How to Get Married at Agate Beach Lodge | Full Wedding Guide

Bride and Groom on the beach at their Agate Beach Lodge wedding outside Port Angeles, Washington State

Bride and groom on the beach at Agate Beach Lodge outside Port Angeles Washington

Where is Agate Beach Lodge?
How to Get to Agate Beach Lodge
Why Get Married at Agate Beach Lodge?
Best Time of Year for Weddings at Agate Beach Lodge
Best Spots for Wedding Photos at Agate Beach Lodge
Fun Things to Do Near Agate Beach Lodge
Agate Beach Lodge Wedding Packages
Agate Beach Lodge Wedding Vendors
Agate Beach Lodge Wedding Photographer

If you’ve been searching for the perfect venue to host an unforgettable destination wedding on the Olympic Peninsula, look no further—Agate Beach Lodge is the place for you! This vintage A-frame lodge is the perfect blend of modern and rustic, providing couples with a dreamy place to host family and friends for a memorable weekend, and embrace the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. In this guide, I’ll be sharing all about why I love this venue so much, and breaking down the most important information you need to know to plan your wedding at Agate Beach Lodge!

Where is Agate Beach Lodge?

Agate Beach Lodge is located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. It is situated near the town of Joyce, approximately 13 miles west of Port Angeles on the coast of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The area is known for its beautiful saltwater beaches, tide pools, and scenic views across the Strait towards Vancouver Island, Canada!

The Olympic Peninsula comprises the northwest corner of Washington State, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Puget Sound to the east. Known to locals as “the Peninsula” or “the OP,” it’s renowned for stunning natural landscapes including rugged coastlines, temperate rainforests, and the breathtaking Olympic Mountains. The peninsula is home to Olympic National Park, which offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities that people come from all over to take advantage of.

Is Agate Beach Lodge in Olympic National Park?

Agate Beach Lodge isn’t located within Olympic National Park, but it does lie right outside the boundaries of the park! The lodge is in the surrounding area of the Olympic Peninsula, right along the coastal regions, providing easy access to the park and other scenic locations that you won’t want to miss out on exploring.

Do you need a permit to get married at Agate Beach Lodge?

Staying at Agate Beach Lodge itself does not require a permit—however, it’s important to distinguish between the lodge accommodations and certain activities that might take place in nearby public lands or protected areas.

If you’re planning to visit Olympic National Park, Olympic National Forest, or one of the nearby reservations, you’ll probably need an entrance permit or parking permit. You can find information on some of the entrance and parking fees on these websites:

Olympic National Park
Olympic National Forest
Washington State Parks
Makah Reservation (Cape Flattery, Neah Bay, Shi Shi Beach, Hobuck Beach)

How to Get to Agate Beach Lodge

There are several routes to get to Agate Beach Lodge on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, depending on your starting point.

From Seattle:

If you’re coming from Seattle, you have two primary options.

The first involves taking the Seattle-Bainbridge Island ferry. After getting off on Bainbridge Island, you’ll follow WA-305 N to WA-3 N, which eventually merges onto US-101 N, leading you toward Port Angeles. Once in Port Angeles, continue driving and take a right onto WA-112 W. From there, it’s a straightforward journey as you turn right onto Camp Hayden Road, following signs past Salt Creek Recreation Area. The road becomes Crescent Beach Road and turns west. Another mile down the road you’ll come to the gated driveway to Agate Beach Lodge at 2181 Crescent Beach Rd—and you’ve arrived at the place you’ll be calling home for the next few days!

Traveling to Agate Beach Lodge from Seattle takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and ferry schedules. If taking a ferry, it’s always a good idea to check the Washington State Ferries schedule in advance, as wait times can vary, especially during peak seasons. Regardless of your route, you’ll be treated to scenic views along the way, especially on the Olympic Peninsula, where the natural beauty of the region makes the journey to Agate Beach Lodge part of the adventure!

Alternatively, if you prefer to avoid the ferry, you can drive south on I-5 to Tacoma, then exit onto WA-16 W, heading towards Gig Harbor and crossing the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. From there, continue along WA-16 W, which eventually merges with WA-3 N. You’ll follow WA-3 N until it meets US-101 N, and from there, head towards Port Angeles. Once you’re in the area, follow the same directions: take WA-112 W, and then Camp Hayden Road to Crescent Beach road and finally your destination.

From Port Angeles:

For those already in Port Angeles, getting to Salt Creek is a quick trip, only taking about 20-25 minutes! Head west on US-101 N out of town, turn north onto WA-112 W, and after about 9 miles, make a right onto Camp Hayden Road, which becomes Crescent Beach Road.

Why Get Married at Agate Beach Lodge?

Getting married at Agate Beach Lodge offers such a unique and breathtaking experience that any couple would be lucky to have. Here are just a few of the reasons why this vintage A-frame lodge is a fantastic location for a wedding or elopement!

It’s perfect for destination celebrations

Agate Beach Lodge is one of the few wedding venues in the PNW where you can stay on-site, making it an amazing place to create a destination wedding weekend with all the people you love. Your guests can stay in the lodge itself, camp on the property in tents or RVs, or even take advantage of the nearby campgrounds at Salt Creek State Park and Crescent Beach. There are also tons of cozy Airbnbs on the Olympic Peninsula that do a great job of catering to travelers and visitors to the region, so your guests will have no shortage of options of where to stay—and can really choose a kind of place that works for them!

Having a wedding venue that can accommodate your guests (or offer nearby accommodations) is such an amazing opportunity to spend more quality time with the people who are most important to you. Plus, you get the benefit of giving them an incredible chance to get away and experience the natural beauty of the PNW, with all its local cuisine, attractions, and landscapes.

It’s secluded & intimate

One of the greatest appeals of Agate Beach Lodge, in my opinion, is its super secluded and intimate feel. Unlike more urban or popular wedding venues that are closer to cities, the property offers a tranquil setting and exclusive rentals—meaning that tourists and visitors won’t be randomly wandering through your ceremony! This creates a much quieter, more personal atmosphere for you and your guests to experience. With all the flexible options the venue offers, you can either host a larger gathering in an accessible, spacious area, or opt for a smaller, intimate ceremony in a more secluded spot.

And did I mention that Agate Beach itself is a completely private beach? That’s right, this little cove will be completely yours during your stay at the lodge; you’ll be able to enjoy total seclusion as you watch the waves hit the shore, explore the rocks, and walk through the driftwood-covered sand. I don’t know anybody who would ever say no to private beach access, especially somewhere as gorgeous as this!

It’s a haven of outdoor activities

For couples and guests who love adventure, the property is a haven of outdoor activities, and so is this area of the peninsula as a whole! Agate Beach Lodge offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, beachcombing, and wildlife watching, making it an incredible destination for adventurous couples and their guests. You’ll have SO many chances to explore the Olympic Peninsula and the scenic landscapes that people travel from all over to see, and within such close proximity—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for sure.

The landscapes are to die for!

As you can probably already tell, Agate Beach Lodge offers endless, stunning natural beauty that makes it an extraordinary location for any type of wedding! With its prime location on the peninsula, the property is home to a diverse array of landscapes, from rugged coastlines and towering coniferous forests to hidden meadows and serene lakes. You can choose the backdrop that best fits your unique vision, whether it’s a beach with ocean views, a dense forest, or a spacious meadow surrounded by lush trees!

The dramatic landscapes on the property also make it a DREAM for photography. From misty forests and foggy mornings to vibrant sunsets, Agate Beach Lodge offers unparalleled photo opportunities any time of day, and any time of year. The lighting and scenery lend themselves to magical wedding photography that captures the essence of your special day, especially at sunrise and sunset!

It’s close to Olympic National Park

Agate Beach Lodge is conveniently located just a short drive from many of the most iconic locations in Olympic National Park, so your guests can easily visit Lake Crescent, Hurricane Ridge, Rialto or Ruby Beach, the Hoh Rainforest, and so many other incredible ONP locations either before or after your wedding day. A few days could never be enough—you’ll want to stay here forever.

Looking for more picturesque places to tie the knot on the Olympic Peninsula? Cape Flattery is one of my all-time favorites.

Sustainability is a priority

For couples committed to sustainability, getting married at Agate Beach Lodge can be an amazing and eco-friendly option! The property’s natural beauty reduces the need for elaborate decorations, as nature itself serves as the perfect backdrop. This helps minimize the environmental footprint of your event, while keeping the focus on the surrounding wilderness!

Overall, Agate Beach Lodge provides a memorable experience from beginning to end, not just for you but for everyone involved in your wedding. The stunning scenery and serene atmosphere make it a truly special place to say “I do,” whether you’re planning a simple elopement or a larger gathering with friends and family.

