Gorgeous Spruce Nature Trail Elopement in the Hoh Rainforest

I have a confession to make. I think elopements on the Spruce Nature Trail are severely underrated. In fact, I might even prefer them to the ever-so-popular weddings on the Hall of Mosses trail.

The Spruce Nature Trail is an amazing location for couples looking to elope in the Hoh Rainforest, which, by nature, is very crowded. It is one of the last remaining temperate rainforests on Earth, so it is no surprise that people want to check it out. However, when couples come to me asking which trail in the forest would be best for an elopement, Spruce Nature almost always ends up at the top of my list.

When Caitlin and Zach first reached out to me about wanting to elope in Olympic National Park, they knew three things. They wanted to have their ceremony in the Hoh Rainforest, they wanted to check out a beach, and they wanted no crowds. At a place as popular as the rainforest, that last request can be a bit challenging. However, as someone who knows this area like the back of my hand, I instantly knew the Spruce Nature Trail would be the perfect place for their ceremony.

The day started off at the trailhead. It was definitely overcast and a bit rainy, but we were all prepared with our clear umbrellas, which make for excellent photo props, by the way. After walking a bit along the trail, we came to an incredible clearing just off to the side where Caitlin and Zach could read their vows in total peace. Thanks to the slightly rainy weather, not a single tourist passed by during their ceremony.

Afterward, we walked along the trail taking portraits. One of the main reasons I love the Spruce Nature Trail for elopements is the variety. Along this trail, you can find incredibly dense mossy sections, fallen trees, and my favorite stop, a wide clearing along the Hoh River. The Spruce Nature Trail is truly one of the only trails in the forest that can comfortably accommodate a larger group of guests without having to resort to the amphitheater or picnic area.

After all of this, we ended their elopement day at Ruby Beach. The rain was relentless. It did not let up for a second, and the wind was next level. Still, I think I speak for all three of us when I say it was the most fun we had had in a long while. In all my years of photographing elopements in the park, this is one that definitely stands out for all the right reasons.

And if you want an elopement day similar to this, I can’t wait to share with you what the Spruce Nature Trail has in store.

If you are interested in learning more about eloping in the park, be sure to check out my Olympic National Park elopement guide, along with my Hoh Rainforest elopement guide for more location ideas and tips.

Mini Spruce Nature Trail Elopement Guide

• Best time of year to elope: May is my favorite time of year. Amazing greens and no crowds. October and November are also perfect for weather, minimal crowds, fall colors, and elk sightings. The Spruce Nature Trail is open and beautiful year-round, and there truly is not a bad month to elope here.
• Hiking required: Yes. The full trail is a 1.3-mile loop. While you don’t need to hike the entire loop, many of the best ceremony locations are about halfway along the trail. This is a great option for all ages.
• Closest town: Forks, about a 45-minute drive.
• Crowd level: Very busy during the summer months. That said, the Spruce Nature Trail is generally less crowded than other trails in the forest.
• Pet-friendly: No.
• Permit required: If you have five or more people at your elopement, including vendors, you’ll need a $50 permit. No permit is required for groups of fewer than five.
• Important information: Wait times to enter the parking lot can reach up to two hours during the summer. Plan to arrive early in the morning or closer to sunset. You will also need a $30 park pass, which can be purchased from your vehicle as you pass the ranger station. Fall is elk season, and elk can often be seen throughout the winter and into the spring.

Spruce Nature Trail Elopement Packages

If this post has helped you imagine what it could look like to elope on the Spruce Nature Trail, I would love to help you bring that vision to life. My name is Brianna, and I’m an elopement photographer who specializes in intimate weddings throughout the Pacific Northwest, with a special focus on Olympic National Park. I help couples plan intentional, experience-driven elopements in some of the wildest and most beautiful places in Washington, guiding them every step of the way. If this is something that interests you, you can check out my PNW elopement packages or get a sneak peek below.

• 4 hours – 2 days of elopement coverage anywhere along the Spruce Nature Trail
• 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 $6,500