How to Elope in Olympic National Park in 2025

There are only a handful of places in the world where you can go hiking through a temperate rainforest, picnic by an alpine lake, admire wildflower meadows on top of a mountain, and soak in the sunset on a beach all in one day. Luckily, Olympic National Park is one of those few places. Olympic is the most diverse (and dare I say underrated) national park in the United States so it’s no surprise you’re looking to elope here!

This article is all about how to elope in Olympic National Park. From the most jaw-dropping elopement locations, best times of year to elope, how to get a permit, and so much more, this guide has everything you need to know about how to plan an elopement in Olympic National Park, written by me, a photographer who specializes in elopements around Olympic National Park.

7 Jaw-Dropping Places to Elope in Olympic National Park

The possibilities for your elopement are endless in Olympic. Watch the sunrise on top of a mountain and end with a sunset on the beach or stroll through a temperate rainforest and take a dip in an alpine lake. If you’re a couple looking for a variety of different landscapes, you won’t find a better park than Olympic. These are 7 jaw-dropping places to elope in Olympic National Park.

Hurricane Ridge

Hurricane Ridge is hands down my favorite elopement location in Olympic National Park. I mean, can you blame me? It has everything you need: no-hiking-required ceremony locations for guests, wildflower meadows, lots of deer, and the most dreamy sunrises and sunsets. The only drawback is that because Hurricane Ridge is so accessible, it gets crowded mid-day so a sunrise or sunset ceremony is highly recommended. The biggest plus of this location (like most on this list) is that it’s open year-round which is rare for mountain locations in Washington. Experience sunny skies and vibrant wildflowers in the summer or visit in the winter for fun snow trails and tubing.

• Best time of year to elope: June, September, and October. I personally love this location in June or at the beginning of October to avoid crowds and have nice weather.
• Hiking required: No, but there are lots of trails to explore if you want to hike.
• Closest town: Port Angeles (40 minutes).
• Crowd level: Busy, plan for sunrise or sunset.
• Pet friendly: No.
• Pro tip: This is the best place for deer sightings and stargazing in the park. It’s also the best mountain view in Olympic.

Check out Haley and Joe’s breathtaking sunrise elopement at Hurricane Ridge that I photographed in June.

Hoh Rainforest

There’s no location in Olympic that’s as iconic and magical as the Hoh Rainforest. Not only is it one of the most beautiful places in Washington, but it’s also the greenest as well. Unfortunately, it also happens to be the most popular spot in the entire park. Wait times during the summer months can be up to 2 hours just to park! If you have your heart set on the Hoh Rainforest, plan for sunrise. Looking for a rainforest identical to the Hoh without the crowds? Olympic is filled to the brim with gorgeous mossy forests, a lot of them being hidden gems I’d be happy to share with you!

• Best time of year to elope: December-May. This location is snow-free and gorgeous any month of the year, though I recommend visiting in the winter or spring months for peak greenery and no crowds.
• Hiking required: Yes, but very little. Less than 1 mile roundtrip on a flat surface.
• Closest town: Forks (45 minutes).
• Crowd level: Extremely busy, plan for sunrise or sunset (sunrise is more ideal).
• Pet friendly: No.
• Pro tip: This is a great spot for elk sightings. Get here early to avoid wait times. The trails are narrow so elopements with many guests are not recommended.

I have an entire guide with specific locations, pictures, and more information about how to elope in the Hoh Rainforest (with some secret spots to consider as well). You can also check out Erin and Erik’s gorgeous elopement in the Hoh Rainforest and at Hurricane Ridge.

Lake Crescent

If you’re looking for a great location for guests, Lake Crescent is one of my top recommendations. It’s only 30 minutes from Port Angeles and sits at a low elevation, which means it’s snow-free in the winter months. The lake has a ton of docks for photos, secret forest trails, picnic tables, and it’s the hub for some of Olympic’s most popular hiking trails. Exchange vows on the shore, paddle on the lake, and then celebrate at one of the many nearby waterfalls around the shoreline.

