Jaw-Dropping Hall of Mosses Wedding in the Hoh Rainforest

There aren’t many places that feel as otherworldly as the Hall of Mosses Trail in the Hoh Rainforest. It’s one of those locations where every turn looks different than the last, and “wow” really is the only word that fits. I’ve photographed multiple elopements here over the years, and it’s easy to see why so many couples are drawn to it. Meagan and Brett felt the same way when they reached out about planning their Hall of Mosses wedding.

They traveled from out of state to elope in Olympic National Park in October, which is one of my favorite months for the rainforest. The crowds thin out significantly, the fall colors from nearby trees are just gorgeous, the weather tends to be perfect, and Roosevelt elk sightings are incredibly common. They wanted a day that included a mix of landscapes, mountains, forest, and coast, which is one of the biggest advantages of eloping in Olympic. If you’re still early in the planning process, this is exactly what I cover in my complete guide on eloping in Olympic National Park, from permits and timelines to locations and cost.

We started the day before sunrise at their Airbnb in Port Angeles. After getting ready, I drove Meagan up toward Hurricane Ridge while Brett waited below for their first look. Sunrise at Hurricane Ridge is something I recommend often, especially for elopement days like this. It’s quieter, wildlife sightings are common, and the light is hard to beat for photos. That morning, it was chilly, but it was completely empty aside from a few deer wandering nearby. After exchanging gifts and popping champagne, we took a few portraits before heading toward the rainforest.

By the time we arrived at the Hall of Mosses Trail, all their closest friends and family were geared up and ready to go. One thing I always tell couples about this trail is that while it’s short and accessible, it’s also the most popular area in the Hoh Rainforest. The loop is about 1.1 miles total, and while it’s easy and mostly flat, it doesn’t take many people for it to feel busy. In my experience, ceremonies here work best with very small groups, usually no more than 8 to 10 people total, and timing matters a lot. Sunrise, sunset, or shoulder-season dates are key if privacy is important.

That said, when you plan it right, Hall of Mosses is magic. We saw elk, ducks, and had multiple stretches of the trail completely to ourselves. Watching Meagan and Brett’s friends and family experience the rainforest for the first time was one of my favorite parts of the day. If you’re considering a forest ceremony like this, I break down trail options, crowds, and ceremony logistics in my Hoh Rainforest elopement guide, which can help you decide if Hall of Mosses is the right fit or if another nearby trail might work better.

Their day wrapped up later with some portraits at Ruby Beach. 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.

Mini Hall of Mosses Wedding Guide

• Best time of year to elope: May-November. Personally, I think May, October, and November are the best times of year to get married along the Hall of Mosses trail if you want it as crowd-free as possible without sacrificing weather.
• Hiking required: Yes, the Hall of Mosses trail is a 1.1 mile roundtrip loop. There is a slight incline at the very beginning of the trail. Otherwise, the trail is very easy and flat.
• Closest town: Forks (45 minutes).
• Crowd level: Very busy. In the summer, wait times can be up to 2 hours just to park at the trailhead. Plan for sunrise, sunset, or an off-season date. November is my favorite month for this!
• Pet-friendly: No, pets are not allowed on the Hall of Mosses Trail.
• Permit information: You’ll need a special use permit if you have more than 5 people total at your elopement. The permit is $50. If you have less than 5 people you don’t need a permit.
• Important information: Wait times in the summer can be up to 2 hours just to park. I recommend sunrise or sunset here if possible. The trail is also very narrow and can’t accommodate many guests. For elopements on the actual trail, no more than 3 people are recommended. Otherwise, there are 2 pull-offs that can accommodate around 8-10 people total.

• Hair and Makeup: It’s Likely Makeup by Min
• Florals: Fullness of Joy Floral

Hall of Mosses Wedding Packages

If you’ve made it this far, chances are the Hall of Mosses Trail is what you’re looking for. Planning a wedding in a place this popular takes more than just showing up with a camera, and that’s where I come in.

I’m Brianna, an Olympic National Park elopement photographer who has spent years photographing and planning weddings throughout the Hoh Rainforest and the rest of Olympic. I help couples navigate permits, crowds, timing, and trail logistics so their ceremony feels private and stress free, even in one of the most visited areas of the park.

You can view my elopement package pricing here, or keep reading below for a quick overview of what’s included in every elopement package I offer.

• 4 hours – 2 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

Interested in other locations shown here? Check out my mini Hurricane Ridge elopement guide and this incredible Ruby Beach elopement at sunset.