Planning a Hoh Rainforest elopement but not sure where to start? You’re in the right place. After photographing elopements here for nearly seven years, I’ve experienced this rainforest in every condition imaginable, from pouring rain and busy summer weekends to completely empty days and in bright sun.
Whether you’re wondering how to get a permit, searching for the best ceremony locations, or trying to avoid the crowds, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about planning a Hoh Rainforest elopement. We’ll cover permit requirements, the best places to elope, the best time of year to visit, how to avoid crowds, and practical tips I’ve learned after photographing dozens of couples here.
5 Best Places to Elope in the Hoh Rainforest
I’ve personally photographed elopements at every location on this list. Whether you’re looking for a ceremony location just steps from the parking lot or don’t mind a short walk into the forest, there’s a spot here for every type of elopement.
Here are the five best places to elope in the Hoh Rainforest.
1. Hall of Mosses Trail
The Hall of Mosses Trail is the most iconic—and arguably the best—place to elope in the Hoh Rainforest. If you’ve searched for “Hoh Rainforest elopement” online, chances are many of the photos you’ve seen were taken here. I’ve photographed multiple elopements on this trail over the years, and it’s popular for good reason.
This is a short 1-mile loop that will take you through some of the mossiest trees in the entire forest. One of the things I love most about Hall of Mosses is how much variety it offers in such a small area. Around every corner, the scenery changes just a little. It’s a trail you’ll never get bored walking on. You’ll find natural tree arches, small streams, ferns, and endless trees covered in moss.
There are several spots along the trail that work well for small ceremonies, including a small pull-off away from the main trail. Because this is the busiest area of the Hoh Rainforest, timing matters a lot. I always recommend planning ceremonies as close to sunrise or sunset as possible, or choosing an off-season date, if privacy is a priority.
- Hiking required: 1.1-mile easy loop (slight incline at start).
- Crowd level: Very high; plan for sunrise or sunset.
- Max capacity: 15 people.
If Hall of Mosses is your top choice, my Hall of Mosses wedding guide includes a real wedding gallery and a mini guide to planning it.
2. Spruce Nature Trail
The Spruce Nature Trail is what I like to call the Hall of Mosses’ little sister. This is the trail I recommend most often when couples want the same mossy scenery without the overwhelming crowds. While it’s still a popular trail, it’s typically much quieter than Hall of Mosses, especially during peak season.
This trail is also the easiest and flattest option in the forest, which makes it ideal for elopements with guests of all ages and mobility levels. One of its biggest advantages is the wide pull-off along the Hoh River, which I’ve used many times for ceremonies. It provides enough space for small groups to gather without blocking the trail.
Scenery-wise, Spruce Nature Trail delivers everything couples love about the Hoh Rainforest: moss-covered trees and fern-lined forest floors, but with the added bonus of river views. If you want a ceremony location that’s not only beautiful but is far more practical and guest-friendly, this is one of the best spots in the entire rainforest.
- Trail length and difficulty: 1.4-mile loop, very easy and flat.
- Crowd level: Fairly busy; plan for sunrise or sunset.
- Max capacity: 15 people.
If you’re leaning toward this spot, my Spruce Nature Trail elopement blog shows what a real ceremony here looks like, plus planning tips.
3. Hoh River Trail
For couples who want as much privacy as possible, the Hoh River Trail is hands down the best option in the rainforest. In all my years photographing elopements here, this is consistently the quietest trail in the Hoh. Most visitors skip it entirely because the posted 17.4-mile sign sounds intimidating, but the reality is you don’t need to hike far at all for views like this.
Within the first half mile, you’ll find the same moss-covered trees, ferns, and wildlife you see on Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trail, just without the constant foot traffic. I’ve photographed some of the most uninterrupted ceremonies on this trail simply because so few people venture onto it.
The biggest tradeoff is space. The trail is narrow with very few pull-offs, which makes it best suited for just-the-two-of-you elopements or ceremonies with no guests. If privacy is your top priority and you’re okay keeping things small, this trail offers one of the best elopement experiences in the entire Hoh Rainforest.
- Trail length and difficulty: 17.4 miles roundtrip, but stunning views within 0.5 miles. Easy and flat.
