THE ULTIMATE OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK ELOPEMENT GUIDE 2023
HOW TO ELOPE IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
So you’re thinking about eloping in Olympic National Park? Let me tell you why it’s my absolute favorite location to photograph an elopement wedding and how it’s so darn special. Known for it’s lush rainforest, moss hanging from trees, giant ferns, moody vibes, fog, and the occasional sighting of Bigfoot and The Cullens. It’s open year round and no matter what time of year you decide on it will be absolutely magical. The location options for Olympic National Park are endless. You can choose from coastline, rainforest, mountains, lakes, or waterfalls. It truly has it all, and depending on how much coverage you choose for your elopement it’s possible to include more than one of these epic locations to explore on your special day.
How to Elope in Olympic National Park
Find an Elopement photographer who’s style you love and has knowledge about the area….AKA Yours Truly ;)
Discuss location options and pick something that speaks to your soul and makes your heart swoon. Get excited and envision your magical day unfolding and what you want to do and experience together.
Create a timeline. I can help with this and this makes sure we include all the important parts of your day that you want captured and also ensures we have enough time to complete it all. This will help you realistically see what all you can fit into a certain timeframe too and decide whether or not you want to extend coverage or dial it back based on your needs.
Get a wedding permit if applicable from the National Park Service. If your elopement includes more than 5 people (including vendors) you’ll need to apply for a permit. Call or Email first before filling out the permit to explain your needs and plans. It never hurts to call and speak with a permit manager to ask specific questions and locking in your plans. Rules can change at any time so this is good practice regardless. Keep in mind that the permit can take 3-4 weeks to finalize so plan accordingly.
Get a wedding license. If you are travelling from out of state you’ll probably be flying into Seattle which is in King County. You can get the wedding license from here and you are able to use in any county in Washington State. There is a 3 day waiting period after you apply for the wedding license and it is good for 60 days. Side note If you are planning on just having a vow ceremony but are making it official at the courthouse or in your home state you can skip this part.
Start planning your greatest adventure! Explore all there is to see and do and making your itinerary. Don’t forget to hire your other vendors such as florists, baker, and officiant if you need them too!
CHOOSE A LOCATION & TIME OF YEAR
BEST LOCATIONS TO ELOPE IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
LAKES
A glacial lake nestled in the foothills of the Olympic Mountains and only about 18 miles (30 minute drive) from Port Angeles. This location also has trails to forest with moss covered trees and giant ferns and an easy hike to Marymere falls.
WHERE TO STAY:
Lake Crescent Lodge-The lodge sits on the shores of Lake Crescent nestled among the Hemlock trees. Cabins, Cottages, and Rooms are available for your stay.
Only 17 miles from Port Angeles and just east of Lake Crescent. This location is perfect if you find a cabin rental and want a view all to yourself. Most rentals have a private dock and views of the lake and mountains.
WHERE TO STAY
Located in Quinault valley in the southern edge of Olympic National Park. The gateway to alpine meadows and icy peaks it sits 3 hours south of Port Angeles and about 1 hour from Forks. It’s proximity to the coast is also a win with only about 45 minutes to Ruby Beach/Kalaloch Beaches.
WHERE TO STAY
The Lodge is open year round and the perfect place to unwind and disconnect form the modern world. Built in the 1920’s it has a warm and rustic feel where you can cozy up next to the great fireplace, have a romantic dinner at the Roosevelt Dining Room, and relax at the pool or sauna.
Looking for a more private and quaint stay? Check out these 3 lake front properties only 30 minutes from the beach. Go beach combing during the day and watch the the stars shine over the Olympic mountains at night by a fire and roast marshmallows.
Established in 1926 during this charming cabins came to life. Built in the depression years, much of the lumber used came from used mill ends. Adorned with mix matched windows and doors and fire places made of river rocks make this place so charming and rustic. Each cabin comes with a fireplace, kitchen, private bath, and a bundle of firewood for each day. You also have access to kayaks and canoes to enjoy out at the lake.
Stay at this Inn and get views of the Quinault Mountains and River. Each room has speedy WIFI and Salish carvings and plaques done by a native artist.
Set in the Quinault Rainforest and on the shores of Lake Quinault. Choose the Village Inn, Parkside Suites, or the Fireplace Cabins for your stay.
Technically on the southern border of Olympic National Park, Lake Cushman is located in Olympic National Forest and was formed in a deep glacial claw-mark carved out by the Skokomish River. Known for it’s clear waters and lush forested shorelines. It has numerous trails with rocky mountainous views.
WHERE TO STAY
Hoodsport & Potlatch are your closest towns with amenities. Here are a few super cute cabin rentals to consider.
SEAS & OCEAN BEACHES
Only 20 minutes from Port Angeles and views of the Strait of Juan De Fuca. It’s filled with multiple view points with rocky shorelines and tide pools galore. This place is best at low tide or you will not be able to access the view point below the steps or the beaches below. Also see Salt Creek Recreation area as they are right next to each other but offer different views.
Located on the other side of Tongue Point, this location is perfect if you want an actual beach to explore on. It has cliffsides, a haystack rock island, and an open field with driftwood to explore.
