How To Elope in Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is a nature lover’s dream come true and the perfect location for your elopement or adventure wedding. As the most diverse National Park in the US, it has snow-capped mountains, lush rainforests, scenic lakes, roaring waterfalls, and even gorgeous beaches! No matter what type of scenery you like, Olympic will give you a beautiful backdrop for your elopement.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to elope in Olympic National Park. The best time of year, locations, Olympic elopement packages, where to stay, FAQs, and more. We’ve consolidated all our knowledge on the topic onto this one page!
So if you love nature and want to get married in Olympic National Park, this one’s for you!
Where to Elope in Olympic National Park
Because you deserve an elopement location as beautiful as your love story.
Ruby Beach
With massive rock formations and evergreen-covered cliffs, Ruby Beach is the crown jewel of the Washington coast. The rock formations make an incredible background and the moody Washington weather creates the perfect vibe for elopement photos. With great beauty comes popularity, so in order to avoid crowds make sure you work with experienced Olympic National Park Elopement Photographers!
Hoh Rainforest
Moss-covered trees, lush green ferns, and a sense of magic in the air – Hoh Rainforest is the only rainforest in the mainland USA and the dense greenery is so vibrant and beautiful. There are multiple trails to explore this area, the most popular trail is the “Hall of Mosses” and despite the recent addition of ropes along the trail, it’s still a stunning place to explore and take photos for your elopement.
Hurricane Ridge
Known for its rugged beauty and sweeping mountain vistas, Hurricane Ridge is stunning to see, and the perfect place for your mountain elopement ceremony. It’s hard to believe that just a short drive from the ocean, you can be staring out at snow-capped mountains and evergreen trees all across the horizon. There are multiple hikes to explore this area to the fullest but you can also enjoy the views with nothing more than a short walk.
Madison Falls
Tucked away in the forest you’ll find a peaceful little opening that holds the majestic Madison Falls. This waterfall cascades over the rocks and creates a pool at its base before flowing down to join the river. The waterfall makes a beautiful backdrop for photos and it’s the perfect spot to enjoy nature up close and spend some time exploring.
Lake Crescent
With mountains covered in evergreens surrounding it on all sides, Lake Crescent is a sight to behold. You can enjoy the combination of the pristine water along with the majesty of the glacier-carved hills while you walk along the dock that’s built out over the water, the perfect place to slow down and soak in the view.
Want help choosing the perfect spot for your elopement? We’ll create a personalized list of recommendations and guide you through the whole elopement planning process:
What Time of Year to Elope in Olympic National Park
Spring
Spring in Olympic National Park is a beautiful time for an elopement, there are fewer visitors in the park than summer and you’ll get that famous Pacific Northwest weather: often overcast with a good chance of rain and cooler temperatures (45–60°F). The waterfalls will be at their peak because of snowmelt, but the snow means most of the mountains will be inaccessible.
Pro Tip: If you’re open to embracing the adventure with potential rain for your elopement, early spring is the perfect time to experience more popular locations with fewer other visitors.
Summer
Summer is a fantastic time to elope in Olympic National Park with low chances of rain and relatively warm weather (50–75°F). The mountain roads are open with snow still on the peaks, so this is the best time of year to experience places like Hurricane Ridge in their full glory. If you’re looking to minimize rain, have warmer weather, or want to explore the mountains, then a summer elopement is perfect for you!
Pro Tip: Summer is the busiest season in Olympic National Park, so it’s essential to work with an experienced Olympic National Park Elopement Photographer who knows their way around. For example, we highly recommend planning your elopement on a weekday (Mon-Thur) to avoid the influx of weekend visitors.
Fall
Fall is an underrated time of year to elope in Olympic National Park with the mountains still accessible, mild weather (45–60°F), and fewer visitors, it’s a beautiful time to explore. Keep in mind the waterfalls will be a bit low due to less snow melt, but many still look beautiful in early fall. Most trees are green year-round but you’ll spot patches of fall colors appearing in some areas of the park.