- Crowd level: Low; sunrise or sunset still offers the best privacy.
- Max capacity: 12 people.
4. Hoh Rainforest Picnic Area
The Hoh Rainforest Picnic Area is one of two sites in the forest that can accommodate larger groups (around 30). The scenery is actually very similar to the scenery you’d find along the trails, very mossy trees and lush greens.
There are lots of picnic tables and small trails that run through the area. The only caveat with this location is that it’s sandwiched between the busy parking lot and the campground. While I’ve never personally found the picnic area to be busy, it can be noisy since you’re between two constantly-moving areas.
I always recommend having your ceremony here in the morning or afternoon when there’s less people coming and going. However, if you don’t mind a bit of noise and need a site that can accommodate a larger group, I personally think the Hoh Rainforest Picnic Area is a fantastic choice.
- Trail length and difficulty: No hiking required.
- Crowd level: Low; but close to the busy parking lot.
- Max capacity: 30 people.
5. Hoh Rainforest Ampitheater
Last on my list of the best places to elope in the Hoh Rainforest is the Hoh Rainforest Amphitheater which can be found near the ranger station.
This location is a hidden gem, especially for larger groups. The amphitheater comes with seating for guests and is tucked away from the main area of the Hoh. Granted, you won’t be saying your vows in front of the trees necessarily, as there’s a stage most couples choose to stand on. However, a little insider tip for you: have your ceremony on the opposite side to the stage if you want the trees to be the background and just have your guests face the opposite way (backs to the stage).
Before scheduling your elopement here, double-check with the park that they’re not holding any ranger meetings there on your big day.
- Trail length and difficulty: No hiking required, just a short walk from the parking lot.
- Crowd level: Low.
- Max capacity: 50 people.
Do You Need a Permit to Elope in the Hoh Rainforest?
A permit is required for elopements in the Hoh Rainforest if your group includes five or more people total, including the couple, guests, and vendors. If your group is fewer than five, no permit is needed.
Applying is easy:
- Complete the special use permit application.
- Email it to olym_permits@nps.gov.
- Once your application is reviewed, the park will send you a link to pay the $50 permit fee.
- After payment is received, you’ll receive your signed permit via email.
I recommend submitting your application at least one month in advance to avoid delays, especially during peak season.
How Many Guests Can You Bring to Your Hoh Rainforest Elopement?
While some ceremony locations allow more, I recommend keeping your guest count to 10 people or fewer for the best experience.
In 2024, the national park installed protective ropes along portions of several Hoh Rainforest trails to help restore vegetation. Those ropes are still in place, and they’ve made many sections of the trails much narrower than they used to be. In most areas, only two or three people can comfortably stand side by side. While there are a handful of pull-offs that can accommodate small groups (which I listed earlier), larger ceremonies can quickly feel crowded.
If you’re planning to invite more than 10 guests, consider holding your ceremony at the picnic area or amphitheater near the visitor center and then heading into the rainforest for portraits afterward. These locations offer significantly more space and are often much quieter than the trails themselves.
If having your ceremony on one of the rainforest trails is your priority and you want to bring guests, I highly recommend planning your elopement during the off-season (October through March). During the busy summer months, it’s common to pause ceremonies to let hikers pass, which can take away from the experience.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Elope in the Hoh Rainforest?
The Hoh Rainforest is open year-round and never closes due to snow, making it one of the most flexible places to elope in Washington. In my experience, the best times to elope are April through June and October through November, when you’ll usually find the best balance of lighter crowds and comfortable temperatures.
Spring (March-May)
Spring is hands down one of the best times to elope in the Hoh Rainforest. After months of winter rain, the forest is at its greenest and most vibrant it will be all year, and the trails are way quieter than they’ll be in the summer. I’ve photographed many spring elopements here, and this season consistently delivers some of the best scenery of the entire year.
While rain is always possible (it is a rainforest, after all), spring showers are often brief rather than all-day downpours. Combined with cool temperatures and soft overcast light, it’s a stand out season for hiking, ceremonies, and photos.
If I were choosing a time to get married in the Hoh Rainforest myself, spring would be at the top of my list.
