How to Have a Leave No Trace Elopement
Familiarizing yourself with “leave no trace principles” is a good idea in general, but especially if you are planning an adventure elopement!
How to Get a Special Use Permit for Washington National Parks
Mt Rainier National Park
Single Day Visits
In order to visit Mt Rainier, a general entrance fee is required– per vehicle (capacity of 15 or less) the fee is $30. Per person fee (walk ups/bicycles) is $15/person. You may purchase these passes at the entrance to the park or you can purchase them here ahead of time!
Overnight Stays
If you are planning to stay overnight in the park there are a few different options.
Vehicle Campgrounds: there are three different vehicle campgrounds to choose from and reservations are strongly encouraged although some may be available on a first come, first served basis. You may book a reservation here
Lodging: here are two lodging accommodations located next to the park and you must make a reservation for either option through Mt Rainier guest services. Keep in mind that entrance passes and fees are still required!
Backcountry Camping
A permit is required year around for overnight backpacking stays in the park. Reservations are encouraged but not required– according to the website, ⅔ of the permits are granted through reservations and ⅓ are by walk ups. If you make a reservation, it must be made at least two days prior to your trip. The cost of this permit is $26 per trip (up to 14 consecutive days) and this will give you access to the park as well. On the day of your reservation, bring your ID to the ranger station and pick up your permit. They will require emergency contacts information and year, make, model, and license plate number on your vehicle. Keep in mind, if you do not show up by 12pm on the day your reservation is made for your trip will be cancelled. If you plan to arrive later than 12pm on that day, make sure you have arranged for this ahead of time with the park ranger!
Wilderness Planner — this is a great resource for planning your trip through the park!
Wedding Permit
If you are planning to hold your ceremony inside of the park, you will need to apply for an additional permit here and pay a non-refundable fee of $60 once your application is received. You must submit your application 4 weeks prior to your ceremony date (expedited applications may be available). Depending on how many people will be in attendance, different rules apply on where your ceremony is allowed to be held– you can find those guidelines here under “restrictions and conditions.” We have outlined some of the general guidelines below:
Areas may not be roped off or blocked off to other visitors of the park
Modest décor is allowed (additional permissions may be required)
You may not set up chairs, tents and/or awnings
You may not throw rice, confetti, etc. inside of the park
**For professional videography and photography, extra permission is required to be granted by the park. Make sure you fill out your photographers and videographers information on your initial application!
Olympic National Park
Single Day Visits
You may purchase single day passes here for $30/vehicle (15 passenger capacity) and they are valid for 7 consecutive days. The pass must be printed prior to entering the park! Individual passes are $15/person. Annual passes may also be purchased for $55.
Overnight Stays
All wilderness camping passes must be purchased in advance prior to visiting the park. Due to COVID and until further notice, all information centers are closed to the public. You can purchase the passes here— some areas accept reservations for summer months that can be made here but most are first come, first served.
If you prefer not to camp, there are a variety of lodging options in the park!
Kalaloch Lodge Lake Crescent Lodge Log Cabin Resort Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort
Wedding Permits
There is a special use permit that is required for all ceremonies taking place inside of the park. You can download the application here. There is a $50 fee to obtain this permit. It doesn’t specify how long in advance the application is required to be submitted by but I would give yourself a couple weeks just in case!
Wilderness Trip Planner Permits & Reservations- Olympic National Park
North Cascades National Park
Single Day Visits
There are no fees or permits required for single day visits at North Cascades National Park! You will need a Northwest Forest Pass to park at any of the trailheads outside of the park (if you park at a trailhead in the park, you do NOT need this pass). You can purchase a Northwest Forest Pass here for $5/day or $30 for an annual pass.
Overnight Stays
A backcountry permit is required for all year around for all overnight stays. During the spring and summer, advanced reservations may be made for approximately 60% of the campgrounds, the rest are available by walk up only. There are no fees associated with backcountry permits in this park! Car camping reservations are required and can be made here. There are several options of campgrounds to choose from:
Wedding Permits
A special use permit is required to hold a wedding ceremony inside the park. You can access the permit application here. Along with the permit, a $50 non refundable fee is required. Please make note of your photographer and videographer on the application as that requires an additional permission!
If you are planning to elope at Artist Point, you need to contact Mt. Baker- Snoqualmie National Forest for an application.
Stephanie Keegan
I’m an adventure elopement and wedding photographer based in Seattle and the surrounding Pacific Northwest. I focus on capturing love in beautiful places while sharing a passion for the outdoors. Rock climbing, backpacking, hiking – I love it all!
Hey! I'm Stephanie.
I'm an adventure elopement photographer based in the Pacific Northwest. My job is to help couples craft and document their dream day in the outdoors.
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