How to Plan an Olympic National Park Elopement in 2025

Olympic National Park is one of the few places where you can hike through a rainforest, picnic by an alpine lake, admire wildflower meadows, and watch the sunset on the beach—all in one day. It’s the most diverse (and arguably underrated) national parks in the U.S., so it’s no surprise you’re dreaming of an Olympic National Park wedding!

From the most breathtaking elopement locations to the best times of year to say “I do,” plus permit details and more, this guide has everything you need to plan your very own Olympic National Park elopement.

7 Jaw-Dropping Places to Elope in Olympic National Park

From beaches to mountains, Olympic has it all (and then some). These are 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, and for good reason. It has everything you need: no-hiking-required ceremony locations for guests, wildflower meadows, frequent deer sightings, and the dreamiest 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.

• 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: Port Angeles (40 minutes).
• Crowd level: Busy, plan for sunrise or sunset.
• Pet friendly: No.

Check out Jordan and Braden’s dreamy summer elopement at Hurricane Ridge!

Hoh Rainforest

The Hoh Rainforest is Olympic’s most iconic and magical wedding location. However, it’s also the park’s most popular spot. Wait times during the summer months can be up to 2 hours just to park! If the Hoh Rainforest is your dream location, plan for sunrise. Want the same lush rainforest look without the crowds? Olympic is full of hidden mossy forests, and I’d love to share my favorites with you!

• Best time of year to elope: December–May (peak greenery, no crowds).
• Hiking required: Minimal, less than 1 mile roundtrip on flat terrain.
• Closest town: Forks (45 minutes).
• Crowd level: Extremely busy, plan for sunrise or sunset (sunrise is more ideal).
• Pet friendly: No.

Check out my full guide on how to elope in the Hoh Rainforest, including some of my favorite spots! Or take a look at Meagan and Brett’s stunning elopement in the Hoh Rainforest and at Hurricane Ridge.

Lake Crescent

Lake Crescent is one of the best elopement locations for guests (tons of room). Just 30 minutes from Port Angeles, it’s easily accessible and stays snow-free in winter. With fun docks, secret forest trails, and nearby waterfalls, it’s perfect for exchanging vows, paddling on the lake, and celebrating with cake at one of the nearby picnic tables.

• 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: Port Angeles (30 minutes).
• Crowd level: Semi-busy, plan for sunrise or sunset.
• Pet friendly: No.

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

Ruby Beach

Ruby Beach is the most unique beach in Olympic National Park. If you picture a classic Pacific Northwest beach with moody fog, massive sea stacks, and endless driftwood, that’s Ruby Beach. It’s located right outside of Forks (Twilight fans, anyone?) and is close to Olympic’s rainforests.

• Best time of year to elope: June–October (winter is amazing for moody weather and no crowds).
• Hiking required: Yes, a 0.2-mile paved trail that can be steep on the way back up.
• Closest town: Forks (45 minutes).
• Crowd level: Fairly busy all-day. Sunrise has fewer people, but sunset has the best lighting.
• Pet friendly: Yes.

Check out Logan and Holton’s dreamy golden hour Ruby Beach elopement here.

Lake Cushman

If you’re looking for a private and intimate elopement location, Lake Cushman is a great choice. Located on the eastern border near Seattle, it’s farther from popular sites like Hurricane Ridge and the Hoh Rainforest. The lake is usually quiet except on hot summer days and is also near hidden waterfalls and forest trails.

• Best time of year to elope: July-October. This location gets snow and closes in the winter.
• Hiking required: No, but there are trails nearby.
• Closest town: Hoodsport (12 minutes).
• Crowd level: Mostly private, depending on where you go.
• Pet friendly: Yes.

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

Rialto Beach

If you love tide pools and vibrant sunsets, Rialto Beach is the perfect spot. It has some of the best tide pools in Olympic, breathtaking sunsets, and plenty of space for guests. It’s also dog-friendly, with picnic tables and lots of parking.

• Best time of year to elope: June-October, but beautiful year-round.
• Hiking required: No, but a popular trail along the shore leads to some great tide pools.
• Closest town: Forks (20 minutes).
• Crowd level: Fairly private, especially if you walk down the beach.
• Pet friendly: Yes.

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

Marymere Falls

If you want an epic waterfall elopement, Marymere Falls is a top choice. The short one-mile hike offers beautiful scenery, including forests, a creek, and a picturesque bridge. It’s close to popular spots like Lake Crescent and Mount Storm King, so it can be busier than other waterfalls. The base of the falls is small, making it less ideal for large groups.

• Best time of year to elope: April and May, when the waterfall is at its fullest. Accessible year-round.
• Hiking required: Yes, an easy 1.7-mile roundtrip hike with some stairs at the end.
• Closest town: Port Angeles (30 minutes).
• Crowd level: Private at sunrise or sunset..
• Pet friendly: No.

Check out this gorgeous winter elopement at Marymere Falls.

Best Time of Year for an Olympic National Park Wedding

Olympic National Park is incredibly diverse. It’s the only national park in Washington that is open and snow-free year-round. Here’s what to expect from each season:

Spring (March-May)

Spring is one of the best times to elope in Olympic, with peak waterfalls, greenery, and very active wildlife. The Hoh Rainforest is especially stunning this time of year.