• Best time of year to elope: May, June, September, or October. You truly can’t go wrong with anytime of the year here. The winter is another one of my favorite times to explore.
• Hiking required: No, but there are lots of trails nearby if you want to hike.
• Closest town: Port Angeles (30 minutes).
• Crowd level: Semi-busy, plan for sunrise or sunset.
• Pet friendly: No.
• Pro tip: This is one of my favorite spots for sunrise elopements. The mountains turn pink from the light!

Check out Ross and Katie’s sunrise spring elopement at Lake Crescent elopement.

Ruby Beach

There are so many beaches in Olympic, but the most unique is Ruby Beach. When you think of a Pacific Northwest beach, you think of moody fog, larger-than-life boulders in the middle of the water, and lines of driftwood that go on for miles. This my friends, is Ruby Beach. It’s located right outside of Forks, Washington (did somebody say Twilight?) and is close to all the rainforests in Olympic.

• Best time of year to elope: June-October. You can visit year-round. I love the winter season here for moody weather and no crowds.
• Hiking required: Yes. It’s 0.2 miles down to the beach. It’s a paved trail that’s a bit steep on the way back up to the parking lot.
• Closest town: Forks (45 minutes).
• Crowd level: Fairly busy all-day. Sunrise is your best bet for crowds, but I recommend sunset for lighting purposes.
• Pet friendly: Yes.
• Pro tip: Most people stay near the boulders on the beach. Walk past them on the right for less people.

Check out Maddy and Kodiak’s dreamy golden hour Ruby Beach elopement here.

Lake Cushman

If you’re looking for a more intimate and private place to elope, Lake Cushman is a great choice. It’s located on the eastern border near Seattle. This means that it’s further away from popular sites like Hurricane Ridge and the Hoh Rainforest. 99% of the time, the lake is empty. The only time it gets busy is on a hot summer day. It’s also super close to some secret waterfalls and forest trails.

• Best time of year to elope: July-October. This location gets snow and closes for the winter season.
• Hiking required: No, but there are some trails nearby.
• Closest town: Hoodsport (12 minutes).
• Crowd level: Fairly private depending on where you go along the shoreline.
• Pet friendly: Yes.
• Pro tip: If you’re up for some hiking, there are some incredible mountain summits in this area.

Swoon over Cristina and Ryan’s jaw-dropping boho elopement at Lake Cushman.

Rialto Beach

If you love tide pools and vibrant sunsets, your location search stops here at Rialto Beach! Rialto is known for having some of the best tide pools in all of Olympic and the sunsets here are nothing short of jaw-dropping. It’s dog-friendly, has picnic tables, lots of parking, and a ton of space for guests. What more could you need?

• Best time of year to elope: June-October. Incredible year-round though.
• Hiking required: No, but there is an awesome trail you can hike to see marine life. It’s very popular.
• Closest town: Forks (20 minutes).
• Crowd level: Fairly private, especially if you walk a bit down the beach.
• Pet friendly: Yes.
• Pro tip: The beaches in Washington are rocky. Bring good shoes!

See more photos of Jess and Warren’s sunset elopement at Rialto Beach here!

La Push Beach

“It’s La Push baby, it’s La Push!” The last (but certainly not least) beach on this list is La Push Beach, the famous and ever so gorgeous beach of the Twilight series. Fun fact: the La Push scene wasn’t even filmed in Washington. It was filmed in Oregon! Regardless, this beach is to-die-for. It’s one of the few in the area that allow bonfires (s’mores, anyone) and is probably my favorite beach in all of Olympic National Park. Technically, this is called Second Beach, but it’s part of the La Push area (La Push is a series of 3 beaches).

• Best time of year to elope: June-October. Like every spot on this list though, you can’t go wrong anytime of the year here!
• Hiking required: Some of the beaches in the La Push area require a short hike. This specific beach is a 1.4 mile hike.
• Closest town: Forks (20 minutes).
• Crowd level: Fairly private, especially if you walk a bit down the beach.
• Pet friendly: On First Beach (one of the beaches in the La Push area), yes.
• Pro tip: The La Push area 3 different beaches. Ask your photographer about the differences between them!

