Beach Elopement in the Pacific Northwest (PNW): Best Seasons, Places, Venues, and Packages
Fine yellow sand, white wave crests on the blue sea, sun glints, and lots of fresh flowers. That's what a classic beach wedding looks like. However couples who plan an adventure elopement in the Pacific Northwest come for a different kind of beach scenery. If you're reading this, you likely understand what drives them.
If you love mountains peeking out of the fog, whimsical driftwood, layers of rock, formed over millions of years, and black volcanic sand, this is the place to be! The beaches of the PNW are amazing in their rugged beauty and incredibly scenic. We also have alpine lakes with stunning blue-green waters and fast mountain rivers with banks where you can relax just like on the ocean shore.
As an elopement photographer in the Pacific Northwest, I capture dozens of couples each year at popular and hidden beach spots. I know everything there is to know about ocean, river, or lakefront elopements. Let me share what I know with you.
For a visual treat, here are a few sessions and elopements that took place on PNW beaches.
Why the PNW is Perfect for Beach Elopements
The PNW is a region rich in water resources. Here you can find
tranquil lakeside beaches,
stunning oceanfront beaches,
river banks with quiet beaches,
picturesque beaches with waterfalls,
beaches with views of mountain glaciers
and much more.
If you're looking for a place that feels like a Tolkien novel, a Tim Burton film, the movie “Twilight”, or the TV series “Twin Peaks”, you've found the right destination.
Here are five reasons why PNW beaches are perfect for your elopement:
Epic Views
Our volcanic sand and driftwood beaches, with fallen trees, sharp cliffs, vibrant greenery year-round, and snow-capped mountains, create stunning backdrops. These views will linger in your memory and make your elopement magical. Plus, the PNW beaches are not crowded, so you will enjoy privacy during your ceremony.
Good Infrastructure
PNW beaches are well-equipped with good infrastructure. You'll find good hotels, SPA, restaurants, as well as campgrounds, places to build a campfire, and spots to pitch a tent. There are locations perfect for elopements, intimate weddings, and places that welcome children and seniors. Many beaches are easily accessible without the need for a private jet or SUV to find a secluded spot.
Opportunity for a Longer Stay
The PNW is rich in natural beauty, landmarks, and unique places. Extend your stay beyond your 4,6,8, 12-hour, or two-day elopement. Enjoy a walk through the Hoh Forest, stay in lodges or glamping sites near Artist Point or Mount Rainier, take a ferry ride around the islands, spend time at the hot springs, and visit our wineries.
Developed Wedding Industry
You’ll have no problem finding a good private chef or catering service. You can easily find a beautiful A-frame cabin, book flower delivery, and arrange all services related to elopement planning. Some couples have booked everything spontaneously and managed to prepare for their elopement in just a few days.
Your Best Elopement Photographer and Planning Assistant is Here!
If you're not familiar with the region, you'll benefit from the help of a local planner. I provide all local vendor recommendations you might need.
I serve as both the photographer and planning assistant. My husband is ordained and can solemnize your marriage. All you need are a couple of witnesses; one can be me, and the other we can find on one of the picturesque trails. How does that sound?
What You Should Know About Beach Elopements
Planning
The earlier you start planning your elopement in the Pacific Northwest, the more options you'll have. While the area has a good infrastructure, during the busy wedding season, hotels and top vendors get booked quickly. So, try to reserve everything in advance. I already have reservations open for the next 18 months.
Permits
For elopements on public lands, two types of permits are typically required:
To hold a wedding ceremony on public lands, you will need a permit called a Special Use Permit.
To take professional photos at this location, I usually need a Commercial Use Permit, which I apply for as your photographer.
At our first free online meeting, I'll tell you about the permits you need for your chosen location.
There are also options. In many places, including some national parks, elopements with fewer than five people do not need permits.
Elopement with Your Pets
If you want your pets to join your elopement, let me know at our first meeting. We'll choose pet-friendly locations. PNW national parks prohibit pets, but there are exceptions. For example, the Olympic National Park allows pets on Kalaloch Beach. As well, dogs are allowed to be leashed in the PNW National Forests.
When planning your elopement, count on me for advice on the best locations to celebrate your important day with your pets.
