Olympic National Park Elopement Guide
A step-by-step Guide on how to plan your Olympic National Park Elopement!
Imagine this: Olympic National Park, where moss-draped trees, misty forests, and rugged coastlines create a scene straight out of a fairytale (or a Twilight movie). With towering mountains, lush rainforests, and wild ocean shores, it feels like stepping into another world—one that’s perfect for couples craving an unforgettable elopement backdrop.
Eloping here isn’t just about saying “I do”—it’s about immersing yourselves in one of nature’s most breathtaking masterpieces. If you're dreaming of exchanging vows in this magical setting, you're in the right place. Get ready, because we’ve put together the ultimate guide to help bring your Olympic National Park elopement to life!
Step 1Hire an Olympic National Park Elopement Photographer
Your elopement begins with choosing the right photographer—one who knows the ins and outs of Olympic National Park and can help you navigate everything from permits and locations to lighting and weather conditions. An experienced photographer will not only capture stunning images but also guide you through the planning process, ensuring your day is seamless, stress-free, and perfectly tailored to your vision.
From scouting the best ceremony spots to helping you craft a timeline that maximizes your adventure, hiring an expert in the park is the first and most important step toward an unforgettable elopement experience!
We know some pretty rad people who are experts in Olympic National Park Elopements. Just click the button below to meet them!
Step 2Choose the Best Time of Year for your Olympic National Park Elopement
When to visit Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park's weather can be unpredictable, with variations across different regions of the park. Summer months (July through August) offer the most reliable weather for outdoor ceremonies, especially in the more elevated locations. However, if you're enchanted by the idea of misty forests and fewer crowds, spring and fall can provide a magical backdrop as well.
Summer
Summer is the most popular time to elope in Olympic National Park due to the warmer weather, clearer skies, and full access to all areas of the park, including mountainous regions like Hurricane Ridge and Blue Mountain. The days are longer, giving you more flexibility to enjoy the park's beauty.
Pros: Best weather conditions, full access to the park, and longer days.
Cons: Higher visitor numbers, which might affect the privacy of your ceremony.
Fall
Fall in Olympic National Park is a well-kept secret. The crowds begin to thin, and the landscape is painted with autumnal hues. The weather remains mild early in the season, making September an ideal month for those looking to enjoy the last of the warmer weather. By late October and November, the park starts to quiet down, offering a more secluded and intimate setting. Plus, mushrooms are popping up all over, adding an extra touch of enchantment to the already magical scenery!
Pros: Fall Colors, Cooler Temperatures, and fewer visitors.
Cons: The weather can turn moody and rainy, especially in late fall, and days become shorter.
Winter
Winter transforms the Hurricane Ridge into a quiet, snowy wonderland, ideal for couples looking for a winter elopement with a stunning snow-covered backdrop. Areas like the Hurricane Ridge are accessible for winter sports, adding an adventurous twist to your elopement. However, many areas may be less accessible due to snow, and the rain forest and coastal regions can experience stormy weather.
Pros: Snowy Landscapes, Minimal Crowds, lower elevation areas like the coast and lake crescent remain open all winter
Cons: Cold Temperatures, Limited Mountain Access, and Shorter Days.
Spring
Spring in Olympic National Park brings fresh blooms, rushing waterfalls, and a renewed sense of adventure as the park awakens from winter. Snow lingers in the alpine regions, while the lower elevations—like the Hoh Rainforest, Lake Crescent, and the Olympic Coast—become lush and vibrant. The season offers a mix of moody weather, misty forests, and fewer crowds, making it an incredible time for an intimate and romantic elopement.
Pros: Fewer Crowds, Waterfalls at their Peak
Cons: Limited Mountain Access, Colder Temperatures
Step 2Pick the best Location for your Olympic National Park Elopement
The different areas in Olympic National Park
Spanning nearly a million acres, Olympic National Park is a land of dramatic contrasts, offering an incredible range of ecosystems within a single destination. Whether you seek towering mountain peaks, pristine alpine meadows, temperate rainforests, or rugged coastal shores, the park delivers an unforgettable experience. Each distinct region has its own character, making it an ideal location for adventurers, eloping couples, and nature lovers alike.