Marymere Falls

If you’re looking for an epic waterfall in Olympic, look no further than Marymere Falls. It’s a short 1-mile hike to reach the falls with a variety of scenery along the way. Be sure to stop for photos in the forest, along the creek, and on the picturesque bridge. This location is very close to popular spots in the park like Lake Crescent and Mount Storm King, so it tends to be a bit busier than other waterfalls in the area. There isn’t much room near the base of the falls so it’s not the best for large groups.

• Best time of year to elope: April and May. The waterfall will be at its fullest during the spring or winter season. It can be accessed year-round.
• Hiking required: Yes, an easy 1.7 miles roundtrip. Towards the end, there are some stairs.
• Closest town: Port Angeles (30 minutes).
• Crowd level: Private if you visit at sunrise or sunset.
• Pet friendly: No.
• Pro tip: You cannot access the base of the falls. Tons of scenery along the way for photos though. Prepare to get wet!

Check out a gorgeous winter elopement photographed at Marymere Falls.

Best Time of Year to Elope in Olympic National Park

Olympic is incredibly diverse. Because of this, it’s the only national park in Washington that’s open and snow-free year-round. Here is a breakdown about what each season is like in the park.

March, April, and May (Spring)

March through May (spring) is one of the best seasons to elope in Olympic, especially if you’re hoping to see some wildlife. This is the best time to explore places like the Hoh Rainforest and waterfalls, as they’re at their peak this time of year in both water flow and greenery.

One thing to note about the spring season is that it’s still pretty rainy and sometimes unpredictable which can make some of the trails muddy. While I love photographing elopements in the rain (hello even lighting and no crowds), some couples prefer a drier climate. Higher elevation areas like Hurricane Ridge are still covered in snow, so if you’re looking for a mountaintop location, I recommend holding off until the summer or fall months.

PROS	CONS
– No crowds – Lots of wildlife – Waterfalls and forests are at their peak	– Higher elevation areas have snow – Unpredictable weather

Check out some elopements I photographed during the spring months below.

June, July, and August (Summer)

June through August (summer) offers amazing weather and clear hiking trails. All locations in the park are accessible and snow-free. There are a ton of things to do this time of year, as all the visitor centers and nearby towns are bustling with tourists.

That begin said, the nice weather also comes with crowds. This time of year can be difficult to find secluded ceremony sites in popular locations. However, it’s not impossible. Plan for a sunrise or sunset ceremony and you should be good. I would also recommend considering some of the lesser traveled places in the park like the Quinault Valley.

PROS	CONS
– Warm weather – All locations are snow-free – Lots to do in the nearby towns	– Crowds – Higher pricing on travel, limited lodging availability

Here are a few images of elopements taken in the summer.

September, October, and November (Fall)

September through November (fall) is Olympic’s shoulder season. Vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows sweep across the park and turn it into a colorful paradise. Snow starts to fall in higher elevations around mid-late October, and everything in the park quiets down which means better deals on lodging and flights.

In the fall, prepare for little rain and overcast weather. Similar to the spring season, the fall can sometimes be a bit unpredictable in terms of weather. The park starts to get rain around the month of October.

PROS	CONS
– Nice weather – Beautiful fall colors – Fun festivals – Minimal crowds	– Higher elevation areas have snow – Unpredictable weather come late-October

Want an idea of what Olympic looks like in the fall? Check out some of the images below.

December, January, and February (Winter)

December through February (winter), is usually wet and rainy which means most attractions in the park are closed. However, this is the least popular time to visit, so if you want to skip the crowds and don’t mind a little rain, I can’t recommend winter enough. You can experience snow-shoeing in the mountains in the morning and then enjoy a sunset beach stroll at night. Plus, there are tons of locations in the park like the Hoh Rainforest or Lake Crescent that are snow-free in the winter.

I’ve personally found that winter is by far the most underrated time of year to elope and one of my personal favorite times to visit and explore.

PROS	CONS
– No crowds – Cheaper lodging, airfare, and rental car costs – Lush greens in the forests	– Higher elevation areas have snow – Rainy weather

If a winter elopement in Olympic is calling your name, scroll through some of these images to get an idea of what it looks like during this time of year.

How to Apply for a Wedding Permit for Your Olympic National Park Elopement

If you have more than 5 people at your elopement, you’re going to need what’s called a “special use permit.” The permit is $50 and can be applied for online.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Fill out the downloadable application here.
2. Send in your completed application to OLYM_Permits@nps.gov.
3. The permit office won’t get in contact with you about your permit until a month before your big day. After the office receives your permit, they will send you a link where you will be able to pay the $50 permit fee online.
4. After paying, you will receive the completed permit via email within a few days. Be sure to print this out and bring it with you on your wedding day.

Check out the official park’s website permit page for more information.

Pro tip: If you’re unsure about the permit process, ask your photographer to help. They should be able to point you in the right direction and/or complete the applications for you.

Pro tip: A permit is not needed if you have less than 5 people total at your elopement, including your vendors like your photographer, officiant, etc.

How to Get a Marriage License for Your Olympic National Park Elopement

There are a few things you need to know about Washington marriage licenses:

• You can get a marriage license in any Washington county. You DO NOT need to get one in the county you’re getting married in.
• Washington State has a 3-day waiting period. You can’t get married until 3 days have passed after picking up your license.
• The license is valid for 60 days.
• You will need two witnesses and an officiant. I’m ordained and officiate ceremonies. As for witnesses, they can be people on the trail, friends back home, or even the park rangers!

I usually recommend getting your marriage license through a county that allows you to apply via mail so you don’t have to worry about getting to Washington early for the waiting period. Clallam County, which is the county Port Angeles is located in (the central hub of Olympic), allows mail-in applications.

To get a marriage license through Clallam County, fill out the online application found here. After you fill out the application, mail it into the office with a $62 money order or cashiers check. Instructions can be found on the application.

If you prefer to show up in-person, fill out the application then head to the County Clerk’s office in Port Angeles together with your photo ID and $62 to pick up your license.

To get more information and step-by-step instructions on how to get a marriage license in Washington, check out the official Clallam County government site or my SUPER helpful article that breaks down exactly how to get a marriage license in Washington, step-by-step.

Can We Bring Our Dog?

Yes! Olympic National Park has a variety of different locations where dogs are permitted. However, dogs are generally not allowed at Olympic’s most popular sites. If you’re hoping for more location options, consider looking into the nearby national forest which is super dog-friendly and my top recommendation for elopements with pups.

Pets are permitted at the following locations:

• Ruby Beach
• Peabody Creek Trail
• Rialto Beach parking lot to Ellen Creek (about .8 miles along the beach)
• The beaches between the Hoh and Quinault Reservations (Kalaloch beach area)
• Madison Falls Trail
• Spruce Railroad Trail
• July Creek Loop Trail
• Olympic Discovery Trail – Part of this trail isn’t technically in the park, but I wanted to include it because it’s one of my favorite spots if you’re hoping to squeeze some portraits in close to your Airbnb, as this trail spans from the coastline all the way to Port Townsend running through places like Port Angeles and Sequim!

To get more information about bringing your pets to the park, check out the official park’s page here. Some of my personal favorite dog-friendly locations are Madison Falls and Ruby Beach.

Where to Stay for Your Olympic National Park Elopement

These are the best towns and hotels to stay in if you’re eloping in Olympic.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park itself has a few different lodging options if you’re looking to stay within the actual park. Most of these locations are secluded, so expect to drive a bit to get to the grocery store, but enjoy staying close to all of Olympic’s must-see spots.

