The Complete Guide for Your Olympic National Park Elopement (2026 Update)
Originally published November 2023, last updated January 2026
As an Olympic National Park elopement photographer, I help couples craft days that move from misty rainforest trails to dramatic coastline cliffs without losing the intimacy along the way.
Who This Guide is For
This guide is for couples who want their elopement to feel like an actual experience, not a wedding-industrial-complex performance with a side of stress.
As an Olympic National Park elopement photographer, I created this guide for couples who want epic scenery without sacrificing intimacy, flexibility, or sanity.
It’s for you if:
You’re obsessed with the idea of saying vows on a wild beach, in a rainforest, or with mountains behind you (and you do not want to choose just one vibe)
You want unimaginably cool scenery and you want your day to feel calm, intimate, and intentional
You care about doing it ethically, safely, and without being That Couple trampling moss for a photo
You’re excited… but also lowkey overwhelmed because Olympic is massive and you have no idea where to start
If you’re early in the planning process, perfect. If you already have a season in mind and a “we think we want beach” direction, also perfect. This guide is here to meet you where you’re at and help you build a plan that actually makes sense.
And if at any point you’re reading this thinking, “Okay yes, I want someone to just help me with all of this,” there are easy next steps to reach out or check out my pricing whenever you’re ready 🤘🏻
Table of Contents
Why Olympic National Park is Special
Olympic National park is basically a shapeshifter.
It’s one of the only places where you can go from moody Pacific coast to ancient rainforest to snowy mountain viewpoints in the same day. It’s not just pretty, it’s wildly diverse and deeply atmospheric!
Olympic is for couples who want options like:
Vows with salty wind and sea stacks behind you
A quiet ceremony surrounded by mossy, green-everything rainforest
Mountain overlooks that feel cinematic without requiring a 12-mile hike
Lakes, waterfalls, ferny trails, and “how is this real” light filtering through the trees
It also has this slightly untamed energy. Even on a sunny day, Olympic can feel dramatic in the best way. Fog rolls in. Weather shifts. The forest looks like it’s breathing. It’s romantic as all hell and you’re gonna love it.
The real logistics you need
Olympic is not hard to elope in… but it is easy to plan badly if you don’t understand the scale of it.
A few things that matter more here than people expect:
Drive times are sneaky! “Oh it’s on the peninsula, it must be close” is a lie that Olympic tells everyone.
Road access changes seasonally. Some roads close in winter, some have limited hours, and conditions shift a lot during shoulder seasons like May and October
The coast has tides. If you want sea stacks and tidepools, you need to plan around the ocean’s tide schedule, not your own.
Rainforest crowds can be intense. Some areas (hi, Hoh Rainforest) can feel like Disneyland at the wrong time of day.
Winter is a whole different sport. Hurricane Ridge road access is weather-dependent and typically limited during winter operations.
None of this is meant to scare you off, I promise! It’s meant to make sure you don’t end up saying your vows in a parking lot because your dream trailhead was closed and the backup plan was “panic.”
Planning Olympic well means:
Choosing locations that match your season, comfort level, and priorities
Building a timeline that respects distance, tides, and daylight
Having backup plans that still feel exciting (not like a consolation prize)
Knowing the rules so you do not get interrupted mid-ceremony
Once you understand how Olympic works, it becomes way more straightforward and way less stressful. I can’t wait to show you!
A Quick Note About Me and This Guide
I didn’t put this together from an Instagram spiral or a quick Google sesh.
I’ve spent a boatload of time on the Olympic Peninsula, both for my own adventures and while photographing couples who want something intentional and wildly beautiful. I know which places photograph best in which weather, which areas get slammed with crowds once school’s out, which spots feel private even in peak season, and how to build an elopement day that flows smoothly without you doing mental math all day.
My job is not just taking epic photos. It’s location guidance, timelines, permit help, backup plans, and making sure you feel calm and taken care of while you do something huge and meaningful.
This guide is basically that support in written form. If you want someone in your corner who knows Olympic and can help turn a big idea into a real, tangible plan, you’ll see spots throughout this guide to reach out when you’re ready ❤️
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Why Elope in Olympic National Park
So why choose Olympic as your elopement location?
Because Olympic is a choose-your-own-adventure elopement playground and it does not require you to pick just one kind of scenery.
Here’s why couples love it ⬇️
You get multiple “holy shit” landscapes in one elopement
You can have:
Rainforest ceremony vibes
Beach photos at sunset
Lake stops with clear water and mountain reflections
A mountaintop moment that feels like you’re on top of the world
And yes, it’s possible to do a multi-location day without spending the entire day in the car if you plan it right!
