How to Plan Your Elopement in Olympic National Park

The air smells like salt and cedar.
Fog drifts between towering spruce trees.
The ocean moves in restless rhythms against the towering rock.

If you’ve ever wanted your wedding day to feel wild and untamed, Olympic National Park might be your place.

Olympic National Park doesn’t feel like one place.
It feels like many worlds layered into one. And that’s exactly why it’s magic for an elopement.

This is the place where you can wake up in a rainforest wrapped in emerald moss, exchange vows on a windswept shoreline by sunset, and stand on a mountain ridge watching the sky stretch endlessly in every direction – all in the same day.

If you’ve ever wanted your wedding to feel less like an event and more like an experience, Olympic offers something rare. It is my FAVORITE National Park!

Why Olympic Is Unique

What makes Olympic National Park so different from anywhere else in the country is its diversity. Most national parks are known for one defining landscape. Olympic holds three!

Within its borders you’ll find:

• Rugged Pacific coastline with dramatic sea stacks and driftwood-strewn beaches
• Lush, temperate rainforests dripping in moss and filtered light
• Alpine mountain ridges with sweeping panoramic views

It’s one of the only places in the United States where you can stand beside the ocean in the morning and be above the clouds in the afternoon. For couples who crave variety, texture, and depth in their wedding day, Olympic makes it possible to have it all without sacrificing intimacy! (the best of both worlds in my opinion)

Why It’s Perfect for Adventurous Couple

Olympic isn’t polished. It isn’t predictable. And that’s the beauty of it.

The weather shifts. The fog rolls in. The wind picks up. The tide moves. The mountains disappear and then reveal themselves again. Your day feels alive, and it creates such a remarkable, unique adventure in itself as you day unravels.

Ready to start planning your day? Let’s begin!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Find your Olympic National Park photographer
2. Pick the best Olympic National Park location
3. Decide what time of year to elope in Olympic
4. Apply for Olympic National Park Permits
5. Apply for your Washington State Marriage License
6. Find a place to stay in Olympic National Park
7. Plan out your day!

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Step 1: Find your Olympic National Park Photographer

Most couples start by researching ceremony locations. But when eloping Washington, finding an experienced Olympic National Park photographer early in the process can completely shape how your day unfolds. A lot of us have experience with weddings in the park, so we can move the planning process along with you and save you some time-consuming groundwork.

Let me start by saying, Olympic National Park is vast. It holds rugged coastline, moss-draped rainforests, and alpine ridgelines all within a few hours of each other. Tides shift. Weather rolls in quickly. Permits vary by location. Some beaches require tide chart planning, while mountain access can depend on seasonal road closures.

A photographer who knows how to navigate Olympic can help you:

• Choose the right ceremony location for your vision
• Build a timeline around tides, light, and crowd patterns
• Apply for the correct Olympic National Park wedding permit
• Create backup plans for weather
• Plan a day that feels intentional – not rushed

Instead of booking locations first and hoping everything works, starting with a photographer whose work you love gives you a trusted guide from day one.

I would absolutely LOVE to help you plan and document your wedding in Olympic National Park. Though I’m based in North Georgia, I’ve spent extensive time in the park and have intentionally gotten to know it well – from its quiet corners to its iconic overlooks. As I mentioned above, it’s my favorite of all the national parks I’ve visited! There’s something about the terrain and atmosphere that resonates so deeply with my soul. I won’t lie, my Twilight-loving heart brought my attention to it years ago…and though I’ve outgrown (mostly 😉) vampires and werewolves, it has become one of my favorite places in the world.

Anytime I get to celebrate a love story here it becomes a special memory I carry with me, too!

Reach out here and let’s start planning!

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Step 2: Choose Where to Elope in Olympic National Park

Whenever I visit the park, I like to break it down into 4 distinct areas:

• Hurricane Ridge
• Lake Crescent
• The Coast / Beaches
• Rainforests

Hurricane Ridge Elopements

Hurricane Ridge offers sweeping, panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and some of the most expansive scenery in the park.

This is where you go if you want your elopement to feel epic. AND you don’t have to hike far to get remarkable views.

On clear days, the mountains stretch endlessly in every direction. In summer, alpine meadows bloom with wildflowers. In winter, snow blankets the ridgeline for a quiet, dramatic backdrop.

Best for:

• Sunrise or sunset ceremonies
• Big mountain views
• Couples who want sweeping, open landscapes
• Summer and early fall elopements

Things to know:

• Road access is seasonal (especially in winter)
• Weather can shift quickly
• Wind is common at higher elevations

If you’re dreaming of mountaintop vows with wide-open skies, Hurricane Ridge is one of the most iconic Olympic National Park elopement locations.