• Kalaloch Lodge – It doesn’t have WiFi in the rooms, but it does have breathtaking views. Private beach access and close to nature trails.
• Lake Crescent Lodge – A popular cottage right on the lake. This historic stay is cozy, warm, and comes with a variety of different amenities like an on-site restaurant and private chairs on the shoreline.
• Log Cabin Resort – One of the best places to stay on Lake Crescent if you’re a big fan of privacy, quiet, and some seclusion.
• Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort – Conveniently close to Sol Duc Falls and other hiking trails. Great forest location!
• Lake Quinault Lodge – Wake up to a private balcony overlooking the lake followed by a fresh baked breakfast in the famous Roosevelt Dining Room (yes, President Franklin D. Roosevelt ate in the room in 1937)!

Port Angeles

Port Angeles is the most popular place to stay if you’re eloping in Olympic National Park. This is the gateway to the park. It’s located close to the most popular places in Olympic like Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent. Port Angeles is a medium-sized city with a cute downtown area and lots of places to eat. It has popular chains like Walmart, Starbucks, and Safeway and has everything you could need for your trip.

Pro tip: Sequim is another great place to stay. It’s 20 minutes east of Port Angeles and is a little more quiet and secluded. It has tons of lavender fields, parks, and stores like Costco and Michaels.

Forks

If you’re a small-town lover or Twilight fanatic, Forks is the town for you. There isn’t much to do in town. You will find one grocery store, a few gas stations, and a handful of souvenir shops. If you’re eloping at any of the beaches or rainforests in the park, this is where you should stay. However, I don’t recommend staying here for your entire trip as there isn’t much to do or see in the area.

How Much Does It Cost to Elope in Olympic National Park?

Most couples spend between $5,000-$15,000 for their elopement in Olympic National Park.

To help give you a better idea of cost, here’s a breakdown what you can expect to spend on your Olympic National Park elopement. I got these specific numbers when researching a 4-day, 3-night weekend trip (Friday-Monday) during the fall season (October 4th-7th).

High-End Elopement Budget

• $650 plane tickets – This greatly depends on where you’ll be flying from. However, most flights into Seattle are fairly affordable since it’s a large international airport. This specific number is the cost of a nonstop flight from New York to Seattle for two.
• $400 rental car – This is the price of an SUV from Hertz at the airport.
• $1,500 Airbnb in Port Angeles – This is a beachfront Airbnb with a hot tub located in Port Angeles.
• $10,000 elopement photographer – For full day elopement coverage.
• $500 florals – Includes a bouquet and boutonnière and florals for a tablescape.
• $500 hair and makeup
• $400 officiant – For a personalized ceremony and filing with the county clerk.
• $200 activity – A private chef experience for two.
• $50 miscellaneous costs – Could go towards parking, a small cake, etc.
• $62 marriage license – For Clallam County
• $50 special use permit

Total cost = $14,312

Standard Elopement Budget

• $650 plane tickets – This greatly depends on where you’ll be flying from. However, most flights into Seattle are fairly affordable since it’s a large international airport. This specific number is the cost of a nonstop flight from New York to Seattle for two.
• $300 rental car – This is the price of a standard sedan from Hertz at the airport.
• $650 Airbnb in Port Angeles – This is a roomy home in downtown Port Angeles.
• $8,000 elopement photographer – For full day elopement coverage.
• $350 florals – Includes a bouquet and boutonnière.
• $500 hair and makeup
• $200 officiant – For a quick ceremony and filing with the county clerk.
• $50 miscellaneous costs – Could go towards parking, a small cake, etc.
• $62 marriage license – For Clallam County
• $50 special use permit

Total cost = $10,812

Low-End Elopement Budget

• $650 plane tickets – This greatly depends on where you’ll be flying from. However, most flights into Seattle are fairly affordable since it’s a large international airport. This specific number is the cost of a nonstop flight from New York to Seattle for two.
• $200 rental car – This is the price of a standard sedan from an off-site rental car company or a rental through Turo.
• $450 Airbnb in Port Angeles – A charming guesthouse in Port Angeles.
• $6,000 elopement photographer – For half day to full day elopement coverage.
• $50 florals – DIY bouquet.
• $0 hair and makeup – DIY hair and makeup
• $0 officiant – Have me or a guest officiate your marriage for free.
• $50 miscellaneous costs – Could go towards parking, a small cake, etc.
• $62 marriage license – For Clallam County
• $50 special use permit

Total cost = $7,512

You can truly make your elopement experience as grand or simple as you’d like. Considering the average cost of a wedding in 2023 was $29,000, eloping sounds like a win to me!

