Marymere Falls is one of my favorite waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest. Tucked inside Olympic National Park and just minutes from other popular spots, it’s one of those locations that photos simply don’t do justice to. While it’s incredibly popular in the summer, winter at Marymere Falls is a completely different experience. The crowds disappear, the forest turns a dark green, and the waterfall is way fuller than usual thanks to the rain. This is why I wanted to share this Marymere Falls elopement I photographed with you, in hopes that it will get you inspired and ready to start planning your very own waterfall elopement in the park (maybe one at Marymere Falls?).
Jannet and James reached out about a month before their January 15th elopement, hoping I was available on short notice. They were torn between Sonoma, California and Washington State, but after talking through their vision of dramatic scenery and greenery, it became clear that the PNW was the perfect fit. Winter elopements aren’t always the obvious choice, but in the Pacific Northwest, they’re incredibly underrated.
I jumped straight into planning and put together a list of locations that work especially well in the winter months. They landed on a small hiking adventure to Marymere Falls, followed by a lakeside ceremony, and then a fun celebration with cake and champagne. If you’re curious about how to plan a day like this, I break it all down on how to do so in my Olympic National Park elopement guide.
We started the day at Emerald Valley Inn, a cozy cottage-style inn just outside Port Angeles. It’s surrounded by meadows, trails, and even a small collection of farm animals like emus, goats, and chickens. After getting ready, Jannet and James shared their first look in a foggy meadow on the property.
From there, we headed to Marymere Falls. The 1.7 mile trail winds through mossy forest and across several bridges before reaching the falls, and it’s one of my favorite short hikes in the park. When we arrived at the base, we were all surprised by how empty it was. Winter really does change the experience here. We took our time exploring before heading to the lake for their ceremony.
When we pulled into the parking area at Lake Crescent, I was ecstatic. There wasn’t a single other person in sight. Jannet and James had the dock completely to themselves, which almost never happens here. If you want to see what another ceremony here can look like, you can check out this Lake Crescent elopement I photographed during the spring at sunrise.
After the ceremony, we ended the day with cake that Jannet made herself and a champagne toast to celebrate.
This Marymere Falls elopement is one I’ll never forget, and I can’t wait to photograph another couple who feels drawn to a place as special as this.
Mini Marymere Falls Elopement Guide
- Best time of year to elope: April-November. The spring months are the best for peak waterfall flowage and no crowds. The fall is great for more predictable weather and less crowds.
- Hiking required: Yes, Marymere Falls requires a 1.8 mile hike to reach. It’s easy, but there are some stairs at the end that may be challenging for some.
- Closest town: Port Angeles (30 minutes).
- Crowd level: Fairly busy in the summer, though I’ve never found it to be overly crowded. Other seasons are much quieter.
- Pet-friendly: No.
- Permit information: You only need a permit if you have 5 or people at your elopement. The permit is $50. No permit needed if you have less than 5 people.
- Important information: The base of the falls can feel crowded with guests. This is a location I usually recommend for 2-person elopements.
Marymere Falls Elopement Packages
If you’re drawn to Marymere Falls, and need an elopement photographer who knows the park inside and out, I’m your girl. From choosing the best time of year to avoid crowds to planning around guest count limitations at the falls, I’d love to help bring your Marymere Falls elopement to life.
You can take a look at my full pricing page for all the details, or here’s a quick overview of what’s included in every elopement package:
- 4 hours – 2 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
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. I’m a Pacific Northwest elopement photographer whose 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.
