10 Best Elopement Venues in Seattle
My main focus is helping couples organize elopements, so I have recommendations for those who are just beginning their elopement journeys. In this post, I've compiled a list of locations I think are ideal for elopements. Please leave a comment if you have additional insights or suggestions that could help future readers. Your input is greatly appreciated.
Also included are links to other insightful blog posts, be sure to check them out.
Why Elope in Seattle?
From diverse landscapes, adventure-filled activities, or a smooth experience, Seattle is a perfect choice for organizing your elopement. Here are my top five reasons for choosing Seattle as your elopement destination as a Seattle-based elopement photographer:
Diverse Landscapes: Organize an elopement in Seattle for its diverse nature and endless photo opportunities. You can capture epic shots reminiscent of "The Lord of the Rings" or "Game of Thrones" amidst waterfalls, forests, sandy beaches, and snow-capped mountains. Plan your time well, and you can explore several amazing locations for your elopement in a day or two.
Adventure: If you’d like to spice up your elopement day with thrilling outdoor activities, Seattle has something for every taste. Whether it's hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, paddleboarding, skiing, or paragliding, a touch of adrenaline will add excitement to your special day.
Four Seasons: Seattle is perfect for elopements all year round. An eternal summer may sound enticing, but the heavy summer heat can be exhausting. Seattle summers are moderate, winters are pleasant, spring is vibrant, and autumn brings colorful forest foliage.
Excellent Infrastructure: Seattle has everything you need for an elopement, from hairstylists and florists to exquisite dress shops and cozy Airbnbs.
My Services: Not only can I capture your elopement in stunning photos in Seattle, but I can also officiate your wedding ceremony. My husband and I are authorized to solemnize marriages, providing a personalized and intimate wedding ceremony experience. Check out my portfolio to see some of my work and get inspired.
The Best Time for an Elopement in Seattle
Each of Seattle's four seasons offers unique advantages for your elopement.
Summer (July to mid-September)
Seattle's warm and sunny summer weather is ideal for adventure elopements. However, to avoid tourist crowds, you may want to explore off-the-beaten-track locations or opt for a sunrise elopement. Summer is also the season for hiking trails in the North Cascades and Mt. Rainier National Park, where you can exchange vows with magnificent mountain backdrops. Summer activities include paddleboarding on rivers, exploring ocean beaches, and ending the day stargazing in the mountains.
Autumn (mid-September to October)
As the weather cools off, Seattle's landscapes transform with gorgeous fall colors. Popular tourist locations are less crowded and busy, making it an excellent time for an elopement. The season has plenty to offer, like fall foliage hikes, sailing, harvest festivals (like Oktoberfest), mushroom hunting, and wine tasting. If you prefer mountain locations, plan your elopement before the start of the snow season in mid-October.
Winter (November to March)
Elopements in Seattle are enchanting and atmospheric during the winter. The weather is rainy and foggy, while the mountains are covered in snow. You should, however, check for road closures and snowstorm warnings before venturing out to take winter wonderland photos. Your elopement day can be made special with activities such as snowshoeing, sledding, skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. A Christmas-themed adventure elopement photo shoot can be great.
Spring (April to June)
As flowers start blooming, Seattle experiences warm and pleasant spring days. Eastern Washington tends to be drier, but Western Washington may still have some rain, which can bring clear skies and rainbows, adding charm to your elopement photos. Be prepared with an extra set of clothes and waterproof shoes. Spring activities include taking breathtaking photos in wildflower fields, visiting beautiful waterfalls, going on a bike adventure, or having a cute picnic with a lakeside view.
How to Get a Marriage License if You Elope in Seattle
To legally elope in Washington state, apply for a marriage license at your city or county hall. For convenience, apply in King County, where you can fill out an online application and get the license mailed. Remember to apply 3–4 weeks before your elopement or intimate wedding day. Before the license can be returned for records, it must be signed by two witnesses and an ordained officiant.
Locations for Your Seattle Elopement
Seattle and its suburbs offer various options for an active and adrenaline-filled elopement. You don't even need to venture far into the mountains; there are excellent trails near the city center. See below what you can do.
Hiking Locations in Seattle
Snow Lake
Deception Pass State Park
Snoqualmie Valley
Discovery Park Loop Trail
Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve
Poo Poo Point
Twin Falls
Mount Pilchuck
Heybrook Lookout
Mason Lake
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Kayaking Locations in Seattle
Lake Union
Alki Beach
Warren G. Magnuson Park
Rattlesnake Lake
Mukilteo Lighthouse Park
Skykomish River
Fox Island
Sammamish River
Duwamish River
Bainbridge Island
Skiing, Snowboarding, and Winter Pictures Locations in Seattle
Snoqualmie Pass
Crystal Mountain Resort
White Pass
Stevens Pass Ski Area
Mount Baker Ski Area
Seattle offers entertainment for everyone. If you have specific requests, such as hot air ballooning, stargazing, or horseback riding, feel free to contact me. I'll create a personalized itinerary for your elopement.