It can be accessible, adventurous, or both
Olympic is amazing because it works for a huge range of elopement styles:
Zero hiking and still gorgeous
Short walk, big payoff
“Let’s earn this” hikes for solitude and drama
Guest-friendly options that still feel special
There are ways to do Olympic that are chill and low-key, and there are ways to do Olympic that feel like an epic expedition. We match it to whatever you need 🫶🏻
The vibes are unmatched
Olympic is not sterile. It’s not manicured. It’s moody, textured, and alive.
If you want your elopement to feel:
intimate
cinematic
grounded
a little wild in the best way
Olympic delivers!
Okay, Let’s Talk About Twilight for a Second 🧛🏻
If you’re a Twilight fan, Olympic National Park probably already lives rent-free in your head (like it does mine). The foggy beaches. The mossy forests. The moody, overcast light that feels dramatic without trying. This is the real-life version of Forks-core, and yes, it absolutely hits in person.
You don’t have to reenact anything or lean into full cosplay for the influence to be there, unless you really want to. Olympic naturally delivers that cinematic, slightly haunted, deeply romantic atmosphere that made Twilight so iconic in the first place. Overcast skies, mist rolling through the trees, wind on the coast, that “something is about to happen” energy. It’s all built right in!
And honestly? Some of my favorite elopements here have been with couples who just get it. They don’t want bright and polished. They want moody. They want quiet. They want vows that feel intense and intimate and a little otherworldly. Olympic is perfect for that.
If Twilight is part of your love story (even a little), you’re not alone. I photograph a few Twilight-loving couples every year, and I fully support leaning into the vibe while still making the day feel like you, not a themed photoshoot.
No glitter skin required. Unless you want it. I won’t judge 😘
It’s incredible year-round (with the right expectations)
There is no bad season in Olympic, but there are seasons that fit your priorities better than others.
If you want warm and dry, cool. If you want fog and drama, also cool. If you want snow, we can do that too. Olympic is flexible, but you need to plan with the season instead of fighting it.
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Best Time to Elope in Olympic National Park
There is no one best time for everyone. There is a best time for your priorities, though!
Olympic sits at the intersection of mountains, rainforest, and coastline, which means the park can feel completely different depending on season and which area you’re in.
Here’s the honest breakdown.
Summer (July–September)
Summer is peak season for a reason: it’s the most accessible time of year across the park!
What to expect:
The widest range of trails, roads, and locations fully accessible
Longer daylight hours (hello sunrise and sunset flexibility)
Warmer temps, especially on the coast and at higher elevations
Things to keep in mind:
Summer crowds are real, especially in popular areas and on weekends
Parking lots fill early (we’re talking by 8am)
If you want a quiet experience, we plan for weekdays, sunrise, or shoulder times
Summer is best if you want maximum access and you’re on board with being strategic about crowds.
Fall (Late September–October)
Fall in Olympic is chef’s kiss if you want mood, fewer people, and dramatic weather without full winter conditions.
What fall offers:
Cooler temps and fewer visitors
Foggy beach days and cozy rainforest vibes
A calmer feel overall after summer drops off
What to watch for:
Rain becomes more frequent
Storms can roll in fast on the coast
Days get shorter, so timelines matter more
Fall is best if you love atmosphere and you want Olympic to feel quieter and more intimate.
Winter (November–March)
Winter Olympic is gorgeous and chaotic and not for the faint of heart. It can be a dream if you want solitude and you’re ready for the elements!
What winter offers:
Very few people in many areas
Wild coast drama with stormy skies
Rainforest that looks even more green and magical in wet weather
Snow options at Hurricane Ridge when it’s accessible and open
Important logistics:
Some roads close seasonally, and Hurricane Ridge road access in winter is weather-dependent and typically limited hours/days. Keep an eye on road statuses!
Some park roads close for winter season such as Sol Duc Road, Deer Park Road, and Obstruction Point Road.
Winter is best if you want something bold, quiet, and you’re cool with flexible plans and cozy layers.
Spring (April–June)
Spring is a classic Olympic wildcard. You can get sunshine, rain, mist, fresh snow in the mountains, and bright green forest growth all in the same week.
What to expect:
Rainforest looks absolutely unreal (she’s thriving)
Coastline is moody and dramatic
Mountain access can still be limited depending on snow and conditions but snow melts earlier than the Cascades or Mount Rainier
Shoulder season means fewer crowds than summer
Spring is best if you care more about experience and vibe than controlling every detail of the weather.
