A Lush & Magical Hoh Rainforest Wedding

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Kelly & John originally planned to elope in Switzerland in 2020, but life had different plans. After unforeseen circumstances K&J had to postpone their elopement and keep it in the U.S.. After seeing some photos of the Olympic National Park’s mossy trees and lush forest- they decided to have a Hoh Rainforest wedding. The Hoh Rainforest is one of the few rainforests in the U.S. located on the coast of Washington State. The rainforest is about an hour from the coast, and two hours from the mountains in Olympic National Park. The Hoh Rainforest has a bunch of trails to explore and even a campground so you can camp in the rainforest itself. One thing I loved about their day is John and Kelly wanted to turn their elopement into a whole month long adventure, so they decided they were going to rent an RV and travel across the country (from New Jersey) all the way to Washington, stopping at 20+ National Parks and adventurous spots.

Thinking about planning a Hoh Rainforest Wedding?
If so, check out some inspiration below from Kelly & John’s Hoh rainforest adventure wedding

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groom putting his shoes on before his hoh rainforest wedding
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bride wedding dress in hoh rainforest

I set up John in the rainforest for their first look. John's green suit really complimented the green vibrant rainforest so well, and they explored the rainforest all morning. Kelly had on the most stunning dress accompanied with some perfect sparkly booties.

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The morning of their elopement, we met at the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic NP before sunrise, and they got ready in the RV, John got ready first and then sat in the front seat while Kelly got ready, so he wouldn't see her. They stood in the doorway for quick pic but hadn't seen each other yet.

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bride hiking in the Hoh rainforest before her wedding

How to Plan a Hoh Rainforest Wedding:

STEP 1: pick a date for your hoh rainforest wedding

The best time of year to plan a Hoh Rainforest Wedding is late fall and mid spring. The Hoh Rainforest will be less crowded at these times of year, but still have beautiful lush forest scenery. You can also plan your wedding in the summer, but the area will be more crowded.

You can get married in the Hoh Rainforest in the winter, but it may snow and be much colder than the other seasons! Snow in the rainforest is a truly magical experience.

STEP 2: apply for a Hoh Rainforest Wedding permit

The Hoh Rainforest is a part of Olympic National Park and requires permits to get married there. You will want to apply for a permit in advance to make sure you are permitted to have your wedding in the Hoh Rainforest.

STEP 4: CHOOSE VENDORS & CREATE YOUR ELOPEMENT TIMELINE

If you’re looking for help with everything mentioned above, that’s where hiring a photographer who specializes in elopements can help. As an adventure elopement photographer, I help couples plan their dream elopement day. From finding the best locations, getting proper permits & licenses, finding places to stay, creating a timeline, I’m here from the beginning to create the adventurous wedding day of your dreams. If this sounds like exactly what you’re looking for, contact me by clicking the button below! I’d love to chat! 

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groom's first look reaction to the bride on their wedding day
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After our morning in the rainforest, we drove back to their Airbnb for an afternoon ceremony and picnic. Their Airbnb was this epic treehouse, right on the Coast of the Olympic Peninsula. They choose to say their vows right on the water (in the backyard) to make sure they had complete privacy.

After some teary filled vows talking about all life has thrown with them and how they've made it through it all together, these two popped some champagne, and drank it on a picnic bench basking in the sun. They then had a picnic on the porch of the treehouse with huckleberry pie from their stop in Glacier National Park, MT (right before making it to WA). After their picnic, we headed into the mountains on the Olympic Peninsula for their first dance & to watch the sunset.

Looking to plan an Hoh Rainforest Wedding?

who am i?

HEY. I’M AMANDA.

I’m an adventure elopement photographer who believes in experiencing all that life has to offer. I truly love connecting with my couples and capturing their relationship authentically and genuinely.

I BELIEVE YOUR WEDDING DAY SHOULD BE AS ADVENTUROUS, AS BREATHTAKING, AND UNIQUE AS YOU WANT IT TO BE.

I work with couples around the world to help create their perfect wedding day. When you work with me as your photographer, I am so much more than just the person that shows up on your wedding day. I’m here to help guide you through the elopement process, make sure you have everything you need for the perfect elopement day. I develop deep relationships with my couples, and help make their day fun, adventurous and exciting.

Explore My Instagram Feed:

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ElopementAmanda Karpacz