MACAYLA LOTT
Hey, I'm Macayla! An avid indie-music consumer *cue Lord Huron + many more*, serial National Park adventurer and aspiring future dog owner. Big enthusiast of adventures, child-like wonder, slowing-down and romanticizing the things that bring joy in our lives. Most importantly, a big enthusiast of preserving your moments intentionally as ART. Honest imagery with feeling and depth.
Ok, I maaaaay have a slight obsession with Olympic National Park (but like, who doesn’t). It really is the quintessential scenery that makes people want to visit the pacific northwest in the first place. A whole lotta foggy forests, the best coastlines, huge moss-covered trees, and mountain peaks that disappear into the clouds. Yes yes and yes please.
Olympic National Park is one of the most diverse and magical places in the entire country, and it holds such a special place in my heart. If you’re wanting a more intimate rainforest ceremony, windswept vows on the coast, or a peaceful lakeside morning just the two of you, ONP has the perfect spot ready for ya and I’m so excited to share all of my favorites!
This guide is here to walk you through the best locations, best time of year to elope, permit and license info, lodging ideas, and my favorite food & activities to make your wedding day an even more memorable trip. Read on for the goods!
Why Olympic National Park Is (Unapologetically) My Favorite National Park
Olympic National Park is huuuuge…and I mean huge. It spans nearly one million acres and includes multiple ecosystems: alpine mountains, ancient rainforests, wild coastline, waterfalls, and crystal-clear lakes. It truly feels like multiple national parks rolled into one.
My first visit to Olympic National Park was in May of 2024, and I remember being completely overwhelmed (in the best way). One moment we were standing on a foggy beach with waves crashing behind us, and an hour later we were deep in a rainforest that felt untouched by time. That first trip changed everything for me, and not long after, I photographed my first Olympic National Park elopement, which only solidified my obsession.
Another reason I love ONP so much? Accessibility! SO many of the most stunning locations are reachable year-round, and there’s beauty in every season: from moody winter fog to the lush summer greens to warm, soft fall light.
Lay of the Land: Understanding Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park definitely has a unique climate. It’s real close to the Pacific Ocean and has some mountainous terrain, so weather can vary drastically depending on where you are in the park (sometimes even hour by hour). To make planning easier, I like to break the park into regions:
North Side
This area is often the most accessible and includes:
- Port Angeles
- Hurricane Ridge
- Lake Crescent
- Marymere Falls
- Madison Falls
Lake Crescent is one of my absolute favorites with stunning blue water surrounded by mountains, plus the historic lodge and nearby trails. And if you’re in this area…Granny’s Cafe is a must. Truly one of my favorite meals anywhere near the park.
East Side
The least visited area of the park, making it a great option for couples seeking privacy. Just keep in mind that wildfires did impact the Staircase area in 2025, which is an important reminder that this landscape is constantly changing. Part of eloping here means staying flexible and respecting temporary closures when they happen!
- Staircase Trailhead
- Lake Cushman (technically just outside park boundaries)
South/Southwest
Lush, quiet, and real underrated. This area feels slower and more intimate, which is perfect if you want the rainforest experience without the crowds of the Hoh!
- Amanda Park
- Quinault Rainforest
- Lake Quinault
- Kestner Homestead Loop
West Side
The most iconic and definitely the most visited region. This is where you’ll find dramatic coastlines, towering trees, and some of the most photographed locations in ONP!
- Hoh Rainforest
- Rialto Beach
- Ruby Beach
- Second Beach
- Forks
- Sol Duc area
A Note on Respecting the Land
Olympic National Park sits on ancestral lands of a few Indigenous tribes, including the Quileute, Hoh, Makah, Quinault, and Skokomish peoples. When we elope here, we are guests on their land! Practicing “Leave No Trace”, respecting closures, and treating these places with care is so so important. You can learn more about this history from the National Park Service here.
Olympic National Park Elopement Permit Info
If you’re eloping in Olympic National Park, you may need a permit depending on your group size! You’ll need a Special Use Permit if: you have more than 5 people total, which includes the couple, guests, and vendors (photographer, officiant, etc.).
Permit details:
- Cost: $100
- Apply by filling out the Special Use Permit application
- Email the completed form to: olym_permits@nps.gov
- Once approved, you’ll receive a link to pay online
- After payment, the signed permit will be emailed back to you
Permits can take a few weeks to process, so I def recommend submitting your application at least 3 months before your elopement date. The earlier, the better, especially during peak season! More info here.
If you’re getting a Washington marriage license, there are a few other key things to know:
- There is a 3-day waiting period
- Licenses expire after 60 days
- You can apply online, in person, or by mail
- You can get your license from any county in Washington
I usually recommend King County (Seattle). It’s straightforward and easy, especially for out-of-state couples.
Best Places to Elope in Olympic National Park
Busy season: June–September
Quiet season: November–March (weather dependent)
West Side (Most Popular)
- Hoh Rainforest: One of my favorite places in the park, but also one of the busiest. Early mornings or shoulder seasons are best!
- Rialto Beach: Ahhhmazing for sunset and blue hour ceremonies with dramatic sea stacks.
- Ruby Beach: Wild, romantic, and perfect for intimate ceremonies.
- Second Beach: A short hike leads to a stunning, secluded stretch of coast.
North Side
- Lake Crescent: Crystal blue water, lodge access, and incredible views.
- Marymere Falls
- Madison Falls
- Hurricane Ridge: Jaw-dropping mountain views when accessible.
East Side
- Lake Cushman: Peaceful and scenic.
- Staircase Trailhead: Forest magic when accessible.
South / Southwest
- Kestner Homestead Loop: Quiet, romantic forest trail.
- Quinault Rainforest: A beautiful alternative to the Hoh with fewer crowds.
- Lake Quinault: Kayaks, canoes, and lodge access make this a fun, very interactive elopement location.
Best Places to Stay Near Olympic National Park
West Side
Forks (a few great rentals below):
- A cozy forest cabin
- Tiny Home in Forks
- Another cabin in Forks
- Very woodsy type of cabin in Forks
- Another tiny home in Forks
Mora
La Push
Kalaloch/Oil City area:
North Side
- Port Angeles
- Port Hadlock–Irondale (more scenic, but a lil farther)
South / Southwest
Amanda Park (a few great rentals below)
- Lake Quinault Lodge (sits on the lake/close to the rainforest, but may not as private)
- Lakeside Cabin in Olympic NP
- Lakeside Cabin (VRBO)
- Lakeside Cottage
Hoodsport area
More Fun Washington Recs!
Food
- Granny’s Cafe (North side — my favorite)
- River’s Edge Restaurant (La Push)
- The Salty Heifer Burger Shack
- Westend Taproom Tip & Sip (Forks)
- Home Slice Take n’ Bake Pizza
- BIGGINZ Burgers & Seafood (Neah Bay)
Activities
- Cape Flattery: The northwestern-most point in the US
- Ozette Triangle: Trails, tide pools, and ancient petroglyphs (look it up…SO cool)
- Shaka Guide Tours: I swear by these for national parks
- More fun ideas to consider:
Final Thoughts
If you’ve spent any time dreaming of the PNW, I promise you won’t regret an Olympic National Park elopement. For being so close to a big city, it feels trapped in time and so remote and wild. There are few places in the US that haven’t been taken over by tourism, and this is one of em. I hope this guide was helpful as you start thinking about the planning process, and if you’re in need of a buddy to come alongside you and document, I’d love to meet you! Head here to start a conversation!
