them make their way to each other and have their first look.

They walked towards each other from opposite ends of the winding trail. The forest around them was quiet and enveloped them in its lush greenery, their first look was only witnessed by the towering trees (and obvi two very stoked Washington elopement photographers).

Washington Elopement | The Adventure Begins

After the dreamiest first look ever, K + V were hyped to explore the old growth forest and soak in the natural splendor of the ancient forest. Hazy light began to flow through the dense canopy and we took our time wandering through the trail, climbing up mini boulders that jutted out from the path and took breaks for K+V to snuggle on massive tree trunks. A small, infrequent PNW sprinkle, drizzled through the leaves.

Washington Elopement Pro Tip: The Pacific Northwest is known for its rainy season. As Washington elopement photographers, we typically shoot rain or shine and help our couples prepare for rainy weather during their Washington elopement. Be sure to bring a waterproof outer layer, consider bringing along some clear umbrellas, and embrace whatever mother nature throws at ya! For intense or dangerous weather, we’ll always have a backup plan ready to go.

We were enveloped by the sounds of the forest, the chirping of morning birds, the powerful rush of the river, and the growing rumble of the massive waterfall we were headed to. Even as we met a few fellow hikers, K + V were absolutely immersed in the day. K + V were totally in their element, in awe of the majesty of it all. Their excitement was palpable and their faces were absolutely beaming with joy.

Washington Elopement Pro Tip: Aiming for a sunrise start will give you the best chances for privacy during peak season or at popular locations

Washington Elopement | Waterfall Ceremony

After continuing on our trail, the thunder of the falls was growing closer. Reaching the river that was fed by the falls, we hiked along its waters for the best view. K+V scrambled down the forests’ edge and situated themselves on some river rocks. A game of rock, paper, scissors determined who would go first. The flow of the river and the tumbling falls muted their vows so they were the only ones that could hear the words being exchanged.

Washington Elopement Pro Tip: To get your Marriage License, set an appointment to pick up your license at the county clerk’s office that best suits your location and travel route. Pay the $65 fee and observe the three-day waiting period. Check out our post on how to get married in Washington State for more info!

After their private vow exchange, K+V scrambled back up under the forest’s canopy. They were soaked from the mist of the falls, and the light morning rain, but they were absolutely beaming. As their officiant, Sam handled their marriage license, making sure all of the legal paperwork was taken care of.

Washington Elopement Pro Tip: Want to have a just us ceremony, but you’re getting married in a state that requires an officiant and witnesses? We’re ordained and can help make that happen!

With wedding clothes that were muddy with adventure, and smiles plastered onto their faces, K + V stood at a viewpoint completely immersed in the magic of that morning. The deep teal waters below them sparkled and danced in the morning light. Gazing down, they spotted two otters playing in the river, darting across the river rocks and splashing playfully in the water. K+V lit up and they told us about the pair of otters they saw during the proposal. It definitely felt like nature was putting on a show to congratulate these two adventurous souls.

Want More PNW Elopement Inspo?

Check out these bad boys on how to elope in Washington State

Wanting something a lil more coastal?

Here’s all the info ya need

Check out this blog with our sister company on the best places to elope where K+Vs day was featured!

Let’s Get This Party Started!