If you’re considering a Lake Crescent elopement, you’re my kind of person. Lake Crescent was my first love. Well, kinda. The first time I ever visited Olympic National Park, Lake Crescent was my first stop and it completely took my breath away. It’s hard to beat the turquoise waters, Marymere Falls and the surrounding old growth forest. It’s truly such a stunning backdrop for an elopement. Learn how to plan a Lake Crescent elopement with info on activities, seasonality, places to stay, real timelines and more.
Scenery at Lake Crescent
Beyond just the lake, there are a multitude of different kinds of scenery within just a short walk. Waterfalls, forests and mountains give you the full Olympic National Park experience at just one single location.
Lake Views
Lake Crescent has remarkably clear water, allowing sunlight to pass through and create the turquoise shade. It’s a stunning location for kayaking or canoeing when the currents allow.
Waterfalls
Marymere Falls is just a short walk from the lake through old growth forests. At 90-feet tall, it’s one of the most accessible tall waterfalls in the state due to the ease of the hike and the proximity to Highway 101.
Forest Scenery
The lake is surrounded by old growth forest. The clean air enables moss growth which absorbs sound, making it some of the most quiet landscapes in the world.
Mountain Views
Lake Crescent was carved by glaciers thousands of years ago. As a result, the surrounding land has fantastic mountain views. If you enjoy a challenging hike, you can climb Mt. Storm King to see the full effect.
Lake Crescent Seasonality
The best time for your Lake Crescent depends on what you’re looking for. Certain activities are best in the summer (like kayaking) but others are accessible all year round. Despite Olympic National Park’s reputation for rain, there are fluctuations in the weather throughout the year.
Winter
The perfect time for a moody Olympic National Park elopement. Clouds hang low over the lake, giving you a moody, misty background. Can be a little chilly, so be sure to wear layers and pack extra socks.
Spring
Temperatures start to get a little warmer while still keeping the rainy, misty vibes about 80% of the days. That 20% when the sun pokes through the clouds adds stunning vibrancy to the colors of the lake while avoiding the summer crowds. The lake is still very cold, so water activities are limited.
Summer
The most popular (read: crowded) season, for good reason. The weather stays mild but the sun makes a regular appearance and it rarely gets too hot. This is a great time for water activities like kayaking. Consider a weekday or sunrise elopement to enjoy some privacy at this popular location.
Fall
Autumn at Lake Crescent is truly underrated. Yellow, orange and red foliage mix in with the evergreens, combining with the blue lake to create a true rainbow of color. Moody, misty weather starts to reappear, mixing with sunny days about 50-50 in the beginning of fall and getting more and more common in mid-October through November.
Activities for your Lake Crescent Elopement
Your elopement doesn’t have to just be a quick 5-minute ceremony and signing paperwork. Your elopement day should feel like the best date you’ve ever been on. Just because you’re doing away with the wedding traditions doesn’t mean you don’t deserve an epic celebration. So ask yourself – what does your favorite kind of day include? Here are some ideas to include in your Lake Crescent elopement.
Adventurous Activities
For water activities, keep in mind the water tends to get pretty choppy later in the day due to winds and strong currents.
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Paddleboarding
- Take a boat tour
- Hike to a waterfall or up a mountain
Relaxing Activities
Great options to include with guests or for a more laid-back “just us” elopement.
- Have a picnic on the beach
- Go on a walk
- Enjoy a bonfire
- Dining at the Lodge
- Watch the sun set on the dock
Lake Crescent Elopement Timeline Inspiration
Having a hard time picturing what your elopement day could look like? Here are two full-day elopement timelines to help you get an idea of how much time you might want to spend. Or you can check out a real Olympic National Park elopement here.