If you’re reading this like, “Okay but what season makes sense for us,” that’s normal. Choosing season and location together is one of the biggest planning pieces I help with, because they’re connected.
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Where to Elope in Olympic National Park
Short answer: Olympic has endless options.
Long answer: there’s a best place for you, and it completely depends on how you want your day to feel!
Do you want:
beachy and windswept
mossy and quiet
mountain views without chaos
lake energy and forest trails
a multi-location day that feels like an adventure road trip
Here are the most popular regions I help couples consider, plus the real talk on each:
Hurricane Ridge Area
Hurricane Ridge is the “I want mountain views without a massive hike” icon of Olympic.
On a clear day, it’s jaw-dropping. On a cloudy day, it can still be insanely dramatic. And when it’s snowy, it turns into a winter wonderland situation. Win-win-win, my friend.
Why it’s great:
Big mountain views with minimal effort (or you can pick a longer trail and find privacy AND views!)
Short trails nearby that still feel epic
Works well for sunrise, sunset, and quick ceremonies
Ususally you’ll come across at least a cute mule deer (or ten)
Real logistics to know:
Some roads like Hurricane Hill Road don’t open until June and the park service doesn’t give any advance notice
Snow can linger into June at most locations, so come prepared
Conditions can change quickly, so flexibility matters
This area is perfect if you want an alpine moment to yourselves.
Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent is one of those places that makes you stop and stare. The water can be shockingly clear, and the surrounding forest is lush and peaceful.
Why couples love it:
Romantic lake shoreline vibes
Easy access with gorgeous payoffs
Great for a calm, intimate ceremony and a relaxed timeline
Fun to kayak on or jump in at the end of a long day
This region is also a fantastic “basecamp” zone because it connects well to other Olympic locations.
If you want lodging that feels classic and cozy, Lake Crescent Lodge is an iconic option.
Sol Duc Valley
Sol Duc has tons of waterfalls, moss, and forest trails that feel like you wandered into a fantasy novel.
Why it’s great:
Waterfalls and ferns for days
Short hikes with major payoff
Great option when you want forest vibes without the Hoh crowds
Logistics note: Sol Duc Road is listed as seasonally closed in winter, reopening in spring. So if Sol Duc is your dream, season matters!
The Pacific Coast (Ruby Beach, Rialto, Kalaloch, and friends)
Olympic’s coastline is the kind of dramatic that makes people emotional. Sea stacks, driftwood, tidepools, fog, waves, the whole thing.
Why it’s incredible:
Sunset ceremonies here are unreal
The scale of the coast makes it feel wild and cinematic
You can find quiet stretches if we plan it right
The variety of rocky beaches versus sandy beaches is amazing
Real talk coast planning:
Tides matter. A “beach ceremony” can turn into “we are trapped by water” if you do not check a tide chart.
Weather can be windy and wet even in summer. Bring layers.
Weekends get busier! Sunrise and weekdays are where the magic comes in.
If you want to stay right on the coast inside the park, Kalaloch Lodge or accommodations in Forks are classic options.
Hoh Rainforest
The Hoh is famous for a reason. It’s vibrant, otherworldly, and so green it almost feels fake.
Why it’s special:
Ancient trees, moss, ferns, and that soft rainforest light
Accessible trails that still feel immersive
A truly unique ceremony backdrop that is not “mountain overlook”
Reality check:
The Hoh can get extremely crowded in peak season, and lines happen. Like, we’re waiting outside the park for 2+ hours kinds of lines.
If rainforest is the dream, we plan timing aggressively (weekdays, early, shoulder season) so it still feels peaceful.
There are also other rainforest zones (like Quinault) that can offer similar vibes with a different crowd profile depending on time and access.
Ozette and the “Remote Coast” Vibe
If you want your elopement to feel like you disappeared into the edge of the world, this is the flavor.
Why it’s amazing:
More remote, less casual traffic
Boardwalk forest sections + wild coastline energy
Great for couples who want solitude baked in
This area tends to feel more “earned,” even when the hike isn’t extreme, just because it’s farther out and less spur-of-the-moment for most visitors.
Still deciding between Washington’s National Parks? Learn more about Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascade National Park with my ultimate guides to eloping at each!
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Permits and Fees for an Olympic National Park Elopement
Permits are not the fun part. But they are the part that keeps your elopement from getting disrupted, fined, or moved last minute.
