If you’re dreaming of a wedding day surrounded by fern-filled forests, scenic beaches, or crystal-clear alpine lakes, Olympic National Park is one of the most breathtaking places to say your vows. With its diverse landscapes and peaceful, wild beauty, this national park offers endless options for intentional and unforgettable ceremonies. Whether you’re planning an adventurous elopement or an intimate wedding with your closest people, here’s everything you need to know about planning an Olympic National Park wedding.
Choosing a Location for Your Olympic National Park Wedding
When choosing where to get married in Olympic National Park, couples should consider a number of things. First off, the season. While much of ONP is still accessible in the winter months, there are some higher elevation locations like Hurricane Ridge that will be completely snowed in until early summer. Another important consideration is how many guests will be in attendance. Certain locations like the Hoh Rainforest are most suitable for smaller groups (10 total people and under) while the beaches can accommodate larger group sizes.
Also, don’t forget to really think about what scenery you’re hoping for on your day. The park is vast and it can often take hours to drive from one location to the next depending on what you’ve been envisioning in terms of location(s), there might be a bit of driving involved which can quickly eat up a lot of a wedding day. In short, ask yourself these questions:
Do you want to explore more than 1 location? Would you prefer a single spot with a ton of variety? What do you want to do after your elopement? How much time do you want to spend driving? Do you want a day full of adventure or something more laid back? All this will help determine where within the park would best fit your vision!
The Best Season for an Olympic National Park Wedding
While there are perks to each season for Olympic National Park weddings, late spring, summer and early fall are my favorite times to get married here. The park has more road and trail accessibility while remaining more on the mild side in terms of weather. This is the busiest time of the year however so I always recommend opting for a weekday elopement to help alleviate some crowds. These seasons are also the ideal time to visit the Hoh Rainforest, the beaches and Cape Flattery! Let’s take a look at what to expect for each season:
Spring
Spring is when the park starts to really come alive and warm up while snow at higher elevations begins to melt. The weather can still be unpredictable this time of year however so I recommend opting for late spring for more consistent weather.
Summer
Summer is when the park is the warmest but also holds the most amount of crowds. Temperatures tend to stay fairly mild however and your less likely to be met with rain, storms or colder temperatures.
Summer is best for Hurricane Ridge as mountain visibility is at its highest and the road is completely accessible.
Fall
Fall is a beautiful time to visit the park! While the rainy season starts to pick up this time of year, you can except beautiful fall colors and a more moody, PNW atmosphere.
Winter
Winter is when the mountains and higher elevation locations experience the most snow and cold temperatures. This time of year tends to be more stormy especially around the beaches. Be sure to check trail and flooding conditions this time of year!
If you want to elope in winter, Hurricane Ridge is a beautiful spot for snow covered mountains! Keep in mind, however, the road to Hurricane Ridge is only open Friday – Sunday in the winter with conditions permitting. Flooding can often affect certain areas like The Hoh Rainforest in the winter so be aware of road closures.
Olympic National Park Wedding Venues
Lake Crescent
A stunning glacial lake surrounded by evergreen forests and mountain peaks, Lake Crescent is perfect for couples wanting peaceful waterside vows. It offers easy access to docks, shorelines, and nearby hiking trails like Marymere Falls, making it great for intimate ceremonies and adventurous portraits. (Take a look at this blog if you’d like to see more of this location!)
Rialto Beach
Known for its rugged coastline, sea stacks, and dramatic driftwood-covered shore, Rialto Beach is ideal for couples who love the wild beauty of the Washington coast. A sunset ceremony here feels straight out of a movie, and you can explore the famous Hole-in-the-Wall rock formation during your session.
Ruby Beach
Ruby Beach features iconic sea stacks, tide pools, and breathtaking ocean views. It’s an easily accessible spot, making it perfect for couples who want a beach ceremony without a strenuous hike. Sunrise or sunset ceremonies here offer gorgeous light and fewer crowds.
Hurricane Ridge
If you’re dreaming of sweeping mountain views, Hurricane Ridge is for you. This easily accessible mountaintop location is stunning during the summer months when the road is open. It’s perfect for couples who want alpine backdrops without a long hike, though snowshoe elopements in winter are also magical when the road is open on weekends.
Hoh Rainforest
Step into another world in the Hoh Rainforest, one of the largest temperate rainforests in the U.S. This is a quiet, enchanting spot for couples who love lush greenery and towering moss-draped trees. It’s best suited for smaller groups due to trail accessibility and its serene, intimate feel.
Cape Flattery
Located at the northwestern tip of the contiguous U.S., Cape Flattery offers dramatic sea cliffs and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Couples who make the trek to this remote spot are rewarded with incredible scenery, making it a breathtaking option for those craving a wild, coastal elopement.
How to Elope in Olympic National Park
Depending on where you are getting married within the Olympic National Park and how much guests you’ll have, you might need a special use permit. If you have over 5 people (including the couple and vendors), you’ll need to apply for a permit. To apply, fill out the application form and submit a $50 non-refundable application fee online. You will also need to pay the park entrance fee! You can buy a week pass or opt for an America the Beautiful Pass which is good for a year and gains you access to all national parks in the country.