Hurricane Ridge
One of the most accessible high-altitude areas in the park, Hurricane Ridge offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, their snow-capped peaks rising above rolling meadows filled with wildflowers in the summer. The ridge is known for its sweeping vistas, winding trails, and dramatic weather, where mist can roll in unexpectedly, adding a mystical quality to the landscape. In the winter, the area transforms into a snowy wonderland, ideal for snowshoeing and skiing.
Lake Crescent
Nestled in the northern section of the park, Lake Crescent is a deep, glacially-carved lake renowned for its strikingly clear, blue waters. The lake is surrounded by dense, old-growth forests, providing a peaceful setting for kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing. Trails like Marymere Falls lead through moss-draped trees to stunning waterfalls, while Mount Storm King offers a steep but rewarding hike with unparalleled views of the lake below. The area is ideal for those looking to experience both the serenity of the water and the beauty of Olympic’s wilderness.
Deer Park
Deer Park is one of Olympic National Park’s best-kept secrets. Accessible only by a long, winding gravel road, this remote alpine area sits at nearly 5,400 feet and offers a peaceful alternative to the more visited Hurricane Ridge. The meadows here burst into color with summer wildflowers, while trails like Grand Ridge provide an opportunity for high-elevation hiking with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and even glimpses of the Strait of Juan de Fuca on a clear day.
The Olympic Coast
Stretching for over 70 miles, the Olympic Coast is one of the last truly wild shorelines in the United States. Here, dramatic sea stacks rise from the surf, tide pools teem with marine life, and driftwood-strewn beaches offer an otherworldly setting for exploration. Iconic locations such as Ruby Beach, Rialto Beach, and Shi Shi Beach feature misty shores, towering cliffs, and jaw-dropping sunsets that make them unforgettable spots for couples and photographers alike.
Hoh Rainforest
Perhaps the most famous of Olympic’s landscapes, the Hoh Rainforest is a prime example of a temperate rainforest, where ancient trees—some over 300 feet tall—are draped in thick, green moss. With annual rainfall reaching over 12 feet, the forest stays lush and vibrant year-round. Trails like the Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trail offer easy access to this magical world, where ferns carpet the ground and elk often roam among the towering Sitka spruces and bigleaf maples. The rainforest’s dense, green canopy and near-silent atmosphere make it feel like stepping into a fairy tale.
Other Stunning Locations for Your Olympic National Park Elopement
While the well-known spots in Olympic National Park—like Hurricane Ridge and the Hoh Rainforest—get a lot of attention, there are several other breathtaking locations that offer equally magical (and sometimes more private) settings for an elopement. Whether you're drawn to serene lakes, towering forests, or peaceful mountain landscapes, these lesser-known gems provide incredible backdrops for an intimate wedding day.
Lake Quinalt
Lake Cushman
Olympic National Forest
How to pick the best location for your Elopement?
Choosing the perfect spot to elope in Olympic National Park might feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—there’s a location for every vibe! Think about your adventure level, accessibility, guest count, and dream scenery to narrow it down.
While the park is full of stunning backdrops, not every scenic spot works for a ceremony, especially with more than a handful of guests. We recommend keeping it intimate (under 15-20 guests), but if you’re planning a slightly larger celebration, nearby venues or Airbnb/Vrbo rentals can host a small reception while still giving you that adventure elopement feel.
Not sure where to start? We’ll help you find the perfect spot—balancing epic landscapes, logistics, and your dream vision—so your wedding day is just as breathtaking as the park itself.
Best Ceremony locations in Olympic National Park:
Lake Crescent/Bovee’s Meadow
Blue Mountain
Hurricane Ridge
Ruby Beach
Hoh Rain Forest
Best Hiking trails in Olympic National Park
Hall of Mosses
Rialto Beach to Hole in the Wall
Marymere Falls
Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge
Sol Duc Falls
Madison Falls
Moments in Time Trail
Ruby Beach
Not sure which area would be best for your elopement? Reach out, and we can brainstorm together to find the perfect spot for your Olympic National Park elopement!
Step 3Olympic National Park Wedding Permit and Passes
Do I need a permit to get married in Olympic National Park?