WHERE TO STAY
LA PUSH BEACHES
Made famous by the Twilight series, these beaches are as magical as they come! Imagine yourself running around Jacob’s stomping grounds as we take the most epic photos of you and your partner. There are 3 beaches to choose from.
First Beach-You can park and walk right up to it. It’s has the most GIANT driftwood you will probably ever see and haystack rocks. If you want something a bit more secluded maybe consider Second Beach.
Second Beach-Located just outside of the town of La Push. Second Beach is about a 20 minute 4 mile out and back trail down to this beach is a walk through the lush rainforest and moss canopy trees and ferns. The beach is dotted with even more haystack rocks and a keyhole in the cliffside. Parking is limited to about 10 spots but there is an overflow parking area.
Third Beach-A 3.6 mile trek down to the shore. As you approach the bottom of the trail it narrows and you will have to climb over some driftwood to reach the shore.
WHERE TO STAY
Quileute Oceanside Resort-There are no tv’s or wifi in any of the units to provide you with a completely unplugged experience.
RIALTO BEACH & HOLE IN THE WALL
To complete the entire stretch of the beach is a 3.3 mile roundtrip hike but is accessible immediately by way of the parking lot. Known for the famous “hole in the wall” and jagged sea stacks scattered on the beach.
WHERE TO STAY
See above for La Push lodging since this location is in close proximity.
Located on the Southwest part of the Olympic Peninsula and one of the most popular Washington State beaches. It has miles of beach to explore with interesting rock formations and sun bleached driftwood scattered about.
WHERE TO STAY
See below under Kalaloch Beaches since Ruby is right next to this location.
KALALOCH BEACHES & TREE OF LIFE
About 35 minutes from Forks and a 45 minute drive from Lake Quinault. Mostly known for the famous “tree of life” hanging from the side of the cliff at the bottom of the beach. There’s 4 total kalaloch beaches to explore with the remaining 3 being a bit less crowded and beautiful hikes down to the shores.
WHERE TO STAY
RAINFOREST
FORKS
Located in the heart of the Olympic Peninsula and known to be the rainiest town in the continguous US. If you want that misty, foggy, classic PNW feel then this little town might be the spot for you. You may even spot Edward and Bella around town lingering in the gift shops and the visitors center.
WHERE TO STAY
George Washington Inn & Estate
FOR MORE TWILIGHT FUN & INFO CLICK HERE
Known for it’s lush green forest, rivers and magical wildlife such as elk, bears, and otters. Located about an hour outside of Forks you can take a quick trip here and explore endless trails. The Hall of Mosses trail takes you through an iconic walk through a grove of maple trees draped in moss.
WHERE TO STAY
See above under Forks Washington for more lodging ideas.
SOL DUC HOT SPRINGS/FALLS
Sol Duc Falls trail begins just past the resort. The trail is open year round but can close due to heavy snow during the winter months. Known for it’s lush forest and towering evergreens.
WHERE TO STAY
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort-Open March 25-October 30. Built in 1912 it certainly gives a rustic cabin feel. It offers 3 spring pools, swimming pool, and a restaurant.
MOUNTAINS
Only about a 17 mile trip from Port Angeles and a 45 minute drive brings you to some of the most stunning mountain views. The road is open throughout the summer and partially open throughout the winter. Always check for road conditions before planning your elopement outside of Summer and Fall months. The visitor center is also closed during the winter months so keep that in mind too. If you are having guests joining you for your vows it’s a great spot for this. You can rent out a timed slot by the picnic area and have an intimate location for your ceremony off the trails. Make sure to reach out to the NPS for more details.
WHERE TO STAY
Port Angeles is the nearest town with tons of hotels and motels within the city limits and more secluded options going towards Lake Crescent area.
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO ELOPE IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
This totally depends on what your vision is and what kind of mood you want for your wedding day. I’ll explain the pros and cons to all of these locations below.
Summer-Early Fall
Best time for mountain elopements hands down and all of the other aforementioned as well. If you want little to no risk of rain, clear mountain views, and no road closure issues then this is the time. Cons of eloping in the summer are crowds and risk of fire smoke if it’s a particularly dry season.
Late Fall-Early Spring
You can expect unpredictable weather at this point with higher chances of rain especially on the coast and rainforest areas. Just because you have a high chance of rain doesn’t mean it will be a wash out. Some of my favorite elopements are done during the off season where you have wherever you choose mostly to yourself, moody vibes, and hauntingly romantic fog rolling through at any given time. Remember I always come equipped with my bubble umbrellas to keep you dry if it’s a particularly wet day. Most often than not it never rains hard enough to completely soak you.
Cons for eloping in Late fall to early spring are chances of rain, it can get pretty cool in some areas especially in higher elevations, and the coast can be brutal during the winter due to high winds. I would not recommend the coast December-Februrary if you have your heart set on a clear day and no rain. If you’re up for the adventure and don’t mind wind swept hair then I’m down to make it happen! Good thing about Olympic National Park is there are a ton of other back up locations should your first choice fall through due to unforeseen circumstances.
LEAVE NO TRACE
As a final note I’d like to kindly remind you of the leave no trace principal. Following this helps keep our precious lands in good shape so that we are able to access them. It’s such a treasure to have places like these that we can come to and enjoy. Leave things where you find them, dispose of any trash in correctly, stay on trails, respect others and the wildlife. For more information check out this site below.