What to expect:
• Vibrant greens
• Cooler temperatures
• Rain is likely, but usually light
• Fewer crowds than summer
Summer (June-August)
I recommend avoiding summer elopements in the Hoh Rainforest if privacy is important to you. While summer brings warmer temperatures and drier trails, it’s also the busiest time of year. During peak season, it’s not uncommon to wait up to two hours just to park, and the main trails can feel crowded the entire day.
As summer goes on, the forest also loses some of that vibrant green color. It’s still beautiful, but the rainforest doesn’t feel quite as vibrant as it does earlier in the year.
If you’re set on a summer elopement, I strongly recommend planning a ceremony close to sunrise or sunset. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best chance for privacy and easier parking.
What to expect:
• Warm temperatures and sunshine
• Crowds
• Long wait times for parking
Fall (September-November)
If you’re a wildlife lover, fall is one of the best times to elope in the Hoh Rainforest. This is elk rut season, which means sightings are incredibly common.
While the Hoh isn’t known for dramatic fall color, October brings subtle changes as maples shed their leaves. Cooler temperatures and quieter trails make fall one of the best seasons for an elopement. I particularly love photographing Hoh Rainforest elopements during the months of October and November.
What to expect:
• Elk sightings
• Fall colors
• Cooler temperatures
Winter (December-February)
Winter in the Hoh Rainforest is completely slept on. Yes, it’s the rainiest time of year (12-14 feet a year!!), so puddles, mud, and a good chance of rain are part of the experience. But the tradeoff is a completely empty forest. I once photographed a winter elopement here for over two hours, and we only saw two other people the entire time.
The rainforest feels especially quiet in winter. As long as you’re comfortable getting a little wet and planning around shorter daylight hours, winter can be one of the best times to elope in the Hoh Rainforest.
If complete privacy is your top priority, winter is absolutely worth considering.
What to expect:
• Rain
• No crowds
• Darker greens
Hoh Rainforest Elopement Logistics You Need to Know
Before you elope in the Hoh Rainforest, there are a few logistics that can make a huge difference in how your day goes. After photographing elopements here for years, these are the things I always tell my couples before their wedding day.
Crowds and Entrance Line
The Hoh Rainforest is one of the busiest areas in Olympic National Park. During the summer, it’s not uncommon to wait one to two hours just to enter the parking lot. The entrance operates on a metered system, meaning one car enters for every car that leaves, so backups along the road are common on busy days.
Once you’re inside, the most popular trails become crowded by mid-morning. If privacy is important to you, I recommend visiting during the off-season or planning your ceremony around sunrise or sunset.
Photographer tip: If the entrance line is unexpectedly long, I have a few nearby rainforest locations that make excellent backup ceremony spots without the wait. Interested in learning about backup locations or other spots for ceremonies in Olympic? Check out my ultimate Olympic National Park elopement guide!
Parking Passes
To enter the Hoh Rainforest, you will need either an $80 America the Beautiful Pass or a standard $30 Olympic National Park entrance pass. This is per vehicle. You can pay for this online ahead of time or as you pass the entrance station to park.
Pets
Pets are not allowed on any of the Hoh Rainforest trails, including Hall of Mosses, Spruce Nature Trail, and the Hoh River Trail. They are only permitted in campgrounds, parking areas, and paved roads. If you want to include your dog in your elopement photos, consider pairing the Hoh with a dog-friendly elopement location like Ruby Beach.
Photographer tip: For pet-friendly forests that are similar to the Hoh Rainforest, check out the Peabody Creek Trail or July Creek Loop Trail. I also recommend checking out Bochagiel State Park near Forks.
Cell Service
There is no cell service in the Hoh Rainforest. Be sure to download your maps ahead of time and send your timeline to guests and vendors beforehand.
Elk
Elk are extremely common in the Hoh Rainforest, especially in the fall during rut season. It’s not unusual to see them grazing near the trails or crossing the road on your way in. While they’re incredible to see, they are wild animals and should be given plenty of space.
Photographer tip: Want elk in the background of your photos? Aim for early morning or evening when elk are the most active.
Bathrooms
The Hoh Rainforest has restrooms located near the visitor center and parking lot, but there are no bathrooms along the trails.
