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Port Angeles Elopement with Cloud Wrapped Peaks & Rainforests

Brooks & Lindsay’s Port Angeles elopement was a day filled with a variety of landscapes, meaningful family moments, & the kind of spontaneity that only adds to the elopement adventure. Their day started at a cozy Airbnb perched high on an oceanside cliff just outside of Port Angeles. It was bright & spacious, perfect for them & their family. The home had plenty of room for their immediate family, who joined in helping Brooks & Lindsay get ready before their first look. While the day began with a chance of rain—a common occurrence in Olympic National Park—we adapted their timeline to work with the weather, something I’m always ready to do as an elopement photographer. Overall it was a magical PNW elopement day.

Getting Ready for their Wedding Day in Port Angeles

Before heading out for their first look in the mountains of Olympic National Park, Brooks & Lindsay shared the space with their family. You could really feel the love & excitement from everyone as the finishing touches came together & soon it was time to head to Hurricane Ridge of Olympic National Park.

Intimate Wedding Ceremony at Hurricane Ridge

Lindsay & Brooks shared a private first look just before their ceremony with family. Their ceremony took place at Hurricane Ridge with immediate family gathered close. Brooks & Lindsay exchanged vows surrounded by cloud-wrapped peaks. Cloud inversions are some of my favorite weather patterns because of the uniqueness they can add to the environment & landscape. As an ordained photographer, I had the unique honor of not only capturing this part of their love story but also signing their marriage license! Despite the day’s unpredictable weather, the clouds only added to the vibe of the day. We even got to see deer during their day in the Olympic Mountains. Brooks & Lindsay’s ceremony was simple, heartfelt, & personal.

Exploring the Rainforests of Lake Crescent

After their Hurricane Ridge ceremony, we headed out for some light hiking & exploring in the lush rainforests near Lake Crescent just outside of Port Angeles for their elopement. The Pacific Northwest’s iconic moss-draped trees & vibrant greenery never get old for me! One of my favorite things about Olympic National Park is how dynamic the landscapes are. Brooks & Lindsay really wanted to experience all that Olympic & Port Angeles had to offer for their elopement day. They chose Olympic because of the diversity in locations from the mountains to the forests to the coast & I was able to help them decide on all these locations so that they could experience everything the PNW has to offer.

Coastal Elopement Locations near Port Angeles

The adventure continued as we made our way to some of my favorite coastal elopement spots near Port Angeles. One of the hidden gems I took them to was a cliffside overlook with a view of what I call a little “pirate island.” With the tide high, access to the beach was limited, but we still found beauty in the tidal pools, spotting green anemones & even a curious seal bobbing in the water! The coast was a bit chilly but was still beautiful & relaxing to be there. The views stretched all the way to Canada across the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Ending the Elopement Day with a Dinner in Port Angeles

To end their Port Angeles elopement day, Brooks & Lindsay enjoyed dinner with their family at The Roosevelt, a local favorite at the Port Angeles Wharf that I’d recommended to them. The atmosphere was lively, with the unexpected treat of live music adding to the celebratory vibe for the evening. Brooks & Lindsay shared a spontaneous first dance, surrounded by their family & the sounds of the band. As the night wound down, we went to the beach downtown for some final photos. Lanterns lit the scene, creating a warm glow against the dark sky. It was the perfect ending to a day that beautifully captured Brooks & Lindsay’s adventurous spirits & love for one another.


Malachi Lewis is an adventure elopement photographer at Shell Creek Photography.

Malachi Lewis

Photographer & Planner