Accessibility
The PNW has year-round destinations that are easily accessible. You don’t need an off-road vehicle to get here. For example, Olympic National Park offers many stunning, easily accessible spots perfect for inviting family, friends, and even grandparents to your adventure celebration. There are many locations with breathtaking views right from the parking lot. You don't need to hike long distances to enjoy the beautiful landscapes.
The Best Season for a Beach Elopement in the PNW
Spring (April - June)
During the spring months, melting mountain caps replenish waterfalls. This creates epic photo opportunities against the backdrop of rushing streams tumbling down picturesque cliffs. If you choose the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, you can enjoy views of Multnomah Falls. Or if you travel to Shoshone Falls, dubbed the “Niagara Falls of the West,” you’ll see the terraced falls drop 212 feet along the Snake River in southern Idaho. Glacier-fed lakes, such as the deepest lake in the U.S. at Crater Lake National Park, are also especially stunning during this time.
Ocean beach elopements are also popular in the spring. They are accessible year-round, but spring brings a lot of atmosphere with its fog and waking nature.
Summer (July - Mid-September)
Summer is the most popular time to explore the mountains. While bathers are taking a break from the heat on the beaches, the mountains are cooler. In the PNW region, mountain elopement can easily be combined with a beach ceremony or even a beach hike, as some trails face the ocean or skirt mountain lakes.
In the hot summer months, the azure mountain lakes make perfect swimming holes. Additionally, swimming in the lake is a great way to capture the bride in her gown during the ceremony.
Fall (Mid-September - October)
Fall brings fog to the lowlands and turns the foliage to gold and red. The oceanfront is no longer crowded with beachgoers, so you can enjoy a beautiful, secluded photoshoot against rugged cliffs and crashing waves.
Winter (November - March)
The PNW's winter beaches look otherworldly. The dim light of the winter sun barely seeps through the thick fog. With fewer people around, some beaches, like Richmond Beach in Washington State, allow off-leash dog walking from November through March, a rare winter-only perk. It's also a great time to soak in a hot spa overlooking the ocean or lake. For example, Doe Bay Resort & Retreat on Orcas Island offers a wellness spa with outdoor soaking tubs, a sauna, and a creek-side deck.
When the mountains are closed, ocean beaches stay open. But if you still want snowy peaks in the background, consider Leavenworth, a Bavarian mountain village in the PNW. During Christmas, January, and early February, the town lights up with garlands, drawing visitors from all over to enjoy Bavarian sausages and mulled wine. Plus, a ski resort is nearby.
Lake Wenatchee is just 30 minutes away from Leavenworth. It’s up in the mountains, but the road stays open even in winter, and there's always plenty of snow in December and January.
Best Beach Locations for Elopement in PNW
There are many beaches in the stunning Pacific Northwest for your intimate wedding or adventure elopement. Here are some of the best ones where you're sure to get memorable shots.
Best Ocean Beaches for an Elopement Ceremony
Beaches at the west of Olympic National Park: These are Rialto Beach, Second Beach, La Push, Ruby Beach, Kalaloch Beach. These beaches are known for their rugged beauty, bizarre rock formations, and driftwood.
Beaches of San Juan Island: The San Juan archipelago consists of about 175 named islets, the three largest being Orcas, San Juan, and Lopez. Here you will find beautiful sunsets, pleasant hotels, and many picturesque beaches.
Wild and rain-swept beaches of the Olympic Peninsula: Shi-Shi Beach and Point of Arches. These beaches look like something out of a space movie. Ocean Shore is a long stretch of beach near Olympic National Park, offering 7-10 miles of pure sand. You can drive your car right on the beach, even close to the water. Along this shoreline, you'll find a small town filled with hotels. No hiking is required!
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area: An ocean beach with dunes overlooking it.
Oregon beaches: Cannon Beach and Manzanita are ideal for long, leisurely walks. Check out Cape Kiwanda, Ecola State Park, and Hug Point State Recreation Site as well.
Southern Oregon beaches (close to California): My favorite spot with rocks is Secret Beach near the Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor. It's just a 40-minute drive from Jedediah Smith State Park in Redwoods National Park. Many couples choose to combine a forest ceremony among the redwoods with a sunset photo session on the Oregon coast.
