Magical Rialto Beach Elopement
Rialto Beach is one of the most dramatic and moody coastlines in Washington State — sea stacks rising from the Pacific, waves crashing against driftwood, tide pools teeming with life, and sunsets that light up the horizon. It’s no surprise that so many couples choose this wild, rugged stretch of Olympic National Park for their elopement.
If you’re dreaming of a Rialto Beach elopement, we’re here to help you plan every moment — from tide timing to permits to finding the perfect ceremony spot. This guide blends one of our real elopements with practical planning tips so you can visualize exactly what a stress-free, fully supported experience can look like.
Scottie & O’Brien’s Real Rialto Beach Elopement Story
A Cloudy First Look on Blue Mountain
Their day started high on Blue Mountain, surrounded by low clouds that rolled through the valley in shifting layers. The air was cool and quiet, and the soft, even light made it easy to focus on the moment without distraction.
We led them to a small viewpoint where the mist moved gently through the evergreens. As they faced each other for their first look, the clouds briefly opened to reveal glimpses of the valley below. It was a quiet, intimate moment — just what they wanted for the start of their day.
A Quick McDonald’s Stop in Port Angeles for Nuggets & Fries
After descending the mountain, we made a planned, lighthearted pit stop at McDonald’s.
They sat side by side sharing French fries and chicken nuggets, laughing and relaxing before heading to the coast. It was a small, unhurried moment that added warmth and personality to their day.
Their Emotional Ceremony at Rialto Beach
When we arrived at Rialto Beach, the tide was low, the sky moody, and the coastline dramatic. The sound of the ocean created the most cinematic soundtrack as they exchanged vows with sea stacks rising behind them.
We helped choose the ceremony timing so it aligned with the safest and most beautiful part of the tide cycle (more on that below). The beach gave us space, privacy, and endless texture for photos — driftwood, black sand, wet stones, and crashing waves.
Exploring Tide Pools & Sunset Portraits
As the tide receded, we guided them to tide pools where reflections of the sky and small marine life added detail to the photos. Crabs scuttled among anemones, and the patterns in the water created subtle, natural compositions.
Later, the sun lowered toward the horizon, casting muted gold and blue tones across the beach. We walked along the shore, climbed driftwood logs, and captured silhouettes against the sea stacks. The pace was calm and unhurried, giving them space to be present together while we documented the day.
How We Help You Plan Your Rialto Beach Elopement
When you work with us, you get more than photography — you get full planning support for every part of the experience.
Personalized Timelines Based on Tides
Rialto Beach is shaped dramatically by the tides, so we build your entire elopement itinerary around the safest and most scenic tide windows.
This includes using tools like the official tide chart, studying tide patterns for your date, and planning accordingly.
Leave No Trace Guidance
We help you choose ceremony spots that respect fragile ecosystems, stay off sensitive areas, and move safely along rocky sections of the coastline.
Weather & Seasonal Expertise
From winter storms to summer fog, we help you build backup options, understand the best lighting windows, and navigate seasonal access.
If you want more guidance on planning your elopement, explore our broader resources:
Understanding Tides at Rialto Beach (The Most Important Part of Planning)
Rialto Beach is absolutely shaped by the tides. Some sections of the coastline — including access to Hole-in-the-Wall — are only passable during low tide. Knowing when the ocean rises and falls is essential for safety and storytelling.
You can explore official information here:
National Park Service Rialto Beach page
Tide chart for your date
What Low Tide Looks Like
During low tide, Rialto Beach reveals:
tide pools full of marine life
wide stretches of beach
safe access to Hole-in-the-Wall
more room for portraits and exploring
This is the ideal time for most elopement activities.
What High Tide Looks Like
High tide can swallow large sections of the shore — sometimes pushing water all the way to the driftwood line.
It can:
block access to specific areas
make certain rock passes unsafe
reduce open beach space
This is why we time your ceremony, portraits, and hiking based on tide timing.
Safe Access to Hole-in-the-Wall
The famous archway is only safely accessible at low tide. We determine:
your exact tide window
how long the area will remain safe
how to time your beach walk perfectly
Tools We Use for Tide Planning
We combine:
official tide charts
weather forecasts
So you’re always safe, prepared, and positioned at the perfect time for photos.
Things to Do During Your Rialto Beach Elopement
Rialto Beach is full of natural wonders and peaceful moments that turn an elopement into an experience. Whether you want an easy, relaxing day or a bit of adventure, this stretch of coastline offers something magical for every couple.
Walk to Hole-in-the-Wall & Climb the Overlook Ridgeline
The iconic walk to Hole-in-the-Wall is one of the most magical parts of a Rialto Beach elopement. During low tide, you can wander along the shoreline, cross exposed rock shelves, and reach the massive basalt arch carved by centuries of waves. It feels like stepping onto another planet — wild, rugged, and endlessly photogenic.
