If I had to describe Amanda and Dylan’s late summer elopement in Olympic National Park in one word, it would be “intentional”. One of the biggest ‘perks’ of eloping is the opportunity to craft a day that is 100% authentic to who you are as a couple. The other biggest ‘perk’ of eloping is having the opportunity to say, “I do” in an epic place. Amanda and Dylan took their elopement vision and ran with it. Their golden hour elopement at Ruby Beach was every bit as “them” as a day could’ve possibly been. From getting ready together to drawing in the sand during sunset, their day was pure bliss.

Pacific Northwest Elopement Inspiration

When Amanda and Dylan began wedding planning, they knew right away that they wanted to have a private elopement. Although these cuties planned to have a more traditional wedding reception at a later date, they wanted to experience something new together. Despite spending years traveling from Montana to inland Washington, they figured there was no better time to embark on a new adventure than their wedding day. Ruby Beach ended up being the perfect destination for their playful, introverted personalities to shine. And as a Washington wedding and elopement photographer with a passion for adventure, I was stoked to get to experience such a stunning place alongside this sweet couple.

The morning of their elopement began with them getting ready together at the Miller Tree Inn in Forks, Washington. To all my Twi-hards out there: yes, this is the Cullen house from Twilight. Talk about iconic! The inn’s atmosphere felt cozy and serene, which was perfect for a couple getting ready on their wedding day. Once Amanda’s makeup was almost complete, Dylan went to his suite to get ready for the first look. With Dylan’s cow socks peeking out beneath his slacks and Amanda making the final touches to her look, the couple made their way to the front porch for their first look.

Spoiler alert! First looks are a sure fire way to have me in tears before the day has even really began. But, I digress. As Amanda floated towards her groom in her floral-lace ballgown, with her cathedral train delicately trailing behind her, the anticipation was palpable. Dylan was left speechless as he turned to see his beautiful, glowing bride. 

Ruby Beach Elopement Photographer | Wilder Photography

Thanks to the incredible owners of the Miller Tree Inn, we spent some time frolicking in the golden pasture adjacent to the inn. After we had burned off some energy in the pasture, we made the short drive to Ruby Beach for their Olympic National Park elopement. We met up with a couple of their friends to make the trek down to the beach. Their friends were gracious enough to set up a private beachfront picnic of sandwiches and Cheesecake Factory. Before the picnic could commence, Amanda and Dylan snuck away for private vows near the iconic Olympic National Park rocks. As the waves crashed to shore, their vows were out of ear shot as they tearfully shared with one another. Knowing that their vows were kept just to the two of them is such a special little detail to treasure.

Because Washington is not a self-solemnization state, two of Amanda and Dylan’s friends attended as an officiant and witness. With a kiss sealing the deal, the newlyweds cheered and embraced their friends before we snagged some quick “we’re married!!!” photos. After parting ways with their friends for a bit, Amanda and Dylan sat to enjoy their picnic. As they dined, a little family of otters floated through the waves in the background. We even had a bear sighting (I don’t blame him… there was Cheesecake Factory, after all). 

Eloping in Olympic National Park

Before we knew it, the sun began to make its descent. Taking full advantage of the warm sunshine sparkling across the waves, Amanda and Dylan decided to let loose and get dirty in the sand. After carrying her long train and skirts all day across the beach, Amanda kicked off her shoes and marched right into the ocean. It was such a wholesome moment to witness as her and Dylan danced through the waves rushing to shore.

In that moment, I knew I wasn’t alone in feeling like the vision this sweet couple had for golden hour elopement at Ruby Beach came to life in the most magical way. We then soaked up the last bits of the golden hues before trekking back to the parking lot. Once we made our way back to our vehicles, we signed their marriage license by glow of cell phones. And it was just perfect. 

Seattle Wedding and Elopement Photographer

Being trusted with documenting a couple’s best day ever is an honor that I will never take lightly. I will forever feel the need to pinch myself while capturing a couple’s deep belly laughter, the glistening tears in their eyes, and the stolen kisses. 

Although I can’t promise to be less sappy on Instagram, keep up with me on the ‘Gram (@sam_wilderphotography) for sneak peeks, stunning views, and my latest adventures. And don’t  forget to stay tuned to the blog for even more wild love. But until next time, dare to be different, my friend.