Best River Beaches for an Elopement Ceremony
River beaches are usually more dog-friendly and boast a rugged northern beauty. There are also many activities available: hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, mountain climbing, river rafting, swimming, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fishing, and wild berry picking.
Beaches on the Columbia River, Oregon: The famous Columbia River, celebrated by folk singer Woody Guthrie, looks epic and needs no introduction. The river is lined with idyllic beaches and is popular with kayakers. If you want an active elopement with river beaches, the Columbia River is a great choice.
Sol Duc River, Washington: This shallow and fast mountain river flows inside Olympic National Park. While there are no traditional beaches, you can stay at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort and enjoy the thermal waters. You can also hike the trail to the Sol Duc Falls.
Green River Gorge, Washington: This unique river has a greenish color and flows through a narrow gorge. If you prefer pebbly river beaches, this is the spot for you. You can also visit the nearby waterfall.
North Bend, Snoqualmie River, Washington: This area features wilderness hot springs (Goldmyer), challenging mountain peaks, rivers, waterfalls, old-growth forests, lakes, wildlife, spring and summer wildflowers, fall foliage, and mountain views.
Coeur d'Alene River, Idaho: This river is especially beautiful in the fall when the trees along its banks turn golden yellow.
Best Lake Beaches for an Elopement Ceremony
Lake Crescent, Washington: A stunning lake with blue water and breathtaking views of forest-covered mountains. The lake is easy to access—no hiking required. You can swim or paddle, and there are even a few spots to rent boats. There's also a large campground right on the shore. If you want photos with both the lake and the forest or a waterfall, there are a few great trails that start right by the lake, giving you many different backdrops in a short amount of time.
Lake Quinault, Washington: Located in Olympic National Park, it’s similar to Crescent Lake but has fewer surrounding mountains. On its shore, you'll find Lake Quinault Lodge, a charming hotel that's a favorite with couples. You can also rent boats and swim in the lake.
Lake Sutherland, Washington: Just five minutes from Crescent Lake, it offers a cozy setting with many charming Airbnbs, each with its own private pier.
Wenatchee Lake, Washington: It’s right next to Leavenworth, with parking right by the water—no hiking needed. It's open year-round, even though it's up in the mountains. In winter, it's my favorite spot for shoots. Just 30 minutes from Leavenworth, you can easily pair a visit with the town decorated with Christmas lights.
Colchuck Lake, Washington: This beautiful alpine lake is near the German-style town of Leavenworth. The trail to the lake is quite challenging, but jumping into the icy blue waters is a worthy reward for those who make it.
Diablo Lake, Washington: Located in the North Cascades, this lake is known for its turquoise color and mountain scenery. It’s popular for canoeing, kayaking, and hiking.
Lake Christine, Washington: A lake with clear, bright green water near Mount Rainier.
Gold Creek Pond and Rattlesnake Lake. They’re two great spots in Snoqualmie Valley for those who want to stay close to Seattle. Combine a trip to Gold Creek Pond with a visit to Franklin Falls. At Rattlesnake Lake, you can hike up Rattlesnake Ridge for stunning mountain views and a breathtaking look down at the lake.
Crater Lake, Oregon: The deepest lake in the United States and the most popular lake in the state.
Alvord Lake, Oregon: This seasonal shallow alkali lake lies about 10 miles (16 km) southeast of the Alvord Desert in the Alvord Basin, where it collects all the region's streams. Known for its otherworldly landscape, the lake is a popular tourist attraction.
Lost Lake, Oregon: A tranquil lake in the Mount Hood National Forest, perfect for recreational boating, swimming, and forested hikes.
Mirror Lake, Oregon: A lake at over 4,100 feet with a mountain and national forest backdrop, surrounded by a hiking trail.
The Most Romantic Places to Stay and Beach Venues in the PNW
Of course, when choosing a location for a beach elopement, you'll want to book accommodations that won't disappoint and will enhance your experience.
First of all, the Pacific Northwest offers a range of accommodations to fit any budget. I can’t list every hotel and Airbnb here—the list would be endless! For my couples, I provide detailed, customized recommendations during the elopement planning process.
