Ruby Beach is located in Olympic National Park, which in my opinion, is one of the most underrated national park situated up in the northwest corner of Washington State. Filled with rocky beaches, temperate rainforests, and jaw dropping mountain ranges, I’m always ecstatic when couples reach out to me about photographing their elopement in a place that feels so much like home.
Ruby Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the park. Filled with hiking trails, tidepools, and iconic sea stacks, it’s no surprise that the beach is one of the must-see spots within the park. The beach also allows leashed dogs, perfect for couples wanting to bring their furry friends along. And while the beach doesn’t allow campfires, there are pits just up the road to end your elopement day with some hot dogs and s’mores (something you’ll see in this Ruby Beach elopement).
I highly recommend eloping on the beach during the fall, winter, or early spring months. While the weather will most likely be rainy and cloudy (which is perfect for photos by the way), you could potentially find the beach to yourself. During the summer, Ruby Beach becomes a hot spot for tourists from sunrise to sundown.
While you’re in the area, I highly recommend checking out the nearby Hoh Rainforest and small town of Forks (yes, the Twilight town). With so much to see and explore, I always advise my couples to stay a few extra days to soak everything in. For a list of other places to see within the park, check out my Olympic National Park guide.
I make it a priority to visit the park at least once a year to connect with nature and explore the area a bit more. This year, on my personal trip, I decided to put together this styled shoot to showcase what a half-day elopement could like to my couples wanting to explore the area. I was lucky enough to partner with some incredible vendors who were able to bring this vision of mine to life.
We started out at Ruby Beach right before the sun was about to set. I met the florist, Jacki, who created a stunning arch piece for the shoot, as well as the models, Maddy and Kodiak. I always like to remind my couples that just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you have to skip out on the extravagant details! I love when couples incorporate colors, picnics, dances, arches, and all of the above into their elopement day.
After the sun began to set, we headed over to the cutest Airbnb campsite buried deep into the woods. The car ride there was a bit sketchy, but so worth the effort. Maddy and Kodiak roasted marshmallows and hot dogs, and even had their “first dance” next to the fire. One of my favorite parts about this was seeing the genuine connection Maddy and Kodiak have with each other. After all, they were getting married two weeks later!
This incredible Ruby Beach elopement will be one I’ll always remember. The tremendous rocks, remarkable light beams, and endless smiles.
It truly felt like home. And I can’t wait to go back.
- Florist: Millsweet Flower Co.
- Hair and Makeup: Zo and Co Styling
- Calligraphy: Line Ave Calligraphy
- Models: Madison and Kodiak Lyons
Ruby Beach Elopement Packages
Ruby Beach is one of my favorite places to shoot epic elopements. I’m an elopement photographer who helps craft and plan elopements along the Pacific Northwest and around the world.
- 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 my Olympic National Park Wedding Guide, Hurricane Ridge Elopement, and Northern California Elopement Guide.
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.
