Best Olympic National Park Elopement Guide for 2026

I photographed my first Olympic National Park elopement about six years ago. Since then, I’ve photographed over 50 elopements in Olympic alone. In fact, I fell so head-over-heels in love with the park after my first visit that I packed up all my things and moved to the park each summer. When I say I’ve explored every nook and cranny of Olympic, I truly mean it.

What I love most about Olympic National Park for elopements is that it’s one of the few places where you can hike through a rainforest, picnic by a lake, go skiing in the mountains, and watch the sunset on the beach, all in the same day. It’s easily the most diverse and, in my opinion, the best national park for an elopement in the country.

Using my local knowledge and years of photographing elopements in Olympic, this guide covers everything from the most stunning elopement locations to the best times of year to visit, along with permit details and planning tips to help you plan the perfect Olympic National Park elopement.

7 Best Places to Elope in Olympic National Park

These are the seven best places to elope in Olympic National Park based on my first-hand experience photographing over 50 elopements here. I chose these locations not just for how beautiful they are, but for how well they actually work for real elopement days, including accessibility, crowd levels, guest count, and weather. Every spot on this list is somewhere I’ve personally explored, photographed, and confidently recommend to my own couples.

So whether it’s mountains, beaches, or forests you’re after, this is a list of the seven best places to elope in Olympic National Park.

Hurricane Ridge

Hurricane Ridge is hands down my favorite elopement location in Olympic National Park for so many different reasons. This is one of the best mountain elopement locations in the park that requires absolutely no hiking to see. Hurricane Ridge truly has everything: no-hiking-required ceremony locations for guests, wildflowers, wildlife (so many deer!), and some of the best sunrises and sunsets I’ve seen anywhere in the park.

The only real drawback is that because Hurricane Ridge is so accessible, it gets very crowded mid-day. For that reason, I always recommend planning a sunrise or sunset ceremony here. That said, there are some fantastic ceremony spots up here that most tourists don’t even know exist, which makes it much easier to find privacy if you have a good photographer who knows where they’re at.

• Best time of year to elope: June, September, and October (early June and October for fewer crowds and great weather).
• Hiking required: No, but there are lots of trails to explore if you want to hike.
• Closest town for lodging: Port Angeles (40 minutes).
• Crowd level: Moderate to high.
• Photographer tip: Weather at Hurricane Ridge can be unpredictable. Even if it’s sunny in town, it can be completely fogged in at the top. The good news is that fog moves in and out quickly here. There’s a live park webcam I always check on elopement days to see what conditions actually look like before heading up.

I’ve put together a full Hurricane Ridge elopement guide, along with photos from a real elopement I photographed there, if you want to check it out!

Hoh Rainforest

Dare I say the most magical and unique elopement location in all of Washington is the Hoh Rainforest? I do. I’ve photographed elopements here in almost every month of the year, and it’s one of those places that no matter when you visit, you’re guaranteed to be blown away.

Because this location is so one-of-a-kind (it is one of the last remaining temperate rainforests on Earth after all), it’s also one of the most popular places in the entire park. In the summer, wait times can reach up to two hours just to park. If the Hoh Rainforest is high on your list, I highly recommend planning a sunrise or sunset ceremony, or eloping during one of the shoulder seasons. I especially love this location between November and March. Every elopement I’ve photographed here during that time has been completely crowd-free, with the rainforest at its greenest and, if you’re lucky, Roosevelt elk sightings for days.

If you love the look of the Hoh Rainforest but want more privacy, Olympic has several similar rainforests nearby. One of my favorite hidden gems in the park is just a short drive from here and offers the same mossy forest trees without the crowds.

• Best time of year to elope: December–May (peak greenery and the best chance for crowd-free trails)
• Hiking required: Minimal, less than 1 mile roundtrip on flat terrain.
• Closest town for lodging: Forks (45 minutes).
• Crowd level: High.
• Photographer tip: This is not a great spot for elopements with guests. While there are a few spots for elopements with larger parties, the trails in the actual forest are very narrow and can only accommodate a few people. I recommend keeping guest counts to no more than 5–7 people.

Take a peek at a real elopement I photographed along the Spruce Nature Trail, along with a complete guide on how to elope in the Hoh Rainforest.

Lake Crescent

Lake Crescent is one of my most recommended locations in Olympic National Park for elopements with guests, especially because there is so much room along the shoreline for everyone. If you only have a few hours on your elopement day but want to see as many landscapes as possible, I can’t recommend the Lake Crescent area enough. Within a short period of time, you can see the lake, multiple waterfalls, a river, an old-growth forest, wildflowers, and even a meadow.

