Breathtaking Ruby Beach Elopement

There are so many beautiful beaches for elopements in Olympic National Park, but if you were to ask me to choose a favorite, it would hands down be Ruby Beach. Between the sea stacks, accessibility, close proximity to other incredible locations, and the fact that it’s dog-friendly, it truly stands out as one of the best places to elope on the Washington coast. I’ve photographed elopements here in every season, and it’s consistently one of the easiest and most rewarding beaches for elopements in the US.

One of the things I love most about eloping at Ruby Beach is how simple the planning an elopement here is. At its core, you really just need a date, a Washington marriage license, and if your group is larger than five people, a special use permit. That’s it. If you want a full breakdown of the process, including permits, weather, and nearby locations, I have an entire guide on how to elope in Olympic National Park, or keep scrolling for a mini guide specific to Ruby Beach.

Personally, I recommend eloping at Ruby Beach most often in the fall, winter, or early spring. Those seasons bring fewer crowds and better lighting. Summer can be stunning too, especially if you catch one of Ruby Beach’s sunsets, but it does tend to be busier throughout the day.

Something I always tell couples is that tide timing matters here. If you don’t visit during low tide, you may not be able to access the giant sea stacks Ruby Beach is known for. That said, you can still definitely visit the beach at high tide. The shoreline will never be fully covered in water.

Logan and Holton traveled all the way from Lexington, Kentucky to say “I do” in Washington. Neither of them had visited the Pacific Northwest before, but it had been on their bucket list for years. As they put it, Holton’s a beach guy, Logan’s a forest girl, and Washington felt like the perfect middle ground. When you choose Olympic, you don’t really have to choose at all. You can have beaches, forests, lakes, and mountains all in one day. For couples who want variety or can’t commit to just one type of landscape, it’s an incredible place to elope.

We started the day at Kalaloch Lodge for a few getting-ready photos before heading into the forest for their ceremony. These two ending up getting married over Labor Day weekend, so my usual go-to trails were super crowded, but luckily I knew a quieter spot where they could exchange vows. If you are considering a forest ceremony like this and want help choosing the right trail and time of day, you can learn more about how to elope in the Hoh Rainforest with my guide.

After the ceremony and a few portraits, we made our way to Ruby Beach for the final part of their day. The moment we stepped out of the car, we were all jaw-on-the-floor surprised. I’ve photographed at Ruby Beach countless times, but the sky that evening was unlike anything I had ever seen before. We spent golden hour walking along the shoreline, taking portraits, and watching the waves roll in. It was the perfect way to end an already incredible day.

If you’re considering a Ruby Beach elopement and want to know what planning one actually looks like, here’s a quick breakdown to help you get started.

Mini Ruby Beach Elopement Guide

• Best time of year to elope: May-October. I personally love either late-May or October. After photographing elopements here each season, these two times of year always have the best weather and least amount of crowds. However, you really can’t go wrong any time of the year here. Ruby Beach is open and snow-free all year round.
• Hiking required: Yes. It’s a paved 0.2 miles down to the beach. Once you get onto the beach, you may have to climb over some driftwood. The walk back up from the beach is fairly steep.
• Closest town: Forks (45 minutes).
• Crowd level: Fairly busy all-day during the summer months and during sunsets. In other seasons, it’s way less crowded.
• Pet-friendly: Yes.
• Permit required: Yes, a $50 permit is required if you have more than 5 people at your elopement (this includes the couple, photographer, etc.). No permit is needed for groups of fewer than 5.
• Important information: I recommend going at low tide so you can access the sea stacks. There’s plenty of parking and bathrooms at the trailhead. Cell service can be spotty.

Without further adieu, let’s dive into this gorgeous Ruby Beach elopement!

• Photography: Me!
• Florist: Belles + Whistles
• Hair and Makeup: Serene Belle Artistry
• Dress: Twirl Boutique
• Catering: Miere Catering

Ruby Beach Elopement Packages

Ruby Beach is an incredible place to elope, but like most locations, it comes with a few moving pieces. Tides, permits, crowds, and timing can all make a huge difference on your day. I’ve photographed Ruby Beach elopements in every season and know how to plan around all of that and more.

I’m Brianna, an elopement photographer who specializes in Olympic National Park. My role goes way beyond just showing up with a camera. I help couples choose the best time of day, find ceremony spots that offer real privacy, navigate permit requirements, and build a timeline that actually works for the area.

If you want a Ruby Beach elopement that feels easy and true to you, my elopement packages are designed to support you through the entire planning process.

• 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