How to elope in OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
AN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK PHOTOGRAPHER’S GUIDE
Thinking of eloping in Olympic National Park?
As an elopement photographer (and all around lover of exploring wild places), I’ve been to a lot of National Parks … and Olympic is, without question, my favorite.
If you’re into moody beaches, misty rainforests, big mountains, and so. much. greenery. I think you will love it too!
I truly believe that Olympic National Park is one of the absolute best places to elope. Let’s talk about how to make it happen!
Table of contents
- Olympic National Park Elopement Locations
- Ruby Beach
- Hoh Rainforest
- Lake Crescent
- Sol Duc Falls
- Mt Storm King
- Best Time of Year to Elope in Olympic National Park
- How to Plan an Olympic National Park Elopement
- Do you Need a Permit to Elope in Olympic National Park?
- Where to Stay for Your Olympic National Park Elopement
- Dog-Friendly Elopements in Olympic National Park
- Activity Ideas for Your ONP Elopement
- Meet your Olympic National Park Elopement Photographer
Olympic National Park elopement locations
Olympic National Park is full of stunning and diverse places to elope and one of the BEST things about this area is that you can hit multiple landscapes all in one go! Here are some of my favorite Olympic National Park Elopement Locations!
Eloping at Ruby Beach
Ruby Beach is absolutely iconic and definitely one of the best places to elope in Olympic National Park. This moody stretch of beach is easily accessed and has sea stacks, crashing waves, and those perfect PNW vibes.
Eloping at hoh rainforest
I’m obsessed with the Hoh Rainforest. Mosses, mushroomes, trees, banana slugs … what more could you want?! This place is absolute PERFECTION and I honestly can’t get enough of it. If you decide to elope in the Hoh Rainforest, please please please resist the urge to go off trail to help protect this place!
Lake Crescent Elopement
Lake Crescent is the kind of place you have to see to believe. This gorgeous lake is the most beautiful color and is surrounded by trees that often have misty clouds hanging over them. It is stunningly a stunningly beautiful spot on your Olympic National Park elopement day.
sol duc Falls Elopement
The Sol Duc Falls area is absolutely gorgeous and includes a beautiful bridge over a large, rushing waterfall. This area also has hot springs, hiking trails, and so much more!
mount storm king Elopement
The hike up Mt Storm King is hard but worth it! This gorgeous hike takes you through the forest most of the way up. Near the top you have the option to use ropes for the last little scramble up to the summit. From the top of Mt Storm King you get STUNNING views of the Olympic Peninsula and Lake Crescent down below
Best time of year to elope in Olympic National Park
Colorado is stunningly beautiful year round but every season has a very different vibe – and some are easier for planning elopements than others. When you should elope in Colorado largely depends on what kind of weather you hope to have and the kinds of activities you want to do!
Eloping in olympic national park in summer
Summer is the most popular season for an Olympic National Park elopement, with milder weather and longer days. However, popular locations can be busier during at this time of year.
Eloping in olympic national park in Fall
Fall elopements in Olympic National Park are GORGEOUS!!! You can experience vibrant fall foliage and fewer crowds. The weather is generally pleasant, making it an ideal time for an elopement.
Eloping in olympic national park in Winter
While snow-covered landscapes can create a magical atmosphere, be prepared for colder temperatures and lots of rain. If you want to Olympic National Park in winter, you’ll have to be ready to roll with whatever weather Mother Nature throws your way!.=
Eloping in olympic national park in spring
Spring brings lush landscapes and low crowds making it a gorgeous time of year for your Olympic National Park eloepment
How to plan an elopement in olympic national park
1. Hire your Olympic national park elopement photographer and Planner
EAs elopement photographers our job is to help you through this planning process – which is why I always recommend bringing your elopement photographer on early! (pssst …. If you are looking for an elopement photographer for your Olympic National Park elopement, I’d love to help!)