This is also one of the few areas in Olympic that stays accessible year-round and often remains snow-free in the winter, which makes it an incredible option for couples planning an off-season elopement.

• Best time of year to elope: May, June, September, or October (winter is also a hidden gem!).
• Hiking required: No, but there are lots of trails nearby if you want to hike.
• Closest town for lodging: Port Angeles (30 minutes).
• Crowd level: Moderate.
• Photographer tip: This area is ideal for multi-location elopements. It’s also become a popular photo spot, so you may see other couples here having photos taken.

Want to see a real elopement here? Check out my Lake Crescent elopement guide that also features a real elopement I photographed here at sunrise.

Ruby Beach

As someone who’s been to practically every beach along the West Coast, Ruby Beach is easily in my top five. I’d even go as far to say that it’s one of the best beach elopement locations in the world. When you picture a Pacific Northwest beach, what comes to mind? Fog, driftwood, sea stacks? Ruby Beach has all of that and more.

What makes this location so special is how varied it feels in a relatively small area. In just a short walk, you can photograph along the shoreline, on top of massive driftwood logs, and in front of sea stacks. You won’t find that with beaches in Florida.

Like most beaches in Olympic National Park, Ruby Beach is an excellent option for elopements with guests. There’s a good amount of space to spread out, which makes it easy to find privacy even when other visitors are nearby.

• Best time of year to elope: June–October (winter is also incredible for fog and very few crowds).
• Hiking required: Yes, a 0.2-mile paved trail that can be steep on the way back up.
• Closest town for lodging: Forks (45 minutes).
• Crowd level: Moderate to high.
• Photographer tip: Tide timing matters here. Always check the tide charts before planning a ceremony if you want to walk out toward the sea stacks.

Want to see more? Here’s a Ruby Beach elopement guide that has more photos from Logan and Holton’s dreamy golden hour elopement.

Lake Cushman

If you’re looking for something quieter and more off the beaten path for your elopement day, Lake Cushman is an incredible option. Located on the eastern side of Olympic National Park, this area is one of my favorite hidden gems in the entire park. It’s closer to Seattle than most Olympic locations, yet is far less visited. This side of the park feels very much off-the-grid in a way.

This side of the park is especially known for its waterfalls and mountain trails, which makes it perfect for couples who love hiking. Every elopement I’ve photographed here has been virtually crowd-free.

Skokomish Park is the most popular ceremony spot around the lake and is open seasonally. During the off-season, though, there are several pull-offs around the lake that work for ceremonies. Just keep in mind that this area gets significant snow in the winter, which can close access roads.

• Best time of year to elope: July-October (this area gets heavy snow and often closes in winter).
• Hiking required: No, but there are trails nearby.
• Closest town for lodging: Hoodsport (12 minutes).
• Crowd level: Low to moderate.
• Photographer tip: Most pull-offs for the lake require a bit of scrambling to get down to which might not be ideal for older guests.

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

Rialto Beach

Rialto Beach has some of the best tide pooling in the entire park. In my experience, this location tends to be a bit busier than Ruby Beach, mainly because of the famous Hole-in-the-Wall trail that leads to the tide pools and some of the more unique sea stacks the beach has.

Even with its popularity, this is still a location I highly recommend. What I love most about Rialto is how versatile it is. There’s plenty of space for larger ceremonies, it’s dog-friendly, and there are even picnic tables near the parking lot that work perfectly for cake, champagne, or a small celebration after the ceremony.

This is also one of the best year-round beach options in Olympic. Like most of the coastline here, it stays snow-free all year, which makes it a great choice for winter and shoulder-season elopements.

• Best time of year to elope: June-October.
• Hiking required: No, but a popular trail along the shore leads to some great tide pools.
• Closest town for lodging: Forks (20 minutes).
• Crowd level: Moderate.
• Photographer tip: If you want to hike the Hole-in-the-Wall trail (which I highly recommend doing), check tide charts before hand because it’s only accessible during low tide!

See more photos of Jess and Warren’s sunset elopement I photographed at Rialto Beach here! And if you’re interested in another great beach for tide pooling, be sure to check out Second Beach for an elopement!

Marymere Falls

Last but certainly not least on this list of the best places to elope in Olympic National Park (and trust me, I could go on forever), we have Marymere Falls. Olympic is home to more than 25 waterfalls, so choosing just one was no easy task, but Marymere remains one of my top picks.

Getting here is part of the fun. The short, mostly flat trail takes you through a mossy old-growth forest, over a creek, across several bridges, and up some stairs before getting to the falls.