Winter
Olympic in Winter is a true Pacific Northwest adventure, with the fewest visitors, the highest amounts of rain, very moody weather, and cold temperatures (30–50°F). The forest is a mystical experience with high rainfall creating incredibly lush environments of vibrant moss, ferns, and trees. The mountains are covered in snow and Hurricane Ridge is open on the weekends if you’re looking to snowshoe for your elopement. If you love the idea of dancing in the rain and watching the fog roll through the trees, a winter elopement in Olympic Park might be right for you!
Pro Tip: You can wear skin-colored fleece-lined leggings underneath your dress and a white shawl or earmuffs help stay warm!
Choosing Your Olympic National Park Elopement Photographer
The only two things from your elopement that will last forever are your love and your photos. Investing in a quality Olympic National Park elopement photographer is one of the most important things you can do for your elopement. Here are the main things to keep in mind when looking for your photographer:
- Find a photographer that specializes in elopements and intimate weddings.
- Someone that can help you plan, choose locations, create timelines, research permits, etc. To make your elopement as stress-free as possible.
- Choose a photographer who you connect with. This person will be one of the few there on your special day so you want someone who understands the importance of such an intimate form of getting married.
- Someone who is invested in accurately documenting the spirit of your day and will make sure to take photos that capture your unique personalities.
What’s better than one photographer that meets all of these criteria?
Two photographers that do!
We’re Sammie and Micah Chaffin, a married elopement photography team, and we’ve been photographing elopements around the world for years. We eloped ourselves and we’re passionate about creating meaningful experiences while capturing artistic photos that document your connection.
How to Legally Get Married in Olympic National Park
Good news: You only need 2 legal documents for your Olympic Elopement: a wedding permit, and a marriage license.
Olympic National Park Wedding Permit
Bonus: If you’re eloping just the two of you, you actually won’t even need this permit!
If you’re having a total of 5 or more people including yourselves you’ll get what’s called a Special Use Permit for a cost of $50.
Here’s exactly how to do it:
- Go to this page and scroll down until you see “Special Use Permits”
- In the section titled “Weddings and ceremonies” click on “Special Use Permit application” to download it.
- Fill in all the basic information on the top part of the permit.
- To submit your permit and pay online, just email the park with your filled-out permit and request to pay by credit card, and then they’ll email you a link to pay the application fee online!
Olympic NP Marriage license
- You can get your marriage license at any County Auditor’s office in Washington. You do not need to obtain your license in the county where you are eloping.
- Exact processes vary by county, so call the office you wish to obtain the license from to make an appointment. Then both of you must appear in person and bring valid picture identification such as a driver’s license or passport.
- There is a 3-day waiting period meaning your marriage license is not valid until 3 days after you obtain it. – Once valid, your marriage license is valid for 60 days.
- The cost of a Washington marriage license is $65 on average.
- The nearest County Auditor’s office to Olympic National Park is the Clallam County Auditor, or if you want to do it near the airport, the Pierce County Auditor.
Pro Tips:
- Your elopement photographers or random hikers can act as your witnesses if you’re choosing to not have any guests. (We would be honored!)
- If you’re traveling to Olympic from somewhere else, you always have the option to file your marriage license in your home city/state and then have a symbolic ceremony at your elopement in order to make the process less complicated and have one less thing to worry about on your elopement day. The day you sign your legal paperwork does not have to be the day you choose to celebrate as your wedding!
Where to Stay for Your Olympic National Park Elopement
Where you stay for your elopement is a huge part of your experience, no matter what your preference is, we encourage you to invest in accommodations that you’ll love!
Airbnbs
Vacation rentals normally offer some of the best aesthetics and maximum privacy.
LAKE and CEDAR — Luxury Escape at Lake Sutherland
Luxurious and modern lakefront house with a Scandinavian-influenced interior and a private dock.
Sol Duc Serenity – Riverfront + Hot Tub + Nat’l Park
Charming little riverfront house in the forest with a hot tub and moss-covered trees out the window.
