“We just want to hang out together the whole day”—aka the best thing you could ever tell your elopement photographer when planning your celebration. After all, what is your elopement or wedding if not an opportunity to spend quality time together, creating amazing memories that you’ll be able to share for the rest of your lives? What I loved most about Kari + Sean’s Olympic Peninsula elopement at Second Beach was that they created it entirely for themselves, and that made it the most easy, effortless day ever. Hanging out with the coolest couples, while exploring some of the most beautiful destinations in the Pacific Northwest, will seriously never get old. It was such an honor to document this laid-back, stress-free couple as they enjoyed the coastal adventure they’d been dreaming of for so long.

Kari + Sean’s Scenic Olympic Peninsula Elopement

A day that was for them, and them only

We need to talk about how elopements can truly be whatever you want them to be! And fortunately, this couple is the most perfect example of that. Kari + Sean wanted a day surrounded by the natural beauty of a National Park, with a short hike away from people, and an evening spent cooking together while enjoying the sunset. And that’s exactly what they got.

Their elopement wasn’t spent chasing location after location, filling every single moment with an activity, or hiking at the most “optimal” lighting times. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for chasing the best light + checking out multiple locations, but when your couple is ELOPING, you help them achieve THEIR perfect day—not yours. Your elopement day shouldn’t be about comparing what you’re doing to anyone else, or what your elopement looks like compared to all the ones you’ve seen on Pinterest or TikTok; it should solely be about celebrating YOUR dream elopement day.

Kari and Sean’s dream elopement day just so happened to start out at a beautiful Airbnb, overlooking the Pacific Ocean with the most incredible view of Canada across the water, plus two bald eagles that continuously soared around us. It almost felt like a sign, or some symbol of good luck! K met S at the bottom of the staircase once they were both ready for their first look, which was so simple and effortless just like the rest of the day. No big fuss about finding the “ideal” location or rushing out to the water and setting up the perfect poses for the camera; just a candid moment in the living room, as if they were simply enjoying a day in their normal lives. Except this time, they were all dressed up in elopement attire and looking so dang good 😉 

Sean was all ready to go in his navy suit, but Kari needed his help with one final touch—her iconic floral cape that I was totally obsessed with! I feel like we need to take a quick moment for it. . . I’ve never seen anything like it. I’m still in awe over the stunning shadows it created on the sand as she ran around the beach, which you’ll see in all the photos below. This vibrant floral cape added even more to her ethereal bridal look when paired with her gorgeous crown braid. Shoutout to Anne Timms for the killer hair and makeup job for this beauty of a bride!

Private vows at Second Beach

The scenic drive to Second Beach for their vow exchange took us past a sign about the vampires in La Push, haha—which you know I loved as a Twilight-obsessed girlie! Check out more of my fav Twilight-Inspired Elopement Locations in the PNW equally in love with the moody, gloomy, coastal aesthetic.

Second Beach was an awesome place for Kari + Sean’s private vow ceremony, as it gave us an opportunity to enjoy a short hike + all the different foliage around us, but wasn’t too difficult to get to. The beach was a bit busier than expected upon our arrival, but with a short walk, we found a secluded, spacious area that was practically untouched and just begging to be used as the backdrop for a gorgeous elopement ceremony! We headed straight for that spot, where Kari + Sean shared their vows, before taking a stroll along the coast to appreciate the beautiful scenery and take advantage of the picturesque landscape for some newlywed portraits.

Want to see more of the best beaches + locations in La Push for elopements? Click here!

A home-cooked meal + sunset portraits at their Airbnb

Kari + Sean’s ideal elopement evening didn’t include a formal reception, or even a meal out at a local restaurant; no, all they wanted was to head back to their Airbnb, cook a meal together, and enjoy the sunset from the house. So we caravaned right back to their Airbnb, where they started cooking immediately and filled the house with the most DELICIOUS scents. And when the light hit just right, they got back in their elopement attire, ran around the front yard where we had beach access, and soaked up allll the golden glow from the vibrant orange sunset. Skipping rocks, climbing logs, and dancing in the sunset in front of the water (with Canada out in the distance!) was such a magical way to end the night, followed by a seated dinner to enjoy the meal they’d worked so hard to prepare. K + S were truly the coolest people to hang out with for this day on the peninsula, and inspired me so much with the way they planned the exact day they were dreaming of. 

Olympic Peninsula Elopement Photographer

Okay, now tell me your thoughts: what would be YOUR dream elopement day!!??! I want to hear all about it, whether it looks like an adventure along the Olympic Peninsula or a laid-back day exploring the Oregon Coast. Whatever you are envisioning, let’s get our adventure started—inquire with me here, and check out some more of my best Olympic National Park elopement resources + inspo below.

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How to Elope in Olympic National Park: Locations, Permits, & More

Rialto Beach Elopement in Olympic National Park

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