Because Marymere is located right next to Lake Crescent, it does tend to be a bit busier than some of the more remote waterfalls in the park. The base of the falls is also fairly small, which makes this best suited for very small elopement parties. Elopements with more than five guests usually feel crowded here.

• Best time of year to elope: April and May, when the waterfall is at its fullest.
• Hiking required: Yes, an easy 1.7-mile roundtrip hike with some stairs at the end.
• Closest town: Port Angeles (30 minutes).
• Crowd level: Moderate to high.
• Photographer tip: The stairs at the end of the trail may be a little challenging for older guests.

Want to see what an off-season elopement looks like here? Check out this gorgeous winter elopement I shot at Marymere Falls.

Best Time of Year to Elope in Olympic National Park

One of the things that makes Olympic National Park so special is that it’s the only national park in Washington that’s open and has snow-free locations year-round.

In my experience photographing elopements here in every season, the overall best time of year to elope in Olympic National Park is June through October. That said, every season offers something completely different, and the “best” time really depends on what kind of scenery, weather, and experience you’re looking for.

Here’s what you can expect throughout the year.

Spring (March-May)

Spring is one of my favorite seasons in Olympic. Waterfalls are at their peak, forests are the greenest they’ll be all year, and wildlife activity is high. The Hoh Rainforest in particular is gorgeous this time of year and the number one location I recommend during this timeframe (aside from the waterfalls which are also a must this time of year).

That said, spring can be unpredictable. Rain is common, trails can be muddy, and higher elevations like Hurricane Ridge often remain snow-covered well into May. If mountains are a must, late May to early June is usually a safer bet.

Pros:
• Very few crowds
• Peak greenery and waterfalls
• Wildlife sightings

Cons:
• Rain
• Higher elevation areas still have snow

Summer (June-August)

Summer offers the easiest access to the entire park. Trails are snow-free, roads are open, and every region of Olympic is ready to explore. This is also wildflower season in the park! Weather is typically warm and dry, which makes this the most popular season for elopements and travel. It also never gets too hot in the park which is nice.

However, with that popularity comes crowds. Some locations, especially Hurricane Ridge and the Hoh Rainforest, can become very busy mid-day. For couples planning a summer elopement, I almost always recommend sunrise or sunset ceremonies, or choosing quieter areas like the Quinault or east side of the park.

Pros:
• Warm weather
• Full access to the entire park
• Longer daylight hours

Cons:
• Crowds

Fall (September-October)

Fall is one of the absolute best times to elope here. In fact, fall and spring are the two times of year I recommend most to my couples. Crowds drop off significantly after Labor Day, the weather is nice, and fall colors are everywhere in the park. Elk activity also increases during this time thanks to rutting season, which makes wildlife sightings very common in and around the rainforests.

By late October (around October 20th in my experience), higher elevations like Hurricane Ridge start closing for the season due to snow and rain becomes more common throughout the park.

Pros:
• Very few crowds
• Fall colors
• Wildlife sightings

Cons:
• Rain and snow come late-October which may close roads

Winter (December-February)

Winter is hands down the most underrated season in Olympic National Park. Yes, it’s rainy, but it’s also completely crowd-free. In fact, I once photographed an elopement here during the winter where we ran into a total of 3 people during a 4-hour period. The forests are green, elk are everywhere, and many coastal and lake locations are snow-free.

While higher elevations are often inaccessible due to snow, winter offers a rare opportunity to experience Olympic without crowds. You can snowshoe in the mountains in the morning and say your vows on the beach at sunset, all in the same day.

As someone who photographs here year-round, winter is the season I choose to vacation in the park. Seriously folks, don’t sleep on this time of year!

Pros:
• No crowds
• Bright greens
• Wildlife sightings

Cons:
• Rain and snow, some roads remain closed

Olympic National Park Elopement Permit Information

Olympic National Park has one of the simplest and most affordable wedding permit systems of any national park, which is one of the many reasons I love photographing elopements here.

If your elopement will have more than five people present (including your photographer, officiant, and any guests), you are required to obtain a Special Use Permit from the park. The permit costs $50 and can be purchased online.

If you are eloping with five people or fewer total, no permit is needed.

How to Apply:

1. Download and fill out the permit application here.
2. Email your completed application to OLYM_Permits@nps.gov.
3. Wait for a response. The permit office typically reaches out about one month before your elopement date to confirm details and availability.
4. Once approved, you’ll receive a payment link to pay the $50 fee online.
5. After your payment is processed (usually within a few days), the park will email you your approved permit. Be sure to print a copy and bring it with you on your wedding day.

For the most up-to-date information, I always recommend checking the official Olympic National Park permit page!