Tall Cedars “Tiny”- private, forest, 5min to beach
Small home in the forest with a bright and airy interior and lots of windows.
“Blue Haven” – Iconic Lakefront 4 Season Retreat
Woodsy but modern lakefront cabin with a private dock and A-frame loft bedroom.
Reflection Haven: Lakeside, Hot Tub, By Park Entry
Large lakeside house with a cozy but modern interior, 4 bedrooms, lots of space, private dock, and its own kayaks.
Vacation Rentals That Allow Events
The following rentals allow events so they’re perfect for having a casual dinner or a full-on reception. This is perfect for having a 2-day elopement with your ceremony and reception on day 1, and a solo adventure on day 2!
Agate Beach Lodge
A stunning property right on the ocean with huge windows, a beautiful interior, and they even offer an elopement wedding package!
Olympic Holiday Haus – Main Chalet
Beautiful two-story house with a cozy interior and lots of room outside to set up tables.
The Lower Elwha Rivers Edge w/ serene mountain views!
Large woodsy cabin-type house sitting on a cliff overlooking a river and mountain views with a large lawn for tables.
NEW “Aurora Haven”: World Top VIEW 10 Acre Privacy
Large house on a hill with lots of property, big windows, and room to set up some tables outside.
Hotels & Lodges Within the Park
Lodges within the park are wonderful but also more rustic with less modern comforts, none of them offer Wi-fi and all amenities are basic.
Kalaloch Lodge
Situated along the western edge of the park, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this rustic lodge is open year-round offering a variety of rooms as well as many individual cabins. There is no Wi-fi at the lodge and it sits directly on the beautiful rugged coastline, so if you’re looking to be extremely unplugged and immersed in nature, this is the place.
Lake Crescent Lodge
Built over 100 years ago in 1915, this lodge sits on the shore of Lake Crescent offering immediate access to the lake and a somewhat central location within the park. There is no Wi-fi, and the lodge is only open on weekends Jan-April. There are rooms as well as individual cabins available, many of which have incredible views of the lake.
Log Cabin Resort
Here you’ll find some accommodations very similar to Lake Crescent Lodge, some rooms in the main resort as well as individual cabins with kitchenettes, many having beautiful views of the lake, all with no internet, and only open part of the year.
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort
A bit more modern than the other options within the park, though still without internet, this resort offers suites and cabins immersed within the forest as well as access to their hot springs (not hot springs in nature, but man-made pools).
How to get to Olympic National Park: Access Points and Airports
The best airport to fly into for your Olympic elopement will be either Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) or Portland International Airport, both airports are a 3-4 hour drive from Port Angeles where you’ll find most of the places to stay for your elopement.
Unlike some National Parks with a main entrance, Olympic National Park is spread out all across the Olympic Penisula and therefore has multiple entrance points like Hurricane Ridge to the East, or Hoh Rainforest to the west. When driving, make sure you input your specific destination into your map app rather than just typing “Olympic National Park”.
Pro-Tip: Put both airports into Google Flights so you can see the best flights for each of them at the same time.
Olympic Elopement Activity Suggestions
This is your elopement so it’s time to do what YOU love! A huge part of your elopement experience is the activities that you choose to do together! Below is a short list of activity suggestions, but the possibilities are endless.
Go for a Hike: Olympic National Park is famous for its incredible variety of nature, and hiking is one of the best ways to experience it! Whether you’re taking a short stroll to a waterfall, trekking up a mountain, or traversing a rocky coast – if you love the outdoors, this is the perfect fit for you.
Be Yourself: The best thing about elopements is that you get to craft a 100% you experience. There are no rules and no boundaries to your elopement, so think outside of the box, and embrace what you love!
Kayak on an Alpine Lake: Imagine you and your partner floating on a crystal clear lake gazing up at tree-covered mountains, just the two being overwhelmed by the beauty. Lake Crescent is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature in a new way by getting out on the water!
Share Quiet Moments: Write out your vows together in a beautiful location, share a cup of coffee in your Airbnb, or read poetry in a meadow. Slowing down with intentional moments of peace like this will be an amazing part of your elopement.
