Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Elopement Photo Award

Sunrise Elopement Ceremony at the Rim of Lake, Overlooking a Volcanic Cone on an Island

Alisha and Donald stand hand-in-hand at sunrise on the rim of Crater Lake, capturing a serene and intimate moment as the first light of day bathes the landscape in golden hues.

Alisha and Donald's sunrise elopement ceremony took place on the rim of Crater Lake, overlooking the volcanic cone of Wizard Island.

 Alisha & Donald’s sunrise elopement at Crater Lake National Park was a dream come true, and not just because we had one of the most breathtaking sunrises I’ve ever seen. But, because Alisha and Donald are truly special people, full of kindness and laughter and thirst for adventure. Every sunrise comes with a chance of clouds, so when the skies were clear and the red fireball sun started coming over the rim, I was literally jumping up and down with excitement. It was the convergence of everything a photographer could want. Stunning scenery and golden light. Their vulnerability to bare their hearts so openly and share their emotions. And plenty of time to get all the angles to truly capture what it felt like to be there. 

Luck was on our side, and just a few months before this August sunrise elopement at Crater Lake, we booked our tickets to ride the boat to Wizard Island, the volcanic cone island within the lake. Hands down, this was one of the coolest places I’ve ever gotten to explore, and it was a dream come true to do it with these newlyweds. We had lunch at the top, and then took a few epic Wizard Island elopement photos around the crater rim. Our day consisted of many short hikes, and in all, we hiked over 9 miles with almost 1800′ feet of combined gain. We even got to take a dip in Crater Lake from the shore of Wizard Island. After that big adventure, we hiked a mile through the woods to one of Crater Lake’s waterfalls, ate trail mix, and even watched the stars come out. Later, when reminiscing about their day, Alisha said their day had been perfect. “I wouldn’t change a thing”, she said. 

Romantic Sunrise: Groom Places Flower Crown on Bride at Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA

As dawn approaches, Donald tenderly fastens a delicate flower crown on Alisha's head, adding a touch of floral elegance to her elopement attire as they stand on the rim of Crater Lake, with the first hints of sunlight illuminating the tranquil setting.

Donald fastens the flower crown on Alisha just before sunrise.

Sunrise Vows: A Touching Moment at Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA

During their sunrise ceremony at Crater Lake, a single tear rolls down Donald's cheek as he listens to Alisha's heartfelt vows, capturing an emotional and tender moment.

A single tear rolls down Donald's cheek as he hears his wife's vows during their sunrise ceremony.

Laughing Couple at Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA: A Special Moment During Their Ceremony

Alisha and Donald share a joyful laugh as their officiant recounts a humorous part of their story during their sunrise ceremony at Crater Lake.

The couple laughs together as their officiant reads out part of their story during the ceremony.

Bride Reaches Up to Wipe Away Groom's Tear During Their Sunrise Ceremony at Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA

Amidst their sunrise ceremony at Crater Lake, Alisha tenderly reaches up to wipe away a tear from Donald's cheek, capturing a moment of love and compassion.

Alisha reaches up to wipe away Donald's tear during their sunrise ceremony.

Bride and Groom Posed in Stunning Portrait on Clifftops at Crater Lake

Alisha and Donald stand on the edge of Crater Lake after their ceremony, surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of the serene lake and rugged landscape.

The couple stands on the edge of Crater Lake after their ceremony.

Newlyweds at Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA: A Romantic Photo in Chilly Waters

Alisha and Donald courageously take a refreshing dip in the icy cold waters of Crater Lake, adding a playful and adventurous twist to their elopement experience.

The couple braves the icy cold temperatures of Crater Lake for a refreshing dip.

Bride and Groom at Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA: A Fun Hike with Plenty of Laughter

Alisha and Donald hike to a waterfall near Crater Lake, laughing and exchanging jokes along the trail, adding fun and lightheartedness to their adventure.

The couple hiked to a waterfall and told jokes the whole way.

A Picturesque Sunrise Elopement: Crater Lake's Rim Overlooking Wizard Island, Oregon, USA

A panoramic view captures the epic location of Alisha and Donald's vow exchange, featuring the stunning expanse of Crater Lake and the iconic silhouette

A panoramic view of the epic location where the couple said their vows.