Specific Places to Elope Within Hurricane Ridge

• Hurricane Hill Trail | about a 3.2-mile round trip hike (moderate incline) and offers 360° views of the Olympic Mountains, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and even Canada on clear days.
• Sunrise Point | just off the main road and offers incredible views without requiring a hike. It’s ideal for couples bringing a few guests.
• Hurricane Ridge Meadow Areas (Permit-Designated Sites) | Olympic National Park has designated ceremony locations near Hurricane Ridge that allow small elopements with a Special Use Permit. These meadow areas are beautiful in summer when wildflowers bloom and the mountains create a dramatic backdrop.
• Obstruction Point Road: If you want fewer crowds and a more remote alpine feel, Obstruction Point (when the road is open in summer) offers rugged ridgelines and dramatic views. It’s bumpier to access and more adventurous, but incredibly rewarding.

Lake Crescent Elopements

With crystal-clear, glacier-fed water surrounded by forested hills, Lake Crescent offers a softer, quieter atmosphere than the coast or ridges.

This location is ideal for:

• Intimate vow exchanges
• Lakeside first looks
• Couples wanting accessible scenery
• Calm, reflective portraits

Why couples love Lake Crescent:

• Easier access than some beaches
• Beautiful reflections on calm days
• Close proximity to waterfalls like Marymere Falls

Specific Places to Elope within Lake Crescent

• Lake Crescent Lodge Lawn & Shoreline | This is one of the most iconic and accessible ceremony spots on the lake. The historic lodge lawn gently slopes toward the water, with mountain views rising behind the lake. There’s also a dock nearby that makes for beautiful first looks or sunset portraits.
• The Public Boat Launch Area | This area offers unobstructed views of the lake and mountains, with easy access and open shoreline space. It’s a simple, natural setting which makes it perfect for minimalist ceremonies.
• Marymere Falls | If you want to pair your Lake Crescent ceremony with a waterfall adventure, Marymere Falls is just a short hike from the lake area. The trail is about 1.8 miles round trip and leads to a beautiful, misty waterfall framed by forest.
• Quiet Shoreline Pull-Offs Along East Beach Road: Driving along East Beach Road, there are small pull-offs and shoreline access points that feel much more private than the lodge area.

Washington Coast & PNW Beach Elopements

If you’re dreaming of a wild, windswept wedding day, the coast of Olympic National Park might be exactly what you’re looking for.

The Pacific Northwest coastline feels alive. Waves crash against towering sea stacks. Driftwood lines the shore like sculptures shaped by time. Fog rolls in without warning…it’s a dream. AND my favorite spot in the park.

A beach elopement in Olympic National Park isn’t polished or predictable, and that’s what makes it unforgettable.

Here are some of the best places for a coastal elopement inside the park.

This location is ideal for:

• Couples who love dramatic, natural landscapes
• Adventurous spirits who don’t mind wind or mist
• Intimate ceremonies with the sound of waves as your backdrop
• Emotional, cinematic portraits
• Sunset vows with textured skies

Specific Places to Elope within Lake Crescent

• Ruby Beach | Ruby Beach is one of the most iconic Olympic National Park elopement locations. Massive sea stacks rise from the shoreline. The beach is scattered with driftwood. Sunsets here can be soft and golden or dramatic and stormy.
• Rialto Beach |more rugged and untamed. It’s known for the “Hole-in-the-Wall” rock formation and long stretches of moody shoreline. Lots of washed up Redwood driftwood.
• Second Beach | requires a short forest hike to reach – and that’s part of its magic. The trail opens up to stunning sea stacks and wide sandy stretches that feel cinematic and immersive.
• Kalaloch Beach | offers wide, sandy stretches and easy accessibility compared to some of the rockier beaches in Olympic National Park. It’s home to the famous “Tree of Life,” and the open shoreline makes it a great option for couples bringing a few guests.

Rainforest Elopements

Few places in the United States feel as otherworldly as the rainforests of Olympic. The most well-known is the Hoh Rain Forest, but areas like the Quinault Rainforest also offer incredible scenery.

Here, everything is layered in green. Moss drapes from branches. Light filters through towering trees. The ground feels soft underfoot.

