There isn’t a place as magical or out-of-this-world as the Hall of Mosses Trail in the Hoh Rainforest. It’s one of those places where you turn every corner and say “wow” simply because you don’t know what other word to use. I get it, and so did Erin and Erik when they inquired with me about their Hall of Mosses wedding.
These two came from out of state to elope in Olympic National Park during the month of October. They were enchanted with all the Pacific Northwest had to offer from ferns to fog. They wanted to explore two contrasting landscapes on their day – mountains and forests which is why we ultimately decided on a sunrise ceremony at Hurricane Ridge, followed by a portrait adventure along the Hall of Mosses Trail.
We started the morning bright and early around 4am at their Airbnb in Port Angeles. Erin’s best friend flew in for the occasion to officiate their ceremony. While Erin was getting dressed, Erik waited outside for their first look under some string lights, nervously fidgeting. To say these two were in love would be an understatement. If only you could’ve seen Erik’s face (see a picture below).
We then headed up to Hurricane Ridge to catch the sunrise. It was a little chilly, but being the only ones on top of the mountain that morning (aside from some deer we saw) made the weather worth every second. After their ceremony, we took some portraits and explored the trails before driving over to the Hoh Rainforest.
The minute we stepped foot onto the Hall of Mosses Trail, I couldn’t help but smile. The lighting this day was absolutely perfect. Somehow, we saw even more deer, some ducks, and even had entire stretches of the trail to ourselves. At the end, the two popped open some beers and chugged to celebrate the big day. It was truly an unforgettable experience, and I can’t wait to go back and document a similar journey for another couple out there where a Hall of Mosses wedding is calling their name.
- Hair and Makeup: It’s Likely Makeup by Min
- Florals: Fullness of Joy Floral
Hall of Mosses Information
- Trail length: 1.1 mile roundtrip loop, 82 feet elevation gain. The trail is very easy. There is a slight incline at the beginning of the trail.
- Crowd level: Busy, plan your wedding in the off-season, on a weekday, and during sunrise or sunset.
- Best time of year to elope: Spring (March-May) is when the forest will be at its peak greenery. I recommend the months of May and October.
- Pet friendly: No.
- Closest town: Forks, Washington (45 minutes away).
Can You Get Married in the Hall of Mosses?
Yes! The Hall of Mosses Trail is the most popular place to get married in the Hoh Rainforest. As long as you have the necessary permits, you can get married on the trail.
Is the Hall of Mosses Trail Busy?
Yes. The Hall of Mosses Trail is the most popular trail in the forest, especially during the summer season. I recommend planning your wedding here during the fall, winter, or spring season. If you’re set on a summer date, avoid weekends and plan your ceremony to be before 8am or right before sunset.
Can I Bring My Dog to My Hall of Mosses Wedding?
No. The Hoh Rainforest is not dog-friendly and does not allow dogs on any of the trails. However, there are several other nearby locations that do allow dogs like Bogachiel State Park, Kalaloch Beach, and Ruby Beach.
Do You Need a Permit to Get Married Along the Hall of Mosses?
If you have more than 5 people at your wedding, including the couple, photographer, officiant, etc., then yes, you will need a permit to get married along the Hall of Mosses Trail.
Obtaining a permit is super easy. All you need to do is fill out the special use permit application and email it to @olym_permits@nps.gov. You will then be sent a link to pay for the permit if it gets approved. The permit costs $50.
Hall of Mosses Wedding Packages
If you’ve made it this far, I think it’s a sign that you’re ready to start planning your wedding along the Hall of Mosses Trail, and I just so happen to know an incredible photographer and planner! I’m Brianna, an Olympic National Park elopement photographer who helps capture jaw-dropping elopements around the Pacific Northwest. Check out my pricing here or read below to see what’s offered in all my packages.
- 4 hours – 1.5 days of elopement coverage anywhere in Olympic National Patk
- A personalized elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
- Personalized elopement location recommendations
- Vendor, lodging, and activity recommendations
- Assistance and information to help you with permits, licenses, etc.
- 90+ page elopement planning guide filled with tips and tricks
- Customized elopement timelines
- Optional complimentary officiant services
- Online gallery with full resolution images and printing rights
- 24-48 hour sneak peeks to share with the world
- Travel fees to anywhere in Washington are already included
- Starting at $6,500
Want a more in-depth guide about the Hoh Rainforest? You need to check out my super in-depth guide all about how to plan an elopement in the forest. And if you’re looking for more elopements photographed in Olympic, take a peek at some galleries below.
Don’t forget your FREE elopement guide!
An all-in-one planning guide for all things elopements! Whether you’re hoping to hike through the mountains of Washington or sip a margarita on the beaches of California, this comprehensive elopement guide has everything you need to know about how to plan the perfect elopement.
You? You’re the kind of person that gets a lil’ teary eyed looking at an epic view…
That moment when you turn to the person you’re with and ask, “Are you seeing this?” I live for it. Places with trees and mountains and soft breezes that make you say, “I can’t believe this place exists,” I spend pretty much all of my free time searching for and exploring them.
These places have always felt like home to me. And if you’re the kind of person who also feels more at home surrounded by trees than by people? Then we’ll get along really well. The Pacific Northwest is full of secret spots that are too special to share with just anyone. But it would make me happy to share them with you on your wedding day.
If the mountains/beaches/redwood forests are calling your name, go ahead…
(I promise you won’t regret it.)
P.S. I’m Brianna. My mission is to create custom, one-of-a-kind elopement experiences in the Pacific Northwest that allow couples to fully immerse themselves in the highest levels of excitement and wonder on a day designed exclusively for them.
