Written by Cortlyn Adams

 

Winter Elopement at Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent

You may be wishing for the seasons to turn and warm weather to become part of the routine, but I guarantee that these winter elopement photos at Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent will have you planning one final snow-capped-peak adventure before the seasons change. Cassidy and Jason met on the Olympic Peninsula, and, even though they call Tennessee home now, they traveled back to where their love story began to tie the knot in a winter elopement on the Peninsula.

Their winter elopement day began at a dreamy Airbnb that legitimately looked like a medieval castle. Cassidy’s family lives in Washington, so her family (including her grandparents!) were able to be at the Airbnb and hike with us to be a part of their intimate, winter elopement. Did you know that your family and friends can totally be a part of your elopement or adventure wedding? Check out my guide to including friends and family in your elopement for some tips on including your best people in your best day!

We headed to Lake Crescent to find their perfect location for Cassidy and Jason’s intimate ceremony. We hiked to this stunning spot along the lake, where their family got to look on as they exchanged their vows. No one knew these two were tying the knot except for those who were on the trail with them for their winter elopement! After the ceremony, the family headed back to the Airbnb and we (me, Cassidy, Jason, Drew and Gracie lol) headed up to Hurricane Ridge to adventure in the snow. It was truly the perfect setting for this winter elopement. 

Lake Crescent winter elopement: what you need to know

Lake Crescent is a glacially carved lake (so cool right?) on the northern end of the Olympic Mountains. There are amazing hiking trails surrounding the lakes that are easily accessible for all people. Its lower elevation means it’s typically snow-free, but it is still an amazing location option for a winter elopement. The Lake Crescent Lodge is closed during the winter, but their restaurant is open year-round! It’s a must-visit on Lake Crescent. You can find more information about things to do and campgrounds on the lake’s brochure. 

Is a winter elopement not really your thing? Check out this adventurous Olympic National Park wedding that featured a first look in the pines, gorgeous meadows and a mountaintop sunset. Or maybe you’re dreaming of marrying your best friend with the rugged Washington coast as your backdrop? May I introduce you to Olympic National Park’s Ruby Beach — one of my absolute favorite coastal elopement locations.

---

What to keep in mind about planning a winter elopement at Hurricane Ridge

Hurricane Ridge sits at 5,242 feet of elevation, and is the perfect destination for a winter elopement! It’s an amazing drive-up location that is typically snow-covered. There is snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing and more available here! There are certain restrictions on how many cars can make it up to Hurricane Ridge, but you can follow updates on the road status by following their Twitter account. The weather can change super quickly at Hurricane Ridge, and you can find live updates by clicking here. 

When we got back to their Airbnb, Cassidy and Jason’s friends made dinner and they had a quaint reception with their people. Does the idea of having an intimate adventure wedding at an Airbnb sound pretty amazing? Click here for all of my tips and tricks for planning an Airbnb wedding! The next day, Cassidy and Jason announced they had tied the knot in this dreamy winter elopement at Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent with the sneak peaks I had sent them! 

---

Looking for more resources to help you plan your winter elopement? I’ve got you covered!

---

Where to stay for your Winter Elopement on the Olympic Peninsula 

You can’t plan an elopement or adventure wedding on the Olympic Peninsula without securing a place to stay! Whether that’s a medieval castle or a cozy Airbnb, below are my top recommendations for where to stay for your winter elopement. If you’re planning an Airbnb wedding, it’s important to read through all the details listed about the home. The last thing you’d want is to put a deposit down on an Airbnb that does not allow gatherings to take place on the property (if you’re including family at your elopement). If you have doubts on whether the hosts allows gatherings, you can always contact the host and read through the reviews on the listing.

• Creekfront Cabin near Olympic National Park

This is the cabin where Drew and I stayed during this winter elopement, and it is hands-down one of the best Airbnbs we’ve ever stayed at!

• Thompson Point: an Olympic National Park Retreat

This Airbnb sleeps 10 people, so this is a great option for a large group or family.

• Beach Front Cabin

This cozy escape is the perfect way to disconnect! There isn’t any electricity inside the cabin, and all the appliances and lights run on propane. 

• Majestic cedars towering over a peaceful retreat

I mean, the name sells this place, right?

---

Did this winter elopement have you grabbing your ski boots? Same! Click the button below and let’s start planning the most epic winter adventure!

---

   

---

Ready to explore more elopements, weddings and adventures? Wander away below!

Between the Pine is an adventure elopement and wedding photography brand created by Mollie Adams. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Mollie travels with her camera in hand to document “I dos” in epic landscapes including Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii.