Why Olympic National Park is Magical for Elopements

Olympic National Park (ONP) is magical for elopements because it has something for everyone wanting to get married in nature. It has the most diverse landscape in the Pacific Northwest!

Olympic National Park is on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula and covers nearly a million acres. The park has glacier-capped mountains, huge alpine lakes, beautiful waterfalls, the most beautiful old-growth rain forest, very tall trees, and over 70 miles of coastline with iconic sea stacks. The Olympic National Park website contains detailed information with a map of all the places that you can visit.

If you can’t decide if you want to have your elopement in mountains or on a beach or in a rain forest, Olympic National Park may be the place for you to elope. You can have your ceremony at sunrise surrounded by mountains and then enjoy walking through a dense rain forest during the middle of the day and a leisurely stroll on the beach at sunset. Where else can you easily access all those types of landscapes in one day?

The Olympic National Park property is highlighted in green on this map below:

Next, I’d like to share with you my favorite places in Olympic National Park and also what I believe are the best places for your elopement.

Best places for your elopement in Olympic National Park

1. Ruby Beach
2. Lake Crescent
3. Hurricane Ridge
4. Hoh Rainforest
5. Second Beach
6. Lake Quinault
7. Sol Duc Falls

Olympic National Park – Ruby Beach Elopement

There are several beaches along the coast in the Olympic National Park, but Ruby Beach is hands down my favorite! It has iconic sea stacks and I’ve seen some of the most beautiful sunsets of my life from there. It is also easy to walk just a little way down the beach and find places that are private, where you can enjoy the beach on your elopement….just the two of you!

Ruby Beach is also easy to access. It’s a short walk from the parking area. You definitely want to plan your elopement there on a weekday because it can get very busy during weekdays, especially in the summertime.

Ruby Beach is also an amazing place for an adventure or engagement session. Check out these epic Ruby Beach engagement photos.

Olympic National Park – Lake Crescent Elopement

The Lake Crescent area is like a mini-retreat location! Every time I visit, I think about the resort that Baby and her family stayed at for the summer in “Dirty Dancing”.  That movie was filmed on the east coast, so Lake Crescent is the west coast version. It has a large, peaceful lake surrounded by mountains. There are large areas of grass for resting or playing frisbee…and those iconic Adirondack chairs. Lake Crescent offers even more though…it has a rain forest, a waterfall and a hike that quickly gets you up above the trees for amazing 360-degree views…it’s called Mount Storm King. It is a very steep hike, but you can enjoy a big meal afterwards and not feel guilty about it.

There is a nice, long pier that goes out into Lake Crescent and is perfect for your elopement ceremony in Olympic National Park, especially for rainy elopements. And then afterwards, you can jump in the lake or get your workout in by kayaking or relaxing and enjoying a boat ride. And then when you’re done, you can rest in one of those lakeside chairs and enjoy the sun set.

Olympic National Park – Hurricane Ridge Elopement

Hurricane Ridge is an easily accessed mountainous area within Olympic National Park. There are many hiking trails that traverse the ridgetop. You can also drive along Obstruction Point Road (typically July through October) and there are several trails that are accessible along the 8 mile dirt road. Hurricane Ridge is accessible all year around, but only on Fridays and weekends in the winter time.

Continuing with the movie theme, ONP reminds me of “The Sound of Music”, specifically the scene where Julie Andrews twirls around on that beautiful, alpine meadow. Everyone I’ve taken there or shown pictures to always agrees. Hurricane Ridge has panoramic views, making it difficult to capture all of the views in one image….but great for a variety of backdrops.

I’m not sure why, but this area isn’t visited as much as some of the other areas with epic mountain views in Washington…and that makes it perfect for your elopement or vow renewal!

Olympic National Park – Hoh Rain Forest Elopement

The Hoh Rain Forest, pronounced “hoe”, is one of the lushest rain forests in the United States and one of the most visited areas in the Olympic National Park. It gets nearly 140 inches of precipitation each year. Moss and ferns blanket the forest floor and trees, which is personally my favorite part of this rainforest.

