Ahh, Olympic National Park. One of my favorite locations in the whole world and just in my backyard! From rugged coastlines and lush rainforests to the sweeping mountain vistas, this park truly has it all. If you’re looking for a stunning place to get married with incredible majestic scenery and a remote feel, consider eloping in Olympic National Park! I’m lucky to call myself a local here, so am happy to show you some of my more off-the-beaten-path locations for your wedding.
Where is Olympic National Park?
Olympic National Park is on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. The park covers nearly one million acres, spreading across a vast range of ecosystems. The best way to get to Olympic National Park if you’re from out-of-state is to fly into Seattle and rent a car. The park is about 2.5-3 hours from Seattle, depending on which area of the park you’re accessing. You can visit during any time of year, as it contains both low and high-elevation locations. While the high peaks may be covered in snow during the winter, the lower elevations will be lush from the abundant rainfall and the coastal waves make for an impressive sight. During summer, the park can get busy with tourists, so we suggest visiting during the late spring or early fall. When the snow melts, there is never-ending hiking and exploring on beautiful Hurricane Ridge and wild coastlines to enjoy the sunset. If you love mountain lakes and waterfalls, the park is full of them. You’re sure to find something you love in Olympic National Park!
How to Elope in Olympic National Park
1 – Research and fall in love with a few locations that speak to who you are as a couple.
2 – Hire your elopement photographer to help guide you through the process.
3 – Finalize your location (and choose a backup or two) and apply for a wedding permit
4 – Obtain your Washington marriage license
5 – Get married, pop the bubbly, and celebrate!
Where to Elope in Olympic National Park
Your first step will be choosing which type of background you want to have for your elopement. Because Olympic National Park has pretty much anything you can imagine, this part can be tough. Do you prefer the beach or mountains? Do you like the forest or a lake? Below are a few of my top choices.
Amy’s Top Location Picks for your Olympic National Park Elopement:
Hurricane Ridge
The Washington Coast
Hoh Rainforest
Lake Crescent
Lake Quinault
Elwha River
Let’s break these down, shall we?
Hurricane Ridge
Hurricane Ridge is an incredible place to elope within Olympic National Park. While it is one of the most popular destinations in Olympic National Park, there’s good reason for it. Hurricane Ridge is reached via a 40 minute drive through the mountains. Once at the top, you’re greeted with breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountain Range. You can hang out near the visitor center, or drive further up the road for access to a few shorter hikes. Some of the hikes even take you to the top of the ridge where you’ll find 360-degree views including the mountains, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Canada.
Where to Stay near Hurricane Ridge
AirBnb in Port Angeles
Olympic Lodge
Sunset Marine Resort
The Washington Coast
Getting married on the Washington coast will add an extra adventurous element when eloping in Olympic National Park. The towering sea stacks and misty forests that stretch right down to meet the sea make for some incredible scenery. While the drive might seem far, I can promise it will be worth it! There are several beaches you can get married at along the Washington coast. My top picks are Rialto Beach, Ruby Beach, and Kalaloch Beach, although you could certainly get even more secluded with a bit of hiking and an adventurous spirit!
Where to Stay on the Washington Coast
Quileute Oceanside Resort
AirBnb near Forks
Kalaloch Lodge
Hoh Rainforest
If you want to truly magical wedding in the forest, look no further than the Hoh Rainforest. Trails are lined with towering trees draped in mosses, ferns, and usually a bit of mist. You’ll feel like you’re walking through a storybook as you stroll through the Hall of Mosses trail. Walk along the crystal clear for as long as you’d like to explore more of the forest and find your perfect ceremony location.
Where to Stay near the Hoh Rainforest
Hoh Valley Cabins
AirBnb near Forks
Kalaloch Lodge
Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent is a large, moon-shaped lake within Olympic National Park. Its crystal clear waters are surrounded by lush green forests and it’s perfect for those wanting a lake-front elopement location. You can also enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing on the lake if you’d like to include a waterfront activity while eloping in Olympic National Park.
Where to Stay at Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent Lodge
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort
AirBnb in Port Angeles
Log Cabin Resort
Whiskey Creek Beach
Lake Quinault
This lake is located in the southwest corner of Olympic National Park. It’s a gorgeous quiet lake in the forest. You can stay right there at the lodge for easy access to hiking and water activities around the lake. Surrounded by forest and mountains, it’s a beautiful place for your elopement in Olympic National Park!
Where to Stay near Lake Quinault
Lake Quinault Lodge
Quinault River Inn
Rainforest Resort Village
Wedding Venues in Olympic National Park
If you find your celebration would be more comfortable at a wedding venue, there are several lodges within the park that offer wedding packages. This works well if you have guests attending and want to all stay on-site.
Lake Crescent Lodge
NatureBridge at Lake Crescent
Lake Quinault Lodge
Wedding Permits for Olympic National Park
A permit is required for weddings in Olympic National Park if the group size is greater than five – this includes your photographer/videographer and officiant! While I can help guide you through the process of planning your wedding, it will be your responsibility to obtain the proper permit for your elopement in Olympic National Park. You can reach out to the park and apply for a permit HERE.
Activities near Olympic National Park
There’s a wide variety of activities to partake in within Olympic National Park and surrounding areas. Whether your elopement will be just the two of your or your loved ones will be involved, there will be plenty to keep everyone entertained!
Hikes
Marymere Falls
Hurricane Hill
Mt Storm King
Mt Ellinor
Dungeness Spit
Rialto Beach and Hole-in-the-Wall
High Divide
Mount Angeles
Sol Duc Falls
Lake Angeles
Other Activities
Rent a Boat or Paddleboard
Winetasting
Visit the Sequim lavender fields
Enjoy an afternoon of live music and cider-tasting at Finn River Cider
Explore the historic town of Port Townsend
Go whale watching
Hire your Vendors
You’ll be in a great place by hiring vendors that are local to the Olympic Peninsula or the Kitsap Peninsula. They will be more familiar with the remoteness of the park and you’ll save on travel fees! Here are a few Olympic Peninsula wedding vendors to help you with your celebration:
Dessert
Wildflower Cakes
Bella Bella Cupcakes
Florists
Fire & Blooms
Annie’s Flower Farm
Dahlia Fields
Hair & Makeup
Make-Your-Own Wedding Rings
Elopement Packages in Olympic National Park
Hey, that’s where I come in! I’m here to guide you through the planning process and help you create a one-of-a-kind experience on your wedding day. I’m local to Port Angeles so would love to help you through the process of eloping in Olympic National Park. Your wedding deserves to be epic!
Olympic National Park elopement photography packages include:
– At least 4 hours of coverage documenting your epic wedding day
– Elopement planning assistance – This includes location suggestions, timeline planning, lodging and activity ideas, vendor recommendations, and permit guidance.
– Either a wooden box of archival prints or a wedding album
– High-resolution digital files delivered within 2-6 weeks with personal printing rights
– 10-15 previews from your elopement day delivered within 48 hours
– An online gallery for easy sharing and downloading
– Travel to anywhere within Olympic National Park
Starting at $3000