Troy & Alyssa’s Rain-Soaked Elopement Adventure in Olympic National Park

Permits and LNT for Washington
About the Couple
Memorable Moments
Details We're Loving
Final Words of Advice
Photos From This Elopement

Troy and Alyssa’s elopement in Olympic National Park was a celebration of their deep connection to nature and each other. They crafted a stress-free, adventurous day filled with a private vow exchange at Merriman Falls, candid portraits in the rain, and a group hike with loved ones, all while honoring Leave No Trace principles. Get all the details below.

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About This Elopement

Photography by Beginning and End Phot0

“Troy and Alyssa chose to elope in Olympic National Park, drawn by their shared love for nature, plants, wildlife, and National Parks.

They were inspired by a friend’s elopement photos in the same location and decided to create their own non-traditional celebration in the heart of the forest.

The couple’s vision was a stress-free, fun day that allowed them to focus on each other and their connection to nature. They incorporated hiking, waterfall portraits, and forest exploration. They also planned a group hike with guests the day after the ceremony.” [Ashley, the photographer]

Unique Elements From Their Day:

First look and private vow exchange at Merriman Falls
The couple hiked in their wedding attire for candid moments in the pouring rain
Intimate forest portraits at Quinault Rainforest trailhead

“We wanted to become one in the woods where we feel most at peace. Our elopement allowed us to focus on each other and our love for nature, creating a truly magical and personal celebration.” [The couple]

Explore more places to elope in Washington State.

Permits and LNT for Washington

“Olympic National Park Special Use Permit: If the ceremony is held within Olympic National Park (which includes areas like the Quinault Rainforest and many of the surrounding trails), a special use permit is required for weddings and elopements.

Couples should contact the Olympic National Park office to obtain the permit. Applications can be submitted online, and the fee is typically around $50-150, depending on the group size and location.

Locations like waterfalls or highly trafficked areas may have limitations on group size or time of day, so checking in advance is crucial.” [Ashley, the photographer]

Learn how to leave no trace during your elopement.

About the Couple

“What really stands out about Troy and Alyssa is their deep love for nature and their desire for an authentic, intimate celebration. They were not interested in a traditional church wedding but instead wanted to become one in the woods where they felt most at peace. This connection to the natural world is something that really resonates with me as a photographer and elopement planner.

Another thing that makes Troy and Alyssa stand out is their thoughtfulness in balancing their desire for an intimate experience with including their loved ones. They want to spend most of the day just the two of them, immersed in nature and each other, before joining their small group of guests for the ceremony. This approach really captures the essence of what modern elopements can be – deeply personal yet still inclusive.” [Ashley, the photographer]

Check out these reasons to elope.

Memorable Moments From This Elopement

From the photographer:

“The ceremony itself was incredibly moving. We’d spent most of the day with just the three of us, so reuniting with their small group of guests brought out all the emotions. It started raining lightly during the vows, but Troy’s mom had thoughtfully set up some tents to keep everyone comfortable. The rain actually added to the intimacy of the moment.

I can’t forget to mention the stunning floral installation by Megan from Farm and Flower. She created something that perfectly complemented the natural backdrop without overshadowing it. It was the perfect touch for their woodland ceremony.

Ending the evening Troy and Alyssa celebrated with their loved ones, toasting champagne and cider under the towering trees, which was the perfect finale to an amazing day. Their love for each other and for nature shone through every moment, making this elopement truly special to capture.”

Details We’re Loving

“I loved how they just embraced the rain and overall environment that ONP offers. Since it was a ‘winter’ elopement, the weather can be a bit unpredictable. Sometimes you will get poured on with rain, others it’s a perfectly sunny day. They had rain, and sun all within their day!

Troy and Alyssa’s decision to go with our all-inclusive, customizable elopement package really allowed their unique vision to shine through. This approach took the stress of planning off their shoulders, letting them focus on what truly mattered – their love and the experience they wanted to create. We handled everything from scouting the perfect waterfall location to coordinating with Megan for that stunning floral installation, all while ensuring their day reflected their adventurous spirit and love for nature.

The flexibility of the package meant we could easily incorporate special touches, like their hike in wedding attire and the intimate post-ceremony celebration with family. It’s always rewarding to see couples like Troy and Alyssa fully immerse themselves in their elopement day, free from logistical worries, creating memories that will last a lifetime.” [Ashley, the photographer]

Final Words of Advice

“Eloping in the Olympic National Forest is a unique and wonderful experience, but there are definitely a few things I’ve learned that can help make your day even more special.” [Ashley, the photographer]

Ashley’s top tips:

Be prepared for weather changes: The Pacific Northwest is known for its unpredictable weather. Troy and Alyssa’s light rain during the ceremony actually created a magical atmosphere, but it’s always good to have a backup plan. Bring layers, and waterproof gear, and consider clear umbrellas for beautiful rainy photos.
Respect the environment: The ONF is a stunning natural area, but it’s important to follow Leave No Trace principles. Stay on designated trails, pack out all trash, and be mindful of local wildlife.
Get your permits in order: Make sure to secure any necessary permits for your elopement well in advance. This includes photography permits and any special use permits required for your ceremony location.
Consider timing: The forest can get busy during peak summer months. If you’re looking for more solitude, consider a weekday elopement or aim for shoulder seasons like late spring or early fall.
Embrace the natural beauty: The Olympic National Forest offers incredible diversity – from lush rainforests to stunning waterfalls. Don’t be afraid to incorporate these natural elements into your day, just as Troy and Alyssa did with their waterfall photos.
Plan for limited cell service: Many areas of the forest have spotty or no cell coverage. Have offline maps downloaded and consider bringing a satellite communication device for safety.
Work with local vendors: Local florists like Megan from Farm and Flower understand the area and can create designs that complement the natural surroundings beautifully.