How to Elope in Olympic National Park
Are you obsessed with the wild landscapes that Olympic National Park has to offer but not sure where to start? From the rainforest to the mountain ridges of the Olympics, this guide will walk you through how to have the ceremony of your dreams in one of America’s epic National Parks
When To Elope in ONP
To start your planning process, you need to decide what time of year your ceremony is to take place. During winter months, many hikes and locations like Hurricane Ridge are inaccessible due to snow and weather. The Olympics are wild and make their own weather systems, so what’s happening down at lower elevations isn’t really telling for what’s happening at places up high like at the Ridge. Many places in the Hoh or Quinault are accessible year round because they’re temperate rainforests. The northern beaches are also always available, which typically rings true for Lake Crescent and Lake Cushman.
I’ll also advise that many state or local parks do close for the winter so access may not be year round. However if you have a committed and bomb photographer (AKA ME!!), they’ll know good spots you can get to even if main parks are closed.
Spring: Weather can be sporadic, but the park isn’t usually overrun with tourists yet. Weather is getting warmer and snow is starting to melt, but trail conditions can vary due to heavy rain and snow melt. Be prepared to pivot and always check trail conditions!
Summer: The park’s busiest time of year. Wildflowers at higher elevations typically last in July and August and weather is lovely, with the concern for wild storms drastically decreasing.
Fall: Colors start to change and it’s a stunning time to see the park! However much like spring, things can change dramatically with little notice and it’s not uncommon for early snow storms or wild rain showers. Make sure you check trail conditions and always have a backup plan!
Winter: Higher elevation locations like Hurricane Ridge are harder to access and heavy snowfall is to be expected. Lake and forest locations at lower elevations are still accessible (usually) but be prepared for high water levels and potential flooding if there’s been heavy rain recently.
Once you pick your season, narrow down your date! I will always encourage clients to pick days during the week to avoid long lines at park entrances and fewer people on the trail or wherever your ceremony is set to take place.
KTP Tip: I use the NPS website for updates on Hurricane Ridge conditions! They update daily on when the road is open and have cameras!
Ceremony Locations
Probably the hardest part in the planning process! Picking the area you want to actually say “I Do” in! There are so many different landscapes in Olympic National Park, but I recommend starting off by deciding what sort of background you want for your nuptials. Do you want a rainforest? Rocky beach? The skyline of the Olympics? How about a beautiful lake flanked by wild rolling hills? Once you’ve decided on that, your photographer should help you find the perfect location for your ceremony. I personally send out a tailored-to-you guide with several different locations and all the good info about each of them (accessibility, length, pet friendly, etc.) to help you guys narrow it down to your dream spot.
Permits & Legality
Permits
As with elopements in most National Parks, a permit is typically required. I do have ways around this (like getting married outside of the park and doing epic bridal portraits there instead) but we definitely need to obtain the proper permits where required! The process is pretty straightforward but I recommend doing it as far in advance as possible!
How to get a Special Use Permit for Your Olympic National Park Elopement
- Head over to the Olympic National Park permit website and download the Special Use Permit Application
- Email the park and let them know you have a completed application and would like to send via email and pay the fee ($50) online.
- If approved, you’ll receive your permit via mail and will sign and return to the park service.
It is crucial that you allow at least four weeks for permit processing! If this sounds like too much of a headache, either find a photographer to help do it for you or head somewhere a permit isn’t required and then take bride and groom photos in Olympic National Park instead!
Legality
To legally get married in the state of Washington, you will need an officiant and two witnesses. As your photographer, I can act as a witness, or I can legally sign the certificate as a registered officiant. This opens up a couple of options for you!
- Bring two to three of your closest friends or family, have one get ordained online and officiate, then the others and I will be your witnesses.
- Have me legally marry you and you bring your closest besties or family to act as witness. This is extremely couple led! You guys do all the talking, I do all the capturing, pronounce you married and then sign the paperwork.
- Hire someone to officiate and you just bring your closest peeps to act as witnesses
- Get married at your local courthouse and forego the need for a marriage license and permit all together!
If you live in the state of Washington, obtain your marriage license from your local county clerk’s office. If you’re traveling from out of state, you can obtain one from the county of where you’re staying. There is typically a three day waiting period after your license has been processed and then must be used within sixty days! Here is a link to King County’s Marriage Kiosk. Each county has different fees and requirements on how the form is submitted (mail in vs in person vs online), so be sure to pay attention when choosing which county!
The Big Day in Olympic National Park
Once you’ve picked your date, your location, got your permit and your marriage license, all you have to do is show up! If you’ve chosen me as your photographer, then I’ll help build a little (super lax!) timeline for the day and we go from there. While all of this may seem a little overwhelming, I promise the hardest part is just picking where you want to have your ceremony because there’s so much to choose from! Your photographer will be a major asset for you during this time, so lean on them for support as much as needed.
Ready to plan your own epic elopement? Contact me here to get the planning started! Want some other resources related to all things wedding, eloping, engagement photos, and locations? Check out this page.
