Olympic National Park Elopement Photographer

Your wedding day artfully captured in Olympic National Park.

For the couples that are wild at heart and are looking for a personalized and adventurous wedding experience...

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT...
  • We are looking for a stress-free in the moment wedding experience where we get to focus on each other.

  • We want to plan intentional and meaningful activities and create a day that is totally unique to us and our relationship.

  • We want to get married in a place that feels true to us (AKA nature). No stuffy wedding venues!

couple getting married in Olympic National Park
What if we told you, you can have all that and so much more!

Olympic National Park is one of the most diverse and magical places to say your vows — from moody coastlines to lush rainforest and alpine ridges. As Olympic National Park elopement photographers who know these landscapes intimately, we help couples craft intentional, beautiful wedding days surrounded by the wild.

schedule free consultation

Why Choose Olympic National Park for Your Elopement

Olympic National Park is the perfect place to elope if you want dramatic, wildly diverse scenery all in one location. Say your vows on the rugged coastline at Ruby Beach or Rialto Beach, wander beneath the moss-covered trees of the Hoh Rainforest, or catch sunset at Hurricane Ridge with sweeping mountain views. Olympic National Park elopement gives you stunning backdrops, endless adventure, and a truly unforgettable Washington elopement experience.

Not sure where to start? Our How to Elope Guide walks you through every step.

Mountain Views

Olympic National Park boasts breathtaking mountain views, with the majestic peaks of the Olympic Mountains dominating the skyline. From rugged summits to lush valleys, the park offers a diverse array of landscapes that captivate visitors with their natural beauty and grandeur.

Olympic Peninsula

Olympic National Park's coastline offers rugged beauty with sea stacks, cliffs, and beaches. Visitors can explore tide pools, stroll along shores, and marvel at the Pacific Ocean meeting the Olympic Peninsula.

Rain Forest

Olympic National Park's rainforest is a lush and verdant paradise, filled with ancient trees, moss-draped branches, and vibrant flora. Visitors can wander along moss-covered trails, and listen to the soothing sounds of cascading waterfalls.

Open Year-round

With its year-round beauty and accessibility, Olympic National Park offers an ideal setting for elopements at any time of the year. Whether it's the lush rainforests, rugged coastline, or majestic mountains, the park provides a stunning backdrop for couples seeking a timeless and memorable ceremony.

Easily Accessible

Olympic National Park is ideal for couples seeking easily accessible locations, with the most scenic views reachable within a mile of hiking and plenty of paved trails throughout the park. Whether exploring lush forests or enjoying panoramic vistas, the park's accessibility ensures a memorable experience for all.

Convinced that Olympic National Park is the perfect spot for your elopement? Learn more about eloping at this beautiful National Park!

How to Elope in Olympic National Park

Close your eyes for a second and imagine this —

What Your Olympic National Park Elopement Day Could Look Like

ruby beach Olympic National Park elopement

Go explore the vibrant tide pools along the Olympic Coast, where sea stars, anemones, and other marine life create a magical setting. Exchange your vows as the sun dips below the horizon, casting golden light over the rugged coastal rocks and crashing waves at Ruby Beach.

couple running in front of tree house in the olympic peninsula

Plan a two-day or multi-day wedding experience to enjoy the best of both worlds. Day 1 can focus on exploring Hurricane Ridge and holding your ceremony with family, while Day 2 could include hiking through a mossy forest while visiting the stunning Hoh Rainforest.

couple fly fishing in Olympic National Park

You wander past waterfalls and mossy fern fields until you reach your ceremony spot. The two of you exchange vows as the sun sets behind the mountain, pop champagne, and dance on a ridge line. As the stars come out, lanterns light your faces — just the two of you.

BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT ELOPING IN Olympic national park FEELS LIKE — INTIMATE, WILD, AND COMPLETELY YOUR OWN.

Explore our Olympic National Park elopement resources and read stories from other couples who tied the knot in this beautiful park.

Olympic National Park Elopement Examples

view more blogs

Hi! We are Sanne, Brooke, Janelle, Alanna & Kristi

So, what do we exactly do? It’s very simple! We specialize in helping couples with a shared love for nature celebrate their union in the great outdoors! No obligations, no cookie-cutter wedding templates—just you two, your love for each other, and the beauty of nature. Maybe throw in a few friends and family members too!

Of course we do a lot more than just that! We are your wedding planners, coordinators, photographers, and trail friends!