How to Get a Marriage License

Getting your marriage license in Washington is something I help almost every one of my Olympic couples navigate. In my experience photographing elopements all over Washington, the state has one of the easiest systems for out-of-state couples, especially if you plan ahead and apply by mail.

Here’s exactly what you need to know:

• You can get a license in any Washington county. It does not have to be from the county where you’re getting married.
• There is a three-day waiting period. You must wait three days after receiving your license before you can get married.
• The license is valid for 60 days.
• You need two witnesses and an officiant.
  • Witnesses can be friends, park rangers, or even people you meet on the trail.
  • I’m ordained and can officiate ceremonies!

How to Apply for a Marriage License:

For couples eloping in Olympic, I almost always recommend applying through Clallam County, which is located in the main hub of the park. They offer mail-in applications, which means you don’t have to arrive early in Washington just to wait out the three-day period.

Option 1: Apply by Mail (My Recommended Option)

1. Print and fill out the application here.
2. Mail it in with a $162 money order or cashier’s check made payable to Clallam County to the address that can be found on the application.
3. After processing, your marriage license will be mailed to you within a few weeks.

Option 2: Apply in Person

1. Walk into the County Clerk’s office in Port Angeles with your photo ID and $162. No appointment necessary.
2. Fill out the paperwork and get your license.
3. Wait three days before your ceremony.

For the most up-to-date details, you can always double-check information on the official Clallam County website.

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

Thanks to its proximity to a major airport, low permit fee, and variety of lodging to choose from, most couples spend anywhere from around $5,000-$15,000 on their Olympic National Park elopement. I’ve personally had couples spend more than this, but it all comes down to what you want the day to look like. I would say that with my couples, most of them spend $10,000-$12,000 on average.

Here are a few realistic budget examples you can check out that I put together for an elopement during the peak season of August.

All-Inclusive Olympic National Park Elopement Packages

After photographing over 50 elopements in Olympic National Park and spending multiple seasons living and working in the area, I created all-inclusive Olympic elopement packages specifically for couples who want a seamless, stress-free planning experience from start to finish.

Olympic is an incredible place to elope, but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not familiar with the area. Having someone who truly knows the park makes a huge difference in both your experience and your photos.

My all-inclusive packages include the following:

• 8+ hours of photography coverage
• Travel booked
  • 2 roundtrip plane tickets
  • Rental car booking
  • 2 night stay in upscale lodging
• Vendors booked
  • Hair and makeup artist
  • Florist
  • Officiant
  • Cake or dessert of choice
  • Activity of choice (helicopter ride, private chef, luxury picnic, etc.)
• Personalized planning experience
  • Personalized elopement recommendations
  • Completion of all permits and licenses
  • Custom timeline
  • Curated travel guides
  • 90+ page elopement guide
• Complimentary officiant services

If you’re planning from out of state, feeling overwhelmed by logistics, or simply want someone who knows Olympic inside and out to plan your elopement, I’d love to help.

Learn more about my all-inclusive Olympic National Park elopement packages here.

And if full-service planning isn’t quite what you’re looking for, I also offer customizable elopement packages that include personalized planning support without full coordination.

Where to Stay for Your Olympic National Park Elopement

Choosing where to stay in Olympic National Park can make a huge difference in how well the day flows. In my experience, location matters more than amenities. Staying close to your ceremony spot can save hours of driving time. Olympic is much larger than most people think!

These are my top recommendations based on where most couples elope.

Olympic National Park

If you want to stay within the park, expect seclusion, limited cell service, potentially weak wifi, and some driving in order to get to the nearest stores. That said, the convenience, especially for sunrise ceremonies, can be hard to beat.

• Kalaloch Lodge – No WiFi, but stunning views and private beach access. Close to the rainforests.
• Lake Crescent Lodge – Cozy lakeside cottages with an on-site restaurant and private shoreline seating.
• Log Cabin Resort – A quiet, secluded stay on Lake Crescent.
• Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort – Nestled in the forest near Sol Duc Falls and other popular hiking trails.
• Lake Quinault Lodge – Lake views, a private balcony, and breakfast in the historic Roosevelt Dining Room.

Port Angeles (My Top Recommendation for Most Couples)

Port Angeles is hands down the most popular and practical place to stay for Olympic elopements. It’s centrally located, close to all the most popular locations like Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, Marymere Falls, Sol Duc, etc. and offers the best balance of convenience and comfort. It has a great walkable downtown with fun shops, big-box stores like Walmart and Safeway for groceries, and the widest selection of hotels and Airbnbs in the area.