Best Time of Year for Weddings at Agate Beach Lodge

Choosing a time of year for your wedding is nearly as important as choosing a venue—the weather and conditions will play a huge role in the atmosphere of your day, so be sure to think through it carefully. The great thing about Agate Beach Lodge is that because the venue has so much gorgeous indoor space to offer, you can get married here year-round! Cold weather won’t prevent you from having the day of your dreams, like it does in many places around the PNW; it’ll simply be up to you to decide what type of environment makes the most sense for your celebration.

General Overview

If you’re looking for the most reliable weather and a vibrant coastal backdrop, summer is the best season to get married at Agate Beach Lodge.

For those seeking a quieter, more intimate event with rich autumn colors and cozy vibes, fall is an excellent choice.

Spring offers a fresh, natural setting with fewer crowds but potential rain, while winter provides a unique and dramatic atmosphere for adventurous couples.

Ultimately, the best season depends on your vision for the day, the type of scenery you desire, and your comfort level with the possibility of rain.

One thing that’s important to note about Agate Beach Lodge is that it can be very windy! This makes for wonderful, dramatic, windswept photos that I actually really love as a photographer. It’s often cooler at Agate Beach than other nearby areas, primarily due to this wind and the proximity to the ocean. This is important to know when you’re choosing decor, outfits, and hairstyles — pick centerpieces that are low and have some weight, rather than floral arrangements that are tall or top-heavy; choose a hairstyle that will stay put, or you don’t mind blowing in the breeze, and make sure to have a few extra layers to go with your wedding day outfits. A dramatic veil is a great option for breathtaking portraits if you want to take advantage of the fresh ocean breeze!

Weather by Season

Like I said, the best season for a wedding or elopement at Agate Beach Lodge largely depends on the type of atmosphere you’re looking for and your preferences for weather. Here’s a breakdown of what each season offers:

Spring (March to May)

Spring is a beautiful time for a wedding at Agate Beach Lodge! The natural landscape is lush and vibrant, with wildflowers blooming and the forests coming to life. The temperatures are mild, and you’re less likely to encounter large tourist crowds at nearby areas (such as Olympic National Park) compared to summer. However, spring weather on the Olympic Peninsula can still be unpredictable, with a mix of sunny days and rain showers, so having a backup plan for rain is key. Fortunately, the indoor setting of Agate Beach Lodge is just as beautiful as the outside!

Spring also offers a great chance for moody, foggy atmospheres, which can add a really ethereal and romantic quality to your wedding photos. There’s nothing quite as beautiful as a foggy morning on the coast!

Summer (June to August)

Summer is by far the most popular season for weddings and elopements at Agate Beach Lodge, due to its generally more stable and warmer weather. The days are long, the skies are clearer, and the coastal scenery is stunning under the summer sun! Summer is ideal for outdoor ceremonies and receptions, as you’re likely to have beautiful weather and incredible sunsets.

Keep in mind that summer can also bring more visitors to the area, so the beach and nearby attractions might be busier. Booking early ensures you secure your preferred dates, as summer dates are often the most competitive at venues such as this one.

Fall (September to November)

Fall is a magical time to have a wedding at Agate Beach Lodge. The changing leaves add rich, warm tones to the scenery, making it an ideal season for photography. The crowds begin to thin out after Labor Day, offering a more peaceful and intimate atmosphere. The weather is still relatively mild in early fall, though you’ll need to be prepared for the possibility of rain as the season progresses.

Fall also provides the opportunity for more dramatic, misty coastal views, perfect for couples looking for that romantic and moody PNW aesthetic!

Winter (December to February)

Winter weddings at Agate Beach Lodge are ideal for couples seeking a cozy, intimate, and unique experience. The weather can be unpredictable, with frequent rain and cooler temperatures, but the stormy seas and misty landscapes create a dramatic and breathtaking backdrop for wedding photos! This is also the quietest season in terms of visitors, offering maximum privacy and seclusion.

Winter is perfect for smaller weddings or elopements, where you can embrace the elements and celebrate in a warm, rustic setting with ocean views. It’s also a lovely time for those who love the moody, atmospheric feel of the Pacific Northwest.

Best Spots for Wedding Photos at Agate Beach Lodge

Agate Beach Lodge and its surrounding areas provide a truly endless amount of stunning locations for photography, especially with the natural beauty of the Olympic Peninsula as the backdrop. Here are some of the best spots for photos at and around Agate Beach Lodge!

