How to Plan a Ruby Beach Elopement in Olympic National Park

If you’re thinking about eloping on the Washington coast, Ruby Beach is where you want to be.  The towering sea stacks rising out of the Pacific, tidepools, dreamy sunsets, and a wild, rugged coastline makes for the most epic backdrops for your adventure. Rialto Beach, one of the other iconic coastal destinations in Olympic National Park, is inaccessible via Mora Road from July 8 through October 5, 2026 due to major road construction. That means couples who were dreaming of a Washington coast elopement this year are looking for the perfect alternative, and Ruby Beach more than delivers. Keep reading for everything you need to know about planning your Ruby Beach elopement.

 

Why Elope at Ruby Beach

The sea stacks here are massive, the driftwood-covered shoreline is unlike anything else in Washington, and the combination of the creek, the rocks, and the Pacific light creates so many different backdrops within a single beach.

What I love most about it for elopements is that if you walk past the first big sea stacks, most people don’t follow, so you get more privacy that at the main beach entrance. (Though, it may get a tad more crowded while Rialto Beach is closed) And the sunsets here are genuinely some of the best I’ve seen. The way the light hits the sea stacks during golden hour is worth planning your whole elopement timeline around.

Getting There

You’ll fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA-TAC) and rent a car from there. Ruby Beach is on the western side of the Olympic Peninsula, about 3 to 3.5 hours from Seattle. The drive takes you across the Hood Canal Bridge and down Highway 101, which is a beautiful coastal drive. The Olympic Peninsula is a road trip destination, and having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. You’ll pass through charming small towns, dense temperate rainforest, and catch glimpses of the Pacific as you approach the coast.

The Ruby Beach parking area is right off Highway 101, and from there it’s only about a 0.2-mile walk down a dirt trail to reach the beach.

 

Ruby Beach Elopement Permits

Yes, you’ll need a Special Use Permit to hold a ceremony at Ruby Beach since it falls within Olympic National Park.

Here’s what to know:

• Groups under 5 people may not require a permit, but I always recommend confirming with the park directly
• Groups of 5 or more will need a Special Use Permit. Plan to apply at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance, and earlier is always better for popular summer dates
• Permit fee is $50.
• You’ll also need an Olympic National Park entrance pass. A standard vehicle pass is $30 and is valid for 7 consecutive days (or use your America the Beautiful Pass if you have one)
• No arches, chairs, confetti, or décor that could harm the natural environment

The park can be reached at (360) 565-3092, and I’m always there to help my couples navigate the permit process.

 

Getting Your Marriage License

To make it legal, you’ll also need a Washington state marriage license. Couples coming in from out of state often choose to make it legal at home, and have a symbolic ceremony in their chosen destination, which is something you could consider to make it super easy!

If you are getting legally married here, then you can obtain your marriage license from any county courthouse in the state. Both partners will need to be present, and you’ll need to provide a photo ID and pay a fee of around $64.

A three-day waiting period after obtaining your marriage license. You can waive this waiting period by completing a premarital course. **For out-of-state couples, you can apply by mail. The processing time will include the 3-day waiting period, so you don’t have to wait around Washington for 3 extra days before your elopement.

Best Time of Year to Elope in Ruby Beach

The most reliable window for a Ruby Beach elopement is June through September, but honestly this coastline is beautiful year-round.

• Summer (June–August) offers the longest days, the best chance of clear skies, and the widest access to trails and roads throughout the park. July and August are peak season, so expect more visitors at the main beach entrance, but again, walking past the first sea stacks gives you more privacy.
• Fall (September–October) is absolutely stunning on the coast. The light is softer, the crowds thin considerably, and the moody, misty atmosphere of early fall is genuinely magical for photos.
• Winter and early spring are an option for adventurous couples who don’t mind the rain and cold. The coast has a wild, dramatic quality in the off-season that can be breathtaking. Just be prepared for unpredictable weather, check road conditions carefully, and have a backup plan just in case.

