How To Elope In Olympic National Park
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How Do I Get to Olympic National Park?
10 Best Places to Elope in Olympic National Park
How Many Guests Can I Bring to my Olympic National Park Elopement?
When is the Best Time of Year to Elope in Olympic National Park?
How to Get an Elopement Permit for Your Olympic National Park Elopement
How to Get a Washington Marriage License
Where to Stay for Your Olympic National Park Elopement
Olympic National Park Elopement Timeline Examples
Olympic National Park Elopement Vendors
Olympic National Park is a magical escape into one of the most diverse and insanely beautiful landscapes in the world. From rugged coastline to lush forests, wildflower meadows, endless mountains, gushing waterfalls, and beautiful alpine lakes—this million-acre park has at least a million reasons to be your elopement destination of choice!
Not only is the scenery diverse, but the park hosts one of the most diverse wilderness areas in America. What I love about the variety on offer is that you can experience different areas of the park on the same day, and feel like you are in another world in every single place. That means a huge variety in wedding photos, too.
To help you in your decision-making process, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide with all the important information about eloping in Olympic National Park. Learn about the best places to visit (and celebrate!), what seasons best suit you, and the practicality of marriage licenses and permits.
How To Get To Olympic National Park
By Plane:
The easiest way to get to Olympic National Park would be to fly into the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The airport is located just 2-3.5 hours away, depending on what side of the park you are traveling to. You can also fly into the Portland International Airport. Due to the size of the park, it’s worth considering what area you’re most likely to visit, as that will dictate your planned route.
By Car:
If you do land at Portland International Airport, you can drive up the coastline to Olympic for a scenic drive. Regardless of where you fly into, though, I highly recommend renting a car for your visit.
Pro Tip: Download offline Google Maps directions on your phone so that even when you lose service as you get closer to the park, you can still receive navigation.
The Best Time of Year To Elope In Olympic National Park
Spring
Spring is a popular time to visit the park, but if you go at the right time, you can skip the crowds AND see all the super lush greenery, gushing waterfalls (which are at their peak during this time), and incredible wildlife that Olympic is famous for. Spring does come with unpredictable weather, though, so beware of muddy trails. Plus, higher elevation areas, like Hurricane Ridge, will still be covered in snow.
Summer
The summer months are incredibly crowded in Olympic National Park and it can be very difficult to find secluded ceremony spots in popular locations. While it is still possible to get married here during the summer, just know that you more than likely won’t have a ton of privacy depending on your chosen location. This really comes down to personal preference, and the balancing act of nice weather, hike-ability (summer is the best time to hit the trails), and the desire for privacy.
Fall
If you love to visit epic landscapes without the crowds (who doesn’t?) fall is the time to elope in Olympic National Park! The park is coated in vibrant fall colors, as green turns to red, orange, and yellow, and everything in the park really starts to quiet down. Snow will start to fall in higher elevations, and prepare for rain and overcast weather to start setting in this time of year… if kissing in the rain is part of your elopement dream, this is an ideal time!
Winter
The winter is usually very wet and rainy with most attractions in the park being closed. BUT this is the time with the least amount of people visiting, so if you want a super secluded experience and don’t mind a little rain and snow — winter is perfect! You can snow-shoe in the mountains, enjoy a beach stroll, or the forests that can shield you from the rain with their branches! Plus, due to excessive rainfall, waterfalls are bursting with beauty at this time of year. For adventurous couples, the weather can become a playful challenge, adding to the feel of the day.
Best Places To Elope In Olympic National Park
Hurricane Ridge is a super accessible mountainous location within the park. During the summer months, this area bursts to life with wildflowers. Sunrise and sunset offer incredibly clear panoramic views. However, since it’s beautiful and accessible in equal measure, it is insanely busy. Choose to have your ceremony around sunrise or sunset to avoid crowds, and keep in mind it’s called Hurricane for a reason — lots of wind is sometimes challenging for certain hairstyles!
Lake Crescent is a serene, awe-striking glacial lake in Olympic. Swap skiing for canoeing, and enjoy this natural wonder. Most people opt to say their vows on the infamous pier located right next to the Lake Crescent Lodge (a place you can actually stay for your elopement). As another extremely popular spot during the summer months—the shoreline gets packed with people sunbathing, paddle boarding, and kayaking (which you can rent the day of your elopement at the shore) — you may need to plan your ceremony at off-peak times.
The Hoh Rainforest is the most ethereal and calming forest, where much of Olympic’s magic resides. With rain and mild temperatures throughout the year, the flora and fauna are a particularly striking backdrop to photos that will make your friends green with envy! It also just so happens to be the most popular spot in the entire park. The Hall of Mosses Trail is where most couples decide to exchange their vows, though it tends to be busy until around sunset. Consider a less-traveled trail or a road pull-off for more privacy.
If you doubted just how diverse Olympic National Park is, Ruby Beach demonstrates another twist in the scenery. It is an incredibly scenic and unique beach with rugged sea stacks and the quintessential Pacific Northwest mood. Unsurprisingly, it can get crowded around mid-morning and during the afternoon. The beach is a mile long, so walking a bit further than most will get you more privacy. Keep in mind this is a rocky beach, so you might want to pack a pair of flip-flops.
