Dreaming of an Olympic National Park elopement? Picture saying your vows on the shore of a crystal-clear lake, wandering through moss-draped rainforest, and ending the day on a wild beach lined with sea stacks. Olympic is one of the most diverse and magical places to get married, and we’re here to walk you through everything you need to know: the best time of year, permits, where to say “I do,” and how to plan a day that makes the most of it all. Let’s dive in!
WHY ELOPE IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
Olympic is like three parks in one: glacier-fed lakes and mountain views, lush rainforest wrapped in moss and ferns, and a rugged coastline with driftwood and sea stacks. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy lakeside ceremony, a misty forest moment or a sunset on the beach, there’s a little bit of magic around every corner.
THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO ELOPE IN OLYMPIC
Rain is part of what keeps Olympic so green, and it can show up any time of year. Here’s what each season brings.
Spring (March to May)
- Why we love it: everything is lush and green, and the waterfalls are rushing.
- Keep in mind: spring is rainy and cold, and snow can linger at Hurricane Ridge into June.
Summer (June to August)
- Why we love it: you’ll have the best chance of dry days, Hurricane Ridge is open, the wildflowers peak around July, and the long days mean sunsets after 9 pm in June.
- Keep in mind: it’s the busiest season, and coastal fog can hang around even on sunny days.
Fall (September to November)
- Why we love it: September is one of our favorite months, with summer’s weather and fewer crowds.
- Keep in mind: the rain returns by October, and snow can reach the high country as early as late September.
Winter (December to February)
- Why we love it: moody, misty and quiet, with the park almost all to yourselves.
- Keep in mind: it’s the wettest and coldest time of year, and the road to Hurricane Ridge is usually only open on weekend days.
Our recommendation: July, August and September give you the best chance of dry weather. But whenever you go, plan on a little rain and embrace it. It’s part of the magic!
HOW TO APPLY FOR YOUR OLYMPIC WEDDING PERMIT
Here’s some good news for intimate elopements: if your group is 5 people or fewer, you don’t need a permit in Olympic. That count includes the two of you, your officiant and your photographer. Bringing more of your favorite people? You’ll need a Special Use Permit from Olympic National Park. Apply at least one month ahead (you can apply up to a year out), and we’ll help you through every step!
Step by Step
- Pick your spot and time. Choose a location, a two-hour window, and a backup option. We’ll help you choose!
- Fill out the application on Olympic’s permit page.
- Email your application to the park’s permit office.
- Pay the non-refundable $50 application fee with the link the park sends you.
- Sign and return your permit to make it official. Then it’s time to celebrate!
Good to Know
- Everyone in your group counts toward the limit. A few spots welcome up to 50 people, and most trails are limited to 12.
- Keep it simple: chairs, décor, amplified music and tossing rice or confetti aren’t allowed. Your bouquet and these views are all you need!
- Drones aren’t allowed without special written approval from the park.
- Dreaming of the dock at Lake Crescent Lodge? It belongs to the lodge, so reach out to them for permission.
Most of our Olympic couples keep their day intimate, but guests are always welcome. Either way, I’ll help you choose your spot and give you everything you need to fill out your application.
WHERE CAN YOU GET MARRIED IN OLYMPIC?
Olympic has 37 commonly requested wedding spots, from the shores of Lake Crescent to the rainforest and the coast. Here are our favorites.
Lake Crescent
Our top pick for your ceremony! Lake Crescent’s crystal-clear blue water, mountain views and lakeside docks make it one of the most stunning places in the park to say “I do.” There are several approved spots around the lake, and it’s the perfect starting point for the rest of your day.
Marymere Falls
A short trail through moss-draped trees leads to a beautiful waterfall. It’s dreamy for private vows or portraits, and the trail welcomes up to 15 people.
Ruby Beach
Sea stacks, driftwood and some of the prettiest sunsets on the coast. Ruby Beach welcomes up to 50 people. If the tide is high, we may not be able to cross to one side of the beach, but it’s beautiful either way.
Hurricane Ridge
Sweeping mountain views, and it’s high enough that on a clear evening you’ll get a gorgeous golden hour. Hurricane Ridge is a summer spot: its ceremony site, Picnic Area A, is typically reachable by car from late May to late October.
