How to elope in Olympic National Park | Planning Guide
A step-by-step Olympic National Park Elopement Guide
Alright, picture this: Olympic National Park, where the trees are draped in moss and it's got that whole Twilight movie vibe going on. It's like stepping into a whole other universe with its wild coastlines, rainforests that practically breathe, and mountains that scream majesty. No wonder lovebirds looking for a jaw-dropping backdrop for their "I do's" often end up here. Going for an elopement in this magical place isn't just about sealing the deal; it's about saying your vows surrounded by nature's crazy-beautiful masterpiece. If you're thinking of making Olympic National Park the stage for your big day, buckle up because we've got the ultimate guide to turning your dream wedding into reality.
Quick breakdown on how to plan an Olympic National Park elopement:
1. Hire an Olympic National Park elopement photographer & planner (us waiving)
2. Choose a date & season
3. Pick the best location for your elopement
4. Get your wedding permit and other National Park passes
5. Book your accommodation and/or small venue
6. Hire other elopement vendors
7. Get your WA State Marriage License
1. Choose a date or season
When is the best time of year to plan an elopement in 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 elopements in Olympic National Park (July-August)
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.
Check out Rialto Beach Elopement
Fall elopements in Olympic National Park (September-November)
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.
Pros: fall colors, cooler temperatures, and fewer visitors.
Cons: The weather can turn moody and rainy, especially in late fall, and days become shorter.
Check out Kate & Williams September Elopement
Winter and Spring elopements in Olympic National Park (December-June)
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, unique winter beauty, and minimal crowds, lower elevation areas like the coast and lake crescent remain open all winter
Cons: Cold temperatures, potential access issues, and shorter days.
2. Pick the best location for your Olympic National Park elopement
The different areas in Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is a vast and varied landscape, offering couples a remarkable diversity of ecosystems to explore. From the rugged and misty Pacific coastline, adorned with towering sea stacks and tidal pools, to the lush, emerald expanse of the Hoh Rain Forest, where ancient trees tower and mosses and ferns carpet the ground, each area of the park presents a unique natural wonder. The alpine region, exemplified by Hurricane Ridge, provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and wildflower meadows in the warmer months. Meanwhile, Lake Crescent, a deep, glacially carved lake in the northern part of the park, enchants visitors with its crystal-clear waters and opportunities for kayaking and fishing. Each of these distinct areas within Olympic National Park showcases the incredible variety and beauty of the Pacific Northwest's landscapes, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
How to pick the best location?
Picking the perfect spot to run off and tie the knot in Olympic National Park might sound like a big task with all its jaw-dropping beauty. But don't stress – there are tons of amazing places, each with its own vibe. Just think about how much adventure you're up for, how easy it is to get there, how many folks you want around, and what kind of scenery makes your heart race. Whether you're into the crash of the ocean, towering peaks, or ancient woods, your wishes will be the compass for a the location of your day.
Sure, the park is huge and full of options, but not every pretty spot is a good fit for saying your vows, especially if your guest list is a bit on the bigger side. We suggest keeping it cozy with under 15-20 guests. But if you're looking for something bigger, there are some small venues or Airbnb/Vrbo options near the park that can handle a small reception and larger guest list. These places will make your adventure wedding with friends and family a blast – half the day just for you two and the other half with your loved ones.
Not sure if an adventure weddings (25-50 guests) is the right fit for you? Click the button below to learn more about adventure weddings.
Not sure where to plant your elopement flag? No worries, we're here to help you sort through the options, sharing tips and tricks to find the perfect spot for your intimate, yet epic, day. We've got you covered to make sure your day matches the grandeur of the park and fits your dream and practical checklist.
Easy-access spots to say "I do" in Olympic National Park:
Lake Crescent
Blue Mountain
Hurricane Ridge
Ruby Beach
Hoh Rain Forest
Top-notch hiking trails for your big day:
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
If you're looking to soak up all the different vibes the park throws your way, our sunrise-to-sunset or 2-day elopement packages would be the right fit for you! It's the perfect ticket to explore from the mountains to Lake Crescent and catch a beach sunset at the end of your epic day. Check out Erin & Ashish all day elopement in Olympic National Park
Inquire to learn more about which package fits your adventure needs!
3. Get your wedding permits and other 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.
4. Best places to stay inside Olympic National Park
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 small venues and VRBO for adventure weddings
Fern Acres
5. Hire 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:
6. Get your 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.
Ready to start planning your elopement in Olympic National Park?
Fill out the form below and let’s start planning your adventurous wedding day in the Olympics!