Agate Beach

The private beach itself is obviously an ideal spot for capturing the rugged beauty of the Pacific coastline. The smooth, polished stones and agates scattered along the shore add a unique texture to your photos, and create such a quintessentially-PNW vibe. The shifting light at sunrise creates a perfect golden glow on the ocean, so if you’re down for an early wakeup call, it’ll be so worth it for the photos you get! You can capture sweeping shots of the coastline with the ocean stretching out to the horizon, framed by the rugged cliffs and forested headlands. These views are also particularly striking during golden hour or just after a storm, when the sky is dramatic. At low tide, the rocky intertidal outcroppings are exposed and waves crash against them creating a beautiful ocean spray that looks absolutely magical in photos.

Forested areas

The forests surrounding Agate Beach are dense and lush, with towering trees and vibrant green undergrowth, carpeted with ferns and salal. The interplay of light and shadows filtering through the canopy can create moody, atmospheric photos, giving off that classic peninsula setting that we all love so much. Forest trails nearby offer opportunities to capture the beauty of old-growth trees and the mossy underworld of the Pacific Northwest’s temperate rainforests. I particularly love the windswept conifers near the beach and the sheltered meadow to the east of the lodge!

The A-frame lodge itself

Both inside and out, the iconic lodge itself makes a wonderful backdrop for photos. The vintage architecture and stylish decor add such a fun element to photos! There are multiple areas in the lodge that I love using for portraits including the main sitting area in front of the big windows, the upstairs loft, and the landing at the top of the stairs. The guest rooms are just as lovely and well appointed, with beautiful views of the beach and cliffs to each side, and the exterior of the lodge is a great option too.

Coastal meadows

The Agate Beach property also has several beautiful meadows surrounded by both coniferous and deciduous trees. If your wedding or elopement takes place during the fall, be sure to look for changing color in the leaves of the alders and maples on the property! The meadows are particularly nice for a shady escape on the warmer days of summer.

Tranquil lake

Finally, a beautiful lake lies southwest of the lodge just steps away from the ocean itself, providing an incredibly picturesque setting for photos. Reflections of the trees, cliffs, and sky play out on the calm surface of the water as waves crash in the background—a dream come true for romantic wedding photos.

Check out a full map of the property here!

Fun Things to Do Near Agate Beach Lodge

When you get married at Agate Beach Lodge, you’ll have access to a variety of adventures and activities to make your wedding memorable as can be. Here are a few that I’d recommend incorporating into your trip as much as possible!

Beach walks

The beach itself is a great place to explore, known for its beautiful pebbles and agates that wash ashore. You can spend your time beachcombing and discovering the rich marine life in tide pools that emerge during low tide! And if fishing is more your speed, the area offers plenty of options for both saltwater and freshwater fishing, with rivers, lakes, and the ocean nearby. Seasonal crabbing and clamming are also popular local activities.

Hiking

Hiking is a popular activity around Agate Beach Lodge, given that the Olympic Peninsula is filled with coastal and forested trails—many of which offer stunning ocean views and easy access to the diverse landscapes. While the lodge isn’t located directly within Olympic National Park, it’s close enough to serve as a convenient base for exploring the park’s iconic destinations, such as the Hoh Rainforest, Hurricane Ridge, and Lake Crescent!

Wildlife watching

Wildlife watching is another major draw to the area. The coastal and forest environments around Agate Beach are home to sea otters, seals, seabirds, deer, elk, and occasionally black bears. If you enjoy water sports, kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water-based activities are available nearby, with opportunities to explore local rivers, lakes, or the coastline!

Exploring Port Angeles + Sequim

Lastly, exploring local attractions is a great way to experience the region and really get a feel for the local life. The nearby towns of Port Angeles and Sequim offer charming shops, restaurants, cultural activities, lavender farms, festivals and fairs. You can also visit natural attractions such as the Dungeness Spit or the Salt Creek Recreation Area for more outdoor adventures.

Agate Beach Lodge Wedding Packages

Now that you’ve got a good feel for the venue itself and everything that this beautiful region of the peninsula has to offer, let’s talk logistics. Below are the services and amenities included in Agate Beach Lodge wedding packages:

Space to host up to 75 people
Full property access for two nights, three days
Accommodations for up to 10 people
Multiple ceremony & reception site options (indoor and outdoor)
Common areas
Tables & chairs
Designated parking area
Fully equipped kitchen
Private beachfront

You’ll be required to buy out the full lodge for your celebration to ensure you have the entire place to yourselves; buyout prices start at $995/night for spring, summer, and early fall weddings between May 16-October 15. In addition to the lodge buyout, your package will include an event fee based on the size of your wedding, starting at $1,800 for up to 25 guests. You can find a full list of the venue’s pricing tiers here, and see their full event brochure here.