Relaxing Lake Crescent Elopement with Guests
- 1:00PM Getting ready in Lake Crescent Lodge Cabins
- 2:00PM First look outside the cabins
- 2:30PM Bride & groom portraits
- 2:45PM Ceremony on the pier
- 3:00PM Photos with guests
- 3:30PM Guests head to Lodge, couple hikes to Marymere Falls
- 4:00PM Portraits at waterfall
- 5:00PM Head back to the Lodge
- 6:00PM Dinner in the Lodge Dining Room with guests, speeches
- 8:00PM Cuddle by a campfire and chat with guests
- 9:00PM Photo coverage ends
Adventurous “Just Us” Lake Crescent Elopement
- 9:00AM Help each other get ready at Lake Sutherland AirBnb
- 10:00AM Eat breakfast together
- 11:00AM Ceremony on a private dock
- 11:15AM Kayak on the lake
- 12:30PM Wrap up kayaking and quick lunch at AirBnb
- 1:00PM Head to Lake Crescent
- 1:30PM Arrive at Lake Crescent, explore lake area and ranger station
- 2:00PM Start hike to Mt. Storm King
- 4:30PM Portraits at top of Mt. Storm King, cheers beers
- 5:15PM Hike back down to lake
- 6:45PM Set up picnic on the lake shore
- 7:00PM Picnic dinner, reading letters from friends and family
- 8:00PM First dance on the beach, star photos
- 9:00PM Photo coverage ends
Where to Stay for your Lake Crescent Elopement
There are a few areas to stay in for a Lake Crescent elopement. You can stay at the lake itself or a similar lake nearby, or if you want to explore other areas of the park while you’re here you could stay in Port Angeles or Forks.
Lake Crescent Lodge
If you want to stick to the Lake Crescent area during your elopement day and don’t want to drive to and from an AirBnb on your day, consider staying in the Lake Crescent Lodge.
Lake Sutherland Homes
A great lake-side alternative to staying at the Lodge that’s just 15-30 minutes from Lake Crescent.
Port Angeles
Stay in this area if you’re looking for amenities of a larger town or if you’re planning to stick to the north side of Olympic during your stay.
Forks
Stay in this area if you also want to explore the Olympic coast or Hoh rainforest during your stay.
Alternative Olympic National Park Lake Elopement Locations
If you love the look of Lake Crescent but don’t love the crowds, consider these alternatives.
Lake Sutherland
Right next to Lake Crescent, Lake Sutherland is a smaller, calmer lake. It’s surrounded by a residential area, which means it’s possible to stay right on the lake. A great option for similar views to Lake Crescent with less crowds, especially if you’re considering including guests.
Lake Quinault
The other large lake in Olympic National Park with a lodge, Lake Quinault sits further south in the park. There are lots of hiking trails in the surrounding woods (including the world’s largest Sitka Spruce tree). The water of Lake Quinault is more of a deep blue vs. the turquoise of Lake Crescent. It’s a bit further away from other Olympic National Park sights, which makes it a bit less crowded.
Tips to Stay Warm during Lake Crescent Elopement
About nine months of the year are pretty cold at Lake Crescent. Make sure you’re prepared for the weather so you can actually enjoy your elopement day and not be focused on shivering.
Wear Layers
The first defense against cold weather is layers. Wear skin-toned leggings or a thermal shirt under your wedding attire. Make sure your socks are thick, and bring an outer layer you wouldn’t mind being in photos like a shawl or white jacket. If it’s really cold, you’re not going to want to take off that jacket for photos, so you might as well wear something you like the look of.
Use Body & Hand Warmers
It’s hard to enjoy the scenery if you’re shivering. My secret weapon against the cold: body warmers that you can stick to the inside of your attire. Stick these to the bodice of your dress or in your bra and enjoy! Rechargeable hand-warmers are also a good option to keep in a glove or pocket if you get cold fingers.
Stay Dry
If you’re planning an all-day elopement, it’s important to try to stay as dry as possible, especially in the beginning of your day. Most people can tolerate getting a little wet for just about an hour, so it can be difficult to get through the whole day comfortably if you start out in the rain. Plan your timeline accordingly and bring a clear poncho and water-resistant shoes with you.
Keep Relief Close By
If you’re planning for a winter elopement or you want those moody vibes, staying dry might be a challenge. If you’re going to embrace the Pacific Northwest weather and lean into the adventure, make sure you have relief close-by. It’s much easier to deal with wet feet if you know you have a fresh pair of socks waiting for you in your car. You might even be excited to jump in the lake if you have a warm beverage on the sidelines.
Planning Your Lake Crescent Elopement
Eloping at Lake Crescent is a great way to see a variety of Olympic National Park scenery in just one location. It really is a great spot for including guests or a “just-us” elopement experience. If you’re thinking about eloping in Olympic National Park, check out my guide here for even more information. And if you’re ready to start planning your elopement adventure, reach out for a free consultation. We can chat about locations, activities, and any questions you might have.