Special Use Permit (for all ceremonies)
Olympic requires a $50 Special Use Permit for elopements when the entire group size is more than 5 (including the two of you, your photographer, your officiant, guests, and anyone else present). If it’s just you two and your photographer, no permit needed!
A few key notes straight from how the park frames it:
These permitted ceremonies are generally small, outdoor, and low-impact
No elaborate setup (think no seating rows, no audio equipment)
You cannot block public access or kick other visitors out of an area
You should allow 3–4 weeks for processing
Park entrance fees
Olympic charges entrance fees, and it’s cashless. Current standard entrance options include:
$30 per private vehicle (that’s good for entrance into the park for 7 consecutive days!)
An America the Beautiful pass is also accepted, including resident and non-resident annual pass pricing
Permits aren’t something I recommend guessing on, especially in a park with lots of different zones and a ton of visitors. I help couples figure out what applies to their exact plan, and make sure it’s handled early so it’s not looming over your head.
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Where to Stay Near Olympic National Park
Where you stay matters a lot in Olympic because the park is huge and “nearby” is extremely relative.
My biggest lodging tip: choose your basecamp based on your elopement region, not based on whatever looked cute on Airbnb first.
Here are some good starting points.
Port Angeles and the North Side (Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent)
This is a great home base if you want easy access to Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent.
Standout classic option:
Lake Crescent Lodge (historic, cozy, iconic location)
Forks, La Push, and the West Side (beaches + rainforest)
This works well for coast-heavy elopements and getting to places like Rialto and Ruby Beach.
If you want oceanfront lodge vibes inside the park:
Kalaloch Lodge (right above the beach, open year-round)
Sol Duc Area
Perfect if you want waterfalls + forest trails and you want to be close to the valley.
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is a big Olympic experience (and yes, the pools are a vibe). It’s seasonal.
Quinault Area (rainforest + lake)
If you want rainforest vibes with lake access and a quieter-feeling base, Quinault can be a dream.
Lake Quinault Lodge is a classic, cozy option with serious atmosphere.
Camping
Olympic has a lot of campgrounds, but availability and seasonal access vary. If camping is part of your elopement vision, we plan it early, especially for summer weekends. Here are a few of my favorite campgrounds:
Fairholme Campground (seasonal)
Deer Park Campground (seasonal)
Heart O’ the Hills Campground
Hoh Rainforest Campground
Kalaloch Campground
Mora Campground
Quick reality check on drive times
Olympic is not a “we’ll just bounce around” kind of park unless you truly love being in the car.
The best elopement days here feel relaxed because we pick:
one main region
one backup region
and we plan the day like a story, not like a frantic checklist
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Washington Marriage License Basics
Washington makes the legal side pretty straightforward. Here’s what matters:
You can apply for a marriage license through any county in Washington state. It does not have to be the county where you elope.
There is a three-day waiting period from the day you apply to the earliest day you can legally get married.
Your license is valid anywhere in Washington, including national parks.
You’ll need two witnesses and an officiant to sign the license.
If you’re eloping without guests, we can still make this work by having park rangers, hikers, or other visitors sign as witnesses. It’s never been an issue for my couples in the past!
If you want the step-by-step version (common mistakes, timing, how it’s filed), I always recommend reading my full Washington elopement legal guide next.
What to Pack for an Olympic National Park Elopement
Olympic is not a courthouse. Comfort and preparedness will change your entire experience!
You’ll remember rings and outfits. This is everything else people forget:
Layers (yes, even in summer)
Bring:
A warm layer (puffy or fleece)
A waterproof shell or rain jacket
Gloves and a beanie if you’re doing sunrise, sunset, or shoulder season
Shoes with traction (beach logs and wet rocks are slippery little traitors)
Practical essentials
Water and snacks (hangry vows are not romantic)
Sunscreen and bug spray
Headlamp or flashlight if we’re anywhere near sunrise/sunset
Tide chart screenshot downloaded offline if we’re doing the coast
A compact mirror and touch-up makeup
Fun extras that elevate the day
A celebratory drink for after your ceremony
A picnic moment (yes, even on the beach!)
Handwritten vows in something sturdier than loose paper
A downloaded playlist for a first dance or dance break
What I bring as your photographer
I don’t show up unprepared. Ever.
I always have:
Backup camera bodies and gear
The 10 essentials and safety gear
Extra layers, water, snacks
First aid kit
Bobby pins, safety pins, hair ties, a comb, and basically whatever the universe tries to steal from you
My goal is for you to feel taken care of so you can stay present and actually enjoy your day ❤️
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Leave No Trace and Ethical Eloping
Olympic is incredible because it’s alive and thriving. Which is exactly why we treat it like the sacred place it is.