Rock Climbing Locations in Seattle
Exit 38
Index Town Wall
Frenchman Coulee
Castle Rock
Midnight Rock
Icicle Creek Canyon
Mad Meadows
Peshastin Pinnacles State Park
Paddleboarding Locations in Seattle
Rattlesnake Lake
Sammamish Landing Park
Lake Union
Alki Beach
Green Lake
Moss Bay
The Ship Canal at Fremont and U-District
Discovery Park
Shilshole Bay and Golden Gardens
Salmon Bay
Lake Washington
Arboterum
Best Venues to Elope in Seattle
Location: 3600 Suncadia Trail, Cle Elum, WA
Suncadia Resort is a scenic mountain resort in Washington State situated on more than 6,000 acres of forested land. Among its amenities are hiking trails, golf courses, fine dining, and spas. Activities include hiking, biking, golfing, dining, and spa treatments.
Location: 33914 Crystal Mountain Blvd. Crystal Mountain, WA
Crystal Mountain provides a breathtaking mountain-top ceremony platform with panoramic views of Mount Rainier, Mt. Baker, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Adams. The venue accommodates up to 200 guests and promises an unforgettable elopement experience.
Listed below are my favorite elopement spots in Seattle and nearby. Click on the links to learn more.Location: 6922 Preston-Fall City Rd SE, Issaquah, WA
The venue was created by Pete Nelson and his wife Judy to combine Pete's enthusiasm for treehouses, Judy's passion for hosting and cooking, and their shared love of nature. The venue can host both intimate elopements and larger celebrations with up to 80 guests. Click here to book.
Location: 14237 228th Ave SE, Issaquah, WA
The Trinity Tree Farm in Issaquah, Washington, was established in 1982 as a festive place to select and cut your own Christmas tree. Now it has a barn and a lodge for weddings and elopements. The Barn offers a charming atmosphere with lawn games and food trucks, while The Lodge is perfect for more formal celebrations. Upstairs is a romantic bridal suite, complete with a private deck. There is also a side suite with pool and foosball table to keep the wedding party busy.
Location: Redmond, WA
The Emerald Forest features a treehouse-inspired outdoor climb-in movie theater. Couples can entertain up to 35 guests for their micro-wedding/elopement. Various ceremony locations are available, including a stage and hammock-like dreamnets in the trees.
Location: 14580 NE 145th Street Woodinville, WA
Willows Lodge offers a blend of Northwest heritage and informality with refinement in food, comfort, aesthetics and service. The venue caters for both large banquets and intimate micro-weddings.
Best Elopement Venues Outside Seattle
When choosing where to elope around Seattle, you'll find an abundance of natural treasures, including national and state parks, forests, beaches, gardens, mountains, lakes, and waterfalls.
Here are some options within an hour and a half's drive from Seattle:
- Gold Creek Pond
- Rattlesnake Lake
- Snoqualmie Falls
- Franklin Falls
- North Bend
- Deception Pass
- Whidbey Island
And these are options that require an overnight stay:
- North Cascades National Park
- Mt Baker National Forest
- Mt Rainier National Park
- Olympic National Park
- Ross Lake
- San Juan Islands
- Ocean Shores
- Eastern Washington
I describe these locations in this post.
Elopement Packages
I have four elopement packages for those who plan to elope in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.
Mini Elopement Experience:
A four-hour elopement that includes a ceremony, location exploration, and bridal portraits.
Half-Day Elopement Experience:
Capture all the bright moments of a big adventure, whether you choose sunrise or sunset. This includes getting ready photos, the ceremony, and bridal portraits.
Whole Day Elopement Experience:
An all-day elopement allowing ample time for photos in various locations and angles. It covers getting ready, first look photos, ceremony, activities, bridal portraits, stargazing, evening reception, first dance, and cake cutting.
Ultimate 2-Days Elopement Experience:
Ideal for intimate elopements with family and close friends. Day one offers an intimate gathering or private party, and day two includes activities and exploration of the Pacific Northwest.
Fill out the form to learn more about the prices.
How much does it cost to elope in seattle?
Learn more on Pricing.Here is Everything You Need to Know About Elopements
I’M VALERIE, YOUR ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
My style is called “candid photography.” The idea is to preserve moments as they were, not as we wish they looked.
Before we speak, I ask you to fill out the contact form. It helps me better understand what you want to get from your elopement. Knowing precisely what you want, I can offer you the best locations, activities, and vendors. Don’t worry if you don’t have a concept for your event. Together we’ll find the best solution. What I really won’t do is force you to accept something that I suggested. This is your day, and I just help you to turn your thoughts, ideas, and dreams into reality.
Friendship is not something you can buy, but here you will get a real friend. Yes, I’ll be pretty much invisible during the elopement, but as with any intimate event, the elopement goes better when you are surrounded by people you trust. I’ll try to become that kind of person for your couple. I’ll help you to spend this day in a relaxed atmosphere. One of the most popular reasons why people choose to elope is the desire to spend the wedding day without haste and fuss. Your elopement will be adventurous but stress-free! I'll be your rock, your shoulder to lean on.
Finally, when we discuss all the details, and you choose everything from location and date to clothes and champagne, I’ll get my camera. At that moment, my purpose will be to capture your real feelings and emotions. I’m not going to tell you what to do and how to pose. Our common goal is to save these brilliant moments of your love story, not to do posed photography.
In this post, I’ll share what you need to know if you’re planning to elope in the woods. At the end, I’ll list the most magical spots in the PNW to book for your forest elopement.