About Lake Crescent Elopements

Lake Crescent is a beautiful alpine lake located on the North side of Olympic National Park, just a 30 minute drive from Port Angeles and about a 3 hour drive from Seattle. This giant lake has a beautiful aqua blue hue and is a favorite elopement spot in ONP! This area has lodging and camping options nearby as well as easy access to the entrance of Olympic National Park. Lake Crescent is also located along many hikes, bike trails, and scenic waterfalls!

Lake Crescent during sunset — Lake Crescent is a perfect sunset elopement location

Why You Should Elope at Lake Crescent

This lake is a phenomenal Washington elopement spot as it has the following:

It’s accessible. You can make this lake as adventurous or as simple as you want. With many hiking, biking trails, and hidden waterfalls, Lake Crescent is perfect for anyone. This lake is also easily accessibly for those who want a more low-key adventure and would love a picnic by the doc or a private moment on the shore.
It’s close to towns with great lodging options. The Lake Crescent Lodge is nestled right along the lake with great amenities including amazing food and a great place to sleep in. There are many campgrounds nearby as well as local Airbnb options as well. Guests would easily stay either in Forks or in Port Angeles and be able to meet you there for your wedding day
It’s close to other adventure locations! The great part about this lake is its proximity to the Northern entrance to Olympic National Park. Hurricane Ridge, Ruby beach, and Rialto beach are all within an hour from Lake Crescent. If you and your partner want a whole day adventure, the Lake Crescent area is for you!

When to Elope at Lake Crescent

Like most things, it depends! The beautiful part of eloping here is that this lake is accessible year-round. That being said, there will be snow if you’d like to elope in the winter here. In the summer time, the water will be warmer and you can do fun activities such as going swimming and kayaking. Keep in mind that this lake is very crowded in the summer. My recommendation will always to elope during the weekday to avoid crowds and go around sunrise or sunset. The sunset at this lake is absolutely spectacular!

Couple having fun during their adventure photoshoot

Lake Crescent Wedding Permits

Because Lake Crescent is located in the National Park, you will need a special Olympic National Park wedding permit. As (hopefully!) your Olympic National Park elopement photographer, I will make sure to get the appropriate wedding permits to have your wedding day happen at this lake! You will have to apply for your own marriage license but am happy to help in whatever way is needed.

P.S. Don’t forget to get your Olympic National Park entry pass to get into this park or purchase the Annual Pass which covers your entry to any National Park and Federal Recreational Land.

You can learn more about passes to Olympic National Park by clicking here.

Sunset adventure session at Lake Crescent

Lake Crescent Elopement Photographer

Now that you have all of the reasons on why you should elope in Lake Crescent, it’s time to find your Lake Crescent elopement photographer (wink, wink)! As someone who has visited Olympic National Park and this lake for the last 10 years, I would love to capture this magical location for your wedding day. You can email me for more information at info@seatosummitphotos.com or fill out the contact form below and let’s make your Lake Crescent elopement happen!