Moody & Twilight Inspired Hoh Rainforest and Washington Coast Elopement

Nicole and Jeff’s Olympic National Park elopement perfectly blended adventure, romance, and Pacific Northwest magic. Traveling all the way from the East Coast, they chose the Hoh Rainforest and Washington’s rugged coast for their special day. Inspired by Nicole’s love for the moody, atmospheric vibes she saw in the Twilight movies, their elopement was full of misty forests, playful moments in tide pools, and cozy candlelit photos as the fog rolled in. Get all the details below.

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About This Elopement

Photography by Sea to Summit Photography

“Nicole and Jeffrey traveled all the way from the East Coast for their elopement here in Olympic National Park. Nicole fell in love with the Hoh Rainforest after her love for the moody, PNW vibes she saw during the Twilight movies! She knew that when she wanted to get married she wanted all of the Washington, dark, and moody photos for her elopement in the Hoh Rainforest and along the WA coast.

The morning of their elopement was on and off rain but the sun thankfully came out as they walked along the rainforest. Nicole was not afraid to get her dress dirty and wet, and I think it turned out awesome!

We then drove over to one of my favorite Washington coast beaches where the tide was low and they played around in the tide pools. They were ecstatic when the fog rolled in and we pulled out some lanterns and candles to really capture those moody, Twilight vibes.

If you’re looking for dark and moody, but incredible elopement that is full of adventure (and maybe a bit of rain), definitely have Olympic National Park in your locations to consider eloping in!” [Doug, the photographer]

Learn more about eloping at Olympic National Park. 

Permits and Top Tips For Your Elopement

“Because this couple had an elopement with just the two of them and myself as the photographer/officiant, no permits were needed. However, for people who are having slightly larger weddings greater than 5 people, a special use permit for Olympic National Park is needed and should be applied for at least 60 days in advance as our park’s staff are always very busy, particularly during the spring, summer, and fall. You can apply at Olympic National Park’s administrative office or website. Leave No Trace Principles are crucial in ONP as it is one of Washington’s most popular National Parks.

The Hoh Rainforest is truly a RAINforest! Definitely being prepared for some rain is crucial for couples to know when eloping in Olympic National Park. Having enough rain gear such as raincoats, warm/dry layers, umbrellas, and rain boots or gore-tex shoes are a must.

In order to follow LNT principles and prevent erosion on the trails, you’ll have to channel your inner kid and not be afraid to step on all of the muddy puddles on the trail! As for the Washington coast, definitely knowing the tide times is crucial as tides are unpredictable and you want to make sure you’re safe when on the beach!” [Doug, the photographer]

Learn how to elope here.

About This Couple

“One of my favorite parts about working with this couple was that they were not afraid to get dirty! Nicole stepped in all of the muddles, was not afraid to let her dress drag on the train, and turned her white dress brown! Their inner child came out when they began to run on the beach, kick water up, and then go to play along the tide pools!” [Doug, the photographer]

Details We Love

“Although we had to end our dusk and night photos short due to hunger. I do love that we were able to pull out the lanterns and use some candles for their dusk photos! The tide was the lowest I’ve ever seen it, so we were able to play with reflections in what felt like being in the middle of the Pacific!” [Doug, the photographer]

Memorable Moments During This Elopement

From the photographer:

“My favorite moment from this session was watching how truly happy this couple was during their day. They wanted a simple elopement but wanted to just have their personality, love for each other, and a newfound love for the PNW to remember their wedding experience. This couple was not afraid to be themselves during their wedding day in front of me and I think their photos turned out magical because of that!”

Photos From This Elopement