One of the most magical places you’ll ever visit in your lifetime will be the Hoh Rainforest. If you’re looking for an elopement location that literally looks like it was plucked from a fairytale, you’ve just found it. Trees covered in moss from head to toe, gorgeous ferns lining the forest floor, and the occasional sounds of light drizzling await. Step foot in one of the largest and last remaining temperate rainforests in the world to see exactly why this is one of the most unique places on Earth.
Whether you’re interested in planning a Hoh Rainforest elopement, or simply looking to get some inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. This is the ultimate Hoh Rainforest elopement guide, filled with everything you need to know about the forest, from permits and locations to lodging and weather, written by me, an Olympic National Park elopement photographer who specializes in elopements in and around the Hoh Rainforest area.
4 Best Places to Elope in the Hoh Rainforest
Whether you’re looking for a location near the parking lot or one a few miles off the beaten path, the Hoh Rainforest has a handful of great locations to choose from. These happen to be the best 4.
Hall of Mosses Trail
The Hall of Mosses Trail is the best and most popular place to elope in the Hoh Rainforest. The trail is a short 1-mile loop through the mossiest and largest trees in the forest. Unfortunately, the width of the trail isn’t super large, so weddings with more than 7 people are not recommended. Because it’s the busiest trail in the park, it’s pretty safe to say that you won’t ever have this area to yourself (unless you come around sunrise or visit in the winter). If privacy is important to you, I recommend this location for portraits, but not a ceremony.
- Trail length and difficulty: 1.1 miles roundtrip loop. The trail itself is easy, though there is a slight incline at the very beginning.
- Crowd level: Busiest trail in the entire forest, plan for sunrise or sunset.
- Max capacity: 7 people.
Looking for an elopement photographed along the Hall of Mosses Trail? Check out Erin and Erik’s incredible spring elopement in the Hoh Rainforest!
Hoh River Trail
If you’re looking for a gorgeous spot without the crowds, considering hiking the Hoh River Trail. This is one of my favorite locations to recommend to couples because it’s not as busy as the Hall of Mosses trail, yet it offers the same gorgeous scenery: mossy trees, vibrant ferns, and incredible wildlife. You also get an added plus of being so close to the river—it’s like getting two locations in one! Unless you’re exchanging vows on the edge of the river, this is another trail that’s not super wide, so elopements with more than 7 people are not recommended.
- Trail length and difficulty: 17.4 miles roundtrip. However, you don’t even need to hike half a mile to get incredible views. The trail is easy, flat, and doable for all ages.
- Max capacity: 7 people.
- Crowd level: Fairly busy, plan for sunrise or sunset.
Spruce Nature Trail
The Spruce Nature Trail is the perfect trail for elopements with guests. This is the easiest and flatest trail in the forest. The scenery is just as beautiful and you may even catch a glimpse of the nearby river as you’re walking. This location can get fairly busy mid-day, but it’s quieter than its much more popular sister, the Hall of Mosses.
- Trail length and difficulty: 1.4 miles roundtrip loop. Very easy and flat.
- Max capacity: 7 people.
- Crowd level: Somewhat busy, plan for sunrise or sunset.
Hoh Rainforest Campground
If you’re looking to have more than 7 people at your Hoh Rainforest elopement, I recommend booking a group campsite for your ceremony to accommodate your friends and family. My favorite campground in the area is the Hoh Rainforest Campground. Some group sites can accommodate up to 12 people and you’re close to both the river and trails listed above for portraits.
- Trail length and difficulty: No hiking required.
- Max capacity: 12 people, though it depends on each site.
- Crowd level: Fairly busy year-round.
- Pro tip: Reservations are required between May-September. Outside of this, it’s on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Best Time of Year to Elope in the Hoh Rainforest
March, April, and May
The spring season is the best time of year to elope in the Hoh Rainforest. In the spring, winter rains have replenished the forest which means it’s as green and vibrant as it will be all year. The trails are not as crowded this time of year and there’s a ton of wildlife around the area. Aside from some occasional rain and muddy trails, you really can’t go wrong eloping in the spring. I highly recommend the months of April and May for your elopement.
| PROS | CONS |
| – No crowds – Lots of wildlife – Greenery is vibrant and at its peak for the year – Cooler weather | – Occasional rain – Muddy trails |
June, July, and August
I usually steer clear of the summer season. Sure, the weather is nice and the trails are dry, but the crowds this time of year are insane. It’s not uncommon to wait 2 hours just to park if you arrive after 8am. In the summer, some of the plants start to dry out and lose their beautiful green color. If you’re set on a summer date, I can’t stress a sunrise elopement enough.