If you’re considering a Lake Crescent elopement, you’re my kind of person. Lake Crescent was my first love. Well, kinda. The first time I ever visited Olympic National Park, Lake Crescent was my first stop and it completely took my breath away. It’s hard to beat the turquoise waters, Marymere Falls and the surrounding old growth forest. It’s truly such a stunning backdrop for an elopement. Learn how to plan a Lake Crescent elopement with info on activities, seasonality, places to stay, real timelines and more.
Scenery at Lake Crescent
Beyond just the lake, there are a multitude of different kinds of scenery within just a short walk. Waterfalls, forests and mountains give you the full Olympic National Park experience at just one single location.
Lake Views
Lake Crescent has remarkably clear water, allowing sunlight to pass through and create the turquoise shade. It’s a stunning location for kayaking or canoeing when the currents allow.
Waterfalls
Marymere Falls is just a short walk from the lake through old growth forests. At 90-feet tall, it’s one of the most accessible tall waterfalls in the state due to the ease of the hike and the proximity to Highway 101.
Forest Scenery
The lake is surrounded by old growth forest. The clean air enables moss growth which absorbs sound, making it some of the most quiet landscapes in the world.
Mountain Views
Lake Crescent was carved by glaciers thousands of years ago. As a result, the surrounding land has fantastic mountain views. If you enjoy a challenging hike, you can climb Mt. Storm King to see the full effect.
Lake Crescent Seasonality
The best time for your Lake Crescent depends on what you’re looking for. Certain activities are best in the summer (like kayaking) but others are accessible all year round. Despite Olympic National Park’s reputation for rain, there are fluctuations in the weather throughout the year.
Winter
The perfect time for a moody Olympic National Park elopement. Clouds hang low over the lake, giving you a moody, misty background. Can be a little chilly, so be sure to wear layers and pack extra socks.
Spring
Temperatures start to get a little warmer while still keeping the rainy, misty vibes about 80% of the days. That 20% when the sun pokes through the clouds adds stunning vibrancy to the colors of the lake while avoiding the summer crowds. The lake is still very cold, so water activities are limited.
Summer
The most popular (read: crowded) season, for good reason. The weather stays mild but the sun makes a regular appearance and it rarely gets too hot. This is a great time for water activities like kayaking. Consider a weekday or sunrise elopement to enjoy some privacy at this popular location.
Fall
Autumn at Lake Crescent is truly underrated. Yellow, orange and red foliage mix in with the evergreens, combining with the blue lake to create a true rainbow of color. Moody, misty weather starts to reappear, mixing with sunny days about 50-50 in the beginning of fall and getting more and more common in mid-October through November.
Activities for your Lake Crescent Elopement
Your elopement doesn’t have to just be a quick 5-minute ceremony and signing paperwork. Your elopement day should feel like the best date you’ve ever been on. Just because you’re doing away with the wedding traditions doesn’t mean you don’t deserve an epic celebration. So ask yourself – what does your favorite kind of day include? Here are some ideas to include in your Lake Crescent elopement.
Adventurous Activities
For water activities, keep in mind the water tends to get pretty choppy later in the day due to winds and strong currents.
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Paddleboarding
- Take a boat tour
- Hike to a waterfall or up a mountain
Relaxing Activities
Great options to include with guests or for a more laid-back “just us” elopement.
- Have a picnic on the beach
- Go on a walk
- Enjoy a bonfire
- Dining at the Lodge
- Watch the sun set on the dock
Lake Crescent Elopement Timeline Inspiration
Having a hard time picturing what your elopement day could look like? Here are two full-day elopement timelines to help you get an idea of how much time you might want to spend. Or you can check out a real Olympic National Park elopement here.
