Hurricane Ridge is one of those rare places that actually works for elopements, not just looks good in photos. I’ve photographed countless elopements here over the years, and it consistently checks every practical box. There’s no hiking required, it’s one of the most accessible mountain locations in the entire park, it works well for larger groups, and it’s only 40 minutes from Port Angeles. On top of that, the wildlife up here is incredible. It is not uncommon to see deer photobombing ceremonies, which somehow never gets old.
Because of all of that, Hurricane Ridge is easily one of the best mountain elopement locations in the US if you want big views without a strenuous hike. I cover why this area works so well for elopements, along with more information on permits, timelines, and weather in my full guide on how to elope in Olympic National Park.
So when Jordan and Braden reached out about planning a Hurricane Ridge elopement, I was immediately all in.
They had never been to the Pacific Northwest before, but they had been following my work for a while and kept seeing me talk about Olympic. After learning how much variety you can experience here in a single day, mountains, rivers, beaches, and forests, they knew it was the right fit. We jumped straight into planning and focused on building a day that felt like them.
Jordan and Braden knew exactly what they wanted. Mountain views for their ceremony, a shared meal with their closest people, and an experience that felt like more than just a quick vow exchange. Hurricane Ridge gave them the perfect ceremony backdrop, and because of its accessibility, it made things easy for guests. After their ceremony, we headed to a beautifully styled and catered lunch at an Airbnb overlooking the Elwha River, followed by some wedding photos at Lake Crescent and a bonfire at with golden hour portraits on Second Beach with friends and family.
Before we dive into their day, here’s a quick overview of what you should know if you’re considering eloping at Hurricane Ridge…
Mini Hurricane Ridge Elopement Guide
- Best time of year to elope: June-October. June, September, and October are the best months. Personally, I love this location in early June or early October to avoid crowds, have nice weather, and still see snow on the mountains. However, always be prepared for unpredictable weather. Due to the higher elevation, thick fog, snow, and rain are common at Hurricane Ridge. By late October, the road usually closes for the season.
- Hiking required: No, hiking is not required, but there are plenty of trails to explore if you’re up for an adventure. Some of my favorites include the Hurricane Hill Trail and the High Ridge Nature Trail for portraits.
- Closest town: Port Angeles (40-minute drive).
- Crowd level: Busy, especially during the summer months. However, I know some great ceremony locations that tourists don’t know about. Regardless, I still recommend planning for a sunrise or sunset elopement to avoid the crowds. If you visit in the off-season, it’ll be significantly less busy.
- Pet-friendly: No.
- Permit required: Yes, a $50 special use permit is required if you have more than 5 people at your elopement (this includes the couple, photographer, etc.). No permit is needed for groups of fewer than 5.
- Important information: A $30 national park pass is required to access Hurricane Ridge. You can purchase one at the ranger station on the way up. Hurricane Ridge is also open on weekends only, weather permitting, from late October to May due to snow.
- Photographer: Me!
- Tablescape Designer, Rentals, and Florals: Celebrations for Every Season
- Private Chef: Impeccable Chef
- Hair and Makeup: Anne Timss
Hurricane Ridge Elopement Packages
If you’ve been dreaming about eloping at Hurricane Ridge or somewhere else in Olympic National Park, you’re in the right place. I’m Brianna, and I specialize in elopements and microweddings throughout Olympic. I’ve photographed dozens of elopements here and know this park inside and out.
From figuring out permits and timing, to recommending ceremony spots that are actually off-the-beaten-path, to connecting you with trusted local vendors, I help take the guesswork out of planning so you can focus on enjoying your day. My elopement packages are designed to support you every step of the way, whether you want something simple or a full-day adventure.
Take a look at my elopement packages below to see how I can help bring your Hurricane Ridge elopement to life or visit my PNW elopement packages page here.
- 4 hours – 2 days of elopement coverage anywhere in Washington
- 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
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.