2. choose your Olympic national park elopement location
Olympic National Park is full of gorgeous places to elope and I highly, highly recommend visiting more than one spot on this day! Why JUST celebrate your marriage in one place when you can hit so many gorgeous landscapes in one pic day!
3. BOOK YOUR LODGING
The biggest downside of eloping in Olympic National Park is that, in some of the most beautiful areas, your lodging options are fairly limited. Trust me when I sat this park is REMOTE (which is part of what makes it so gorgeous!). Unless you want to stay in a not-so-great roadside motel, I recommend booking lodging sooner than later. See below for awesome Olympic National Park lodigng options!
4. get any permits you. need
Now is the time to work with your photographer and the park service to get any required permits!
5. have the best day of your life in one of the most beautiful places in the U.S.
This day is going to fly by so make sure you soak in every moment! Relax, take your time, and enjoy it!
do you need a permit to elope in Olympic National park?
Olympic National Park Wedding permits
Most national parks require permits for you to get married (and take photographs in them). Because rules about when and how permits are needed are constantly changing, I strongly recommend working with your photographer and contacting the ONP permit office directly for advice on this. Typically these permits are fairly simple to get!
As an elopement photographer who has worked in tons of national parks, I can tell you that Olympic National Park is generally one of the easier ones to get married in so don’t let the fear of the permit process scare you away!
Where to stay for your olympic national park elopement
Pets allowed | National Park lodge on Lake Crescent with restaurant
Pet friendly + located on private rainforest with trails. I LOVE this little place!
Beautiful B+B with a sit-down breakfast
Gorgeous lakeside cabin with dock
Pet friendly + located on private rainforest with trails. I LOVE this little place!
Gorgeous glamping dome near Forks (someone please elope here and bring me with you to shoot it! – these are SO cute!)
dog-friendly elopements in olympic national park
Compared to some of the other national parks, Olympic National Park is surprisingly dog friendly. This does NOT mean that your dog is welcome everywhere (there are definitely some strict rules in place about this!) but it does mean that you have more options than in some of the other National Parks where dogs are strictly prohibited. My favorite spot for dog-friendly elopement locations in Olympic National Park is the beaches along the far west side of the peninsula. They are perfect and you and your pup will love them!
activity ideas for your Olympic national park elopement
Whether you’re looking for an activity to do during your day or ways to make the most of your time on the Olympic Peninsula before or after your elopement, ONP has you covered! Here are some of the best things to do in ONP:
Hiking in Olympic National Park
I’m sure you saw this one coming, right?! Olympic National Park has some absolutely incredible hiking for all levels of hiker! From easy scenic trails like the Hall of Mosses in the Hoh Rainforest to the much more challenging hike up Mt Storm King, there is something here for everyone!
Kayaking Olympic National Park
From kayaking on serene lakes to exploring the rugged coastline, there is plenty of kayaking to be had in this supremely wet corner of the world!
Explore the Beaches
If you love chilly, rugged coasts as much as I do, the Olympic peninsula has you covered! The string of beautiful beaches running down the west coast are stunningly gorgeou! I highly recommend Ruby Beach, Rialto Beach, First, Second, and Third beaches.
Check out the Hoh Rainforest
The Hoh Rainforest is absolutely magical – like something out of a fairytale! Mossy trees, banana slugs, birds, and mushrooms of all sizes await you! You have several options for hiking here and it’s WELL worth the visit!
Twilight Tour
If you are a Twilight fan you probably already know that the Olympic peninsula’s moody forests were the backdrop of your favorite movie. Now you can check them out for yourself! Book the tour here.
Looking for an olympic national park elopement photographer?
I’d love to chat!
I’m Jen Dz! I’ve been planning and photographing adventure elopements full time since 2016 and Olympic National Park might just be my favorite place to help couples elope!
I’m obsessed with this little slice of paradise and I’d love to help you have the best day of your life in one of my favorite places!