Midsummer in the pacific northwest is the ideal time for an outdoor elopement. The weather starts to dry out, and you can explore the islets around Puget sound more comfortably. Jordan and Chris’s sunny Orcas Island elopement in the San Juan Islands, off the coast just north of Seattle, was a picture perfect summer day.
Their family traveled out from the midwest for their elopement day, so it was important for them to pick a location with lots of activities for everyone. The San Juan islands is a great elopement location because of all the types of outdoor adventure you can have, as well as all the wineries around!
These two chose a mix of everything, and made the absolute most of their pacific northwest elopement.
Orcas island elopement in the San Juan Islands: Getting ready and first look
The day started in the early afternoon at their Airbnb. Most the family was staying there as well, so everyone was around and getting ready together. Jordan’s sister in law did her hair and makeup upstairs, while Chris got ready downstairs with his mom (very sweet!)
Once Jordan had her dress on, they met on the deck of the Airbnb for a first look. To give them a little privacy, the family stayed inside and watched through the panorama window, excited to see Chris’s reaction.
His face lit up when he turned around to see her, and they stood smiling at each other for a while. A meaningful touch to their day were the fresh Leis sent to them all the way from Chris’s family on Hawaii.
“Little Summit” Elopement Ceremony on Orcas Island with Family
We arrived at their ceremony spot a little later after a short 5 minute walk from the parking area. It was a place called “Little Summit” with impressive views of the sound and Mt. Baker in the distance.
Jordan’s dad officiated the ceremony under crystal clear July skies. The weather was so warm, calm and beautiful - all the things you hope for on your elopement day!
When the ceremony was over, we went back through the trees for some shady family portraits out of the hot sun. One of the guests booked it down to Orcas Adventure Boat and Board rental to reserve them a paddle boat as we finished up photos.
Afternoon Paddle Boat Adventure on Cascade Lake, Orcas Island
Down at the rental shop, the entire staff was so sweet and accommodating; they even gave us all Capri Suns! After getting set up, we paddled out onto Cascade Lake together, just floating around and sipping our Capri Suns.
Getting on the water was a great little detour and the paddle boats from the rental shop made it super easy.
5 Course Meal at Otter Pond BnB with Family, Orcas Island elopement in the San Juan Islands
Nearby on Orcas island is a BnB called Otter Pond run by a very talented chef. They have specially prepared 5 course meals specifically for weddings and elopements, and was perfect for waiting out the hottest part of the day.
The entire experience centered around the courses and their wine pairings from around the island, and ended with a beautiful cake cutting. After a couple hours eating and drinking, the sun was lower and we headed out for sunset portraits.
Orcas Island Elopement in the San Juan Islands, Sunset Hike to Mt. Constitution
Around 7pm, we left Otter Pond BnB for Cascade Falls, only a 5 minute drive down Cascade Lake. Surprisingly, we had it all to ourselves almost the entire time we were there!
We hiked around the soft fallen logs, mossy trees and damp earth. After we felt we’d explored enough, we moved on toward the Mt. Constitution trailhead, one of the tallest points on the island. The hike up there is steep, but short and very worth it.
On the summit, we had expansive views of the sound in all directions. The soft evening light was fading on the horizon as we explored and took portraits. Still a bit influenced by all the local wines from dinner, they had a ton of fun exploring the viewpoint.
Jordan posed with her leather jacket, printed with her new last name.
As we wrapped up their elopement day, we agreed the goal of “chill, stress free and adventurous with waterfalls” had definitely been met!
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