| PROS | CONS |
| – Warm weather – Dry trails | – Traffic – Crowds – Long wait times to enter the forest – Duller greens |
September, October, and November
In the fall, very slight color changes can be seen throughout the forest. Most of the trees are evergreens, so don’t expect fall colors you see in places like Vermont or Maine. You will see some maples shed their leaves in October which can be quite magical along the trails. You’ll experience cooler weather and empty trails this time of year.
| PROS | CONS |
| – Pleasant weather – Minimal crowds – Slight fall colors | – Duller greens |
December, January, and February
Winter in the Hoh Rainforest is magical! There is truly no other word I can use to describe it. If you’re not opposed to rain, I highly recommend visiting in the winter. This is the one time of year where crowds aren’t an issue and where you even have potential of seeing the forest covered in a fresh blanket of snow. The rain brings life back into the forest this time of year.
| PROS | CONS |
| – No crowds – Lots of wildlife – Vibrant greens | – Rain – Muddy trails |
How to Get a Permit to Elope in the Hoh Rainforest
You’ll need a permit to elope in the Hoh Rainforest if you have more than 5 people present. This number includes the couple, guests, and vendors such as a photographer, officiant, etc. If you have less than 5 people, a permit is not needed.
The permit costs $50. You can apply by filling out the special use permit application and emailing it to @olym_permits@nps.gov. After the permit is processed, you will then be sent a link to pay for the permit online. Once paid, the park will sign the permit and get it back to you via email for your elopement. Try submitting your permit no later than a month before the big day.
Check out my super in-depth Olympic National Park elopement guide that covers the permit process in greater detail.
How to Get a Marriage License for Your Hoh Rainforest Elopement
If you’re coming from out of state, I recommend applying for your marriage license by mail. Washington has a 3-day waiting period which means you can’t get married until 3 days have passed after picking up your license, so unless you’ll be in Washington a few days beforehand, get your marriage license via mail.
You can get a marriage license from any county. I recommend getting one in Clallam County. It’s the closest county to the park with a marriage license office in Port Angeles.
To get one in Clallam County, fill out the application found here. Once this is complete, mail it into the office with a $62 money order or cashiers check. Mailing instructions can be found on the application.
Still confused? Check out my super helpful guide on Olympic that walks you through exactly how to get a marriage license in Washington.
How to Get to the Hoh Rainforest and Where to Stay
The Hoh Rainforest is located on the western side of Olympic National Park and is about a 4 hour drive from the Seattle Airport. You can either go south and then up through the Quinault Valley or go north and through Port Angeles. If you’re looking to see all the iconic sites before stopping at the forest, I recommend going through Port Angeles. However, if you want to explore the less crowded area of Olympic National Park, I can’t recommend exploring the Quinault Valley area enough!
Pro tip: You’ll need to purchase a $30 7-day pass or $80 annual pass to park at the Hoh Rainforest. You’ll pay this on the way in at the ranger station.
Where to Stay
If you want to get married in the Hoh Rainforest, I recommend staying in Forks. This small town that served as inspiration for the Twilight franchise is only 45 minutes away from the forest and is the closest town with gas stations, grocery stores, and dining. It’s also near the coast, which means you get to explore some of Washington’s most famous beaches like Ruby and Rialto.
If you prefer to see other iconic sites in the park like Lake Crescent or Hurricane Ridge, I recommend staying in Port Angeles which is about 2 hours away. There is much more to see and do in Port Angeles than in Forks.
Is the Hoh Rainforest Dog Friendly?
Unfortunately, no. Dogs are not permitted on any trails or campgrounds in the Hoh Rainforest.
If bringing your furry friend along is important to you, consider exploring the Peabody Creek Trail or the July Creek Loop Trail, both of which go through old-growth forests and allow dogs. My personal recommendation would be to check out Bochagiel State Park just outside of Forks.
Pro tip: Go right outside the park boundaries and explore Olympic National Forest, which has a plethora of dog-friendly locations to choose from.
Hoh Rainforest Elopement Packages
I’m Brianna, an elopement photographer who specializes in adventurous outdoor elopements in Olympic National Park. It would be an honor to show you all the nooks and crannies of the Hoh Rainforest, a place I know like the back of my hand. Take a peek below to see what I offer in each of my elopement packages.
- 4 hours – 1.5 days of elopement coverage anywhere in the Hoh Rainforest
- 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
- Complimentary album design
- 24-48 hour sneak peeks to share with the world
- Travel fees to anywhere in Washington are already included
- Starting at $7,000
If you’re looking for similar inspiration for your elopement, be sure to check out this moody Lake Crescent Elopement, Boho Lake Cushman Elopement, and a stunning Sunrise Elopement at Hurricane Ridge.
Hoh Rainforest Elopement Photos
Take a look at some of the elopements I’ve photographed in the Hoh Rainforest below to get excited and inspired about your very own elopement!
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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.
