Washington State is rapidly becoming a popular place to elope. Born and raised in this state, I LOVE watching couples from around the country discover the magic in our mountains, the seclusion in our forests, and the epicness of our seaside home. With all the beauty nature has to offer here in Upper Left, USA, I frequently get asked questions about what getting married in nature and the permitting process looks like. So here is a breakdown of what you need to know for park permits and passes!

a bride and groom running through the tall grass on a beach. she is wearing a ball gown with a sparkly top. he is wearing a button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up. they are both running away from the camera.

PERMITS FOR NATIONAL PARKS

The permit you need will depend on the location of the park you are eloping in. Most require a combination of a park entry pass and special use permit, plus a camping reservation if you intend to spend the night. To make it easy, I’ve broken down the most popular National Parks to elope in Washington. You can always find more information specific to the trail head on sites like the Washington Trails Association or on the park service’s government website.

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK.

Park Entry

You can use an America the Beautiful federal interagency pass for entry into the park. You can also buy a seven-day pass for your vehicle or an Olympic Annual Pass from www.YourPassNow.com depending on how much you plan to visit the park. You need a physical copy of your pass present or printed for it to be valid.

Special Use Permit

Apply for a Special Use Permit AT LEAST four weeks in advance with the National Park Service staff. Special Use Permits include wedding ceremonies. Depending on where you are going, you might also need a photography permit.

Overnight or Camping

Wilderness Camping Permits are required for all overnight trips into the Olympic National Park backcountry ($8 per person per night). The nightly fee for camping in one of the established campgrounds ranges from $15-$22 depending on the location and season.

MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK.

Park Entry

You can use an America the Beautiful federal interagency pass for entry into the park. You can also buy a seven-day pass for your vehicle or a Mount Rainier Annual Pass from www.YourPassNow.com depending on how much you plan to visit the park. You need a physical copy of your pass present or printed for it to be valid.

Special Use Permit

Apply for a Special Use Permit AT LEAST four weeks in advance with the National Park Service staff. You can find the email address to submit applications and apply for a Fee Waiver of the $60 fee (if applicable) here. Your party size determines which locations may be used for wedding ceremonies, which can be found here.

Overnight or Camping

A wilderness permit is required for all overnight camping. This permit reserves your specific wilderness camping site for the night you want to stay. Campsites fill up quickly in the summer and the majority can be reserved in advance while the rest are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Submit a Reservation Request via the button on this site. Anyone wishing to climb above 10,000 feet or onto any glaciers must pay a climbing cost recovery fee and get a climbing permit.

NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK.

Park Entry

Great news — there is no entry fee to elope on the North Cascades! And while the park is open year-round, inclement weather often closes the North Cascades Highway between November and May of each year. The North Cascades Visitor Center is open daily through the summer and closed during the winter.

Special Use Permit

Apply for a Special Use Permit for your vow renewal, wedding, or elopement AT LEAST four weeks in advance with the National Park Service staff. You can find instructions to submit applications and pay the $50 fee (if applicable) here.

Overnight or Camping

You can apply for backcountry permits, car camping reservations by campground site, and other permits here.

PRO TIP!

Make sure you download the Google map of your route in advance and while you have an internet connection. Many of our National Parks lose touch with the world wide web at some point. Make sure you know where you’re going on windy forest roads so you can ensure the safety and sanity of other drivers. If you plan to hike on a trail head, make sure you research trail conditions leading up to your big day. Monitor for closures and adverse conditions that necessitate additional gear, as well as monitor how popular the trail head is and when to arrive to ensure a safe parking spot. If you want to change into your elopement clothes later on in the hike or adventure, bring a pack large enough to accommodate your ceremony supplies. Some like to bring a changing tent up with them; if it’s worth the weight, then bring it. If not, then plan on stopping along the treeline to have your presto-change-o moment.

HOW TO BE RESPONSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDS

Whether you are a seasoned outdoor adventurer or a relative novice, study up on the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace. These practices ensure you minimize your impact on the environment hosting your elopement and preserve the great outdoors for fellow explorers.

Ensure that you research and prepare for your day trip or overnight adventure (including packing the Ten Essentials if you plan to take a significant hike or camp overnight) and stick to these basics:

use durable surfaces
pack out what you pack in
leave what you find
minimize campfire impact
respect wildlife
remain considerate of other visitors

Part of being a good environmental steward is respecting the parks and the people who work to protect the land and wildlife. Paying the special use and park permits helps keep the land protected.