washington couple smiling at each other for their forest elopement in the pnw

About This Stunning Fall Forest Elopement in the PNW

D & A knew that they wanted to have a forest elopement with just their a few friends and their family on a very special date: 11/11! Because many areas in Washington and the PNW are starting to get snow in, they chose to have their elopement close to home at one of their favorite State Parks in Olympia.

We found a beautiful elopement spot, between two tall cedar trees, overlooking the Puget Sound. There, they had one of their mom’s as their officiant and their two twin boys and 2 close friends for their elopement. They had their ceremony earlier in the day because as luck (well planned luck, I suppose) they said I do and kissed exactly at 11:11AM!

elopement couple smiling at each other for their forest elopement in washington

After exploring the park some more, we went back to their house for a unique paint pouring/blending of their families ritual and then had some lunch. Their elopement showed that something simple, surrounded by trees and the ones you love the most are all you need to have your day be magical.

I had such an incredible time photographing their elopement and am so thankful for their trust. Congratulations again, D & A!

P.S. Scroll below to see more photos from this beautiful fall forest elopement!

Best Forest Elopement Locations in the Pacific Northwest

elopement couple walking along the forest for their forest elopement

There are so many incredible locations to elope in Washington and the PNW that are surrounded by tall evergreens that makes Washington so green! Here are the best forest elopement locations in Washington State and the Pacific Northwest

Hoh Rainforest - the Hoh Rainforest is one of many reasons why so many people come to Olympic National Park to elope in! This place feels absolutely magical, full of giant ferns and moss-covered trees. It really feels like you are in another world! Check out this Hoh Rainforest elopement I got a chance to capture here!
Lake Crescent Area - Lake Crescent area (also located in Olympic National Park) is an excellent place to elope in! You’ll have not just a beautiful lake there, but that area of the park is also home to many beautiful hiking trails with some stunning waterfalls in addition to the big Olympic Peninsula forest.
The Oregon Redwoods - Just like the California Redwoods, these ancient trees will make you feel like you traveled back in time and are witnessing history. If you want trees wider than your car, then the Redwoods is for you.
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest - This area is home to Mount Baker, one of Washington’s most epic elopement locations! Although some of the places to elope here can be in higher elevation and smaller alpine trees, lower elevation areas are full of the tall, dense forest elopement locations! One of my favorite spots includes Rattlesnake Lake or Gold Creek Pond!

Kind Words From the Couple

washington couple jumping in the air for their elopement in the forest

“My wife and I had an amazing experience using Doug from Sea to Summit Photography as our photographer! He was very organized and professional. He helped us find the best venue within our budget for our elopement! Doug went the extra mile by scouting our location to find the most beautiful photos and was always there to support us throughout the process of elopement planning! Doug helped us both feel at ease during our photo sessions with unique poses, clear instructions, and fun! I feel like Doug truly captured the magic of our day with beautiful photos! We couldn’t have asked for a better elopement photographer! I can’t recommend Doug more!”

— D & A

Best Time of Year to Have a Forest Elopement in the Pacific Northwest

The beauty of eloping in Washington or the PNW is that you can have a forest elopement year-round! Although some national parks like Mt Rainier and the North Cascades will be covered in snow in the winter, there are so many lower-elevation locations that are always open to elope in the forest!

pnw elopement couple doing a dipping pose in the middle of the forest

I recommend looking at Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forests for lower elevation, snow-free locations in the fall, winter, and early spring such as the Snoqualmie and North Bend area.
Olympic National Park is open year-round though! Although rain is surely in the forecast during all seasons except summer, you can make your way to one of Washington’s most beautiful rainforest whenever!
Do keep in mind that some years there has been some roads that have washed out, so planning ahead is always recommended!