There aren’t many places out there that continuously take my breath away, but Lake Crescent is one of the few that does. If you’ve ever traveled to Olympic National Park, you’ve probably passed Lake Crescent. Granted, the lake is pretty hard to miss. It’s located right along Highway 101 and is over 12 miles long. If you’ve stopped here to explore, then you know just how peaceful and serene this location truly is. Crystal clear waters, ducks on the shoreline, picnic tables amongst the trees, you truly can’t go wrong having a Lake Crescent elopement.
When Katie and Ross reached out to me, they weren’t exactly sure where they wanted to elope. They were going back and forth with the idea of Washington or Oregon since they had never been to the Pacific Northwest before. After our initial consult call, they decided on Olympic National Park, which if you know anything about me, you know this is my speciality, my bread and butter as you would say.
I immediately got started on the planning process, sending them a ton of different locations I thought they would swoon over, and boy did they. Lake Crescent was the one that jumped out to them. It was perfect in every way. They were set on bringing along their closest friends and family members and needed a location that could accommodate that many guests. Lake Crescent’s shoreline and dock was able to do just that.
Katie and Ross opted for a spring elopement in May and wanted to have a sunrise ceremony, which is always a good call. I woke up bright and early to meet Katie at her Airbnb where her and her closest friends were getting ready in the bathroom. Everyone was so excited to see these two tie the knot. Before we headed over for the ceremony, Katie did a first look with her dad that brought everyone to tears.
Once we arrived at the dock, Katie and Ross had a private first look. It was chilly, but these two were absolute troopers! They exchanged vows, making each other laugh the entire time before they sealed it with a kiss. We of course did some family portraits and then these two went out with me to take some portraits in one of my most favorite secret forest trails. The greenery was lush and vibrant and the wildflowers were in full bloom. Did I mention that we saw a total of 0 people throughout their entire elopement? It was so magical.
This was truly an elopement to remember, and I can’t wait to meet the next couple who is looking at planning their own Lake Crescent elopement because between you and I, there are few places as magical and wanderlust as this. I can’t wait to show you around.
Lake Crescent Elopement Tips
- Best time of year to elope at Lake Crescent: I adore the months of May, June, and October. May and June are great for nice weather, lush greens, and minimal crowds. October is great for nice weather, minimal crowds, and of course, beautiful fall foliage.
- Permit information: If you have more than 5 people present at your elopement, you’ll need a special use permit from the park. The permit is $50 and can be applied for via email. Check out my super useful Olympic National Park elopement guide that has step-by-step instructions on how to obtain a permit for your Lake Crescent elopement.
- Closest town: Port Angeles (30 minutes).
- Recommended ceremony locations: The dock by Lake Crescent Lodge, Bovee’s Meadow, and East Beach.
- Other nearby spots to explore: Marymere Falls, Madison Falls, Mount Storm King, Sol Duc Falls, so many spots in this area!
- Additional resources: I have the most in-depth guide to eloping in Olympic National Park that you can read here. You can also check out another elopement that I photographed at Marymere Falls and Lake Crescent here!
Lake Crescent Elopement Packages
I hope I was able to convince you to elope at Lake Crescent, or at least in Olympic National Park (wink, wink). If you’re looking for an elopement photographer, be sure to check out my Olympic National Park elopement packages page that has all the information you need, or take a peek below at what I include in all my elopement packages. What do you say, should we make this Facebook official?
- 4 hours – 1.5 days of elopement coverage anywhere in Washington
- A personalized elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
- Personalized elopement location recommendations
- Vendor, lodging, and activity recommendations
- Assistance and information to help you with permits, licenses, etc.
- 90+ page elopement planning guide filled with tips and tricks
- Customized elopement timelines
- Optional complimentary officiant services
- Online gallery with full resolution images and printing rights
- 24-48 hour sneak peeks to share with the world
- Travel fees to anywhere in Washington are already included
- Starting at $6,500
If you’re looking for similar inspiration for your elopement, be sure to check out this Ruby Beach Bonfire Elopement, Boho Lake Cushman Elopement, and this Sunrise Elopement at Hurricane Ridge. Did I mention that all these locations are located in Olympic?
Pin for Later
Inspired by any of these images above or simply want to come back to this guide as a resource? Be sure to save these images to your Pinterest!
Don’t forget your FREE elopement guide!
An all-in-one planning guide for all things elopements! Whether you’re hoping to hike through the mountains of Washington or sip a margarita on the beaches of California, this comprehensive elopement guide has everything you need to know about how to plan the perfect elopement.
You? You’re the kind of person that gets a lil’ teary eyed looking at an epic view…
That moment when you turn to the person you’re with and ask, “Are you seeing this?” I live for it. Places with trees and mountains and soft breezes that make you say, “I can’t believe this place exists,” I spend pretty much all of my free time searching for and exploring them.
These places have always felt like home to me. And if you’re the kind of person who also feels more at home surrounded by trees than by people? Then we’ll get along really well. The Pacific Northwest is full of secret spots that are too special to share with just anyone. But it would make me happy to share them with you on your wedding day.
If the mountains/beaches/redwood forests are calling your name, go ahead…
(I promise you won’t regret it.)
P.S. I’m Brianna. My mission is to create custom, one-of-a-kind elopement experiences in the Pacific Northwest that allow couples to fully immerse themselves in the highest levels of excitement and wonder on a day designed exclusively for them.
