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Why Olympia National Park for your elopement?
While parks like Moab and Yellowstone get lots of attention for elopements, there’s a lesser visited National Park. Olympia National Park doesn’t get enough attention for its magical settings for elopements! The variety of options for photo spots in this National Park are amazing – sandy beaches, misty forests, majestic mountains.
The park has stunning beaches for backdrops for your ceremony, as well as winding forest paths that are perfect for couples photos. If you’re dreaming up a unique an diverse location for your wedding day, Olympia National Park could be it.
But first, I have to share Emma and Daniel’s beautiful Olympia National Park elopement!
Emma and Daniel’s elopement at Olympia National Park was so sweet. It had a slightly moody tone with their florals, and they even brought in matching Converse – Daniel’s were red and Emma’s were white! They got engaged here so we took some photos at their proposal location. Emma brought a changing tent to get ready for the elopement – this is a great idea if you think you’ll need to get ready out in nature for your ceremony.
Daniel and Emma shared their vows in an intimate spot in the forest and had adorable vows books with calligraphy for “His” and “Hers”. They even had a picnic on the beach which is such a cute way to add some extra fun to your day!
How to Plan Your Olympia National Park Elopement
You can always start planning out details well in advance, so consider this your checklist for logistics! In addition, start thinking about details that you might like to include in your day, like how Emma and Daniel had Converse and a picnic in their day.
Here’s what you’ll need for a well-planned Olympia National Park Elopement:
1. Apply for your marriage license in advance
2. Get a special use permit from Olympia National Park:
- Visit this website below and download the permit (it’s under “Special Use Permits”: https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/special-use-permits-commercial-permits-overnight-reservations.htm
- They also recommend emailing them at that link or writing to them c/o Olympic National Park, 600 East Park Ave, Port Angeles, WA 98362
3. Make sure you have $30 budgeted for the park’s entrance fee!
4. Shop for your wedding attire!
Check out my blog on bridal dresses for inspiration on how to choose your wedding dress.
5. Plan whether you want pets at your elopement – you can have them, but only on certain trails!
6. Hiking boots (or super comfortable shoes)
7. Figure out your timeline. I can help you with this!
8. Think about who you want to document your big day!
I document elopements and micro weddings across the Pacific Northwest. Make sure that you choose a photographer whose style you’re OBSESSED with.
Best Time of Year to Elope at Olympia National Park:
Any time of the year will be beautiful for an Olympia National Park elopement, but it’s about choosing your availability and what kind of photos you’re looking for.
In the spring
You’ll find pretty decent temperatures at Olympia National Park, but will probably have to work around rain. The snow will start to melt in the park around this time, so keep in mind that you may not get the snow capped photos you’re looking for.
In the summer
During the summer, the park will be the warmest and you’ll have the least chance of rain (but of course anything is possible in the PNW!). We’ll also have more time to take photos throughout the day, so this is ideal if you’re looking for an entire day-long session.
In the fall
This is one of the most stunning times for photos! Fall foliage will help make your photos look incredible, and you’ll likely still get warm to moderate temperatures.
In the winter
Winter will be a difficult time to access most of the park, so plan ahead if you want to have a specific location in your photos. You’ll also have to plan ahead for rain, snow, and storms. However, snow photos can look STUNNING for your day!
Staying Near Olympia National Park:
Think about choosing an Airbnb or cabin that will be a beautiful starting point for your elopement day. Forks and Port Angeles are nearby and offer tons of gorgeous options for your day.
Here are some Airbnb spots that are great for capturing photos of getting ready, sharing a meal or cake after, or exchanging your vows.
Outdoor oasis and fire pit:
Port Angeles oceanfront view:
Well-lit tiny home:
Waterfront home with lots of windows:
Protect the Land with a Leave No Trace Photographer
Remember that when you’re adventuring anywhere outdoors, and especially a National Park, it’s important to leave it how you found it. I’m a Leave No Trace photographer, meaning that I’m trained to plan and carry out an elopement that leaves as small of a footprint as possible on the area.
Dreaming up an elopement at Olympia National Park, or somewhere else?
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