Olympic National Park Elopement Photography Packages
Washington’s Magical Olympic Peninsula
On the northwestern most point of the evergreen state, you’ll find this enchanting National Park nestled between the lush rainforests and snowcapped mountains of the Olympic peninsula. a must see destination. This is easily my favorite national park, and I’ve found it to be ideal for everything from adventurous elopements, romantic micro weddings, and incredible backpacking trips. With one of the most diverse landscapes in the United States, Olympic is one of those elopement destinations where no matter what you plan it will be an experience second to none. Featuring more than seventy miles of undeveloped coastline you’ll experience towering sea stacks carved out by relentless waves, tide pools, sandy beaches, massive pieces of driftwood and forests that come right down to the waterline. Head inland and explore quiet temperate rainforests dripping with dew and covered in ferns and moss, aqua colored rivers that wind across the landscape or hike up the glacier capped mountains.
Everyone who has heard of Olympic knows about the Hoh Rainforest, but there is so much more to see here. Some of my personal favorites include Rialto Beach, Marymere falls, and the Quinault Rainforest. But there really is no shortage of amazing locations on the peninsula for eloping. Almost every area of the park is ideal for creating stunning wedding images you and your love will cherish. No matter how grand of an adventure you envision for your elopement, I don’t think you can pick a better destination than Olympic National Park. Let’s go have an adventure!
What you need for planning your Olympic love story
Planning an elopement in a national park, especially one you have never been to, can be a little daunting. But it's relatively painless! The first thing you’ll need is a photographer and a guide. Now I may be biased but as an elopement photographer specializing in national parks, I’m a great option for both roles. My goal is to make sure you have the best experience possible. So to that end I have photography packages for all kinds of adventures big and small. I also offer several resources to help with planning including an Olympic location guide and one on how to have the best elopement possible. Let’s venture into the Pacific Northwest and create something unforgettable for this next great chapter of your love story. Click the link below and jump ahead to the information you need
Meet Your Olympic elopement Photographer
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With more than a decade of wedding photography experience and countless days spent on the trails, I am uniquely qualified to be your partner on this next great adventure. From helping you with finding the perfect ceremony location, to assisting in making a schedule to get the most out of your day, I’ll even scout out your selected locations to make sure there won’t be any surprise closures or washed out trails. Whatever you need, I’ll be there to help make your dream elopement a reality.
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I’m not only an elopement photographer, but an avid backpacker, hiking enthusiast, and overall outdoor lover. I’ve explored Olympic’s popular sights, network of trails and backroads and know just where we can find that perfect spot that will make your dream elopement a reality. From picturesque locations like Sol Duc Falls to the rolling mountains of Hurricane Ridge, we’ll have an unforgettable adventure and create photographs you can treasure for a lifetime.
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Even if you’re a frequent visitor to Yosemite, when doing an elopement there are additional things to consider. And if you’ve never been, you’ll want the inside scoop on the best spots for photos and when to do them. Maybe most importantly, your wedding adventure should be fun! As your elopement photographer, it is my sworn duty to make the whole experience as fun and stress free as possible.
You'll find me happily driving winding mountain roads, wading through the Merced River, trekking up Half Dome, or climbing granite boulders to find the shots we envisioned. Are we doing a quick sunrise ceremony with friends and family or an all day excursion into the backcountry? No matter your vision for the day, my knowledge and experience in the park will make sure you have the best experience possible. I offer a range of elopement photography packages to fit any adventure in Yosemite.
2024 & 2025 Olympic Elopement Photography Packages
All Elopement Packages include:
Olympic National Park Elopement Planning Guide & Resources
What do you need to get married in Olympic?
To hold a wedding ceremony in Olympic National Park, a Special Use Permit is mandatory regardless of the size of the ceremony. The permit costs approximately $50 - $150 depending on the group size. Permits are given on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing applications up to a year in advance. The park recommends to apply at least three weeks out from your wedding date to ensure there’s enough time to process your permit. But I recommend doing it as soon as you’ve set your date.
The next legal requirement for a wedding ceremony in Olympic is a Wedding Officiant, who will officiate the ceremony. Couples can either hire a professional or have a friend or family member get ordained online in just a few minutes. The Olympic Peninsula isn’t the most populated of places and there isn’t a wide array of local wedding vendors to choose from so you may have some difficulty in getting a professional officiant. Having a friend or family member get ordained takes less than five minutes online and makes for a very sweet and personal ceremony.
The last thing you need is a marriage license. Washington state does require a three day waiting period from when you get the license till you can have your ceremony. So make sure to plan your trip around that. The license can be acquired from any of the country clerk offices in Washington. If the waiting period doesn’t work for your plans you can always do the legal ceremony at home and then have your real wedding in the rainforest.