It depends on your group size. You aren't required to obtain a permit when your group size is under 5 guests in total (including vendors). Have more guests? No problem! Applying for a permit is fairly simple, and we will handle most of the work for you (aside from signing and paying the permit fee).
Have a bigger group size than 25 guests and are planning an adventure wedding (25-50 guests)? We highly suggest renting a small venue somewhere close to the park that can hold that many people for a ceremony or reception. We’ve listed a few of our favorite small venues at step 4 of this blog!
Other passes & Fees
To enter some of the main national park areas, you are required to purchase a $15 day pass or an America the Beautiful pass.
Step 4Book your Olympic National Park Accommodation
Where to stay for your Olympic National Park Elopement
Because Olympic National Park is so vast, we strongly suggest renting a place to stay for a few days. This way, you'll have the chance to really soak in all the stunning areas the park has to offer. Plus, some of the Airbnb and Vrbo options are nestled right by the lake, providing a serene spot for activities like swimming in the crystal-clear waters, kayaking, or hosting an intimate dinner party as the sun dips behind the mountains at day's end. It's the perfect way to make the most of your Olympic adventure!
Favorite Airbnb/Vrbo’s in the Olympics
If you decide to throw a larger reception at the end of the day with more guests, Olympic National Park is the place to be! It boasts several stunning small venues and VRBO options where you can host a reception for 25-50 guests.
Favorite Micro Venues in Olympic National Park:
Looking for more Micro Wedding Venue options in Washington?
Step 5Hire Olympic National Park Elopement Vendors
Like a traditional wedding, selecting vendors for your elopement is essential, though the choices hinge on your budget and specific desires. Many couples embrace a do-it-yourself ethos, taking joy in crafting their own bouquets or baking their wedding cake. Conversely, some prefer the ease of engaging professionals for services to ensure a worry-free experience on their special day. Ultimately, there's no correct or incorrect approach; it's all about what best aligns with your vision and allows you to fully enjoy your celebration.
Below are some examples of vendors we’ve seen other couples hire for their elopements and adventure weddings:
Step 6Get your Olympic National Park Marriage License
To get married in Washington State, you will have to apply for a marriage license. You are eligible to apply 60 days before your elopement date, but no later than 3 days before.
Are you visiting Washington from another state? You have two options: You can arrive 3-4 days before your elopement date and visit a local office to get your license or apply online and have it mailed to you. You can find more information here.
What do we do with the marriage certificate on the day of the ceremony?
After the ceremony, the couple, the officiant, and two witnesses will have to sign the marriage certificate. It is the officiant’s responsibility to complete and return the license.
Can a family member officiate my wedding?
Yes! You can become an ordained minister online. Apply here.
Our elopement is going to be just us. How can we find an officiant and witnesses?
Brooke & Sanne can be your witnesses and officiate your wedding or you can hire an officiant. Please make sure to let us know while planning for your wedding.
Other things to know when planning an elopement in Olympic National Park
Planning your elopement in Olympic National Park comes with a few key things to keep in mind to make your day as smooth and magical as possible. Here are a few important considerations:
The park is huge—Plan your time wisely
Olympic National Park isn’t your average drive-through park—it’s massive and incredibly diverse. If you’re dreaming of both mountains and the coast, keep in mind that it can take 2-3 hours to drive between locations. If you want to experience multiple landscapes, we highly recommend choosing a full-day or multi-day package to allow plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.
Easily accessible locations for guests
One of the best things about Olympic National Park? It offers incredible, jaw-dropping scenery without requiring long hikes. If you have family or friends attending who aren’t up for trekking, or if you just prefer drive-up locations, this is the perfect place for you. From alpine overlooks to lakeshores and coastal cliffs, you can find stunning spots that require little to no hiking.
Leave No Trace & respect wildlife
Olympic National Park is a protected wilderness, and it’s essential to follow Leave No Trace (LNT) principles to help keep it that way. This means staying on designated trails, packing out everything you bring in, and respecting the natural environment. Wildlife like elk, black bears, and mountain goats call this park home—always keep a safe distance and never feed them. Your elopement should be a celebration of nature, so let’s help protect it for future adventurers!
Ready to book your Olympic National Park Elopement Photographers?
Fill out the form below and let’s start planning your adventurous wedding day in the Olympics!