If all of this seems overwhelming, I’ve got good news for you! Permits & planning are two of the things I assist with when couples secure me as their wedding photographer. This may be your first time eloping in a national park, but I know my way around the locations and the legalities.
Things to Do Near Olympic National Park
I highly recommend you take the time to fully experience and enjoy all that Olympic National Park and the surrounding areas have to offer. Here are a few of my favorite things to do near Olympic National Park.
Edmonds-Kingston Ferry
One of my favorite ways to start an Olympic National Park adventure is by taking the Edmonds–Kingston ferry. Not only is it a scenic and relaxing ride across Puget Sound, but it’s also a classic Washington experience. It’s part of what makes a trip to the peninsula feel like an adventure in itself.
Salt Creek Recreation Area
Once you’re in the area, there’s no shortage of things to explore. Spend a morning tide pooling at Salt Creek Recreation Area, where you’ll find colorful sea stars, anemones, and other marine life tucked among the rocks at low tide.
Explore Lake Crescent
For those who love time on the water, kayaking on Lake Crescent is an unforgettable way to take in the crystal-clear water surrounded by towering evergreens. If you’re up for a short, family-friendly hike, Marymere Falls is a must—it’s a peaceful forest trail leading to a beautiful waterfall.
Camping in Olympic National Park
For a true Pacific Northwest experience, consider camping in one of Olympic’s many campgrounds, where you can fall asleep to the sounds of the forest or nearby ocean waves. And for something a little different, stop by the Olympic Game Farm, where you can drive through and get up-close views of animals like bison, elk, and bears.
Lodging on the Olympic Peninsula
The area around Olympic National Park is brimming with beautiful lodging options! Choosing the right lodging for your wedding isn’t just about finding a place to sleep, it’s part of the experience. Whether you’re winding down after a full day of adventure or hosting a cozy post-ceremony dinner with loved ones, your Airbnb or cabin can double as a peaceful retreat and celebration space. Here are a few favorite stays near Olympic National Park that offer the perfect mix of comfort and charm:
On Lake Crescent
On Lake Sutherland
Forks
Olympic National Park Wedding Timeline
While elopements are typically much more relaxed than a wedding at a traditional venue, I work diligently with my couples to establish timelines. If you’re curious what that may look like, here’s a sneak peek at a 4-hour Lake Crescent elopement timeline I created for a past couple:
8:15 am | Tessa arrives at Lake Crescent lodge
8:30 am | Couple share an intimate first look out on the dock, private vows
9:00 am | Quiet ceremony surrounded by mountains and family along the lake shore
9:30 am | Photos with friends and family
10:00 am | Couples photos along the water before heading to the Marymere trailhead
10:45 am | Start the hike to Marymere Falls
11:15 am | Couples photos at the waterfall
11:45 am | Head back to Lake Crescent Lodge
12:15pm | Time to jump in the lake!!
12:30 pm | Tessa departs
Olympic National Park Elopement Packages
As a Washington elopement + wedding photographer, I wear many hats for my clients to help make their day as stress free as possible. I’m dedicated to helping my elopement couples craft a day that feels truly and authentically them. From timeline planning, assistance with permits, planning activities and hikes, finding the perfect Airbnb, vendor recs and so much more, I’m passionate about capturing your elopement in an artful way with an experience that feels unforgettable, natural and true to who you are as a couple.
My Half Day package:
- Coverage up to 4 hours
- Online gallery of 300+ high res and hand edited images
- Custom timeline
- Preview gallery within 72 hours post elopement
- Gallery returned 6 weeks post elopement
- Personalize location and vendor recommendations
- Unlimited planning calls
- Permit assistance
- Mini polaroid gallery
- Travel within Washington
$3800
My All Day package:
- All day photography coverage up to 8 hours
- Online gallery of 600+ high res and hand edited images
- Custom timeline
- Customized location list and scouting
- 90+ page elopement guide + vendor recommendations
- Preview gallery within 72 hours post elopement
- Unlimited planning calls
- Gallery returned 8 weeks post elopement
- Permit assistance
- Mini polaroid gallery
- Travel within Washington
$4500
Olympic National Park Wedding Vendors
Finding vendors you can trust who are experienced with the unique needs of a national park elopement or wedding can be challenging. Allow me to take away the guesswork with some of my favorite vendors in the area:
Baker
Catering
Olympic National Park Elopement Photographer
Hi, I’m Tessa, a Washington wedding photographer who specializes in guiding couples through unforgettable experiences. If you’re dreaming of saying “I do” in places like Olympic National Park or the wild PNW, I’m here to help with more than capturing photos. Whether you’re hiking to a hidden lake or exchanging vows under towering evergreens, I’ll help you craft a day that’s meaningful, joyful, and true to who you are. Ready to start planning your dream Olympic National Park wedding? Reach out here—I’d be honored to help you bring it to life.