Relaxing Lake Crescent Elopement with Guests
- 1:00PM Getting ready in Lake Crescent Lodge Cabins
- 2:00PM First look outside the cabins
- 2:30PM Bride & groom portraits
- 2:45PM Ceremony on the pier
- 3:00PM Photos with guests
- 3:30PM Guests head to Lodge, couple hikes to Marymere Falls
- 4:00PM Portraits at waterfall
- 5:00PM Head back to the Lodge
- 6:00PM Dinner in the Lodge Dining Room with guests, speeches
- 8:00PM Cuddle by a campfire and chat with guests
- 9:00PM Photo coverage ends
Adventurous “Just Us” Lake Crescent Elopement
- 9:00AM Help each other get ready at Lake Sutherland AirBnb
- 10:00AM Eat breakfast together
- 11:00AM Ceremony on a private dock
- 11:15AM Kayak on the lake
- 12:30PM Wrap up kayaking and quick lunch at AirBnb
- 1:00PM Head to Lake Crescent
- 1:30PM Arrive at Lake Crescent, explore lake area and ranger station
- 2:00PM Start hike to Mt. Storm King
- 4:30PM Portraits at top of Mt. Storm King, cheers beers
- 5:15PM Hike back down to lake
- 6:45PM Set up picnic on the lake shore
- 7:00PM Picnic dinner, reading letters from friends and family
- 8:00PM First dance on the beach, star photos
- 9:00PM Photo coverage ends
Where to Stay for your Lake Crescent Elopement
There are a few areas to stay in for a Lake Crescent elopement. You can stay at the lake itself or a similar lake nearby, or if you want to explore other areas of the park while you’re here you could stay in Port Angeles or Forks.
Lake Crescent Lodge
If you want to stick to the Lake Crescent area during your elopement day and don’t want to drive to and from an AirBnb on your day, consider staying in the Lake Crescent Lodge.
Lake Sutherland Homes
A great lake-side alternative to staying at the Lodge that’s just 15-30 minutes from Lake Crescent.
Port Angeles
Stay in this area if you’re looking for amenities of a larger town or if you’re planning to stick to the north side of Olympic during your stay.
Forks
Stay in this area if you also want to explore the Olympic coast or Hoh rainforest during your stay.
Alternative Olympic National Park Lake Elopement Locations
If you love the look of Lake Crescent but don’t love the crowds, consider these alternatives.
Lake Sutherland
Right next to Lake Crescent, Lake Sutherland is a smaller, calmer lake. It’s surrounded by a residential area, which means it’s possible to stay right on the lake. A great option for similar views to Lake Crescent with less crowds, especially if you’re considering including guests.
Lake Quinault
The other large lake in Olympic National Park with a lodge, Lake Quinault sits further south in the park. There are lots of hiking trails in the surrounding woods (including the world’s largest Sitka Spruce tree). The water of Lake Quinault is more of a deep blue vs. the turquoise of Lake Crescent. It’s a bit further away from other Olympic National Park sights, which makes it a bit less crowded.
Tips to Stay Warm during Lake Crescent Elopement
About nine months of the year are pretty cold at Lake Crescent. Make sure you’re prepared for the weather so you can actually enjoy your elopement day and not be focused on shivering.
Wear Layers
The first defense against cold weather is layers. Wear skin-toned leggings or a thermal shirt under your wedding attire. Make sure your socks are thick, and bring an outer layer you wouldn’t mind being in photos like a shawl or white jacket. If it’s really cold, you’re not going to want to take off that jacket for photos, so you might as well wear something you like the look of.
Use Body & Hand Warmers
It’s hard to enjoy the scenery if you’re shivering. My secret weapon against the cold: body warmers that you can stick to the inside of your attire. Stick these to the bodice of your dress or in your bra and enjoy! Rechargeable hand-warmers are also a good option to keep in a glove or pocket if you get cold fingers.
Stay Dry
If you’re planning an all-day elopement, it’s important to try to stay as dry as possible, especially in the beginning of your day. Most people can tolerate getting a little wet for just about an hour, so it can be difficult to get through the whole day comfortably if you start out in the rain. Plan your timeline accordingly and bring a clear poncho and water-resistant shoes with you.
Keep Relief Close By
If you’re planning for a winter elopement or you want those moody vibes, staying dry might be a challenge. If you’re going to embrace the Pacific Northwest weather and lean into the adventure, make sure you have relief close-by. It’s much easier to deal with wet feet if you know you have a fresh pair of socks waiting for you in your car. You might even be excited to jump in the lake if you have a warm beverage on the sidelines.
Planning Your Lake Crescent Elopement
Eloping at Lake Crescent is a great way to see a variety of Olympic National Park scenery in just one location. It really is a great spot for including guests or a “just-us” elopement experience. If you’re thinking about eloping in Olympic National Park, check out my guide here for even more information. And if you’re ready to start planning your elopement adventure, reach out for a free consultation. We can chat about locations, activities, and any questions you might have.