Expect potential rain and occasional muddy trails. Higher elevations, like Hurricane Ridge, remain snow-covered, so if you’re dreaming of a mountaintop elopement, summer or fall is a better choice.

PROS	CONS
• No crowds • Lots of wildlife • Waterfalls and forests are at their peak • Lots of wildlife sightings	• Higher elevation areas still have snow • Unpredictable weather, muddy trails

Summer (June-August)

Summer brings warm weather, clear hiking trails, and full access to all locations in the park. Visitor centers and nearby towns are lively with tourists.

With good weather comes crowds, making secluded ceremony spots harder to find. For more privacy, plan a sunrise or sunset ceremony, or explore lesser-known areas 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

Fall (September-October)

Fall is Olympic’s shoulder season, bringing vibrant red, orange, and yellow fall colors. Higher elevations start seeing snow by mid to late October, and the park becomes quieter with better deals on lodging and flights.

Expect minimal rain and overcast skies, though the weather can be unpredictable. Rain typically starts in October.

PROS	CONS
• Nice weather • Beautiful fall colors • Fun festivals • Minimal crowds • Lots of wildlife sightings (elk)	• Some higher elevation areas start getting snow • Unpredictable weather come late-October

Winter (December-February)

Winter is wet and rainy, with many park attractions closed. However, it’s the least crowded season, making it perfect for couples who want privacy. You can snowshoe in the mountains in the morning and take a sunset beach stroll in the evening. Many locations, like the Hoh Rainforest and Lake Crescent, remain snow-free.

Winter is an underrated time to elope. It’s one of my personal favorite times of year to visit.

PROS	CONS
• No crowds • Cheaper lodging, airfare, and rental car costs • Lush greens in the forests • Lots of wildlife sightings (elk)	• Higher elevation areas have snow • Rainy weather

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

If your elopement has more than five people present, you’ll need a special use permit. This includes your photographer, officiant, etc. It costs $50 and can be applied for online.

How to Apply:

1. Download and fill out the application here.
2. Email your completed application to OLYM_Permits@nps.gov.
3. Wait for a response. The permit office will contact you about a month before your elopement.
4. Pay the $50 fee when you receive the payment link from the park.
5. Once it’s been finalized (usually a few days after paying the fee), the park will send you the final copy. Print it out and bring it with you on your wedding day.

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

A permit is not needed if you have less than five people at your elopement.

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

Here’s what you need to know about getting a marriage license in Washington:

• 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. I’m ordained and can officiate ceremonies. Witnesses can be friends, park rangers, or even people you meet on the trail.

How to Apply for a Marriage License:

I recommend applying through a county that offers mail-in applications so you don’t have to arrive early for the waiting period. Clallam County, home to Port Angeles and the main hub of Olympic, allows this.

Option 1: Apply by Mail

1. Print and fill out the application here.
2. Mail it in with a $62 money order or cashier’s check to the address that can be found on the application.
3. After processing, you’ll get your marriage license by mail in a few days.

Option 2: Apply in Person

1. Walk into the County Clerk’s office in Port Angeles with your photo ID and $62. No appointment necessary.
2. Fill out the paperwork and get your license.

For more details, check out the official Clallam County site or my step-by-step guide on getting a Washington marriage license.

Can We Bring Our Dog?

Yes! Olympic National Park has several dog-friendly locations, though pets are not allowed at most popular sites. If you want more options, consider the nearby national forest, which is very 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 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 more details, check out the park’s official pet policy. My top dog-friendly elopement spots 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

If you want to stay within the park, expect seclusion and some driving to the nearest stores, but you’ll be close to its most popular locations.

• Kalaloch Lodge – No WiFi, but stunning views and private beach access.
• 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

Port Angeles is the most popular place to stay if you’re eloping in Olympic National Park. It has a cute downtown, plenty of restaurants, and all the essentials like Walmart, Starbucks, and Safeway.

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.

Forks

A tiny town with one grocery store, a few gas stations, and Twilight-themed souvenir shops. Ideal if you’re eloping at the beaches or rainforests, but not much else to do, so consider splitting your stay between here and Port Angeles.

Olympic National Park Elopement Timeline Examples

How much photo coverage do you need for your wedding in Olympic National Park? More than you might think! The park is massive, with no roads cutting through the center, so driving between locations takes time. If you want to explore multiple locations, 8 hours is a great starting point and what I personally recommend for a wedding in Olympic.

Elopement Activities in Olympic National Park

Looking for things to do before, during, or after your elopement? Here are some of my top recommendations:

• Bike along the Olympic Discovery Trail – A dog-friendly trail perfect for biking, hiking, or walking.
• 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 – 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 bookstore in Port Angeles
• Go wine tasting
• Check out Sequim’s drive-thru wildlife farm

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 – 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 Washington are already included
• Starting at $8,000

Olympic National Park Wedding Photo Inspiration

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 Olympic National Park elopement.

Still Need More Olympic National Park Inspiration?

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

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