Due to its incredible size and location in the Pacific Northwest, Olympic National Park has one of the most diverse and unique landscapes you can find. 

Let’s dive into the best locations and tips for a one-of-a-kind Olympic National Park elopement! 

Why you’ll love an Olympic National Park elopement

A view for every elopement vibe

Home to glacial mountains, miles of coastline, and lush rainforests, Olympic National Park has a setting to fit any mood you could envision for your elopement. Want epic mountain views? We’ll find dozens. Prefer a coastal feel? 73 miles of coastline are ready and waiting for you. 

It’s big enough for days of elopement adventures

To do this park justice, you need at least two days — and that will only scratch the surface. We recommend dedicating one day to soaking up the sky-high views of the park’s iconic Hurricane Ridge. Another day should be reserved for the western side of the park, where you’ll find the oceanside views. A third day could be spent in the rainforests on the south side. 

Plus, you can spend the entirety of your visit inside the park. As national park enthusiasts, Olympic National Park is one of our favorites for the endless camping opportunities. From cabin rentals, to RVs, to tents right on the beach – you can fully immerse yourself in this park’s beauty day and night.

Where to have your elopement: ceremony locations on the Olympic Peninsula

These are some of our favorite ceremony sites in Olympic National Park. The best part? Some of them are close enough to create a full-day or multi-day elopement experience!

Hurricane Ridge elopement

Hurricane Ridge is a dream come true for mountain lovers. You’ll be surrounded by soaring peaks and infinite trees. Plus, with Port Angeles as your base camp, you’ll have plenty of lodging, dining, and activities to choose from. 

When to elope at Hurricane Ridge

Here are our tips for a successful Hurricane Ridge elopement in each season:

1. Summer Hurricane Ridge elopement

The summer season typically begins in June and ends in September. Crowds are inevitable here from 8 am until 5 pm (this means long entrance station wait times, too). We recommend planning a sunrise or sunset ceremony to beat them.

2. Fall Hurricane Ridge elopement

From September through November, this part of the park becomes much more peaceful. However, the weather becomes more unpredictable. With higher elevations, rain, fog, and even snow are possible in the fall — come prepared for anything. 

3. Winter Hurricane Ridge elopement

Beginning in late November, the sparkling white landscape is absolutely breathtaking — and can offer a great opportunity for winter sports lovers. However, it’s important to consider the driving conditions and have a flexible backup plan in case the weather is less than ideal. The road to Hurricane Ridge is only open Friday through Sunday during the winter season, and tire chains are required (according to Washington state law). 

4. Spring Hurricane Ridge elopement

Although the temperatures begin to rise, you’re still likely to find snow and slippery conditions. Keep a close eye on the weather, but you’ll find a peaceful atmosphere here with little to no crowds to worry about. 

Hoh Rainforest elopement

This old-growth forest feels like a different world, with centuries of plant life that has been virtually untouched. Imagine an atmosphere for your ceremony that is almost magical — hanging moss, twisting tree branches, and lush greenery fill this area.

Where to stay for an Hoh Rainforest elopement

You’ll find the most lodging and dining options in Forks. However, with its small size (we’re talking only one traffic light in the entire town), we recommend booking your accommodations well in advance to ensure you have a romantic stay for your elopement. 

When to elope in the Hoh Rainforest

Due to the temperate climate, this area is snow-free all year. The coverage from towering trees also means that temperatures stay mild in the summer months. No matter which season you choose, your Hoh Rainforest elopement will be greeted with gorgeous conditions. 

Our biggest tip: beat the crowds and be flexible

The largest consideration for this part of the park is the crowds. Due to its popularity and limited parking availability, entry wait times can reach upwards of 2 hours during the summer. If you choose to have a summer wedding here, we recommend a sunrise ceremony time. This way you can guarantee parking and you’ll have the trails to yourself. 

But if the roads are closed or entry times are too long, we always recommend having a flexible backup plan. In the summer, road closures due to wildfires are a possibility, so be ready to expect the unexpected. With so many beautiful locations nearby, the options are endless!

Ruby Beach elopement

Ruby Beach checks all the boxes when you envision a beach in the Pacific Northwest: towering sea stacks, moody fog, rocky shores, and miles of sun-bleached driftwood. Forks (the small town we mentioned earlier) will be best for accommodation options. Plus, the wildlife is a special treat (including seals, sea otters, and bald eagles).

When to elope at Ruby Beach

As with many beaches, the weather at Ruby Beach is mild year-round. If anything, be prepared for a steady ocean breeze and that iconic foggy horizon. 

When it comes to crowds and parking, this usually isn’t an issue either. The crowds in the summer months can be avoided by simply walking further down the beach. However, our favorite time of day has to be sunset. The golden-pink hues are absolutely breathtaking.

Insider tip: mind the tides

These beaches are home to some of the best tidepooling conditions you could ask for. You can see countless starfish, anemones, fish, and more. But only if you go at low tide. This occurs at two points during the day, about twelve hours apart. Visit a nearby ranger station or consult this weather website to find out when the tide will be lowest.

Other beach locations for an Olympic National Park elopement

While Ruby Beach is our favorite here are a couple other beaches to consider:

Rialto Beach

Only a 20-minute drive from Forks, this beach is known for tidepooling and is dog-friendly!

La Push Beach

This iconic location is actually divided into three sections: First Beach, Second Beach, And Third Beach. Our personal favorite is Second Beach.

Wondering where to begin for your Olympic National Park elopement?

As elopement photographers, we have fallen in love with the unique beauty of the Pacific Northwest and are eager to share it with you. Get in touch with us and we can show you the possibilities for an unforgettable Olympic National Park elopement.