Some weddings are relaxing and full of intimate moments, which is exactly what Whitney and Garnett’s full-day Crater Lake elopement was all about. Their day started with getting ready, which they did separately so they could wait to see each other until their ceremony at Crater Lake. Both Whitney and Garnett met in college, where they became friends with their officiant, Audrey. The three became close as their majors intertwined, and it made the ceremony so personal.

Both of them come from a Jewish background, and Garnett lived in Hawaii, so they included elements from both in their elopement. One of my favorite things about their special day was how they blended their traditions into one gorgeous ceremony. Garnett wore a maile lei, and they also included the Jewish traditions of circling each other three times and breaking the glass. All of it came together perfectly to honor their heritage while having a sweet ceremony surrounded by friends and family (all with negative Covid tests in hand!).

The smoke started rolling in like fog right after their ceremony as we enjoyed cupcakes and dinner at Whitney and Garnett’s campsite. Afterward, the three of us hiked up to the Watchman Tower, which is a working fire lookout tower manned during the summer. Although you can’t go inside, you can visit the tower and observation area—we did! We had a limited—but beautiful—view of the caldera. We popped open champagne and took another hike off the rim from there. Although smoke from fires is unfortunate, it did make for stunning images. There’s something to be said for relaxing and staying in one location for your elopement surrounded by loved ones, and Crater Lake is a gorgeous place to do so.

VENDORS:
Hair and Makeup: Edge Hair and Makeup
Florals: Barb’s Flowers
Dessert: Sugar Rush Bakery
Invitations: Unmeasured Events
National Park Sign: Aaron Christensen Art
Dress: Wtoo Watters / Ania Bridal