Sitka Spruce, Red Cedar, Big Leaf Maple and Douglas Fir all call the Hoh Rain Forest home and are some of the largest trees in North America. I remember the first time that I visited the Hoh and wanted to hug every tree. The trees are soooo tall and very wide…like nothing you’ve ever seen.

If you love green, then this location is perfect for your elopement ceremony. It’s also near the coastline and within easy driving distance to several beaches. You can also backpack along the Hoh River Trail, which is 18.5 miles

Olympic National Park – Second Beach Elopement

Second Beach is a fairly easily accessed beach along the West Coast of Washington and in the Olympic National Park. The parking area is just outside of LaPush.

When you walk out onto the beach, you’ll notice that it’s a very sandy beach. It’s easier to walk on than some of the other beaches, which are more rocky. The views are amazing during your entire walk up and down the beach. During low tide, it is lots of fun to get close to the big sea stacks and the natural arch and see what you can find in the tidepools. You can also build campfires on Second Beach, as long as there are no fire restrictions.

It’s one of the many beaches along the coast where you can invite guests to your elopement ceremony. There is a short trail (less than 1 mile) from the parking lot through a beautiful moss-covered tree forest to the beach. You’ll need to make sure that all of your guests are able to walk on uneven surfaces and steps. There isn’t a bad spot anywhere along the beach, so you have many choices for your elopement ceremony.

(FYI – Don’t confuse this beach with Beach 2, which is closer to Ruby Beach.)

Olympic National Park – Lake Quinault Elopement

There is also a large lake and 8-miles of trails through a rain forest near the Lake Quinault Lodge. The world’s largest Sitka Spruce is just a mile past the Lodge. It’s over 1,000 years old. You can drive past the Lodge until you get to a gravel road, Quinault Rain Forest Loop drive, where you feel like you’re the only people around. There is dense forest, lots of wildlife and the Quinault river, which flows into Lake Quinault.

It would be a nice experience to have your elopement ceremony on the lake’s edge and then explore the rain forest together.

Olympic National Park – Sol Duc Falls Elopement

Sol Duc Falls is the prettiest and most unique waterfall in Olympic National Park. You can view it from above on a bridge or closer, along the trail. It makes for very picturesque images. The hike is just 1.6 miles round trip and is mostly flat.

On the way to the trailhead for Sol Duc Falls is the Sol Duc River. There is an overlook called the Salmon Cascades. During late October and early November, you can watch the coho salmon leap over the falls on their way to spawn upstream in the Sol Duc River. I have watched them and it’s truly amazing.

The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is on the same road. You can soak in the hot-mineral spring pools and stay in a cabin. Sol Duc is closer to Lake Crescent and the northern part of Olympic National Park.

Permit required to elope in Olympic National Park

Eloping in the Olympic National Park requires a Special Use Permit. It covers the photographing of your ceremony, if you have more than 5 people present. The couple getting married must obtain that permit and it only costs $50. You can request the permit using this link:

https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm

If you have less than 5 people total in attendance, that includes you and your photographer, you do not need a permit!

Washington State Marriage License and Rules

Another reason to elope in Washington? Straightforward marriage license rules (that of course, I help you to navigate!). Washington state requires a three-day waiting period before you can use your marriage license. You’ll need a certified officiant (I just happen to be one!) and two witnesses.  If you don’t want to have anyone else at your elopement, that’s ok. We can always find some friendly hikers or locals at a coffee shop to ask to be your witnesses. What does that mean for you? All you need to do is fill out the license and I will make sure it gets in the mail shortly after your ceremony.

It is also good to note that licenses are valid for sixty days after the three-day waiting period. This is beneficial in case the unexpected happens. In case this occurs, there is time to pivot and make sure the license is still viable for your Washington state elopement!

Olympic National Park Weather

The weather in Olympic National Park is pretty temperate throughout the year. Average temperatures can be found in the table below.

Summer and Fall are definitely the most pleasant times to elope in Olympic National park, especially if it’s hot inland. Conditions in the summertime are relatively warm and dry and typically remain in the 60s. Olympic National Park cools off a little in the Fall and you have a better chance of seeing the moody fog, especially on the coast.

