photo of wedding couple wadding in Second Beach during their elopement at Olympic National Park — Photographs by Sea to Summit Photography

Olympic National Park is an incredible National Park elopement and wedding destination for a few reasons! First of all, this beautiful park is located on the most Northwest section of the lower 28 states and creates a breathtaking backdrop for any wedding, combining lush rainforests, majestic Olympic mountains, and stunning coastlines. If you're dreaming of an outdoor ceremony that highlights the beauty of nature and want to immerse yourselves in a place that feels like it came straight out of a Jurassic Park movie, then Olympic National Park is the wedding venue for you and your partner.

In this blog, I'll explore the best spots within Olympic National Park you should consider for your special day, provide tips on securing a wedding permit, and suggest nearby accommodations for you and your guests. Let’s get started!

Top Wedding Venues in Olympic National Park

1. The Hoh Rainforest

washington wedding couple walking along the Hoh Rainforest

The Hoh Rain Forest is a magical place filled with towering trees draped in moss, giant ferns, and endless trails that truly creates an ethereal atmosphere. Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by the tranquility of nature, with the soft sound of rain as it softly hits your umbrellas. This venue is open year-round and is perfect for couples seeking an intimate setting who want to truly forest bathe during their wedding day. The incredible thing about the Hoh Rainforest is that it's a short drive to our Washington's beaches, making Olympic National Park and this area an incredible place to experience your wedding in the Hoh Rainforest and also along our coast lines to see an incredible sunset. Check out this incredible Hoh Rainforest wedding where this couple had the best of both worlds: the rainforest, and the beach for their wedding venue.

2. Second Beach

couple kissing on a log at Second Beach as their wedding venue

For a stunning coastal experience, Second Beach offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and its iconic sea stacks. The sandy shore and crashing waves create a romantic ambiance, ideal for couples looking to say their vows by the ocean. Sunset ceremonies here are especially captivating, with vibrant colors reflecting off the water. Although there are other honorable mentions such as Rialto Beach, Ruby Beach, this beach requires a short walk but as a result is a much less crowded destination. So if you value intimacy, don't want too many people around, and want to feel like you have the beach to yourselves, then Second Beach is an incredible place to elope in! Check out this incredible sunset engagement session at Second Beach and see for yourselves why this is one of my favorite Olympic National Park wedding venues!

3. Lake Crescent

With its deep blue waters and surrounding mountains, Lake Crescent is a great choice for your wedding. This lake is on the way Sol Duc Hot Springs and the northern section of the park so you can easily also experience multiple wedding locations by staying near Lake Crescent. You can explore Hurricane Ridge for a beautiful sunrise, explore some nearby trails, and then head back for a lakeside ceremony, followed by a celebration at one of the nearby lodges. This lake also gets plenty warm (for Washington that is) that many couples opt in to jump in the lake or go kayaking, paddleboarding, or canoeing as well during their wedding day. There are also some incredible waterfalls just a few miles from there. This area makes it a good venue for all kinds of weddings: elopements, intimate weddings, and even slightly larger weddings. If you’d like to learn more about weddings at Lake Crescent, check out my Lake Crescent wedding guide.

4. Lake Cushman

wedding couple paddleboarding in Lake Cushman

Lake Cushman is often a wedding venue location at Olympic National Park that gets overlooked but is a great one to consider. This section of Olympic National Park is the closest to get to from bigger cities such as Olympia and Tacoma which can make it a great option if you're having family coming from out of town and want to make their lodging accommodations easier and less challenging. This section of the parl is nestled just outside of Hoodsport, a darling small town with so many incredible homes looking over the Sound. Similar to Lake Crescent, this lake is a great one to enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, or having any other water adventure. There are several trails in the National Park with some beautiful bridges, waterfalls. This area is also next to Olympic National Forest so if you're dying to have your wedding venue be dog friendly as well, this is a great place to consider getting married in!

5. Hurricane Ridge

If you're looking for breathtaking mountain vistas of the Olympic Cascades, Hurricane Ridge is the spot for you. With panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, your wedding will have a dramatic backdrop that is sure to impress your guests. The higher elevation also means you can enjoy the stunning scenery year-round. In addition, Hurricane Ridge has beautiful wildflowers in its vast open fields so if you've ever dreamed of having a Sound of Music moment during your wedding day, I highly encourage you to have your intimate wedding or elopement here!

6. Sol Duc Hot Springs

Sol Duc Hot Springs is located at the heart of Olympic National Park. If you're looking for an easy trail but have some incredible waterfalls for your wedding, this place is one to consider. For a truly unique experience, consider Sol Duc Hot Springs. You can have your ceremony surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sound of flowing water. After the ceremony, treat your guests to a soak in the natural hot springs that are also located in this section of the park. This entrance area of the park is home of my favorite backpacking and hiking trail: Seven Lakes Basin! If there are any takers who want to have a backpacking elopement at Olympic National Park in this trail, then you've found your guy to tag along with you!

Washington Couple posing at Olympic National Park entrance for their wedding venue

How to Obtain an Olympic National Park Wedding Permit

Planning a wedding in Olympic National Park requires a special permit to ensure that your event complies with park regulations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to securing your wedding permit:

1. Choose Your Venue: Decide on the specific location within the park where you wish to have your ceremony. Keep in mind that some areas may have restrictions or specific requirements. There may also be limits on guest size if you're planning on having guests for your wedding as we want to be able to follow Leave No Trace principles and be able to stay on the trails at all times.

2. Contact the Park: Reach out to the Olympic National Park headquarters. You can call or email them to discuss your plans and confirm the availability of your chosen venue and whether or not permits will be needed depending on group size. Simply check out the ONP Special Use Permit section of their website by clicking here.