When should you Elope?
Spring
Spring is a wonderful time to visit Olympic National Park. The park's snow-capped peaks begin to melt, filling the rivers and waterfalls with rushing water, and the forests burst into vibrant shades of green. Visitors can witness a stunning display of wildflowers, including rhododendrons, lupines, and trilliums, throughout the park's valleys and meadows. The weather becomes more temperate but remains unpredictable. Heavy rain and snowfall are still possible, and in some higher areas, they may persist well into June.
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Spring (March - May):
Average high temperature: 56°F
Average low temperature: 38°F
Number of days of rain: 16-20 days per month on average
Snowpack usually keeps the South rim of Yosemite closed until mid to late May. While the North rim and the Tioga Pass usually is cleared by early June.
Summer
One of the best things about visiting Olympic National Park in the summer is the warm weather. Temperatures are typically mild, making it a perfect time for outdoor adventures. The park's trails, including the popular Hurricane Ridge trail, are open and accessible, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The park experiences a high influx of visitors during the months of July and August. There is always a chance of rain, especially in the higher altitudes. In case of sunny weather, the visibility may be affected by fog, particularly on the coast.
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Summer (June - August):
Average high temperature: 69°F
Average low temperature: 49°F
Number of days of rain: 7-11 days per month on average
The biggest concern in the summer months is the risk of wildfires. Rarely do they close the park, but air quality is greatly affected and visibility can be next to nothing.
Fall
Fall is also a great time for wildlife watching in Olympic National Park. Visitors may spot black bears and Roosevelt elk during their mating season. Birdwatchers can witness the park's migratory bird populations, including western bluebirds and ruby-crowned kinglets. The fall sees a dip in temperatures and an increase in snow and rain. In the high country, snow can appear as early as late September. Meanwhile, the mountain areas start to see freezing temperatures.
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Fall (September - November):
Average high temperature: 59°F
Average low temperature: 42°F
Number of days of rain: 14-18 days per month on average
Winter
Olympic National Park in winter is a magical winter wonderland. With snow-covered landscapes, frozen waterfalls, and quiet trails, visitors can experience the park's stunning beauty in a completely different way than during other seasons. The park's rainforests and coast receive an average of 100 to 140 inches of rain annually, mostly between November and April.
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Winter (December - February):
Average high temperature: 44°F
Average low temperature: 33°F
Number of days of rain: 19-24 days per month on average
The average rainfall in the high-country ranges from 6.2in in January to 4.2in in March. Down in the valley rainfall ranges from 7in in January to 5.5in in March.
Keep in mind the valley doesn’t always have snow in winter. If you’re hoping for a snowy elopement, you’ll need to have it shortly after a storm so flexibility will be key.
Where should you have your marriage Ceremony?
With its temperate rainforests, snow-capped mountains, and unparalleled coastline, it's no surprise that adventurous couples from around the world choose to elope in this breathtaking setting. No matter where you choose, an elopement in Olympic National Park promises to be an unforgettable experience. But with so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you decide where to have your special day?
While some national parks have pre-approved areas for weddings of varying sizes, Olympic National Park is not one of them. In this case, you'll need to locate the perfect spot for your ceremony, then apply for a permit. However, it's important to note that choosing a location that will impede the movement of other park visitors, such as in the middle of a trail, is not recommended. Additionally, sensitive areas with a high likelihood of environmental harm will not be permitted. As there are no official guidelines posted by the park, it is best to reach out via email with any questions or concerns.
Where are the best places to stay on the Peninsula?
Choosing lodging close to your elopement location is essential when getting married in Olympic, especially for sunrise ceremonies where every minute of sleep counts!
Hoh Rainforest
Lake Crescent
Sol Duc
HAVE A QUESTION? READY TO BOOK? SEND ME A MESSAGE AND I'LL GET BACK TO YOU RIGHT AWAY.
Olympic Frequently
Asked Questions
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Yes, Olympic national park is an incredible elopement destination! With a variety of landscapes from rugged coastlines to majestic mountain tops to the iconic rainforests you’ll find the perfect backdrop for your wedding.
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Yes, Hoh Rainforest is available for wedding ceremonies. The location is best for intimate weddings and eloping couples.
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An elopement in Olympic National park requires a wedding permit from the national park service. In addition you'll want to find someone to officiate your wedding be it a professional or a loved one. Lastly you will want to get an elopement photographer to record your adventure through the park.
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Yes, even in the dry summer months there’s a decent chance of rain. Either have a plan B or roll with it! Rainy photos can be amazing just make sure to bring a clear umbrella.