Olympic National Park Elopement Guide
So you’ve made the big decision to elope in Olympic National Park… but you have no idea where to start.
Hey, I’m Gabriela!
I am an adventure elopement + intimate wedding photographer, that’s deeply passionate about photography and creating incredible experiences + meaningful memories for my couples.
If you’ve landed here, you are likely imagining what your day could look like, in beautiful Washington state.
Olympic National Park is full of unique landscapes and includes nearly one million acres of land! This beautiful park includes temperate rain forests, wild coastline, and even glacier-capped mountains.
If you want to learn more about eloping in the Olympic Peninsula, continue reading below…
Where to start the planning process…
I am here not only as your photographer, but as your co-planner. I will help you find the perfect spot to exchange your vows, help you create your day with intention, and help you include other vendors + activities to make your day more than just your vows — but an experience.
Here is a quick checklist to help you get started:
Decide on a date or time of year
Find an elopement photographer
Narrow down the location
Begin crafting your timeline and details of the day
Start applying for a permit
Hire any other vendors you may need
Make it legal
Commit your lives to each other
Let’s dive a little deeper into each of these steps below!
Couples like you two, that have decided to ditch the big wedding, are what I live for.
Best Time of Year to Elope in Olympic National Park
SPRING
Pros: You can spot wildlife, like the Roosevelt elk, during their birth season. Many refer to the Olympic Peninsula as the “the valley of 10,000 waterfalls.” Especially during the spring season because of snow melt runoff. March-May isn’t busy season for the park, so you can avoid crowds and enjoy a more private Olympic National Park elopement experience.
Cons: Weather can be unpredictable as spring is a transitional period. On average, there are 15-19 days of precipitation during spring months. It’s also possible that certain trails may still be closed during this time, as snow can happen even around June.
SUMMER
Pros: Weather is the most moderate and enjoyable. Rain is still always a possibility, so be sure to pack a rain coat! Another perk is that all roads and trails are open. Marine mammals can be spotted along the coast as they are soaking up the sunshine!
Cons: It’s the busiest time of year to visit. Especially because the park is the 7th most visited national park in the U.S. That being said, preparation is key. Firstly, choose a weekday date instead of a weekend. Get an early start with a sunrise elopement instead of sunset. Make any reservations well in advance. Arrive prepared with exactly where you want to go and what you want to see/do.
FALL
Pros: The changing colors! Should it rain, hiking can still be enjoyable because the dense canopy above creates shade. If you love the moody vibes, the coastline becomes far more secluded and offers a classic Pacific Northwest look. Because temperatures are much lower during this time, you’ll want to be sure to pack appropriately with jackets and boots.
Cons: The rain. September begins rainy season and certain areas in the park can get up to 6-inches of rainfall at a time. However, as long as you’re prepared the rain doesn’t have to ruin your day. Higher elevations may begin experiencing snow and freezing temperatures.
WINTER
Pros: You can experience various landscapes at a time. In one area of the park there may be snow, while in another it’s beach and coastline. The coast can even be up to 20 degrees warmer than in the mountains. The crowds have disappeared by the winter, so you can feel like you have Olympic National Park to yourself.
Cons: Rainy season is in full swing and it can get very cold.
Finding an Olympic National Park Elopement Photographer
Hiring a photographer should be next on your list because they can assist you with everything to follow. Even if your date hasn’t been decided, but you have an idea of what time of year you’d like, they can help you narrow it down.
That’s where I come in!
Not only will you have beautiful and meaningful images to look back on, you also get…
+ Personalized planning assistance from beginning to end to bring your dreams and vision to life!
+ Virtual and in-person scouting to ensure we find the perfect spot for you to exchange your vows.
+ Vendor recommendations like officiants, florists, hair and makeup artists, etc.
+ A custom timeline for your day to make sure we can document everything at a relaxed and comfortable pace, without missing any of the big or small details.
+ Unlimited access to me to answer questions you may have along the way and to build a friendship together before the big day.
+ A convenient online gallery of high-resolution, edited images that can easily be shared with family and friends.
+ A sneak peek preview within one week
+ Help securing any necessary permits!
With me, you can choose from a mini, half day, or full/multi-day elopement photography package!
Packages begin at $5,000
Where to Elope in Olympic National Park
This is one of the number one questions I’m asked when it comes to eloping. Here are just a few suggestions as you begin your search…
When most people picture Olympic National Park, Hoh Rainforest is what they’re envisioning. It’s one of four rainforests within the park. It’s unique ecosystem has remained unchanged for thousands of years. One of the most popular trails in the rainforest is the Hall of Mosses.
This is the most easily accessible mountain area in Olympic National Park. You can even take a virtual tour here! You can reach the summit with just a short drive from Port Angeles.
The lake was carved by glaciers. It’s crystal clear and absolutely stunning! One of the top destinations in the area is Lake Crescent Lodge. There’s even a nearby waterfall!
This beach is one of the most popular in Olympic National Park! It has miles of coastline to explore, with unique rock formations and sun-bleached driftwood.
These locations are just a start to give you ideas. As we start shaping what you want your day to look like, we can co-create together and craft an incredible experience!
Marriage License + Permitting
Below is some helpful information to guide you in making your marriage official in the state of Washington!
#1. You need to apply for a marriage license in advance (in-person or by mail), at least 3 days before your elopement.
#2. You need to marry in the presence of an officiant and two witnesses (I can act as a witness, along with my husband or even a hiker along a trail!).
#3. The current marriage license cost is $62.
#4. After your marriage license is issued, it is good for up to 60 days.
Permit requirements for a wedding ceremony in Olympic National Park are pretty relaxed in comparison with other parks. However, you will want to apply for a Special Use Permit. You can also email the park with your elopement details and they can provide additional guidance.
Your Timeline, Vendors, and The Big Day!
I will assist you with creating a custom timeline that factors in travel time, locations, tourist traffic, logistics, etc. so that your day can be a seamless and stress-free experience!
You won’t have to stress about finding other vendors that you may need, because I can connect you with local vendors like hair stylists, makeup artists, florists, officiants, and anyone else so that your day can be the vision that you’ve been dreaming up.
By the time the big day arrives, your only job will be to commit your lives to each other and enjoy all of the planning we put in to craft a meaningful elopement experience, in beautiful Olympic National Park!
Kind words from one of my couples…
“We’ll always book Gabriela, until our pocketbook says negative funds — even then we’ll figure it out. The quality of her images, capture stories that we thought would take me years to find someone who could make that happen. Now that we’ve found her, we can get to grow with her for years to come!”
Get in touch with me about your Olympic National Park elopement and let’s start planning your incredible adventure!
- Related Posts -
