With so many amazing landscapes to choose from, deciding where to elope is no easy choice. For example, do you go for sand between your toes and a sea breeze at the beach, the earthy smell of moss-covered trees in the forest, or endless mountain views? Fortunately, a Lake Crescent elopement offers all of this—so you don’t have to choose at all.
For their Lake Crescent elopement, William and Kate shared a similar vision, but each had one must-have. William, an arborist, dreamed of an arborous setting, while Kate hoped for mountain views. Luckily, Olympic National Park offers both—perfect for couples who don’t want to choose just one backdrop.
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Why Lake Crescent is the perfect location for your intimate wedding
Lake Crescent sits within Olympic National Park, offering breathtaking scenery across multiple ecosystems. From the serene, mirror-like waters of the lake to the surrounding old-growth forests and nearby mountain vistas, you can experience it all in one stunning location. William and Kate’s Lake Crescent elopement proves that couples can enjoy both lakeside tranquility and forested charm on their special day.
Here are some of our favorite areas you definitely should explore when visiting Olympic National Park:
William & Kate’s perfect fall wedding day at Lake Crescent
Sunrise First Look and Mountain Hike
For their Lake Crescent elopement, William and Kate wanted a sunrise first look, so we rose before dawn to catch the first light. Who needs sleep anyway, right? Using the car as a makeshift dressing room, we captured intimate moments as they got ready. The hour before dawn, known as blue hour, bathed everything in a magical light. Slowly, the sky brightened, signaling it was time to head out.
After their first look, we hiked up the mountain to watch the sunrise together. The uphill trek was worth every step—on top, the early sun’s warm rays lit up the couple as they cuddled and soaked in the view. Since William and Kate love hiking, they continued the adventure by trekking to a nearby waterfall in their wedding attire. The trail was easy enough to navigate, making it a perfect activity for couples who want both adventure and romance on their Lake Crescent elopement. For a quieter experience, it’s best to visit early before the crowds arrive.
Lake Crescent Ceremony and Celebration
Following the waterfall hike, we took a quick one-minute drive to the ceremony spot at Lake Crescent. Surrounded by close family and friends, William and Kate officially became husband and wife. The lake mirrored the sunlight, and a few happy tears reflected the emotion of the moment.
After the intimate ceremony, we wandered into the forested area beside the lake for more couple portraits, while William’s dad prepared the barbecue. Later, everyone gathered at the Airbnb to enjoy a delicious meal and celebrate. Their Lake Crescent elopement ended with laughter, love, and memories captured in every frame—a day filled with adventure, intimacy, and the natural beauty of Olympic National Park.
Vendors:
Dess: @annelisebridal @allurebridals
Suit: @etsy
Hair & makeup: @latecia.artistry
Officiant: @northwindnuptials
Rings: @oliveavejewelry & @etsy
Airbnb: @olympicnationalpark_thompsonpt
Cake: @middlenamebaking.co
Rentals: @kimscreationsandtulleshed
Sign: TimberAndStain @etsy
Meet your Olympic National Park Elopement and Intimate Wedding photographers
We are adventure junkies who LOVE to help couples like you to get married in a unique and authentic way. 30% of the time we are running wild with outdoorsy couples like yourself and the other 70% is us in the studio crafting fun, adventurous, and intentional elopement experiences. Whether this is somewhere in the rugged Pacific Northwest mountains or across the ocean, we are here to guide you to the most epic spots and help you plan your dream day because we truly believe that you deserve a stress-free, in the moment, “just us” wedding experience, which reflects 100% who you are as a couple.
So let’s start planning your adventure of a lifetime!