P.S. This is a dog friendly location!
If you love the look of Lake Crescent, you’re bound to adore Lake Cushman! Located just on the border of Olympic National Park, the 4,000-acre lake is much closer to the Seattle area. Like most lakes in the summer, it gets very busy with people swimming, kayaking, picnicking, and even partying. However, come sunset, you have a decent chance of having the entire place to yourself.
Located a bit up the road from Ruby Beach, Rialto is known for its sea stacks, geological formations, and driftwood. The most famous hike in the area is the hole in the wall trail, a 3.3-mile trail along the coast that can only be accessed during low tide. This spot is great for viewing tide pools and getting away from other visitors. Thunderstorms and fog are possible even in summer, which is worth keeping in mind.
P.S. This is a dog friendly location!
Dreaming of a Pacific Northwest waterfall elopement? Madison Falls is THE location for you. This easy-to-walk trail works its way through a maze of trees, leading to an opening in full majestic view of the waterfall. Not many people know about this waterfall, making the experience magical and exclusive. It’s also super accessible and is the best backdrop if you want your photos to make a splash.
P.S. This is a dog friendly location!
Famous as its home to the “Tree of Life,” a tree nestled between two rock formations, where there is no soil and the roots are exposed, there is no location quite like Kalaloch Beach. The Tree isn’t the only source of wonder in the area, though it is a powerful symbol of life’s mystery and magic. Unfortunately, the tree is predicted to fall in the near future, so make sure you see it even if you don’t choose this spot for your elopement day.
P.S. This is a dog friendly location!
Last but not least, for the hikers out there, consider Mount Storm King! You’ll start in lush green forests and hike up to the most incredible view of Lake Crescent surrounded by the Olympic Mountains. However, I must warn you that this trail is pretty difficult with 2,000 feet of elevation gain in 2 miles, so it’s best suited for couples who have experience of the great outdoors.
How To Get An Elopement Permit For Your Olympic National Park Elopement
A “special use permit” is required for all wedding ceremonies held within Olympic National Park. Failure to get the permit will result in a ranger stopping the ceremony and even banning you from the park (yes this really happens), so it is extremely important to get the permit for your elopement.
The permit process can be done entirely online. Be sure to submit your permit at least 4 weeks before your wedding date to allow time for processing. Check out the steps below to find out how to get a permit.
Fill out the downloadable application here.
Send in your completed application to OLYM_Permits@nps.gov
After the office receives your permit, they will send you a link where you will be able to pay the $50 permit fee online.
After paying, you will receive the completed permit a few weeks before your wedding. Be sure to print this out and bring it with you on your elopement day.
If you need more information, check out the official park’s website permit page.
Pro Tip: All of my photography packages include permit assistance! If any of this information is confusing, reach out!
How To Get A Washington Marriage License
To get a marriage license in Washington, you’ll need to visit a County Clerk’s office within the state 3 days before your wedding with your photo ID. It costs $72. Simply fill out the application, wait 3 days to pick up the license, and you’re good to go! If you don’t live in Washington, you can fill out the online application, have it notarized, and then send it back with a check or money order.
You will need an officiant and two witnesses in order to elope in Washington.
Just So You Know: I am an ordained officiant and can legally sign on your marriage certificate in most U.S. states. Certain states may require additional paperwork and/or processing fees but I’m happy to help! However, if you would like an actual celebrant to verbally walk you through a ceremony, I know some great people who can do that for you.
Where To Stay For Your Olympic National Park Elopement
Olympic National Park
If you’re looking for something a bit more secluded, the park itself has a few different lodging options. Just know that these are mainly outside the main lodging towns, so amenities like gas and groceries can be a bit of a drive.
Port Angeles
Forks
Other nearby towns include Sequim and Port Townsend, both of which are east of Port Angeles, putting you farther away from the main attractions of the park.
Olympic National Park Elopement Packages
I’m much more than a photographer, I’m someone who is super passionate about supporting couples on their big day, from scouting hidden gems for the ideal location, stress-free planning, and of course capturing raw, authentic moments. As a West Coast photographer specializing in adventure elopements, you’ll be in safe hands. So, are you ready to say yes to Olympic National Park?! More information on my packages below:
Packages
4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, or 2 Day elopement photography
A personalized elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
Personalized elopement location recommendation list
Vendor, lodging, and activity recommendations
Custom-built-for-you elopement timeline
Assistance to help you with permits and licenses
90+ page elopement planning guide with my best tips & tricks
Optional complimentary officiant services
Online gallery with full resolution images and printing rights
5-7 day sneak peeks
Travel fees to anywhere in Washington are already included
Starting at $4000
Video Add-Ons
For an extra special, immersive reminder of your special day, I now offer the following options for video add ons to your elopement packages:
Documentary style highlight reel
Super 8 film
Ceremony recording
BTS iPhone video content
Hey, I’m Sally! I’m a destination adventure elopement photographer based in Washington, but traveling worldwide!
Check Out My Free Elopement Planning Guide & Checklist!
This freebie gives you a step-by-step guide on exactly how to plan your dream adventure elopement.