Rainforest elopements are perfect for:

• Private, intimate ceremonies
• Couples who love woodland settings
• Moody, diffused light
• Year-round greenery

Things to know:

• It’s often damp
• Lighting is soft and low (which can be beautiful when photographed intentionally)
• Popular trails may see foot traffic in summer

Specific Places to Elope within ONP’s Rainforests

• Hall of Mosses | Within the Hoh Rainforest. This is the iconic moss-covered loop trail that feels like stepping into a fairytale. Towering bigleaf maples draped in green create a cathedral-like canopy overhead.
• Spruce Nature Trail | This trail weaves through mossy forest and eventually opens up along the Hoh River. It offers more variety than Hall of Mosses – forest textures + open river views.
• Maple Glade Nature Trail | Within the Quinault Rainforest. This trail feels lush and layered, with thick moss, ferns, and soft forest light. Because it’s less trafficked than Hoh, it’s easier to find quieter pockets for ceremony moments.
• Quinault River & Lakeshore Areas | The Quinault area gives you rainforest textures with river or lakeside access.
• Sol Duc Area | offers lush forest trails leading to a dramatic multi-tiered waterfall. While ceremonies directly at the falls may be limited due to traffic and permit restrictions, the surrounding forest areas are stunning for vows and portraits.

Other Locations:

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Step 3: Decide When to Elope in Olympic National Park

One of the biggest decisions when planning an Olympic National Park elopement is choosing the right season. Something important to remember: Each ecosystem can shift dramatically throughout the year.

The best time to elope in Olympic National Park depends on what kind of atmosphere you’re dreaming of – wild and stormy? Lush and green? Sunny mountain views? Quiet and misty?

Here’s what each season offers:

Spring Elopements in Olympic National Park

(March–May)

Spring in Olympic National Park feels alive.

Waterfalls are at their fullest from snowmelt and rainfall. The rainforest glows in rich shades of green. Fog lingers along the coastline, creating soft, cinematic conditions.

Why couples choose spring:

• Fewer crowds than summer
• Powerful waterfalls (especially near Sol Duc and the Hoh Rain Forest)
• Moody beach atmospheres
• Lush rainforest scenery

Things to consider:

• Frequent rain
• Cloud cover in mountain areas
• Cooler temperatures

If you love misty mornings, wind on the beach, and dramatic skies, spring is one of the most beautiful times for an Olympic National Park elopement.

Summer Elopements in Olympic National Park

(June–September)

Summer is the most popular time to elope in Olympic National Park – and for good reason.

This is when Hurricane Ridge and higher-elevation mountain areas are most accessible. Wildflowers bloom in alpine meadows, and you’re more likely to experience clear views of the Olympic Mountains.

Why couples choose summer:

• Best chance for sunny weather
• Mountain access at Hurricane Ridge
• Long daylight hours for adventurous timelines
• Comfortable hiking conditions

Things to consider:

• Higher crowds, especially at Ruby Beach and Hoh Rain Forest
• Lodging books up early
• Permit timelines may require extra planning

If you’re dreaming of golden hour on a mountaintop with sweeping views, summer is your season. Check out this blog post of a Sunset Olympic National Park Elopement at Ruby Beach.

Fall Elopements in Olympic National Park

(October–November)

Fall in Olympic National Park feels intimate.

The crowds thin out. The beaches grow quieter. The rainforest becomes darker and more atmospheric. Storm systems begin rolling in off the Pacific, creating dramatic skies and textured light.

Why couples choose fall:

• Fewer visitors
• Moody coastal conditions
• Cooler temperatures for hiking
• Deep, rich forest tones

Things to consider:

• Shorter daylight hours
• Increased rain
• Some mountain access may begin closing

For couples who want their Olympic National Park wedding to feel wild, windswept, and deeply cinematic, fall is incredibly underrated.

Winter Elopements in Olympic National Park

(December–February)

Winter in Olympic National Park is quiet and powerful.

The coastline becomes dramatic and almost untouched. Snow blankets higher elevations like Hurricane Ridge, and the rainforest feels still.

Why couples choose winter:

• Maximum privacy
• Stormy coastal backdrops
• Snowy mountain portraits
• A truly intimate experience

Things to consider:

• Limited mountain road access
• Colder temperatures
• Weather unpredictability

Winter eloping in Olympic National Park isn’t for everyone, but for adventurous couples who don’t mind bundling up and embracing the elements, it can be unforgettable.

So When Is the Best Time to Elope in Olympic National Park?

There isn’t one “best” season…only the one that fits your vision.