Best Time of Day for Photos in the Hoh Rainforest
If you’ve started planning your elopement, you’ve probably heard photographers (myself included) recommend sunrise or sunset for the best light. While that’s generally true, the Hoh Rainforest is a little different.
The dense forest canopy filters sunlight throughout the day, creating soft, even light but making the forest much darker than most outdoor locations. Because of this, the best lighting usually isn’t right at sunrise or sunset.
The best light typically occurs 30 minutes to an hour after sunrise or one to two hours before sunset.
From both a photography and experience standpoint, morning is usually my top recommendation. Early ceremonies mean quieter trails, easier parking, cooler temperatures, and overcast lighting. If you have flexibility, I recommend a weekday morning in the spring or fall.
Late afternoon can also produce beautiful photos, but once the sun drops behind the trees, the forest gets dark surprisingly fast. That’s why a well-planned timeline is especially important for sunset elopements.
How to Get a Marriage License
If you’re coming from out of state, I recommend applying for your marriage license by mail. Washington has a three-day waiting period, which means you cannot legally marry until three days have passed after picking up your license. Mailing in your application is the easiest option if you won’t be in Washington early enough to pick it up in person.
You can get a marriage license from any county in Washington, but Clallam County is the closest to the Hoh Rainforest and one of the simplest to work with. Simply fill out the application and mail it in with a $162 money order or cashier’s check. All mailing instructions are included directly on the application form.
Where to Stay
- Hoh Valley Cabins – The closest place you can stay to the Hoh Rainforest, only about 20 minutes from the trailhead. Perfect for couples who want easy access on their elopement day.
- Kalaloch Lodge – Located right on the beach with an onsite restaurant, this place is ideal if you want to pair your rainforest elopement with sunset portraits on the coast!
- Quileute Oceanside Resort – Another great beachfront option. Close to Rialto or Second Beach (both great places for tide pooling!).
Forks
Forks is the nearest town to the Hoh Rainforest at just under an hour away and is usually the most convenient home base. The town itself is small, but the proximity makes it the best choice for early-morning or sunrise elopements. Great for Twilight fans, too! While you’re in the area, check out the Twilight Museum (way cooler than it looks), John’s Beach Combing Museum, or one of the many nearby beaches!
Port Angeles
If you don’t mind a two-hour drive, Port Angeles is a great choice for couples who want to explore more of Olympic National Park. It has far more restaurants, shops, and lodging options than Forks, and is close to popular places like Lake Crescent and Hurricane Ridge. I usually recommend staying in Forks the night before your elopement but then traveling up to Port Angeles afterwards to explore more of the park.
Hoh Rainforest Elopement Packages
I hope my Hoh Rainforest elopement guide was helpful for your big day! I’m Brianna, an elopement photographer who specializes in adventurous outdoor elopements in Olympic National Park. After photographing elopements in the Hoh Rainforest for years, it’s become one of my favorite places on Earth. I know the hidden pull-offs, quiet trails, and best times of day to experience the forest at its best, and I’d be honored to help you plan an elopement here.
Below is a quick look at what’s included in my Hoh Rainforest elopement packages. For more information, you can check out my Olympic elopement packages page.
- 4 hours – 2 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 $6,500
Planning from out of state or feeling overwhelmed? My all-inclusive Olympic National Park elopement packages are designed to make your elopement feel completely planned and handled, from start to finish.
Hoh Rainforest Elopement FAQ
Yes. A special use permit is required if your group includes five or more people total, including the couple, guests, and vendors. If your group is fewer than five, no permit is required. The permit costs $50.
No. Pets are not allowed on Hoh Rainforest trails, including Hall of Mosses, Spruce Nature Trail, or the Hoh River Trail. They are only permitted in parking areas and campgrounds.
The best months are April–June and October–November. These seasons offer fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Winter is also a great option if you want maximum privacy and don’t mind rain.
Yes, you can get married in the Hoh Rainforest if you have a permit (only required for groups larger than five).
Want to see more? I’ve got a great guide to the best places to elope in Washington, or another guide about my favorite locations in the Pacific Northwest.
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. I’m a Pacific Northwest elopement photographer whose 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.
