Frequently Asked Questions for planning an elopement in Olympic National Park
What’s it like to elope in Olympic National Park? Here’s what to expect:
Planning an elopement in Olympic National Park is best during the summer hiking season. The park covers a large and diverse range of landscapes, from rugged mountain peaks to lush rainforests and scenic coastlines. The variety of views here make it perfect for adventure elopements, and the especially long summer days means you can fit it all in from sunrise to sunset.
The National Park Service does a great job of maintaining trails and services here, but you’ll need a permit from them to bring a photographer with you into the park. Once you obtain permission, you can hike snow-capped mountains, kayak crystal-clear lakes, or pose by cascading waterfalls.
The most popular hike is the Hoh River Trail, which snakes through the Hoh Rainforest. It’s a comfortable hike through this UNESCO World Heritage site that envelopes you in towering, moss draped trees, and lush greenery.
Away from the temperate rainforest is the Pacific coastline, where you can enjoy tide pools, sea stacks and hazy sunsets over the sea.
GENERAL TIPS AND NOTES:
Special use permits are required for weddings, ceremonies and most still photography activities within the park. Make sure to reach out 6-8+ weeks in advance to secure a permit in time.
Plan extra driving time and rent a car. Everything is really far away so plan for ample time if you want to see the rainforest, beaches, and mountains within the same day.
Don’t obsess over the forecast. Weather is always changing, especially when moving up and down the mountains. Bring layers. A little rain or fog only heightens the atmosphere.
Shop in before leaving Port Angeles. There's a grocery store and some gas stations in Forks, but have most of your provisions and have a plan to cook something.
Cell service is very limited. Download the area on Google maps to your phone so you’re able to navigate without reception.
Plan around crowds. Take advantage of early, quiet sunrises to avoid crowds and find parking at the park’s busiest locations.
Bring clear umbrellas. They’re cute AND functional.
When is the best season for planning an elopement in Olympic National Park?
July through September offers the best weather for an Olympic National Park elopement. The downside is that these months also tend to be very crowded.
Spring and fall are less crowded, but the weather is unpredictable. It’s less reliably warm and dry, and heavy fog and rain are likely.
I don’t recommend a winter elopement at ONP unless you specifically want wet, grey and very moody weather.
What times of summer should we avoid planning our elopement in Olympic National Park?
Summer is already an especially busy season within the park. Plan your timeline carefully to avoid lines, crowds, traffic and full parking areas. Start the day early and try to avoid the most popular viewpoints during midday.
Especially avoid planning an elopement on weekends or these holidays:
❌ Spring break
❌ Fourth of July
❌ Labor Day
❌ Memorial Day
❌ Weekends
What should we expect regarding weather on our elopement day?
Assuming you’re planning an Olympic National Park elopement in the summer months, expect mild temperatures and drier conditions than usual. The weather can vary a lot throughout the park, however, so always be prepared with extra layers, dry socks and rain gear.
Weather in the mountains:
Warmer average temperatures and drier air, daytime highs around 70F (25C) and cooler nights. Thunderstorms happen, so make sure there is no lightning forecasted before hiking at higher elevations.
Weather in the coastal area:
Cooler average temperatures with highs around 60F (16C), fog and drizzle likely. When it’s clear, sunsets on the coast are hazy and golden.
Weather in the rainforest:
Notably cooler and wet. Average temps range from the mid-50F to low 70F (12-22C). Night time temperatures are cool, dropping near 40F (5C). Rainfall in summer lightens, but is still a feature of the area.
What are the best towns near Olympic National Park to stay?
Forks, WA
Forks is roughly 12 miles (20km) south of Olympic National Park and serves as a base for most the park’s visitors. It’s surrounded by dense forests, and central to the area waterfalls and beaches.
Port Angeles, WA
Port Angeles is a bit further from the coast and closer to Hurricane Ridge and the mountains. It’s great for couples wanting to elope at those higher, more mountainous elevations. It’s also closer to Seattle and Vancouver and a great base for people traveling through those cities. There are ferry terminals that go back and forth daily to Victoria, BC and airports connecting you to Seattle. If you want to be closer to the city and more restaurants, hotels and culture, then Port Angeles is the best place to stay.
Olympic National Park
Within the park itself, I highly recommend the following lodges:
Kalaloch Lodge:
The Kalaloch Lodge is along a beautiful stretch of beach along the Pacific Coast. It has a range of room types depending on what you need. You can rent entire cabins or guest rooms, and spend your evenings eating fresh sea food at the lodge’s restaurant.
Lake Crescent Lodge:
Lake Crescent Lodge is along the shore of, you guessed it, Lake Crescent. It’s a historic lodge created in 1916 and has private cabins or individual rooms. There is also a restaurant in the lodge so you don’t have to worry about arranging food last minute.
Sol Duc Hot Spring Resort:
Situated by the similarly named Sol Duc River, you can rent cabins near the natural mineral hot springs. The area is a hotbed of geothermal activity, and ideal for couples who want something a little more spa like in a natural setting.
What are some of the best locations to explore for photos, or have our elopement ceremony?
Hall of Mosses: easy, short trail under 1 mile through the rainforest
Hurricane Ridge: higher elevation viewpoint that overlooks the mountain range, easily accessible from nearby parking areas
Ruby Beach and Kalaloch Beach: explore tide pools, and watch the sun go down behind the famous sea stacks looming offshore
Elwha River: the largest watershed in the area, with beautiful teal rivers and mossy forests
Lake Quinault: a lush green lake area at the southwest corner of the park
What activities should we consider when planning an elopement in Olympic National Park?
Hiking on the over 600 miles of trails within the park
Kayaking on Lake Crescent
Rafting down the Elwha River
Picnics, alone or with your VIP guests
Scenic drives along Hurricane Ridge Road, Hoh Rain Forest Road and Lake Crescent Highway
Birdwatching
Seal, otter and whale watching
Bath in the Sol Duc hot springs
What other sorts of vendors can we include while planning an elopement in Olympic National Park?
Officiants
Videographers
Hiking or other adventure guides
Hair and makeup artists
Cabins and other attractive lodging
Private chefs
You can get really creative for the types of vendors you include in your elopement! Just be aware of the wildlife and other visitors to the area, and try to minimize your impact.
Example timelines for Olympic National Park elopements:
4 Half day:
Sunset vow ceremony on Hurricane Ridge
3-4pm: meet for getting ready photos and first look
4-5pm: begin trail along Hurricane Ridge
5-7pm: sunset vows and portraits
8 hr Full day:
Afternoon getting ready and first look, hike and vows, sunset picnic
12pm-1pm: first look outside the cabin or lodge
1pm-3pm: hike through the Hoh Rainforest for portraits
3pm-6pm: explore Ruby beach and have an evening picnic with vows
6pm-8pm watch sunset and explore under the night sky
How do we pick a photographer to document our Olympic National Park elopement?
Pick a photographer you’re excited to hang out with! Get on Zoom calls, test the water. Your Olympic National Park elopement photographer should be someone that ticks the following:
Has real life experience in the area
Knows the trails
Knows the permitting system
Will mesh with you and your guests
Has work you consistently love the look of
Contact Me to Learn More about my Olympic National Park elopement packages:
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The content on this blog was written and curated by Mariah Arianna, copywriter and content blogger for photographers