Choosing Your Elopement Location at Olympic National Park
One of the most exciting parts of planning your Olympic National Park elopement is picking where you want to say your vows. The park is huge and spreads from forest, to mountain, to beach. I offer these as suggestions, but if you come across something better in you search, please let me know! For a comprehensive map of the park, check out https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/maps.htm
Here are some spots to consider:
Hurricane Ridge If sweeping mountain views and towering evergreens sound like your dream backdrop, this is your location. It's one of the more accessible areas of the park, which is great, though it does mean it can get busy during summer weekends. Consider a sunrise ceremony or a weekday elopement to enjoy the views with more privacy. Although the road to the ridge is open throughout the summer, in the winter, it’s typically open Fridays through Sundays,
Ruby Beach For couples drawn to the coast, Ruby Beach delivers some of the most dramatic and moody Pacific Northwest scenery. The water offers large rock formations and moody PNW vibes.
Hoh Rain Forest The Hoh Rain Forest offers towering old-growth trees draped in moss and giant ferns blanketing the forest floor. If you want to feel completely surrounded by nature on your elopement day, this is your spot. It's also just a short drive from Ruby Beach, making it easy to combine both locations.
Each of these locations has its own unique character, so think about the vibe you're going for and let that guide your choice!
Road & Trail Accessibility
Fall, winter, and early spring elopements in the PNW mountains come with the added challenge of snow potentially closing roads and trails. Be sure to monitor current conditions through the Olympic National Park's website and always have a backup plan or two ready just in case! During the winter, we are unlikely able to venture off to mid-higher elevation trails.
Park required permits and fees
The National Park Service requires a special use permit to elope in the park. Their website offers a full look at the requirements/most request locations map: https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/special-use-permits-commercial-permits-overnight-reservations.htm
- Complete an application form.
- Email the application to olym_permits@nps.gov
- All applications may be submitted up to one year prior to requested event. Applications are reviewed in order of receipt. Please submit your application at least 2 weeks in advance of the proposed event (but I recommend a few months before!)
- Once your application is received by the Permit Coordinator, they will work with you on conditions of your requested permit and provide you with a link to pay the $50 application fee.
Getting your permit sorted out early is one of the best things you can do for a stress-free elopement. Applying well in advance protects you from unexpected delays and keeps your plans on track.
Entrance fees
Also, note that there is a $30.00 entrance fee per vehicle per day to get into the park!
Pet Policies for Your Olympic National Park Elopement
Thinking about bringing your furry friend along? Keep in mind that pets are only permitted in select areas of the park. The trails and locations where pets are allowed include:
- Peabody Creek Trail
- Rialto Beach parking lot through to Ellen Creek
- Beaches between the Hoh and Quinault Reservations
- Madison Falls Trail
- Spruce Railroad Trail
- July Creek Loop Trail
Planning Your Elopement Timeline
One of the final pieces of the puzzle is mapping out your elopement day timeline. Every couple's day looks a little different, so your timeline will be shaped by a number of things, including:
- Where you've chosen to say your vows
- Whether hiking is part of the plan, and if so, the length of the trail, how many rest stops you'll need, and what gear you'll be carrying
- Where you're staying the night before and after
- How far your vendors are traveling to reach you
- The time of day you're envisioning for your ceremony
- Any additional activities you want to work into the day
- Drive times and travel between each location
- How weather conditions might impact your plans or require flexibility
Keeping all of these factors in mind will help ensure your day flows smoothly from start to finish!
Planning Your Elopement Timeline, the Comprehensive Checklist
📍 Location & Vows
- Decide where you want to say your vows
- Research whether a permit is required for your chosen spot
- Apply for your Special Use Permit well in advance
- Pay the $50 nonrefundable processing fee
- Account for the $30 per vehicle park entrance fee
🥾 Hiking & Physical Planning
- Determine if you'll be hiking to your ceremony location
- Research trail length and difficulty
- Plan how many breaks you'll need along the way
- Decide what gear and supplies you'll be carrying
- Check trail and road conditions ahead of time
🌤️ Weather & Accessibility
- Check the season's typical weather conditions
- Monitor road and trail closures leading up to your date
- Have 2-3 backup location options ready
- Pack appropriate clothing for changing conditions
🏡 Accommodations
- Book your lodging near the park well in advance
- Plan where you'll be staying the night before and after
- Factor in your accommodation's distance from your ceremony spot
⏰ Day-Of Timeline
- Decide what time of day you want to say your vows (sunrise, golden hour, etc.)
- Factor in getting ready time
- Account for drive time between each location
- Plan any additional activities for the day (hiking, exploring, etc.)
- Build in flexibility for unexpected weather or delays
🍽️ Meals & Celebrations
- Plan what you'll eat throughout the day
- Consider packing a picnic or charcuterie spread
- Research local restaurants for a post-ceremony dinner
- Plan any campfire or celebration activities for the evening
📋 Legal & Paperwork
- Apply for your Washington State marriage license
- Search your specific county's requirements online
- Ensure your license arrives well before your elopement date
- Sign and return your permit once received for final approval
🐾 If Bringing Pets
- Confirm your ceremony location is pet-friendly
- Pack waste bags and a leash
- Review the NPS BARK guidelines
🌿 Leave No Trace
- Familiarize yourself with the 7 Leave No Trace Principles
- Plan to pack out everything you bring in
- Be mindful of staying on designated trails