MEET YOUR

Olympic National Park Elopement Photographers

get to know the team

Awards & Features

We are honored to have won a few awards and to be recognized for the artistry and thoughtfulness that go into creating our photographs. Each image we capture reflects our passion for storytelling and our commitment to preserving the most meaningful moments in our clients' lives.

Best of the Best Destination Wedding Photos 2024

International Wedding Photographer of the Year

Elopement Legend Award for outstanding storytelling

We don’t just take award winning photos—we curate experiences and capture the heartfelt moments that make your wedding day unforgettable and your photos timeless!
how it works

Frequently Asked Questions about Olympic National Park Elopements

  • Yes — if your elopement includes more than five people (that includes you, your partner, your photographer, officiant, and any guests or vendors), you must obtain a Special Use Permit from the park. The permit fee typically ranges from $50–$100 depending on group size.

    Running Wild’s Elopement Packages & Pricing

    Why Do Elopement Photographers Cost More Than Traditional Wedding Photographers?

    Elopement photography isn’t just about capturing beautiful images; it’s about crafting an unforgettable experience. Here’s what sets an elopement photographer apart:

    • Customized Location Research – We help you find the perfect, secluded spot in Mount Rainier that aligns with your vision, crowd levels, and accessibility needs.

    • Permits & Park Regulations Assistance – We guide you through the permit process to ensure everything is legally compliant, saving you time and stress.

    • Expert Planning & Timeline Creation – From choosing the best lighting to mapping out your day, we help design a timeline that maximizes your experience.

    • Adventure & Weather Preparation – Mount Rainier’s weather can be unpredictable, but with our expertise, you’ll know exactly what to expect and pack.

    • Photography That Tells Your Story – With our deep knowledge of outdoor lighting, landscapes, and natural elements, we ensure your photos are stunning, authentic, and full of emotion.

  • You’ll need a valid marriage license from the state of Washington before your ceremony. Any county clerk’s office will work; many couples use the one nearest to them.

    After the license is issued there’s usually a three-day waiting period before it’s valid to use.

    Your ceremony also needs an officiant and two witnesses to make it legally binding in Washington.

  • Yes. Even with a permit, you still need to pay the standard park entrance fee.

    For example: a per-vehicle 7-day pass (or alternative passes such as annual or “America the Beautiful” passes) are commonly used.

  • Some of the most sought-after spots include:

    • The beaches and coastline: Ruby Beach and Rialto Beach for dramatic ocean views and tidepools.

    • The lush forest: Hoh Rainforest for moss-covered trees, rainforest vibes, and a quiet, intimate atmosphere.

    • Mountains or ridgelines: Hurricane Ridge for sweeping mountain and alpine views — especially beautiful around sunrise or sunset.

    • Lakes & forested lake areas: Near Lake Crescent for calm water, forested reflections, and a more secluded feel. 

  • It depends on the vibe you want:

    • Summer (May–October): Easiest access, long days, nice weather — great for coast, forest, and mountain elopements.

    • Spring or Fall: Cooler weather, richer forest colors (especially in rainforest & lake areas), fewer crowds, and beautiful light.

    • Winter: Some areas — especially high-elevation ones like Hurricane Ridge — may have snow. Coastal and low-elevation areas (forest or beaches) may still be accessible, but weather can be unpredictable — dress in layers and be prepared.

  • Pets are allowed in certain limited areas/trails only. For example, some of the pet-friendly zones include parts near beaches or certain lake/trail areas, but many of the park’s trails, forested zones, or protected areas do not allow pets.

    If bringing a pet is important to you, you’ll want to double-check current park rules (since pet-friendly zones can change) and plan accordingly.

    • Layers and rain gear: Weather is often unpredictable — rain, fog, or sun can appear any time.

    • Good footwear: Trails, tidepools, coastal beaches, or forest paths can be uneven.

    • Backup plan for weather: Especially for coastal or mountain locations — early morning or sunset ceremonies often give the best light.

    • Permit copy + valid ID + marriage license paperwork — keep them on hand in case park staff asks.

    • Logistics: Plan for travel times inside the park — some locations may be far apart (forest → coast → mountain). Consider accommodations nearby if you’re staying overnight (e.g., Port Angeles, cabins, lodges by forest or lake).

  • It’s best to apply for any required Special Use Permit at least 3–4 weeks before your desired date — ideally even sooner if you’re aiming for a popular season or sunrise/sunset ceremony.

Ready to start planning your Olympic National Park elopement?

We’re excited to hear more about your vision and help you plan an adventure of a lifetime in Washington State!

inquire