Hall of Mosses & Ruby Beach Elopement

Below is a gallery of select images from Elisa & Jade’s beautiful elopement in Olympic National Park. They began the day at their Airbnb just outside Forks, Washington. After getting ready and sharing a first look inside (because it was pouring rain outdoors), we all packed up and drove to the Hoh Rainforest Visitor’s Center to hike the Hall of Mosses Trail. After completing the loop, we drove the hour to Ruby Beach to enjoy a picnic and catch the sunset. Elisa and Jade enjoyed the full breadth of weather on their special day! The sun decided to show up just in time to celebrate on the beach, and the mossy rainforest was in it’s preferred state of perpetual sogginess.

To learn more about planning an elopement in the Hall of Mosses, check out my Hoh Rainforest Planning Guide.

First Look \ Partner Reveal

The fun of a first look/partner reveal is the anticipation! Getting ready separately is a whole different kind of experience than getting ready together (both options are great for their own reasons), and I always tell couples “the hardest part of the day is over!” after they get to see each other. No more separate moments, the rest of the day is all togetherness. That transition and anticipation about being reconnected can really solidify the moment you see them for the first time. It’s not about how amazing they look (but they do look incredible), it’s about presenting yourselves to each other to come together for an experience you’ve been waiting for.

The Hoh Rainforest Hall of Mosses Trail

This is the most popular trail in the Hoh Rainforest, and for good reason! It’s accessible (partially ADA-friendly), and loops through some truly spectacular old growth forest. Because of the popularity it can get busy. I recommend choosing a weekday, some time in the spring or fall (off-season), or early morning in the summer months. Expect it to be rainy, perhaps very rainy, and dress for a muddy walk. There is minimal elevation gain, a well-maintained path, and interesting signage to teach you about the forest. It’s one of my favorite places to take couples coming from an opposite climate because they are wowed by views I become too often familiar with seeing regularly.

Ruby Beach Picnic & Handfasting Ceremony

On this particular day, Elisa and Jade meant to incorporate handfasting into their forest ceremony, but it wasn’t until we reached the ceremony site that they remembered the rope was left in the car. So, instead of running back and shortening the hike, they chose to have a second private vow exchange and handfasting ceremony at Ruby Beach. Afterward, they enjoyed cake from a delicious local baker, popped champagne to celebrate, and watched the sunset.

Sunset at Ruby Beach

Ready to book your own elopement?

Olympic National Park Elopement Vendors

Venue | Olympic National Park

Photographer | Wild Coast Photography

Officiant | Family Member

Cake | Middle Name Baking Co.

Flowers | A & E Florals