Olympic National Park on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is one of the most diverse and epic landscapes in the U.S. It has rainforests, alpine peaks, glacial lakes, and rugged coastline all in one place. That means stunning backdrops, plenty of adventure options, and a few extra logistical details to consider when planning your elopement.

What You Actually Need to Know Before You Start

Where is Olympic National Park?

Olympic National Park spans nearly one million acres of wilderness and ecosystems from the coast to the rainforest to the alpine mountains. It’s on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, roughly 2.5–3 hours from Seattle by car.

Laws & Permits

Special Use Permit

• Required for any ceremony with more than 5 people total including and vendors (photographer, officiant, videographer)
• This is called a Special Use Permit and must be approved before your wedding day.
• Costs around $50+, and group size restrictions may apply depending on the location.
• Apply early: permits can take 3–4+ weeks or more to process and up to 1 year ahead is allowed.

Washington Marriage License

• You must have a valid Washington marriage license to legally marry. Apply online HERE.
• Washington has a 3-day waiting period after applying for the license before you can use it.
• The license is valid statewide for 60 days once issued.

Officiant & Witnesses

Your ceremony needs an officiant + two witnesses.
You can hire someone, or have a friend ordained online (e.g., Universal Life Church). I am also ordained and can act as your officiant!
Vendors or friendly park visitors are often happy to sign as witnesses.

Best Places to Elope in Olympic National Park (and Why They’re Great)

Here’s a refined list of prime Olympic NP spots, from iconic to unique, with what each offers:

Hurricane Ridge

• Quick access (road-accessible) to sweeping mountain views
• Great for dramatic sunrise or sunset ceremonies
• Easy terrain for most guests
• Consider timing for crowds (weekends June-early September are busiest)

Washington Coast (Ruby Beach, Rialto Beach, Kalaloch Beaches)

• Vast, moody coastline with tidepools and sea stacks
• Offers moody, cinematic photos especially near sunrise/sunset
• Check tides & parking logistics in advance

Lake Crescent

• Crystal clear alpine lake setting with boating/kayaking options
• Good choice for serene water-edge ceremonies
• Easy access for guests
• Waterfall trails and lush forests nearby

Hoh Rainforest

• Misty, magical forest with towering mossy trees.
• Excellent for couples wanting a fairytale forest vibe.
• Summer can be very busy, aim for early morning or a non-summer month.

Pro Tip: Consider backups for every location. Weather shifts quickly here, especially on the coast and at higher elevations. The forest is always a great option for a rainy day.

When to Plan your Elopement in Olympic National Park

Best Season Options

Every season in Olympic National Park has its own kind of magic. From mossy rainforests to alpine peaks and wild coastline, the park transforms throughout the year — which means there’s no single “best” season, only what’s best for you.

Spring (Late March-May)

Spring in Olympic National Park is lush, dramatic, and alive. Forests glow green, rivers and waterfalls are raging from snowmelt, and the park feels fresh and wild as winter fades. Higher elevation roads and trails typically remain closed until mid to late May, but spring is an incredible season for the coast, lower-elevation forests, and waterfalls. If you love fewer crowds and vibrant greens, spring is a beautiful (and often underrated) choice.

Summer (June-August)

Summer brings the most accessibility. Roads and trails to higher elevations open, wildflowers bloom, and you’ll find the warmest, driest weather of the year. It’s also the busiest season in the park. If privacy is important to you, I always recommend a weekday elopement, sunrise or sunset timing, or choosing a less-trafficked location. With thoughtful planning, even busy season can feel incredibly intimate.

September

September deserves its own category, because this month is pure Pacific Northwest magic. Crowds have thinned, the weather is still generally reliable, and the first hints of fall color begin to appear in the forests and mountains. It’s calm, golden, and balanced in all the best ways. My favorite month to be here, hands down.

Fall (Late September-November)

Fall brings rich colors, misty mornings, and a quieter park. Forests and mountain landscapes glow with autumn tones, and crowds continue to drop off. The road to Hurricane Ridge typically closes for the season in November until winter operations begin, but most lower-elevation locations remain accessible well into fall. This is a gorgeous season for couples who love atmosphere and don’t mind a little weather.

Winter (December-late March)

Winter elopements in Olympic National Park are intimate, dramatic, and wildly beautiful — if you’re prepared. Expect snow in the mountains, rain at lower elevations, and fewer people everywhere. Hurricane Ridge Road is open Friday–Sunday (weather permitting), offering the chance to exchange vows against a stunning, snow-covered alpine backdrop. Winter is perfect for couples who embrace adventure, flexibility, and a truly quiet park experience.

Logistics – Travel, Access & Weather

Getting Around

• Olympic National Park is huge! Travel between areas can take 1–3 hours. Plan timing accordingly to avoid rushed schedules. As your elopement photographer (local to Olympic National Park), this is something I can help you with.

Weather Notes

• East side (e.g., Hurricane Ridge) gets less rain than west side (Hoh Rainforest).
• Coastal weather can change fast, always check tide tables and wind.
• Bring layers – even in summer, the temps can drop quickly in the the mountains and on the coast.

Where to Stay for your Olympic National Park Elopement

Olympic National Park is vast, so choosing a home base close to your ceremony location can make your elopement day feel far more relaxed and flexible.

Depending on where you plan to elope, these areas make great places to stay:

• Port Angeles: The largest town near the park, with the most amenities — restaurants, grocery stores, breweries, coffee shops, and bars. It’s the closest town to Hurricane Ridge and offers easy access to Lake Crescent, making it a convenient and versatile home base.
• Forks: Best for elopements in the Hoh Rainforest or the west coast beaches. It’s a smaller town, but staying here means less driving and easier access to some of the park’s most dramatic landscapes.
• Lake Crescent & Lake Sutherland: Home to cozy lake houses and cabins, this area is ideal if you want a quieter stay with great access to Lake Crescent locations, Port Angeles, and the north coast.
• Sequim: Located just east of the park, Sequim offers easy access to Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent, plus beautiful Airbnbs overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca — often with views toward Canada on clear days.

Practical Tips for a Stress-Free, Epic Day

• Have a Timeline: Build in buffer time for travel, permits checks, and last-minute weather shifts.
• Respect the Park: Follow Leave No Trace principles always (stay on trails, don’t throw confetti, etc.). Respect closures, especially sensitive ecological areas.
• Tell Your Photographer Your Vision: Your photographer can help scout exact spots and ideal ceremony times based on light and tides. (Hi, that’s me!)
• Think Through Accessibility: Some locations have rugged access. Consider what’s realistic for you and your guests based on your past experiences.

Ready to Start Planning your Olympic National Park Elopement?

Eloping in Olympic National Park is about more than choosing a beautiful location, it’s about crafting a day that feels intentional, stress-free, and deeply connected to the landscape around you. Whether you’re drawn to mossy rainforests, wild beaches, alpine views, or a little bit of everything, there’s no wrong way to experience this place.

If you’d like to see what an elopement day can actually look like here, these real Olympic National Park elopements may help you envision what’s possible:

• Danna & Tyler’s Forest & Coast Elopement
• Nyika & Omar’s Winter Elopement at Lake Crescent
• Jessica & Paul’s 2-day Elopement at Hurricane Ridge

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by logistics, timelines, permits, or simply narrowing down where in the park feels right, that’s where I come in. I help couples plan elopement days that flow naturally, avoid crowds where possible, and allow space to truly be present in the experience – and capture it all with epic photos!

You can reach out anytime to start dreaming up what your Olympic National Park elopement could look like.