Trinity and Dillon’s fall elopement at Shi Shi Beach was soooo classically PNW: dark and moody, a little rainy (and very foggy), and full of grays/browns everywhere. My kinda adventure! I would go back and shoot this day a thousand times if I could!
Trinity + Dillon’s Foggy Elopement at Shi Shi Beach
A classic fall day in the PNW
We all love our sunny PNW days but let’s be real, it’s hard to beat the atmosphere of a gloomy fall day in Washington. The landscapes are dramatic as can be (especially on the coast), the world is cozy and quiet, and you’re kinda forced to be super present in the moment… because you have no other choice than to embrace what the weather brings ya! Perfect for an elopement, I’d say.
Honestly as long as you’re down to go with the flow (literally, if it rains on you), and are prepared for the unexpected, there won’t be any weather conditions that can ruin your special day. Just look at how amazing this cloudy elopement at the Granite Falls Ice Caves turned out!
Breakfast sandwiches & first looks at their Airbnb
Anyway, this day with Trinity and Dillon started off superrrrr cozy and embracing ALL the autumn vibes. Before they started any of the official wedding stuff, they took a little time to enjoy their cutesy Airbnb and cooked homemade breakfast sandwiches together in the kitchen! And brewed a couple hot cups of coffee to stay warm, of course.
Big fan of spending time in your coziest PJ’s or comfy sweaters the morning of your elopement, because:
1) It gives me time to photograph all the pretty details like your dress, suit, rings, etc.
2) It makes for the most adorable, laid-back photos of you two just chillin in your casual attire, doing what you’d do on a normal day together!
and 3) It gives YOU space to relax before the adventure begins.
Win-win…-win, as Michael Scott would say!
Once the food and caffeine had settled, it was time to get dressed and head out to the backyard for a first look under the trees! All the fallen leaves on the ground looked so great with Dillon’s brown suit, tan tie, and baby’s breath boutonniere, and with Trinity’s GORGEOUS flowy gown.
A dark & moody ceremony at Shi Shi Beach
The dark-and-moody-ness continued as we hiked down to Shi Shi Beach, a really pretty beach along the coast within the Olympic Wilderness. I love this beach for elopements because the hike is pretty easy and flat, it’s great in all four seasons, and you get such a good variety of landscapes – including the ocean (obviously), big sea stacks, and lush coastal forests inland! You can also camp here if you plan far enough in advance, how fun would it be to end the night with some stargazing on the beach and then you just head straight into your tent?!
After a quick snack & water break, Trinity and Dillon said their vows by the water. It was beautiful with just the two of them, since they didn’t have any guests and we were literally the only ones on the beach! (A benefit to eloping here in the fall – the beach is usually pretty sparse and not crowded at ALL)
Champagne and cake by the ocean!
*cue Joe Jonas’s DNCE song*
No…. not THAT kind of cake 🤣 These two actually brought an adorable little cake all the way from the Airbnb with them to enjoy on the beach, with a picnic and champagne. They explored the tidepools (found so many sea stars and brightly colored anemones!)
Get my best tips on how to plan a dreamy elopement picnic here!
We ended the night with a first dance, romantic lantern shots at blue hour, and a quick dip in the ocean as the sky darkened overhead. Such a great time with these two, congrats Trinity and Dillon and thanks for bringing me along for the ride!
How to Plan Your Own Shi Shi Beach Elopement!
Wanna know the secret to planning your easy, stress-free, and BEAUTIFUL Shi Shi Beach elopement?! Use my Washington Coast Elopement Guide! 😉
(I may be biased but trust me, it’s for good reason)
In that guide, I answer all your q’s about this amazing part of Washington, including:
- What permits are required for an elopement on the Washington Coast?
- How to plan an elopement on the Washington Coast
- How to get a marriage license for a Washington Coast elopement
- What is the best time of year to elope on the Washington Coast?
- Recommended hiking trails for elopements on the Washington Coast
- Where to stay when visiting the Washington Coast
And so much more, don’t you worry! I cover it all, from top to bottom. I’ve photographed so many couples along this coast that it’s basically a second home to me now, haha. Click here to read it next!
(& if you wanna see more amazing Olympic National Park elopement locations, be sure to check out these guides to my favorite spots – including the Hoh Rain Forest, Ruby Beach, & Hurricane Ridge.)
Ready to Hire Your Shi Shi Beach Elopement Photographer?
That’s me! I’m Bree, your new fav cat mom, thriller reader, and reality TV watcher. Oh, and your Shi Shi Beach elopement photographer of course!
If you’re dreaming of a personalized, totally stress-free, and gorg elopement next to some of the coolest sea stacks in the PNW, I’d love to show you all my fav spots around Shi Shi + nearby. Get in touch now and let’s make it happen, I wanna hear all the deetz of what you’re planning (because I’m creepy that way)!
Wanna stalk me a little more first? No prob! I’m not a fan of meeting up with total strangers out in the woods either lol.
Here are a few other guides you’ll def love:
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