Eloping in Port Townsend with a Secret Waterfall and Orchard Cider
Adrian (she/her) and Jo (she/her) planned their Port Townsend elopement around the things they love most: music, nature, and each other. With vows at a secret forest waterfall, a cider tasting at Alpenfire, and a boat ride to end the night, their day was playful, intentional, and full of heart. Come To Bliss captured it all from crab-catching to singalongs with warmth and care.
Why did you two decide to elope rather than host a traditional wedding?
There was never a debate. A big wedding felt wrong for us. An elopement let us keep the focus on our connection instead of a guest list and seating charts.
Plus, we love planning trips together. Turning our wedding into an all-day adventure just made sense.
How did you choose the ceremony spot near Port Townsend?
Adrian: I visited this secret waterfall the summer before and refused to show Jo photos. I wanted her first look to be in person. When I proposed, I said, what if we get married there?
Jo: I kept the waterfall a surprise the entire time even while planning around it, which was wild. Seeing it on the day made the ceremony feel extra magical.
































Music seems huge in your relationship. How did you weave it into the day?
We met singing in a chorus and have chased the same band across borders. Our photographer played that band during portraits, and the cidery staff joined in a sing-along after the tasting.
It felt like everything came full circle. And we had live vocals from Liz Hopkins, which was honestly surreal.
Tell us about the outfits. Any challenges finding gender-affirming looks?
Adrian: Suit shopping was tough even in so-called queer-friendly stores, but I finally found the rust suit of my dreams at Indochino and added floral lining and suspenders.
Jo: I ordered my embroidered gown online from Flora & Lane as soon as Adrian chose suit colors. Easy win.
You wrote the ceremony yourselves. What helped you nail the vows?
Writing the entire script without an officiant was harder than we expected, so we borrowed a few classic phrases like “With this ring, I thee wed,” then mixed in our own lyrics, jokes, and promises.
Sharing those words with zero audience pressure was the most intimate moment of my life. And we didn’t have an officiant, but Come To Bliss helped guide the flow so it still felt structured.
How did you handle the legal side of a waterfall wedding?
We debated getting a California license to play it safe but wanted the real Port Townsend date on paper. We filed in Washington and ended up with the coolest witness signature. Worth the risk.
We also got our rings from The Rose Orchid and signing that license while wearing them was a whole moment.
Any advice for couples considering an elopement in Washington?
Do it. It takes guts and planning from afar, but every minute is worth it.
Hire vendors who are one hundred percent comfortable with your family. Our photographer, Come To Bliss, was that person, and everything else flowed. She helped with timelines, ceremony structure, portraits – everything.
Photography by Come To Bliss
Celebrant Come To Bliss
Dress Flora & Lane
Live Music Liz Hopkins
Suit Indochino
Venue Alpenfire Cider
Wedding Rings The Rose Orchid