Olympic National Park Elopement Timeline Examples

How much photo coverage do you need for your Olympic National Park elopement? The short answer? More than you might think. The long answer? At least 8! The park is ginormous and doesn’t have any roads that cut through the center of the park which means it takes awhile to drive from one location to the next. If you’re hoping to see as many locations as you can, 8 hours is a great place to start.

Elopement Activities in Olympic National Park

Whether you’re looking for activities to do before, on, or after your elopement, these are some of my personal recommendations.

• Bike along the Olympic Discovery Trail – This is a great dog-friendly trail! It’s popular for hiking, biking, walking, etc.
• Explore the Twilight Forever museum – When in Forks, right?
• Walk downtown Port Angeles and explore the shops – My personal favorites are MOSS and Odyssey Bookshop.
• Dine on some Italian food at Bella Italia
• Go whale watching in Port Angeles
• Have your first dance under the stars – Hurricane Ridge is the best place for this!
• Enjoy some s’mores around a campfire – Select beaches allow campfires, but be on the lookout for fire bans which are in effect during the summer months.
• Go kayaking, paddle boarding, or swimming in Lake Crescent – You can rent kayaks on the shore or in town.
• Visit a lavender farm in Sequim – Purple Haze is my personal favorite.
• Take a wildlife tour around the park – Hurricane Ridge is the spot for deer, Hoh Rainforest for elk, and Rialto Beach for marine life.
• Go tidepooling at Rialto Beach
• Hike one of the many trails in the park – I recommend Hurricane Hill, Sol Duc Falls, and Mount Storm King.
• Relax in one of the many hot springs
• Visit a bookstore in Port Angeles
• Go wine tasting
• Check out Sequim’s drive-thru wildlife farm

Olympic National Park Wedding Vendors

Below are a few of my favorite wedding vendors in the Olympic National Park area.

Officiants

• Officiant Jimmie
• Another One Ties The Knot

Styling and Coordination

• Tapestry Event Co.
• The Greatest Adventure

Hair and Makeup

• Makeup by Min
• Anne Timss

Florist

• Fullness of Joy Floral
• Tin Can Floral Co.

Photographer

That’s me! I’m Brianna. I specializes and am an expert in all things Olympic National Park elopements. I help couples plan once-in-a-lifetime elopements in the Pacific Northwest by creating personalized location lists, offering vendor recommendations, assisting with logistics like permits and marriage licenses, creating customized timelines, and so much more. If you’re looking for a photographer who not only knows this place like the back of her hand, but also a photographer who will help plan and capture your special day in Olympic National Park, you’ve come to the right place. Check out my Olympic National Park elopement packages for more details.

Olympic National Park Elopement Photographer

Have I mentioned I love Olympic National Park? Now that you’ve read all about my obsession with the park and what it has to offer, I hope I’ve convinced you to elope in the area. I’m Brianna, an Olympic National Park elopement photographer who specializes in photographing and planning elopements in the Pacific Northwest. To see more details about what’s included in all my elopement packages, check out my pricing page here, or read below to get a little sneak peek.

Olympic National Park Elopement Packages

• 4 hours – 1.5 days of elopement coverage anywhere in Olympic National Park
• 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

Olympic National Park Elopement Photos

Here are a few more images of elopements in the park to help you get excited and inspired about the possibilities of your very own elopement in Olympic National Park.

Still Need More Olympic National Park Inspiration?

Take a peek at some of my most helpful resources and galleries all about Olympic!

Pin for Later

Don’t forget to save these handy graphics to your Pinterest board so you can come back to this guide over and over again!