5 Expert Tips from your Olympic National Park Elopement Photographers
1. Locations in Olympic can sometimes be pretty far apart (wedding road trip!!) for example: Ruby Beach is 2 hours from Hurricane Ridge and 1 hour from Hoh Rainforest, so plan your timeline accordingly.
2. The weather at different locations within Olympic National Park can be very different, so make sure to research your specific locations ahead of time and plan your wedding attire accordingly. If you’re having guests, make sure that they do the same.
3. Phone service in the Olympic National Park is spotty and sometimes non-existent, so don’t plan on utilizing it. Communicate your plans and timeline to everyone who needs to know ahead of time, and download the entire area of Olympic National Park on Google Maps “offline maps”.
4. For most Olympic elopements, typical wedding footwear like heels may not be the best. Ensure that you and your guests wear proper footwear for your elopement location such as sneakers or hiking boots. If you’d like to wear more formal shoes for part of the day, you can always change shoes halfway through the day!
5. In order to keep Olympic beautiful and keep yourself safe, it’s important that you follow all Leave No Trace principles, and that you read the Olympic Safety page on the NPS website.
Booking Your Olympic National Elopement Photographers!
Great job! The next thing you should do after reading this blog is reach out to your elopement photographers:
That’s Us!
We’re Sammie and Micah, a married team of elopement photographers who truly know how incredibly important your elopement photography is because in 2019 we eloped in a National Park!
We help all of our couples with planning, choosing a location, creating timelines, researching permits, and much more in order to make your elopement as stress-free as possible.
We’ve fallen in love with creating intentional elopement experiences while capturing artistic images of real moments. We focus on helping couples make their dream elopement a reality, all while being present in the moment and connected to each other – and we’d love to help you!
Olympic National Park Elopement Packages
Here’s what you can expect to receive when you book one of our Olympic National Park Elopement Packages:
- Our 90+ page “Ultimate Elopement Guide” with tips for every step of the process
- Personalized Olympic location & activity recommendations
- Assistance with Olympic Wedding permit and marriage license
- Custom Olympic elopement day-of timeline
- Photo coverage of your entire elopement
- High-res photos in a private online gallery with unlimited downloads
- No added travel fees
- Free Custom Elopement Album Design
January 23, 2025
published on
As fellow free spirits, dreamers, world travelers, and roadtrippers – we know that even on a normal day, it’s hard to choose what adventure to take. It’s no surprise that when it comes to the once in a lifetime adventure of getting married, choosing just one path feels nearly impossible.
So… choose two or three. Share your vows privately in Italy and come back to the West Coast to celebrate with your loved ones. Or have your wedding ceremony in Switzerland and then share a honeymoon adventure in Morocco.
As fellow free spirits, dreamers, world travelers, and roadtrippers – we know that even on a normal day, it’s hard to choose what adventure to take. It’s no surprise that when it comes to the once in a lifetime adventure of getting married, choosing just one path feels nearly impossible.
So… choose two or three. Share your vows privately in Italy and come back to the West Coast to celebrate with your loved ones. Or have your wedding ceremony in Switzerland and then share a honeymoon adventure in Morocco.
As fellow free spirits, dreamers, world travelers, and roadtrippers – we know that even on a normal day, it’s hard to choose what adventure to take. It’s no surprise that when it comes to the once in a lifetime adventure of getting married, choosing just one path feels nearly impossible.
So… choose two or three. Share your vows privately in Italy and come back to the West Coast to celebrate with your loved ones. Or have your wedding ceremony in Switzerland and then share a honeymoon adventure in Morocco.
We're a husband and wife traveling photography team who believes
MARRIAGE IS ONE OF LIFE'S GREATEST ADVENTURES.
we want you to share experiences that make you feel…
Especially on your wedding day.
as vibrant as the sky at sunset.
as free as the breath moving through you.
as unstoppable as the crashing waves.
as complete as your interlocked fingers.