If you love:

• Fog and waterfalls → Spring
• Clear mountain views → Summer
• Moody skies and fewer crowds → Fall
• Privacy and dramatic weather → Winter

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Step 4: Apply for Olympic National Park Permits

If you’re dreaming of saying your vows surrounded by moss-draped trees, rugged coastline, or alpine peaks, you’ll need a Special Use Permit from Olympic National Park.

Don’t worry – the process is straightforward. Here’s exactly how it works:

Determine If You Need a Permit

If you are:

• Exchanging vows
• Having guests present
• Bringing décor (arches, chairs, florals, etc.)
• Hiring a photographer or other vendors

You do need a Special Use Permit.

Even small, two-person elopements require one.

Submit a Special Use Permit Application

You’ll need to:

• Complete the Special Use Permit application form
• Submit it at least 4 weeks in advance (earlier is better, especially for summer)
• Pay the non-refundable application fee (typically around $50)
• Send the completed application along with the $50 nonrefundable processing fee through check or money order (made payable to the National Park Service) to the address below:

Olympic National Park

600 East Park Ave

Port Angeles, WA 98362

The park will review your request and send back:

• Approval paperwork
• Any location-specific restrictions
• Your ceremony guidelines

Also note: There is a $30 entrance fee to get into the park.

Follow Park Guidelines

Olympic National Park prioritizes preservation. That means:

• Leave No Trace is mandatory
• No amplified music
• No large setups or structures
• No confetti, rice, or flower petals
• Stay on designated trails

Most couples are surprised how simple and natural ceremonies need to be — but honestly, that’s part of the magic.

Pro Tip: Apply Early for Summer & Fall Dates

Olympic is incredibly popular from June–September. If you’re hoping for:

• Wildflower blooms at Hurricane Ridge
• Golden sunset light on Ruby Beach
• Or peak mossy magic in the rainforest

Apply 2–3 months in advance to avoid stress.

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Step 5: Apply for Your Washington State Marriage License

If you’re eloping in Olympic National Park, you’ll need to obtain your marriage license from the state of Washington before your ceremony.

The good news? Washington makes it fairly simple.

Here’s exactly how it works:

1. Apply Through Any Washington County

You do not have to apply in the county where you’re getting married.

For Olympic National Park elopements, most couples apply through:

• Clallam County (Port Angeles area)
• Jefferson County (Port Townsend area)
• King County (if flying into Seattle)

Marriage licenses issued in one Washington county are valid statewide.

2. Both Partners Must Apply

• You do not need to be Washington residents.
• You do not need a blood test.
• You’ll need valid government-issued photo ID.
• Many counties allow you to start the application online, but both parties typically must appear (in person or via approved process) to finalize.

Always double-check your chosen county’s website for their current process.

3. There Is a Mandatory 3-Day Waiting Period

Washington requires a 3-day waiting period between receiving your license and your ceremony.

For example:

• Apply on Monday
• Earliest you can marry is Friday

There are no exceptions to this rule – so build this into your travel plans.

4. Your License Is Valid for 60 Days

Once issued, your marriage license is valid for 60 days.

If your ceremony doesn’t happen within that timeframe, you’ll need to reapply.

5. You’ll Need an Officiant + Two Witnesses

Washington requires:

• A legally authorized officiant
• Two witnesses (age 18+)

Your photographer can’t usually serve as a witness while actively photographing, but we can help coordinate this – whether that’s inviting hikers nearby (yes, it happens often!) or bringing two guests along.

Officiants:

Northwind Nuptials

Nancy Hicks – Ultimate Wedding Ceremonies

A Beautiful Beginning

Chanelle Carlin Weddings

Carmen Lane – Short & Sweet Ceremonies

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Step 6: Find a Place to Stay Near Olympic National Park

Where you stay during your elopement isn’t just logistics – it becomes part of the story.

It’s where you’ll drink slow morning coffee before hiking into the rainforest.
Where you’ll get ready by window light.
Where you’ll return after sunset, wind-tangled and glowing.

Olympic National Park is massive and spread out, so choosing the right home base is important.

Here’s how to decide:

1. Stay Near the Area You’re Eloping In

Hoh Rain Forest

Stay near:

• Forks
• La Push

Ruby Beach / Coastal Elopements

Stay near:

• Forks
• Kalaloch

Hurricane Ridge

Stay near:

• Port Angeles

Lake Crescent

Stay near:

• Port Angeles
• Lake Crescent area

2. Lodges Inside the Park

If you want something classic and historic, Olympic has a few beautiful lodges:

• Lake Crescent Lodge – Cozy, historic, right on the water
• Kalaloch Lodge – Oceanfront cabins with sweeping coastal views

These book up months (sometimes a year) in advance for summer and early fall.

