Jamie and Jason traveled to Olympic National Park and the Washington coast during this Hurricane Ridge Elopement. The sky was clear and sunny but the air had a chill on the evening of their marriage. Washington can be known for quickly-changing weather, and these two had fun getting rained out during their Rialto Beach day-after adventure session.
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Forested First Look and Hurricane Ridge Elopement
Hurricane Ridge is one of the most popular destinations in Olympic National Park. At just over five thousand feet, it is accessible year-round. However, the overlook toward nearby peaks gives you the impression of being high amongst the giant mountains of the Olympic range. Depending on the time of year, a trip to Hurricane Ridge might be a stunning sunny hike or you’ll want skis and a snowsuit. The evening of Jamie and Jason’s elopement, the sky was clear but cool. Their ceremony was absolutely beautiful and they snuggled under a blanket as the sun went down. This elopement was full of intimate and sweet moments. From their first look, to their ceremony, to the letters they read beneath a blanket at the end of the day – Jamie and Jason truly embraced the beauty of their surroundings.
Want to see another Washington elopement? Check out this elopement on Mt. Rainier!
Jamie and Jason began their day with a first look in the forest. The Olympic Peninsula was known for being green long before the days of Twilight, and this day was no exception. The old growth trees towered above Jason as he stood, waiting for his bride. Jamie walked up and tapped him on the shoulder. They shared an intimate first look at each other on a hand-built wooden bridge before meeting their officiant. On a hillside, with snowy peaks surrounding their ceremony location, Jason and Jamie exchanged vows. Officially married, they ate cupcakes, popped champagne, and simply enjoyed the rest of their day together. We met up again for a day-after adventure session at Rialto Beach.
Rialto Beach Day-After Session
The Olympic Peninsula in Washington state is one of the wettest places in the world. Jamie and Jason were lucky to have a sunny Hurricane Ridge elopement, but it was appropriate that their day-after session was rainy and socked-in by fog. Sometimes day-after sessions feature a couple in their wedding attire, but it is also an opportunity to be less formal. Jamie’s yellow cardigan stood out in stark contrast to their gray surroundings. She and Jason embraced the wet and ran together on the beach, getting their feet in the surf, and laughing as they became steadily more water-logged. Their joy was contagious and their curiosity was peaked by the tide pools and expansive living communities along the coast. We found dozens of starfish among the rocks and even saw a stingray!
Want to see another rainy session? Check out this Washington coast sunset elopement!
Rialto beach is adjacent to a campground and the mouth of the Quillayute River. North of La Push, the region has a living indigenous history and the Quileute Indian Reservation is just to the south. The Pacific Northwest coastline continues to have a foundational significance to the cultures and lives of those who live there. Sea stacks and rock formations are iconic images along the Washington coast and Rialto beach has a dramatic rocky backdrop. Jamie and Jason ran along the coast and explored throughout their adventure session. This elopement and day-after session took two iconic places along the west coast and created a truly Washington elopement experience.
Hurricane Ridge Elopement Vendors
PHOTOGRAPHY | THE FOXES PHOTOGRAPHY // RING | BRILLIANT EARTH