IMPORTANT: The road to the Hoh Rainforest is closed due to a washout. While it’s expected to reopen in May, there is no confirmed date as of 3/14/2025. For updates, please visit the Jefferson County website or Olympic National Park website.
The Hoh Rainforest is one of the most magical places you’ll ever visit so it’s not surprising you’re interested in planning your wedding here. If you’re a couple seeking a fairytale, Twilight-inspired, or moss-covered location for your ceremony, this is the place for you.
This guide covers everything you need to know about how plan your dream elopement in the Hoh Rainforest—from permits and locations to lodging and weather. Let’s begin!
Where 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. This short 1-mile loop takes you through some of the largest, moss-covered trees in the forest. However, the trail isn’t very wide, so it’s best for elopements with no more than 7-10 people. Since it’s the busiest trail in the park, privacy is limited—unless you visit at sunrise or in winter.
- Trail length and difficulty: 1.1-mile easy loop (slight incline at start).
- Crowd level: Busiest trail in the forest, plan for sunrise or sunset.
- Max capacity: 7-10 people.
Want to see an elopement photographed along the Hall of Mosses Trail? Check out Erin and Erik’s incredible spring elopement.
Hoh River Trail
For a stunning, less crowded spot than the Hall of Mosses Trail, consider the Hoh River Trail. It offers the same mossy trees, vibrant ferns, and wildlife as the Hall of Mosses, with the added bonus of being near the river. While the trail isn’t very wide, making it best for groups of 7 or fewer, it’s perfect for couples seeking both forest and riverside views.
- Trail length and difficulty: 17.4 miles roundtrip, but stunning views within 0.5 miles. Easy, flat, and family-friendly.
- Max capacity: 5-7 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 flattest trail in the forest. The scenery is just as beautiful and also runs along the river. 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-mile loop, very easy and flat.
- Max capacity: 7-10 people.
- Crowd level: Fairly busy, plan for sunrise or sunset.
Hoh Rainforest Campground
For elopements with more than 7 people, consider booking a group campsite. 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. Reservations are required between May-September. Outside of this, it’s on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Trail length and difficulty: No hiking required.
- Max capacity: 12 people, though it depends on each site.
- Crowd level: Fairly busy year-round.
Best Time of Year to Elope in the Hoh Rainforest
The Hoh Rainforest is open and snow-free year-round. The best time of year to elope in the Hoh Rainforest is between April-June or October.
Spring (March-May)
Spring is the best time to elope in the Hoh Rainforest. The forest is as green and vibrant as it will be all year thanks to the winter rain, the trails are not crowded, and there’s plenty of wildlife. While there may be occasional rain and muddy trails, 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 |
Summer (June-August)
I usually avoid summer for elopements in the Hoh Rainforest. While the weather is nice and trails are dry, the crowds are overwhelming—sometimes requiring a 2-hour wait just to park. Plus, some plants lose their vibrant green color. If you’re set on a summer elopement, I highly recommend a sunrise ceremony.
| PROS | CONS |
| • Warm weather • Dry trails | • Traffic • Crowds • Long wait times to enter the forest • Duller greens |
Fall (September-November)
In fall, the forest shows slight color changes, mainly from maples shedding their leaves in October. Expect cooler weather and less crowded trails. This is another one of my favorite times for elopements.
| PROS | CONS |
| • Pleasant weather • Minimal crowds • Slight color changes • Elk sightings | • Duller greens |
Winter (December-February)
Winter in the Hoh Rainforest is truly magical. If you don’t mind the rain, it’s the perfect time to visit—crowds are practically nonexistent, and you might even see some elk. The rain revitalizes the forest, making it very green this time of year.
| PROS | CONS |
| • No crowds • Vibrant greens • Elk sightings | • Muddy trails • Rain |
Do You Need a Permit to Elope in the Hoh Rainforest?
A permit is required for elopements in the Hoh Rainforest with 5 or more people, including the couple, guests, and vendors. If you have fewer than 5 people, no permit is needed.
The permit costs $50. Apply by filling out the special use permit form and emailing it to @olym_permits@nps.gov. After processing, you’ll receive a payment link, and once paid, the park will email you the signed permit. Submit your application at least a month before your elopement.
Entrance Fees to the Hoh Rainforest
In addition to the permit, you’ll need to purchase a $30 entrance pass. This can be bought at the ranger station on your way to the forest.
How to Get a Marriage License for Your Hoh Rainforest Wedding
If you’re coming from out of state, I recommend applying for your marriage license by mail. Washington has a 3-day waiting period, so unless you’re in the state a few days before, mail in your application.
You can get a license from any county, but I recommend Clallam County, the closest to the park. Fill out the application, then mail it with a $62 money order or cashier’s check. Mailing instructions are on the application.
Need more help? Check out my detailed guide on how to get a marriage license in Washington.
How to Get to the Hoh Rainforest and Where to Stay
The Hoh Rainforest is on the western side of Olympic National Park, about a 4-hour drive from Seattle Airport. You can either go south through Quinault Valley or north through Port Angeles. For stops at iconic sites like Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent, take the Port Angeles route. For a quieter experience, I highly recommend the Quinault Valley!
Where to Stay
For your Hoh Rainforest elopement, I recommend staying in Forks. It’s only 45 minutes from the forest and offers gas stations, groceries, and dining options.
If you want to explore other popular locations in the park, stay in Port Angeles, about 2 hours away. There’s much more to do in Port Angeles than in Forks.
Are Dogs Allowed in the Hoh Rain Forest?
Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed on trails or campgrounds in the Hoh Rainforest.
If you want to bring your furry friend, consider the Peabody Creek Trail or July Creek Loop Trail, both dog-friendly and through old-growth forests. I also recommend checking out Bochagiel State Park near Forks.
Pro tip: Explore Olympic National Forest just outside the park for more dog-friendly spots!
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 – 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 $8,000
Want more inspiration? Check out my full guide on how to plan an elopement in Olympic National Park!
Hoh Rainforest Wedding 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!
Pin for Later
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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.