Pro tip: Weekday elopements are always better, because you’ll get way more privacy, and better availability for favorite stays and activities.

Where to Stay for Your Ruby Beach Elopement

Kalaloch Lodge: My Favorite

Kalaloch Lodge is my absolute top recommendation for couples eloping at Ruby Beach, and one of my favorite places to stay in all of Olympic National Park. It’s the only lodge located directly on the Olympic coast, and the location is simply perfect! Ruby Beach is just a quick 15-minute drive north, and the Tree of Life is a short walk or three-minute drive from the property.

They have a good variety of accommodation options: bluff-top cabins with full kitchens and ocean views, standard hotel-style rooms in the main lodge, and the Seacrest House with private patios overlooking the Pacific. Waking up on your elopement morning to the sound of waves outside your door is a pretty special way to start the day.

One heads-up: cell service and wifi are limited out here, and I say embrace it completely. Being fully unplugged on your elopement day is a gift.

Forks Area Airbnbs

The town of Forks is about 30 to 40 minutes from Ruby Beach and has a growing selection of charming Airbnb options, from cozy cabins tucked in the rainforest to more modern places with hot tubs. And if you love Twilight, you may want to spend an extra day here anyway!

Port Angeles

If you’re also planning to explore other areas of the park like Hurricane Ridge or Lake Crescent, Port Angeles on the northern side of the peninsula offers great accommodation options and more town amenities. It’s a longer drive to Ruby Beach from here, but it works well for a longer trip.

 

Exploring the Quinault Rainforest

One of my favorite things about this part of Washington is the variety you get within a short drive. The Quinault Rainforest is about an hour from Kalaloch Lodge, and it could not feel more different from the coast. It is definitely worth building into your elopement adventure!

We’re talking enormous Sitka spruce and cedar trees covered in moss, ferns blanketing the forest floor, and this incredible green filtered light coming through the canopy. Lake Quinault is stunning, and the loop trails around it are accessible and easy.

Going from Ruby Beach to the Quinault Rainforest in a single day gives you two completely different backdrops and two completely different feelings. It’s one of my favorite ways to structure an elopement day in this area.

 

Fun Activity Ideas

I am a big believer that your elopement day is about so much more than just getting married! It’s about celebrating love in a way that feels unique to you.

Think about the little moments that make your relationship special, and weave them into your day or a cool adventure you could do at your chosen elopement location! Here are some ideas:

• Walk to the Tree of Life at low tide
• Explore the tide pools at Ruby Beach at low tide (sea stars, anemones, the works)
• Walk Cedar Creek at low tide and cross it barefoot for some stunning images
• Drive to the Quinault Rainforest for an afternoon in the moss-draped trees
• Have a champagne picnic on the beach after your ceremony
• Stargaze on the coast at night
• Cook a cozy breakfast together in your cabin on your elopement morning
• Watch the sunset from the bluff at Kalaloch with a cup of coffee
• Soak in a hot tub at your cabin at the end of the night

…the options truly are endless!

Ruby Beach Elopement Packages

I absolutely love the Washington coast, and Ruby Beach is one of my favorite places to photograph. If you’re ready to plan your elopement here, I would absolutely love to help you plan every detail, from navigating permits and timelines to finding those hidden spots that make your images feel truly magical.

As your Ruby Beach elopement photographer and planning guide, I:

• Know the best light, the best angles, and the secret spots beyond the sea stacks
• Help with all logistics including permits, timelines, and vendor recommendations
• Create a relaxed, fun experience so you can focus entirely on each other
• Deliver images that are film-like, documentary, and creative, perfect for capturing your adventurous love story.

See my full Washington Elopement Packages here. If you want to schedule a call with me to talk about your elopement, you can reach out here.

 

More Washington Elopement Resources

How to Elope in Washington

Packwood, Wa Cabin Elopement

How To Elope in Olympic National Park

Ruby Beach Elopement