Just before you reach the arch, there’s also a steep overlook ridgeline you can climb. From the top, the entire coastline opens up beneath you: long stretches of black sand, crashing waves, sea stacks scattered along the horizon, and the full curve of the shoreline all the way back toward the main beach. It’s one of the best views in Olympic National Park — and an incredible spot for portraits or a quiet moment together.
We guide you to the safest route up and time your walk with the tide so the entire journey is both safe and unforgettable.
Explore Tide Pools
Low tide reveals vibrant tide pools full of sea life, including:
bright anemones
starfish
tiny crabs
colorful seaweed
reflective pools perfect for portraits
It’s one of the most photogenic and peaceful parts of the beach.
Watch the Sunset Over the Sea Stacks
Rialto’s sunsets are breathtaking, especially when clouds catch the light behind the sea stacks. This is the moment the beach feels the most cinematic — soft golden color, glowing mist, and gentle waves that create a naturally romantic atmosphere.
Driftwood Exploring & Beachcombing
Massive bleached driftwood logs cover the shoreline and make for beautiful, textured photo spots. Couples often climb them, walk the coastline, or explore the patterns of the tide line.
Share a Romantic Beach Picnic
One of the sweetest things to do at Rialto is slow down for a beach picnic. Think:
cozy blankets
a charcuterie board or pastries
hot drinks in thermoses
champagne to celebrate after vows
We help you choose a safe, wind-protected driftwood alcove so you can relax and enjoy the moment together.
Enjoy a Campfire at Sunset (If Conditions Allow)
When fire danger is low and regulations allow it, couples can enjoy a small driftwood campfire right on the beach. The glow of the fire, the sound of the waves, and the darkening sky make for some of the most intimate, romantic portraits of the entire day.
We’ll guide you on:
current fire rules
where fires are permitted
Leave No Trace practices
how to build and extinguish safely
Optional Overnight Coastal Camping
For couples who want a deeper connection with the landscape, an overnight wilderness campsite near Hole-in-the-Wall offers total solitude. It requires a wilderness permit, bear canister, tide awareness, and backcountry readiness — all things we help you plan — but falling asleep to ocean waves and waking to an empty coastline is an unforgettable experience.
Best Time of Year for a Rialto Beach Elopement
Late spring through early fall offers the most reliable weather, but Rialto is beautiful year-round.
Summer provides the easiest access, while fall and winter bring dramatic storms and moodier skies.
Our 5 Favorite Coastal Locations in the U.S. for Your Elopement
1. Olympic National Park, Washington
If you’re dreaming of a wild, moody, and cinematic coastline, Olympic National Park is unmatched. With rugged sea stacks, moss-covered forests, tide pools, and beaches that feel untouched by time, it’s one of the most magical places to say your vows. Wander driftwood-strewn shores at sunset, explore tide pools, or hike to coastal overlooks with sweeping views of the Pacific—it’s perfect for couples who love raw beauty and adventure.
How to Elope in Olympic National Park
2. The Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast is a dream for couples who want dramatic cliffs, misty mornings, and charming seaside towns. With iconic spots like Cannon Beach, Cape Kiwanda, and Samuel H. Boardman, it offers endless natural backdrops. Think windswept dunes, hidden coves, and long sandy stretches that glow beautifully at sunrise and sunset. Your day can be peaceful and slow or full of exploration—your choice.
3. Big Sur, California
Big Sur is one of the most breathtaking stretches of coastline in the world—dramatic cliffs, turquoise water, and redwood forests all in one place. It’s perfect for an elopement that feels epic yet intimate.
Exchange vows on a cliffside overlook, wander forest trails, or enjoy a romantic oceanside picnic. Every direction you look feels like a scene from a movie.
4. Hawaii
Tropical, warm, lush, and dreamy—Hawaii is a paradise for couples who want variety. Turquoise water, volcanic landscapes, black-sand beaches, waterfalls, and vibrant sunsets give you endless options for your elopement day.
Whether you love Maui’s peaceful beaches, Kauai’s dramatic Na Pali cliffs, Oahu’s coves, or Big Island’s lava fields, your experience can be both adventurous and deeply romantic.
5. Kenai Fjords, Alaska
If you want a truly once-in-a-lifetime coastal elopement, Kenai Fjords is hard to top. Towering glaciers, icy-blue fjords, whale-filled waters, rugged black-sand beaches, and snowy mountain peaks create a jaw-dropping backdrop. You can explore by kayak, boat, or helicopter.
Imagine reading your vows surrounded by glaciers, watching wildlife along the shoreline, or ending the day with a cozy fire at a secluded lodge. It’s wild, dramatic, and incredibly intimate.
Ready to Plan Your Rialto Beach Elopement with Us?
We would love to help you create your own unforgettable experience at Rialto Beach — tide-timed, stress-free, and fully supported.
Learn more about our Rialto Beach Elopement Packages or inquire below for more information.
