How To Elope In Olympic National Park
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
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