Ruby Beach

A Ruby Beach elopement captures ocean beauty. This stretch of coastline earns its name from the polished rocks. They are smooth and shiny like rubies. Ruby Beach is the most well-known beach in Olympic National Park. It's also very easy to access from Highway 101. Ruby Beach is famous for its prominent sea-stacks rising from the ocean. Even large trees grow on these rock outcroppings. They make splendid backdrops for romantic couples portraits.

Hoh Rainforest Elopement

Prepare to get wet during a Hoh Rainforest elopement! The Hoh Rainforest can feel like an eerie and spooky place. It's wet. It's damp. It's dark. The thick tree canopy provides all-year cover from the sunshine, which hardly ever reaches this remote pocket of land. But it still feels awesome! The lush green makes for wonderful photos. A white wedding dress combines so perfectly with the rich green color of ferns, ivy and moss. The Hoh Rain forest gets about 14 feet of rain each year. Wow! Compare that to nearby Seattle's 36 inches. We should also be on the lookout for the resident herd of elk! The Hoh Rainforest has also been listed as one of the seven wonders of Washington.

Sol Duc Falls Elopement

Sol Duc Falls is a "triple watefall" located near Lake Crescent Lodge in Olympic National Park. Your elopement photographer will help you pick the best time of day. The waterfall is under a canopy of trees. As a result, you can usually take good pictures during the day. Couples love standing on the wooden bridge over the falls. You can reach the waterfall after a short 1.6 mile hike. You can park at the Sol Duc Hot Springs and Resort. While you're there, maybe swing by the hot springs for some soaking and relaxing? Not quite a honeymoon, but it's close, right?

Lake Crescent Elopement

Your Lake Crescent elopement photos will showcase mesmerizing blue water.  Lake Crescent is stunningly clear. The National Park Service says that's because the lake has very low levels of nitrogen. You can see the bottom very clearly for a long distance. But Lake Crescent is also very deep. Most couples plan their elopement along the shores of Lake Crescent near Lake Crescent Lodge. From there, you can take romantic photos on the long wooden pier. Your elopement photorgapher will also show you other locations for couples portraits. The sandy beaches look great. Your wedding ceremony can take place along the pebble beaches with soaring mountains and fir trees as a backdrop. The Outdoor Project touts five great reasons to trek to Lake Crescent. We couldn't agree more!

Salt Creek Beach Elopement

The Salt Creek Recreation Area is not technically within Olympic National Park. It's actually a county park. But it should be a national park, at least if amazing scenery is your guide. Salt Creek is about 20 minutes from downtown Port Angeles. It's very easy to get to. Once there, you enjoy rocky outcroppings just as magical and prominent as Ruby Beach or any of the other ocean beach elopement locations. Salt Lake is on the strait, so you're also more shielded from heavy waves and winds. We absolutely love exploring the nooks and crannies of Salt Creek. That's where Nicole and Zack held the first dance after getting married at Hurricane Ridge!

Madison Falls Elopement

Madison Falls is a wonderful little waterfall near the Elwah River section of Olympic National Park. You hike a very flat 1-mile trail to arrive at a glorious waterfall. It feels secluded. You might almost think you discovered this little part of paradise. The waterfall itself is tall enough for epic photos of your elopement or even engagement. Some couples have their first look at Madison Falls. 

Lake Crescent Lodge

Lake Crescent Lodge is located on the shores of Lake Crescent. You'll find an elegant dining room along with cabins and cottages. It's usually crowded and lively in the summer months. Families and children play on the beach or rent paddle boards. The lodge also hosts weddings and special events in the nearby meadow.  

Kalaloch Lodge

Kalaloch Lodge is perched on a small cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It's the closest lodge and hotel to Ruby Beach and the other ocean elopement locations. We love staying in the cozy cabins. They're private and secluded, cozy and comfortable. Be sure to head into the restaurant for a delicious meal! There's also a small general store with provisions along with great coffee for your morning routine.

Lake Quinault Lodge

Lake Quinault Lodge is a stately resort on the south side of the Olympic Mountains. When you imagine a classic national park inn, this is what probably comes to mind. Lake Quinault Lodge has a well-maintained grassy meadow complete with lawn chairs and a view of the lake. There's also a small swimming area. The restaurant serves delicious meals. Lake Quinault Lodge is the closest hotel to the Hoh Rainforest.

Olympic National Park Cabins

Maybe one of the National Park lodges aren't for you. Instead, you might consider renting a cabin or AirBNB within Olympic National Park or Olympic National Forest. Here is a short guide to cabin rentals within the park and forest service. You can also find a more extensive guide to lodging options from the local visitors bureau. Cabins offer a relaxing and rewarding experience. They're more spacious than lodge rooms, yet still offer easy access to the hiking trails and pristine Pacific beach.

Where can I elope in Olympic National Park?

You can elope almost anywhere within Olympic National Park! Our guide to elopement locations includes ocean beaches, alpine mountains and a very soggy rain forest. Choose your climate. You can find anything in Olympic National Park. Be sure to get a special use permit ahead of time and you're good to go! Congratulations on your marriage! We love Ruby Beach, Hurricane Ridge and the Hoh Rainforest.

Can you get married at Olympic National Park?

Yes, you can hold a wedding ceremony in Olympic National Park. Any wedding in Washington State requires an officiant and two witnesses. Some couples planning intimate elopements will ask their photographer to be one of the witnessess.

How do you get to Hurricane Ridge?

Hurricane Ridge is one of the highest accessible points in Olympic National Park. The visitor center towers over the valley below at more than 5,000 feet. Even with such a high altitude, it's very easy to get to Hurricane Ridge. You'll need to start at Port Angeles. That's a small town at sea level. You can get to Port Angeles by taking the Washington State Ferries on the Seattle or Edmonds route to the peninsula. After the ferry, drive along Highway 101 to Port Angeles. Follow the signs to Hurricane Ridge Road. The road is suitable for all vehicles and is maintained even during the winter on weekends.

Do you need a permit for Olympic National Park?

Yes, you need a permit for Olympic National Park. If you're planning to visit or go camping, you'll need a pass. You can purchase a short-term pass at the visitor center or the entrance station. You can also use a yearly national land pass that allows you to use national forest lands as well. Weddings, elopements and other special events require a special use permit. This is separate from a regular pass to get into the national park.

Is the road to Hurricane Ridge scary?

No, we don't think the road to Hurricane Ridge is scary! It's a well-maintained two lane road. There are tunnels and tight turns. There are also drop-offs. However, it's a safe road for any driver who is paying attention. It's not especially narrow or steep.

What is the best time of year to visit Olympic National Park?

The best time of year to visit Olympic National Park depends on your weather preferences. The ocean beaches and rain forest are wet and soggy in the winter, spring and fall. Forks, Washington happens to be the rainiest town in the United States! The summer months are the driest season in the park. As a result, you'll find gorgeous meadows, wildflowers and plenty of green lush trees. Summer can also bring warm weather at the beach and higher elevations like Hurricane Ridge. Spring and fall can be very pleasant times of year. The Pacific Northwest is notoriously unpredictable when it comes to rain. In other words, you should always plan for rain!