3. Airbnb Cabins & Private Homes

Many couples choose an Airbnb for:

• More privacy
• Space for getting ready
• A backyard for a first look
• Hosting a post-ceremony dinner
• Bonfires under the stars

Look for:

• Large windows (natural light for photos)
• Covered porches (PNW weather can shift quickly)
• Wood interiors for that moody, cinematic feel
• Easy road access (some areas are very remote)

4. Book Early for Summer & Fall

June through September fills quickly.

If you’re dreaming of:

• Wildflower season at Hurricane Ridge
• Warm golden light on Ruby Beach
• Or peak lush rainforest conditions

Secure your lodging 6–12 months in advance.

A Photographer’s Tip

I always recommend arriving at least two full days before your ceremony.

Not just for the Washington waiting period – but to settle in.

To breathe. To walk the shoreline the night before. To let the forest quiet you before you say your vows. Where you stay becomes part of the memory.

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Step 7: Tips & Tricks for Planning Your Olympic National Park Elopement Day

Olympic isn’t a “show up and wing it” kind of place.

It’s wild. It’s spread out. And it rewards couples who plan intentionally.

Here are the things I always walk my couples through when building their elopement day:

1. Build Your Timeline Around Light – Not Tradition

In Olympic, light changes everything.

• Sunrise → Quiet trails, soft fog, moody stillness
• Midday → Better for dense forest (the canopy diffuses light)
• Sunset on the coast → Golden glow + dramatic skies

Instead of a 4pm ceremony because “that’s what weddings do,” build your day around the best light for your location.

It makes all the difference in the feeling of your photos.

2. Plan for Travel Time (The Park Is Huge)

Olympic is not compact. Driving from:

• Port Angeles to Ruby Beach → ~1.5 hours
• Hurricane Ridge to Hoh Rain Forest → ~2 hours

It’s very doable – but only if you plan for it.

If you want multiple landscapes (coast + forest, for example), we build your timeline carefully so you’re not rushed or stressed.

3. Always Have a Weather Backup Mindset

This is the Pacific Northwest.

Rain isn’t a possibility – it’s part of the story.

Instead of fearing it, plan for it:

• Bring clear umbrellas
• Choose footwear you can hike in
• Have a second location in mind
• Build buffer time into your schedule

Some of the most unforgettable Olympic elopements happen in mist and wind.

(You, of all photographers, know the magic of moody weather.)

4. Choose Guest Count Carefully

Every ceremony site in Olympic has guest limits.

If you’re inviting family:

• Consider accessibility (some areas require hiking)
• Think about restroom access
• Plan meeting points clearly

Small groups feel intimate and easier to navigate in the park.

5. Keep Decor Minimal (Nature Is the Backdrop)

Olympic National Park has strict preservation rules.

No arches. No elaborate setups. No flower petals. And honestly? You don’t need them. Sea stacks, alpine ridges, and moss-draped trees are already doing the work.

6. Build In Space to Slow Down

One of the biggest mistakes couples make is over-packing the day.

Instead:

• Add a slow morning coffee moment
• Read private vows before the ceremony
• Plan a picnic on the beach
• End with a lantern-lit walk back to the car

Elopements are about intention. Not rushing from one scenic overlook to the next.

7. Consider a Multi-Day Experience

Olympic is worth more than a 2-hour window.

Many couples:

• Explore the coast the day before
• Elope in the forest
• Hike Hurricane Ridge the next morning

Turning your elopement into a 2–3 day experience allows space for both adventure and rest.

8. Work With Someone Who Knows the Terrain

From tides at Ruby Beach to road closures at Hurricane Ridge, local knowledge matters.

Your photographer should help with:

• Permit reminders
• Sunrise/sunset timing
• Trail suggestions
• Weather planning
• Backup locations

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Planning an elopement in Olympic National Park can feel overwhelming at first – permits, weather, locations, logistics.

But it doesn’t have to be complicated.

With the right guidance, a flexible plan, and a willingness to embrace whatever the Pacific Northwest gives you, your day can feel calm, meaningful, and entirely your own.

If Olympic has your heart, I’d love to help you bring it to life – from choosing the perfect location to building a timeline that allows you to truly slow down and enjoy it.

Reach out and let’s begin planning your Olympic National Park elopement!

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Thinking about other National Parks for your Washington elopement? Check out my complete guide for elopements in North Cascades National Park!