I’ve been photographing elopements in the Hoh Rainforest for nearly seven years, and during that time, I’ve seen this forest in just about every condition imaginable. I’ve photographed elopements here in pouring rain, bright sun, on packed holiday weekends, and on completely empty days. I’ve returned season after season, year after year, learning what couples can realistically expect when planning an elopement here.
As someone who has photographed elopements in all the best places to elope in Washington (and specializes in Olympic National Park elopements), I can confidently say this: the Hoh Rainforest is unlike anywhere else in the world. It’s one of the last remaining temperate rainforests on Earth, and the environment here feels completely different from any other Pacific Northwest elopement locations. Massive moss-covered trees tower overhead, fern-lined forest floors stretch in every direction, and ancient species like Douglas firs and Sitka spruce thrive in a climate shaped by constant moisture. Add in rivers, elk, and colors you won’t find anywhere else, and it’s easy to see why so many couples are drawn to this place.
This guide is based on real, hands-on experience, not secondhand research. I’ve planned and photographed numerous Hoh Rainforest elopements and know the logistics, restrictions, crowds, and challenges that can catch couples off guard if they’re unfamiliar with the area.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan a Hoh Rainforest elopement, including permit requirements, the best places to elope, what the weather is really like throughout the year, how to avoid crowds, and insider tips you won’t find on the National Park Service website. If you’re considering eloping in the Hoh, you’re in the right place.
How Many Guests Can You Bring to Your Hoh Rainforest Elopement?
I recommend bringing no more than 10 guests to your Hoh Rainforest elopement.
In 2024, the national park started putting up ropes along some of the trails in the Hoh Rainforest to hopefully help regrow some of the vegetation. As of 2026, they’re still there. Because of this, the trails are much more narrow than they used to be. As a result, each trail can realistically only accommodate 2-3 people standing side by side. Granted, there are a few pull-offs along each trail that can accommodate more guests (usually 5-10) that I’ll talk about in this guide, but as a rule of thumb, no more than 10 is a good number.
If want to bring more guests and are open to the idea of having your ceremony elsewhere but want to take portraits on the trail, then the picnic area or amphitheater near the visitor center are great options that have much more room and tend to be way quieter than the trails.
If having your ceremony on the trail itself is important and you’re bringing guests, I recommend planning your elopement during the off-season (October through March). Otherwise, it’s very common to pause ceremonies to allow hikers to pass through, which can be distracting if privacy is a priority.
Best Places to Elope in the Hoh Rainforest
I’ve personally photographed elopements at every location listed below and have returned to these spots every year with couples. Whether you’re hoping for something just steps away from the parking lot or are open to a short walk into the forest, the Hoh Rainforest has a few truly incredible ceremony locations.
These are the best places to elope in the Hoh Rainforest.
Hall of Mosses Trail
The Hall of Mosses Trail is the best and most popular place to elope in the Hoh Rainforest. Chances are, when you Google “Hoh Rainforest elopement,” most of the images you see will have been taken on the Hall of Mosses Trail. I’ve photographed multiple elopements on this trail over the years, and it’s popular for a 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: 10 people.
If Hall of Mosses is your top choice, my Hall of Mosses wedding guide includes a full real wedding gallery and a mini guide to planning it.
Spruce Nature Trail
The Spruce Nature Trail is what I like to call the Hall of Mosses’ little sister. After photographing countless elopements in the Hoh Rainforest, this is the trail I recommend most often when couples want the same mossy scenery without the overwhelming crowds. In my experience, I find that this trail is less busy but just as beautiful when compared to 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, fern-lined forest floors, and 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.
- Max capacity: 15 people.
- Crowd level: Fairly busy; plan for sunrise or sunset.
If you’re leaning toward this quieter spot, my Spruce Nature Trail elopement shows what a real ceremony here looks like, plus planning tips.
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 these views.
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.
- Max capacity: 5 people.
- Crowd level: Low; sunrise or sunset still offers the best privacy
Photographer tip: If you’re eloping with more than 10 guests, the Hoh Rainforest Campground, picnic area, and amphitheater are great low-traffic options with plenty of space for ceremonies. They aren’t as well-known or scenic as the main trails, but they’re convenient, quiet, and the only places in the forests that can accommodate larger groups
Best Time of Year to Elope in the Hoh Rainforest
The Hoh Rainforest is open and snow-free year-round, which makes it one of the most flexible elopement locations in Washington. That said, the best times of year to elope here are typically April through June and October through November, when you’ll find the perfect balance of fewer crowds and good weather.
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 you should expect some rain (it is a rainforest, after all), showers in the spring are often light rather than constant. Cooler temperatures make hiking and standing around for ceremonies more comfortable, and the usually overcast light is a dream for 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 usually 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. I’ve photographed multiple fall elopements here where elk were visible throughout the day, sometimes just steps off the trail.
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 passed just 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
Best Time of Day for Photos in the Hoh Rainforest
If you’ve gone down the elopement planning rabbit hole, you’ve probably seen photographers (myself included) recommend sunrise or sunset for the best light. While that’s generally true, light behaves a little differently in the Hoh Rainforest than it does other places.
Because the forest canopy is so thick, light tends to be filtered through the trees, making the forest much darker than other places.
After photographing elopements here in every season and at all times of day, I’ve found that the best light typically happens 30 minutes to an hour after sunrise or about one to two hours before sunset.
From an experience standpoint, mornings are often the best choice. Early hours mean quieter trails, easier parking, and overcast lighting. Spring and fall weekday mornings are my top recommendation.
Sunset can also be stunning, but it comes with limitations. Once the sun drops lower, the forest gets dark quickly due to the heavy tree cover, which means timelines need to be planned carefully. This is where working with a photographer who understands how forest light behaves can completely change the look and feel of your photos.
How to Get a Hoh Rainforest Elopement Permit
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.
The permit fee is $50. To apply, complete the special use permit application and email it to olym_permits@nps.gov. Once your application is reviewed, the park will send you a link to pay the $50 fee online. After the payment has been processed, 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 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 will not 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.
Hoh Rainforest Elopement Logistics You Need to Know
From years of photographing elopements in the Hoh Rainforest, these are the tips and logistics I always share with couples before their big day.
Crowds and Entrance Line
The Hoh Rainforest is one of the most visited areas in Olympic National Park, especially during the summer months. On busy days, it’s common to wait one to two hours just to enter the parking lot. The entrance operates on a metered system, allowing one car in for every car that leaves, which can cause long backups along the road.
Once inside, trails tend to fill up quickly by mid-morning. If avoiding crowds is important to you, I strongly recommend planning your elopement during the off-season or around sunrise or sunset. If a mid-day ceremony is your only option, working with a photographer who knows the area well can make a huge difference. I personally have a few nearby rainforest locations I take couples to when the entrance line is too long.
Photographer tip: 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 booth to park (I always do it by booth).
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.
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’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 corners, quiet trails, and best times of day to experience the forest at its best, and I’d be honored to help you plan an unforgettable elopement here.
Below is a quick look at what’s included in my Hoh Rainforest elopement packages. For more information, check out my PNW 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).
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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. 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.