Hoh Rain Forest
Towering trees draped in moss, straight out of a fairytale. The Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trail each welcome up to 15 people. The Hoh is very popular in summer, so we plan extra time for the drive in.
PICK YOUR OLYMPIC ADVENTURE
Olympic is big, and the drives between its lakes, rainforest and coast are usually an hour or more. Instead of rushing to see it all, we help you choose two areas that fit your dream day. Our favorite combinations:
- Lake Crescent + Ruby Beach: a lakeside ceremony, then sunset on the coast.
- Lake Crescent + Hurricane Ridge: a lakeside ceremony, then sunset in the mountains (summer only).
- The rainforest + the coast: moss-covered trails and a wild beach.
And here’s a little secret: Olympic isn’t only moody! On a clear evening, golden hour at Ruby Beach or Hurricane Ridge is absolutely breathtaking.
A SAMPLE OLYMPIC ELOPEMENT TIMELINE
Most Olympic elopements are about 6 hours and end at sunset. Staying at Lake Crescent the night before makes getting-ready photos easy, since it’s right where the day begins. Here’s an example for early August, when the sun sets around 8:50 pm. Every timeline we create is custom, built around your date, your favorite spots and the light, so yours will be even more personal.
- Optional: a slow morning at your Lake Crescent cabin, with coffee, vow writing, getting ready and details
- 2:45 pm: your first look by the lake
- 3:15 pm: your ceremony on Lake Crescent
- 3:45 pm: couple portraits along the lake
- 4:30 pm: the forest trail to Marymere Falls
- 5:15 pm: a scenic drive out to the coast
- 7:15 pm: Ruby Beach portraits as the sun goes down
GETTING AROUND OLYMPIC
- No timed entry: in 2026 the park didn’t require vehicle reservations. We’ll let you know what to expect for your date.
- Hurricane Ridge: the road is open around the clock in summer. In winter it’s usually open on weekend days only, and chains are required.
- Summer lines: the Hoh and Hurricane Ridge can have long entrance lines on busy summer days, so we build in extra time.
- Travel advisories: roads around the park sometimes have construction or closures. We’ll keep an eye on them and help you plan the best route.
- Parking: spots like Ruby Beach fill up quickly in summer.
WAYS TO MAKE YOUR DAY YOUR OWN
- A cabin morning: sip coffee, write your vows and get ready together in a cozy lakeside cabin.
- Kayaks on Lake Crescent: paddling that crystal-clear water is such a fun addition.
- A bike ride: a scenic trail runs along the far side of Lake Crescent.
- A picnic or champagne pop: a sweet way to celebrate after your ceremony.
- Lanterns at dusk: perfect for those moody Pacific Northwest vibes.
WHERE TO STAY & HOW TO GET THERE
- Fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
- Making a road trip of it? Port Angeles and Forks are great home bases for exploring the park.
- For your wedding day, stay at Lake Crescent, whether that’s the lodge or a lakeside cabin. It makes getting-ready photos easy and puts you right where the day begins.
TIPS FOR YOUR OLYMPIC ELOPEMENT
- Embrace the weather. If you get sunshine, amazing! Either way, plan on a little rain and fog. It makes for the most romantic photos.
- Bring a clear umbrella. They look so beautiful in photos.
- Wear good hiking shoes. The trails and beaches are often wet, and you can always change for photos.
- Pack layers. The coast and the mountains can feel cool, even in summer.
- Plan a weather-friendly hairstyle that will still feel like you in a little mist.
REAL OLYMPIC ELOPEMENTS
Want to see what an Olympic elopement really looks like? Explore a few of our real Olympic galleries, from a lakeside micro-wedding with family to a sunset ceremony on the coast.
HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER WHO KNOWS OLYMPIC
Olympic is one of the most magical places to elope, and you deserve to enjoy every minute of it. A photographer who knows the park can help you choose the perfect spots, plan around the weather and the light, and always have a backup ready. When a fallen tree closed the road to Hurricane Ridge on Dakota & Rowdy’s day, we already had a beautiful plan B waiting.
We’re Sammie & Michael, a husband-and-wife photo and video team. Sammie’s photos hold your moments still in time, and Michael’s video captures the feeling and movement as it unfolds. Rain or shine, we’re one team, planning every detail with you. All travel fees included.
