Adventurous Olympic National Park Wedding

It’s perfectly natural if you are stuck between having a traditional wedding or an intimate elopement. This couple shows us how you can mesh the two together with this intimate wedding at Olympic National Park. The couple included their family, and then explored the park afterward. They were able to have their family witness their union and explore the lush rain forests and waterfalls near Lake Crescent.

Photographer: Sean Oblizalo from Vows and Peaks

Session: Elopement

Location: Lake Crescent at Olympic National Park

From the Photographer:

Sean tells us how smooth the day went with Ryan and Jacqueline. They both trusted his creative direction, and they were open to his suggestions throughout the day. Sean also admits that elopements that include family and intimate adventure hikes are some of his favorite moments.

“Our hike was at one of the most magical and whimsical places I’ve been in the Olympic National Park! The wild forest was something out of a Doctor Seuss book. The lush and vibrant green moss surrounded us as we roamed around the forest as the light beams fought through the trees above us.” [Sean]

There are No Rules When Eloping

After their first look at the lake, the bride and groom walked over to their ceremony spot where their family and friends were waiting for them at Bovee’s Meadow near Lake Crescent Lodge.

During their ceremony, they exchanged vows and participated in the Celtic Cord Ceremony, where they tied a braided rope around their hands. Following their ceremony, they shared donuts, and then continued to go on an adventure hike together! Sean reminds couples there is no right or wrong way to get married.

“Some couples prefer to do their elopements themselves, but others want to include their families. There are no rules with eloping, so do whatever you want to assure you’re having the best day of your lives!” [Sean]

Advice to Photographers

If you’re a photographer who has a little or a lot of experience with intimate events, Sean believes you need to push yourself to grow. There is endless room to learn new techniques in the photography industry.

“Photographers, push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Try to work in different environments and lighting. You will be surprised by how much you enjoy working outside of your usual locations. For example, I’m a huge mountain person, but some of my favorite elopements are by the ocean and in the woods. It’s all about being creative while documenting a couple’s epic day!” [Sean]