March 19, 2025 / Elopement Pacific Northwest Resources Washington
Best Spots for a Olympic National Park Elopement
Best Spots for an Olympic National Park Elopement | In The Alpenglow
Olympic National Park is the first place that made me fall in love with the Pacific Northwest. It holds just about everything that makes this part of the country magical—misty rainforests, dramatic coastal cliffs, tranquil alpine lakes. And it’s juuuust far enough away from the bigger cities in Washington, making it perfectly serene and refreshingly untouched. If you’ve made your way to this blog, you’re already considering an Olympic National Park elopement…so let me be the first to affirm your search! It’s an incredible backdrop for a ceremony and you’ll find whatever it is you’re looking for—whether that’s a quiet, intimate ceremony surrounded by towering trees or a dramatic and vivid coastal sunset.
Once you’ve decided on an area, it can be challenging to nail down the exact spot to exchange vows and the best place for you and your loved ones to stay nearby. I created this blog to make the process easier, so you can get the logistics over with and make more room for the excitement and joy you deserve in this season! Read on for my complete guide on where to stay and elope in this amazing national park.
What makes an Olympic National Park elopement so great? Let’s break it down:
- My favorite national park: Ok this isn’t the most educational part of the blog but wanted to throw in that this is absolutely my favorite park. As someone who’s explored a truly absurd amount of beautiful places across the U.S. (and beyond), I can honestly say Olympic National Park is the highlight. The wide variety of landscapes, how easily accessible everything is, and just the wild, natural beauty make this the first place I recommend to couples.
- Diverse scenery: From lush rainforests to rugged coastlines and majestic mountain peaks, ONP offers such a wide range of scenery—giving you and your loved one the chance to choose whatever setting perfectly matches your vision.
- Super accessible: The most stunning areas of this park are easily accessible, which means a simple elopement without needing to hike to remote spots! The dream.
- TONS of elopement spots: Spanning over 1,400 square miles, the park is full of amazing locations, so you’ll never run out of options for a perfect ceremony spot that isn’t crowded with tourists.
Lay of the Land
Olympic National Park’s climate is as diverse as its scenery. It can experience everything from temperate rainforests on the west side to snow-capped peaks in the Olympic Mountains. Which means the weather can vary a ton depending on where you are—coastal areas can be cooler and foggy, while the higher elevations are often sunnier and warmer in the summer months. ALL of the climates make this area delightfully unique and really give you a ton of choices depending on what you’re looking for. And the scenery? Amazing at every turn. ONP is home to vast, moss-covered rainforests, dramatic beaches, pristine lakes, and rugged mountains. Any backdrop you can possibly imagine can be found here. Below are a few of my favorite regions and some of my favorite places to stay nearby!
Best Places to Elope in Olympic National Park
+ Washington Coast
+ The Hoh Rainforest
+ Lake Crescent
A Washington Coast Elopement
The rugged coastline of Washington State is one of the most incredible areas of this park. The sound of the waves crashing on the shore, the dramatic sea stacks, and the ever-changing skies make a stunning environment for an elopement. And my favorite towns to stay in nearby are definitely Forks and La Push. Forks is the setting of the Twilight series and offers lots of small-town charm and proximity to the coast. La Push is just a short drive away and is famous for its beautiful, driftwood-lined beaches and coastal views.
Best Elopement Spots:
+ Rialto Beach Hole in the Wall
My favorite Airbnbs:
A Hoh Rainforest Elopement
For a more magical and mystical atmosphere, the Hoh Rainforest is one of the most enchanting areas. The lush, green landscape, with its towering moss-covered trees means a perfectly serene and intimate setting. Forks is also nearby and has plenty of cozy accommodations for a romantic getaway after the vows.
Best Elopement Spots:
My favorite Airbnbs:
A Lake Crescent Elopement
If you’re looking for an idyllic lakeside ceremony, Lake Crescent is the best. Surrounded by towering trees and set against a backdrop of the Olympic Mountains, this tranquil lake has the loveliest crystal-clear waters and is such a peaceful spot. You can actually stay right on the lake in a lodge or Airbnb (and wake up to breathtaking views of the water and surrounding forest) or there are a few towns a short drive away.
Best Elopement Spots:
+ Lake Crescent Lodge Shore
My favorite Airbnbs:
A Hurricane Ridge Elopement
And for the mountain backdrop lovers, Hurricane Ridge has sweeping panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and the coast in the distance. Port Angeles, located just outside the park, has plenty of lodging options and is a great base for exploring Hurricane Ridge.
Best Elopement Spots:
My favorite Airbnbs:
I hope this guide created some clarity around how to craft your dream day and took some of the stress out of the planning process. An Olympic National Park elopement has the potential to be a breathtaking, unforgettable experience—surrounded on every side by natural beauty. My goal as an elopement photographer will always be to go beyond just taking pictures—I want to walk alongside you as you lean into the wild and beautiful desire for a wedding outdoors. It isn’t always an easy alternative, but it will be the memory of a lifetime. Looking for more guidance around eloping and a professional third wheel to capture it all? Head to this link to start a conversation—I’d love to hear from you!
