Permits,
What is the Hoh Rainforest and where is it located?
Tucked deep in the northwest corner of Olympic National Park, the Hoh Rainforest sits just over an hour from Forks (a fun bonus for Twilight fans) and about four hours from Seattle. Known as one of the best-preserved old-growth temperate rainforests in the world, the Hoh is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with towering trees covered in decades of moss, ferns, and fungi. Scientists believe the rainforest is more than 10,000 years old. It’s a place that has truly stood the test of time—which made it the perfect location for N & J to say “I do.”
This blog not only walks you through N & J’s day, but also gives you the information you need to bring your own Hoh Rainforest elopement vision to life.
Why Elope in The Hoh Rainforest?
The Hoh Rainforest is one of the most unique forests in North America. Moss drapes across massive trees and deep green ferns blanket the forest floor. In some areas, the moss grows so thick it doesn’t just layer the trees—it carpets the ground, creating the feeling of stepping into a magical fantasy world.
One of the biggest perks of eloping here is the variety of landscapes nearby. Since the rainforest needs very specific conditions to thrive, you’re never far from incredible places like Ruby Beach. Couples can experience both old-growth forest and wild coastline in the same day. The Hoh also borders glacial rivers and mountain views, offering even more diversity. For couples searching for a setting that feels like another planet, this rainforest rivals eloping the Redwoods.
What do you need to know about eloping in The Hoh Rainforest?
Are permits required?
If your group is five people or fewer (you, your partner, two guests, and your photographer), you don’t need a special use permit. For groups larger than five, you’ll need to apply for a permit through the National Park Service. You can find more information and the Special Use Permit application on their website here.
When is the best time of year to elope in The Hoh Rainforest?
Unlike many elopement locations, the Hoh shines brightest from December through May. The colors during this season are deep and vivid, and the slower visitor traffic means fewer crowds. In summer, parking wait times can reach two hours. If you choose a summer date, plan for early morning or evening to avoid peak congestion and to leave time for exploring other parts of the park. Just be prepared that while December through May may be the best time to elope color and mood wise, they’re also some of the more rainy months of the year. Be prepared for rain and lean into it – moody, rainy photos are stunning!
How do I get to the Hoh Rainforest?
The closest town is Forks, WA, but the nearest larger hub is Port Angeles—about an hour away. If you’re flying, Seattle (SEA) is roughly a four-hour drive, making it easy to pair your trip with exploring more of Olympic National Park.
Best Time of Day for Your Hoh Rainforest Elopement
Since this is one of the most popular areas of Olympic National Park, mornings or evenings on weekdays give you the best chance for privacy. It also will make parking easier for you since you’ll be avoiding the peak mid day crowds. It can take upwards of 2 hours to just find parking during peak hours on summer days.
Best Places to Stay Near the Hoh Rainforest for Your Elopement
The closest options for lodging near the Hoh Rainforest are Forks and Lake Crescent. Forks offers hotels, motels, and Airbnbs, making it convenient if you want to stay close to the rainforest while keeping things simple. Lake Crescent, on the other hand, is ideal if you’d like to be fully immersed in nature. Lake Crescent Lodge is especially popular for its historic charm and lakeside cabins—perfect for couples who want their elopement to feel like a getaway.
If you’re looking for more amenities, Port Angeles is your best bet. It’s the largest town near the park and offers a variety of hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, and local breweries. Just keep in mind that it’s about a two-hour drive from the Hoh, so you’ll want to plan travel time carefully on your elopement day.
For couples who want to make their elopement into a full Pacific Northwest adventure, pairing a stay at Lake Crescent with a few nights in Port Angeles is a great way to balance seclusion and convenience. You can spend your mornings kayaking on the lake and your evenings enjoying dinner downtown, all while being within reach of the Hoh Rainforest, Hurricane Ridge, and the beaches near Forks.
Are dogs allowed in The Hoh Rainforest?
Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on any of the trails within The Hoh Rainforest but they are allowed in the paved Hoh Rainforest campgrounds. If you do visit the park with your dog, be sure to follow all the rules of being a B.A.R.K. Ranger to ensure that the park ecosystems stay healthy.
Where do I pick up my marriage license?
Marriage licenses can be applied for through the Clallam County Recorder’s Office. Washington State has a 3 day waiting period for marriage licenses so unless you have a few extra days before your elopement, I recommend mailing the application in via snail mail. The instructions can be found on their website!
How much does it cost to elope in The Hoh Rainforest?
You’ll need to apply for a license through the Clallam County Auditor’s Office. Washington requires a three-day waiting period, so plan ahead. Many couples choose to apply by mail to avoid last-minute stress.
Costs
- Entry fee: $30 per car (or use your America the Beautiful Pass)
- Special Use Permit: $50 (only for groups larger than 5)
- Marriage license: $69 (paid to the county)
N & J’s Hoh Rainforest Elopement
We began the day slowly, easing into the magic of the Olympic Peninsula with a peaceful walk through the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park. The first stop was the iconic Hall of Mosses Trail, a short loop that’s just over a mile long but famous for its otherworldly beauty. Because it’s one of the most visited trails in the park, we had to be very intentional about timing our visit. N & J wanted their vows to feel intimate and private, so we planned for the quieter hours of the late afternoon, when the day’s earlier crowds had already started to thin out.
As soon as we stepped onto the trail, the world seemed to shift. The air felt heavy with moisture, carrying that earthy scent of rain and cedar that makes the Hoh so unique. Moss draped from tree branches like velvet curtains, ferns carpeted the ground in every direction, and the winding path pulled us deeper into the stillness of the forest. N & J walked hand in hand, moving slowly, almost reverently, as if the forest itself had set the pace. Every so often, the sunlight would break through the dense canopy, scattering golden light across the mossy trunks and illuminating the forest in a way that felt fleeting and sacred.
When they found a quiet alcove tucked just off the path, surrounded by towering Sitka spruce and maple trees, it felt like the perfect place to pause. The forest held its breath as they read their vows, their voices soft but steady, carrying easily in the still air. It was such a simple moment, but also the kind that stays with you—just two people promising forever to each other, with the rainforest as their witness. Afterward, they lingered for a while, savoring the moment, before completing the loop and heading back to the trailhead.
From there, we began the drive toward the coast, winding our way through an hour of dense forest roads until the trees opened up to reveal the rugged Pacific shoreline. By the time we arrived at Ruby Beach, the sun had dipped lower and the weather had settled into the kind of classic Pacific Northwest mood—overcast skies with muted, silvery light and the rhythmic crash of waves rolling in.
N & J wasted no time, kicking off their shoes and wandering down to the sand. They laughed and explored like kids, hopping across massive driftwood logs, collecting smooth stones and sea-washed treasures, and pausing every so often to take in the vastness of the ocean before them. The grey sky only seemed to make the colors of the beach stand out more—the deep greens of the sea stacks, the dark blues of the water, and the pale tones of sand and driftwood.
As evening gave way to night, the beach grew quiet, and the last light faded behind the horizon. We packed up and hiked back toward the parking lot, the sound of the ocean still echoing behind us. Saying our goodbyes under the dim glow of the lot’s lamps, there was a feeling of peaceful finality. The day had been simple, unhurried, and deeply personal—exactly the way N & J wanted it.
Ready To Start Planning Your Hoh Rainforest Elopement?
As a local adventure elopement photographer here in Wahington State I do more than just document your day—I’m here to help you navigate every step of the journey. From building a timeline that flows naturally with your unique plans, to finding the perfect hidden-gem locations, to guiding you through all the legal details, I’m with you every step of the way. Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet ceremony beneath moss covered trees or exchanging vows with the Colombia River and Mt. Hood as your backdrop, I’ll help you bring it all to life with ease and intention.
Let’s create an experience that reflects who you are and what matters most—one that’s completely stress-free and entirely yours from beginning to end.
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