Leave No Trace is not a vibe-killer. It’s how we get to keep doing things like this!
Stay on trail (especially in rainforest and fragile areas)
Rainforest moss and vegetation can be incredibly sensitive. Alpine meadows and subalpine areas can take years to recover from one “just step right there” moment.
We stay on trail, use durable surfaces, and I’ll get creative with angles so you get the dreamy look without damaging the place you came for.
Leave everything as you found it
No confetti, even if it says biodegradable.
No petals.
No “it’s just a little.”
Pack out everything:
trash
food scraps
champagne corks
wrappers
anything you brought in
If you want to celebrate with confetti or something festive, we save it for pavement, your Airbnb, or somewhere it won’t cause harm. Or you could use bubbles or poppable streamers!
Respect wildlife and other visitors
This is public land, after all!
That means:
no blocking trails
no asking strangers to move
no building a “private moment” by making the park less accessible for everyone else
As for wildlife, we give animals space and let them go about their day. No chasing, feeding, or “just one photo with the bear” moments. I’ve got a long, zoomy lens and know how to use it 😉
Plan ahead so nothing goes sideways
A big part of Leave No Trace is planning for safety.
Planning for Olympic means:
knowing where we’re allowed to be
timing around tides and daylight
checking current road conditions and closures
having backup plans that are still exciting
If you want to go deeper, I’ve also written a full Leave No Trace guide specifically for elopements, because the nuance really matters!
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Olympic National Park Elopement FAQ
➡️ Do we need a permit to elope in Olympic National Park?
If your gathering is more than five individuals, the park requires a Special Use Permit for weddings and ceremonies. Even when a permit is not required, you still need to follow park rules and plan for shared public space.
➡️ Can we elope in Olympic without hiking?
Yes. Olympic has stunning roadside and short-walk locations across the park, including mountain viewpoints, lakes, and beach access points. You can also choose longer hikes if solitude is the goal!
➡️ Can we have a beach ceremony with sea stacks and tidepools?
Yes, but you must plan around tides. The ocean runs the schedule out there. We’ll pick spots and timing that keep you safe and make the experience enjoyable instead of stressful.
➡️ Is Olympic crowded?
It can be, especially in peak summer and in the most famous areas. The good news is Olympic is huge, and timing makes a massive difference. Weekdays and sunrise are your best friends.
➡️ What if the weather is bad?
Olympic weather is often moody, and it photographs beautifully when you’re prepared. I build plans with flexibility and backups so “bad weather” doesn’t mean “ruined day.” Read my blog on preparing for ‘bad’ weather if you’re curious!
➡️ Can we bring our dog?
Dog rules vary a lot in national parks and Olympic has restrictions in many areas. Essentially they will not be allowed on any trails, but can be in some campgrounds and in some parking lots, plus the shore of Lake Crescent is dog-friendly. If bringing your dog is a priority, we plan around locations that allow it and still feel special!
➡️ How far in advance should we plan?
A few months gives you the most flexibility for permits, lodging, and season-specific access. The park recommends allowing a few weeks for permit processing when applicable.
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Hiring an Olympic National Park Elopement Photographer
Olympic is not the place to wing it with someone who does not understand:
how huge the park is
how tides can reshape a plan
how to build a timeline that is not a stressful driving marathon
how to pivot when roads are closed or conditions shift
how to do all of this ethically without being That Person in the rainforest
“Van was the best decision we made for our Olympic National Park elopement. From the very first call, she answered every question and helped us shape a clear plan. When access at Hurricane Ridge changed due to a fire, she immediately came up with amazing alternatives. Our day felt calm, unrushed, and genuinely fun, and the photos captured our vision perfectly. We couldn’t be more grateful.” - Caitlin & Louis after their 2023 Lake Crescent and Rialto Beach elopement. View their elopement day gallery here!
You’re gonna want a photographer who:
knows Olympic’s regions and how to match them to your priorities
helps you choose locations that make sense for your season and comfort level
stays calm when plans shift (because sometimes they will)
handles logistics quietly so you can stay present and actually enjoy your day
My role goes way beyond taking photos. I help with location guidance, permits, timelines, tide planning for the coast, backup plans, and creating an experience that feels relaxed instead of chaotic.
If eloping at Olympic feels exhilarating but also a little overwhelming, you’re in the right place.
When you’re ready, reach out to start the conversation ❤️
Big vibes. Zero chaos.
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