If you’re specifically planning to elope in or near town, I’ve put together a complete Port Angeles elopement guide with local location ideas and planning tips.

Pro tip: Sequim is another great place to stay, 20 minutes east. It’s quieter with lavender fields, parks, and stores like Costco and Michaels. This is a great spot for cheaper lodging but a smidge further from everything.

Forks

Forks, yes, that Forks is a tiny town with one grocery store, a few gas stations, and its famous Twilight museum. While there isn’t much to do in town itself, it’s an excellent home base if you’re eloping at the beaches or rainforests on the west side of the park. Because amenities are limited, I recommend splitting your stay between Forks and Port Angeles if you want to explore both sides of the park, at least that’s what I do whenever I visit.

Olympic National Park Elopement Timeline Examples

One of the most common questions I get from couples is, “How much photo coverage do we actually need in Olympic?”

The answer is usually more than you think.

Olympic National Park is massive, with no main road cutting through the center of the park. Driving between locations often takes 45 minutes to over an hour, and the best elopement days here almost always involve visiting multiple landscapes.

Based on all the elopements I’ve photographed in the park, I typically recommend 8 hours as a starting point for most couples, with 12 hours being ideal if you want a relaxed pace and multiple locations. Here are a few sample timelines to help you visualize what a real elopement day in Olympic can look like.

Dog-Friendly Elopement Locations in Olympic

You can elope in Olympic National Park with your dog, but options inside the park are limited. Pets are not allowed at most popular trails, lakes, and rainforests.

Over the years, I’ve photographed quite a few dog-friendly elopements in and around Olympic, and my biggest recommendation is this: if bringing your pup is a top priority, consider locations in the surrounding national forest. The forest is extremely dog-friendly, offers just as much scenery, and gives you far more flexibility with ceremony locations.

That said, pets are permitted at the following locations inside Olympic National Park (on leash only):

• Ruby Beach
• Peabody Creek Trail
• Rialto Beach (parking lot to Ellen Creek, about 0.8 miles)
• The beaches between the Hoh and Quinault Reservations (Kalaloch area)
• Madison Falls Trail
• Spruce Railroad Trail
• July Creek Loop Trail
• Olympic Discovery Trail

For full and up-to-date rules, I always recommend checking the park’s official pet policy.

As someone who has been to all of these locations, the two best dog-friendly elopement locations inside the park are Madison Falls and Ruby Beach. Both are easily accessible, beautiful year-round, and work well for ceremonies with both dogs and guests.

Elopement Activities in Olympic National Park

One of the best parts about eloping in Olympic is how much there is to do before, during, and after your ceremony. Whether you want something adventurous or relaxing, there’s no shortage of things to do in the area.

From all the activities I’ve done in the park, here are some I often recommend to couples:

• Bike along the Olympic Discovery Trail – A dog-friendly trail perfect for biking, hiking, or walking.
• Explore the Twilight Forever museum – It’s actually a lot cooler than you’d think!
• 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 on the Puget Sound Express – May through October is the best time for this.
• Have your first dance under the stars – Hurricane Ridge is the best place for stargazing in the park!
• Enjoy some s’mores around a campfire – Some beaches allow fires, but check for fire bans.
• 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 local bookstore
• Go wine tasting
• Check out Sequim’s drive-thru wildlife farm

Olympic National Park Elopement Photographer

Have I mentioned how much I love Olympic National Park?

After everything you’ve read in this guide, I hope you’re just as excited about this place as I am. Olympic truly is one of the most incredible places to elope in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s been a huge part of my life and my business for years.

I’m Brianna, an elopement photographer who specializes in photographing and planning elopements throughout the Pacific Northwest, with Olympic National Park being one of my absolute favorite places to work. Over the years, I’ve photographed more than 50 elopements here, spent entire seasons living nearby, and explored just about every corner of the park.

When you work with me, you’re not just hiring a photographer. You’re getting someone who: knows the park inside and out, understands permits, seasons, and logistics, and designs elopement days for couples returning to or visiting the park for the first time.

If you’d like to see full details about what’s included in my elopement packages, you can visit my pricing page here. Below is a quick overview of what my Olympic elopement packages include.

Olympic National Park Elopement Packages

• 4 hours – 2 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 Olympic are already included
• Starting at $6,500

And if Olympic isn’t quite the right fit, Washington has no shortage of incredible elopement locations. You can explore my guide to the best places to elope in Washington to compare landscapes and find what feels right for you.

Still Need More Olympic National Park Inspiration?

Here are a few of my most helpful guides and real elopement galleries to help you continue planning your Olympic elopement with confidence.

Olympic FAQ

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!