Hood Canal Waterfall Elopement – Chelsea + Matt

Focusing on the intimacy of your wedding and doing something your own way speaks to me on a personal level. Getting married next to a waterfall sounds like a dream come true to many I’m sure; the spray from the falls adding sensory depth to the experience, the smells of nature and the lush green and earthen hues complimenting each other. In the midst of such beauty it’s easy to feel at one with the surroundings and also create a truly unique experience for your vows and your guests.

Chelsea and Matt are both avid outdoor enthusiasts and I find that the love of the natural world is a great binding force with people. In WA you’re never too far away from nature and it’s a great reset to get out and explore the wonders all around us. Originally from the East coast, the trip out West was a welcome experience to their families.

Their rings were matching, custom made bands with antler inlays made by Antler Rings and Chelsea opted for a foraged bouquet that she made herself. They kept things minimal and focused more on creating a experience rather than focusing on the material items of the day.

We started the day out by meeting at the lakeside cabin that they call home, we did a quick first look and then piled into the cars to make the 2hr journey around the Hood Canal to the beautiful raging Murhut Falls near Brinnon, WA. After looping through the woods on a forest service road that crisscrosses the Duwamish River we arrived at the trailhead and proceeded to hike the last .8 miles to the base of the falls. The ceremony was short, heartfelt and sweet while the vows were deep and full of special meanings for Chelsea and Matt.

After they exchanged vows we got dirty making some portraits of the newlyweds. Good thing they both brought their boots! We climbed down a steep bank and found some large boulders to pose on and they braved the frigid water long enough for a few shots as well.