3. Submit Your Application: Once you have your date and location finalized, complete the Special Use Permit application. This can usually be found on the park's official website. Be sure to include all required details, such as the number of guests and any additional services you may need.

4. Pay the Fees: There may be a fee associated with the permit, (this typically ranges from $50-100) which varies depending on the venue and the size of your wedding. Make sure to submit payment along with your application.

5. Wait for Approval: After submitting your application, allow some time for processing. The park staff will review your request and will get back to you with approval or any additional requirements. Most of the time, applying early is beneficial as it some times can take a few weeks to hear back from them.

6. Plan for Nature: Keep in mind that Olympic National Park's mascot is the rain and changing weather conditions. Be prepared with backup plans and consider the season when planning your date.

*PRO TIP: Many weddings and elopement photographers (such as myself!) will apply and pay for your wedding permits for you so you have one less thing to worry about! Feel free to reach out to me if that is something you're interested in getting help with for your wedding!

wedding couple dancing under picnic shelter at Olympic National Park

Where to Stay Around These Olympic National Park Wedding Venues

Finding the right accommodations for you and your guests (if you’re planning on having guests) is essential for a smooth wedding experience. Plus, they can function as a great place to have your getting ready photos, have your reception with your close friends and family, and really help create your dream wedding. Here are some of the best places to stay near the wedding venues:

Washington wedding couple smiling as they camped for their wedding in a tent

Loding Near the Hoh RainForest

- Hoh Rainforest Campground: For a true immersion in nature, consider camping at the park’s campground, which offers a rustic experience surrounded by towering trees and immediate access to all of the trails!

- Hoh Valley Cabins: 4 beautiful 1 bedroom cabins for you to rent out and be immersed in the Hoh Rainforest! Just a short 20 minute drive from the Hoh Rainforest National Park Entrance.

- Klaloch Lodge: Located just 20 miles south from Ruby Beach, Klaloch Lodge is the perfect spot to relax to after your elopement or wedding experience. They have options to stay at the main lodge or they also have little independent cabins!

-AirBnB Options: There are so many beautiful cabins, domes, and other unique lodging options through AirBnB.

Lodging Near Second Beach

-Quileute Oceanside Resort: Located in the heart of La Push and a few minutes from Second Beach, this resort has been created with a choose your own adventure mindset. From deluxe cabins, standard, cabins, motel, and tent and RV options, this place can accommodate anyone.

-Quillayute River Resort: Just a short drive towards the city of forks, nestled right along the Quillayute River, you’ll find these cute suites for you to stay in!

-AirBnB Options: You’ll find similar homes as the Hoh Rainforest as they share a similar region!

Lodging Near Lake Crescent

- Lake Crescent Lodge: Located at the heart of Lake Crescent, this historic lodge offers rooms with stunning lake views, making it a perfect spot for you and your guests to stay. You can rent paddle boards, kayaks and canoes from here too! This spot is the perfect place to see Marymere Falls from too!

-Fairholme Campground: This campground is just on the west side of the lake and has access to so many trails including the Olympic Discovery Trail! This place is popular in the summer and reservations are required between May & September. But it is first come, first serve outside of the reservation period

-Klahowya campground: This is my personal favorite camping spot location that is tucked by a river and is surrounded by all of the moss and giant ferns! This place is very quiet and is a first come, first serve year-round!

-Emerald Valley Inn: Super cute cabins located in Port Angeles, making it a convinient place if you’re thinking of having your wedding at Lake Crescent or Hurricane Ridge!

-AirBnB options: Lots of beautiful homes to rent by the lake if you’re seeking a more intimate experience!

Wedding couple cuddling under a fire after their Washington wedding at Olympic National Park

Lodging Near Lake Cushman

-Staircase Campground: Located right inside the entrance of Olympic National Park, this is a camping spot my wife and I come to all of the time as it places us at the trailheads of so many great hikes!

- AirBnB: Honestly, you will be rewarded by staying at an AirBnB here! You’ll find unique homes and cabins such as a geodesic dome all near Lake Cushman!

Lodging Near Hurricane Ridge

- Olympic Lodge: Located in Port Angeles, this hotel offers comfortable accommodations and is a great base for exploring the park. Some of these rooms are also pet friendly.

-Emerald Valley Inn: Again, as mentioned above, this place is a great and convenient place if you’re thinking of having your wedding at Lake Crescent or Hurricane Ridge as your Olympic National Park wedding venue.

- Lake Crescent Lodge: Just like Lake Crescent this place is a short short drive away, this lodge is ideal for those looking to experience the scenic beauty of the area.

Loding Near Sol Duc Hot Springs

-Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort: This resort offers lodging in the hotel rooms but also independent small cabins and includes free access to the hot springs, making it a perfect place for post-wedding relaxation!

- Sol Duc Campground: For a more outdoorsy experience, consider the campgrounds near Sol Duc, where guests can enjoy nature while being close to the action.

*PRO TIP: If you’re wanting getting ready photos or are having a small reception with your friends and family, you will have to ask for permission from all lodging options if it is okay to get some photos there! This is something I will help you with as well if you choose me as your wedding or elopement photographer.

washington couple lying on the sand for their wedding venue at Olympic National Park

Final Thoughts From Your Olympic National Park Wedding Photographer

portrait of Olympic National Park wedding photographer smiling

Hi! I’m Doug! If you’ve found this guide helpful, let me help you out even further by helping you plan and document your dream wedding at one of these venues. As someone who photographs the majority of my intimate weddings and elopements in Olympic National Park, you’ll be photographed by an expert in these locations and by someone who will make sure you have an incredible wedding experience. Simply email me at info@seatosummitphotos or fill out my contact form below. I cannot wait to hear more about your dream wedding and plans so far!