Month	Temperature (High/Low)
January	47 / 36
February	49 / 35
March	51 / 37
April	55 / 39
May	60 / 43
June	63 / 48
July	67 / 51
August	69 / 51
September	66 / 47
October	58 / 42
November	50 / 38
December	46 / 35

Places to stay in Olympic National Park

Lake Crescent Lodge

Lake Crescent Lodge is a historic lodge and was built in 1915. The lodge itself is beautiful inside and has amazing views from the cozy sun porch looking out onto Lake Crescent. I personally love the Adirondack chairs and logs placed along the lake edge where you can rest and relax. I could stare at this view all day.

You can choose to stay inside the lodge or select a cabin or cottages. The best part about staying in the Roosevelt Cabin or Singer Tavern cottage is that your pet can stay with you!

There is a big restaurant in the Lodge with many window-side tables that allow for views of the lake and any wildlife that strolls by.

Lake Quinault Lodge

Lake Quinault Lodge is a rustic lodge built in 1926. It is named after the Quinault Indian Nation.

The Lodge is also situated next to a beautiful lake with view of mountains in the distance. It has rooms in the main lodge, as well as rooms with lakeside views, a fireplace and in the Boathouse. Pets are welcome in the Boathouse. It’s very convenient that Lake Quinault Lodge is open year round.

A rain forest trail is just across the street. It’s an easy trail to hike with beautiful green, mossy trees.

A Hidden Haven Forest Cottages

A Hidden Haven is an adorable 20-acre property with forest, ponds, waterfalls and wildlife. It has 5 luxurious, private cottages that are nicely appointed. They are your home away from home with a full kitchen and dining area, living room, bedroom and large bathroom in each cottage. They also have cute outdoor seating areas that you can use. There is an adorable gazebo on the pond. They also have a turtle and reindeer, which you can hand feed.

The property is within 5 miles of the Olympic National Park and beaches. It is also near Port Angeles and the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. The Dungeness Spit is one of the world’s longest sand spits and shelters a bay rich in marine life.

Woodland Inns

Woodland Inns has 13 uniquely decorated luxury cabins, one of which is ADA accessible. The Inn is located in Forks, a lovely 32-mile drive from Ruby Beach.

Forks has a long history in the logging industry and these log cabins honor that history with local art and cultural accents to inspire your exploration. It is conveniently located near the Hoh Rain Forest, as well as some of the most popular beaches.

It is also known for being the real town in which the fictional “Twilight” universe is set.

Olympic National Park Airbnbs

If you prefer something more private, there are many Airbnb options on the Olympic Peninsula.

https://www.airbnb.com/olympic-national-forest-wa/stays

These are two new Airbnbs on the Olympic Peninsula that are unique and would be fun for your elopement or honeymoon.

A Frame Away

A Frame Away is a beautifully crafted tiny A-frame home with a hot tub and outside campfire area located between Sequim and Port Angeles. This is a tiny home, so it only accommodates 2 people for sleeping. However, the outdoor area is perfect for entertaining several guests.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/48226423?guests=1&adults=1

Tree House on the Water – Eagles Nest

This unique tree house makes for a beautiful setting while getting ready or enjoying dinner after your elopement. The house soars 20 feet in the trees with a view of the Strait. It has 2 bedrooms and accommodates 6 guests.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/46109666?guests=1&adults=1

Olympic National Park Campsites

There are campsites you can reserve in summertime in Kalaloch, Sol Duc and Mora. All other campsites are first come, first serve. Always make sure to check road status and campground status before heading out on your adventure.

Your Olympic National Park Elopement Photographer

I hope that you’ve enjoyed reading about why Olympic National Park is so magical for elopements! It was the first place that I visited when I moved to Washington and holds a special place in my heart. I love visiting the coast at any time of year!

I always take guests to Lake Crescent because it’s iconic views impress everyone. Ruby Beach is my favorite spot and where my elopement photography dreams began when I captured a proposal for a couple at sunset.

I know Olympic National Park well and would love the opportunity to help you plan the elopement of your dreams here. I also have many other resources that will help you plan you elopement in the Pacific Northwest and learn about How to Elope in Washington State. Contact me to start the process now!