Campgrounds With a Beach View in the PNW
If you prefer a tent or camper over a 5-star hotel and want to enjoy a sky full of stars, choose a campground near your shooting location. This saves time on logistics.
There are several campgrounds in the Olympic Peninsula close to beach spots, such as Fairholme Campground and Klahowya Campground. The first one is right on the lake, and the second is a 10-minute drive away. The following oceanfront campgrounds are popular: Kalaloch Campground, South Beach Campground, Salt Creek Campground.
Near Mt. Baker and Artist Point, you can stay at Douglas Fir Campground or Silver Fir Campground. For water lovers, Swift Creek Campground is a great choice.
Mt. Rainier has many campgrounds to choose from. Pick one that suits your budget. Mowich Lake Campground and Dewey Lake Campground are good options.
Hotels with Ocean, River, or Lake Views for Your Beach Elopement
Some places feel so untouched by the modern world that they seem frozen in time. Lake Quinault Lodge is one of those rare spots—a grand lodge from 1926 that greets guests with genuine warmth, old-world charm, and a true sense of home.
The spacious guest rooms sit among towering fir and hemlock trees along the shores of Lake Crescent. Relax with the timeless charm of the antique-furnished lobby by the stone fireplace, or settle into the sun porch and watch a stunning sunset over the lake.
Nestled on the Olympic Peninsula between driftwood-strewn beaches and towering evergreen forests, Kalaloch Lodge is a year-round destination. This inviting retreat offers three unique stays: the Main Lodge, cozy Cabins, and Seacrest House.
The Lighthouse Suite at Hotel Bellwether
For centuries, lighthouses have inspired many with their guiding light and rugged charm. While most lighthouses are off-limits to visitors, Hotel Bellwether has created its replica lighthouse for guests to experience. Enjoy 360-degree views of Bellingham Bay, Mount Baker, and the San Juan Islands.
The Ocean Crest Resort provides a cozy retreat with beautiful ocean views. Relax in comfort, with easy beach access and a peaceful atmosphere.
This adult-only inn is the ideal spot for a romantic escape. Each room features a fireplace, a jacuzzi tub, and a private balcony. Enjoy breakfast delivered to your room each morning for a restful stay.
Recently updated, The Shelburne Hotel retains its historic charm with stained glass windows and classic details. Many rooms offer claw-foot tubs, private balconies, garden views, and natural light. The hotel also offers romantic packages for an upscale experience.
For a unique stay, try a restored vintage trailer at Sou’wester. With over 20 trailers nestled among the trees and a large historic cabin, each trailer offers a distinctive look. Walk to the Discovery Trail and the beach from here.
Airbnbs with Waterfront Views for Your Intimate Wedding or Elopement
The Grove: Lakeside Tiny Home in Port Angeles
Nestled in the stunning Olympic Peninsula, The Grove offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Enjoy the comforts of home with easy access to lakes, mountains, and nearby trails. Whether you're fishing, hiking, or simply unwinding, your stay here will be unforgettable.
Step into The Cliff House on the Bay, an English-style home perched above North Bend Bay. With original wood floors, high ceilings, and period details, this home blends luxury with cozy charm.
Enjoy a beautiful chalet on the banks of the sparkling Wenatchee River in Leavenworth. This cabin offers a serene escape with stunning river views.
Beach Elopement Venues in the Pacific Northwest
The Seaview Manor, Seaview, Washington: This place can host up to 50 event guests and 10 overnight guests. It’s located on a pristine beach beneath a canopy of shimmering stars, perfect for making a grand entrance down the majestic, sweeping staircase.
Fern Acres, Forks, Washington: A natural forest micro wedding and elopement venue on the Olympic Peninsula. This lush private oasis is tucked in a magical spot in the Pacific Northwest rainforest.
Beach Elopement Packages in the PNW
If I’ve convinced you and you’ve decided to have your elopement in the Pacific Northwest, I’m excited to present my service options.
You can choose a 4, 8, 12-hour, or a 2-day elopement package.
My services include not only photography but also location scouting and elopement planning assistance. Pasha, my assistant and my husband, is ordained and would be honored to officiate your ceremony as a complementary service.
There are no additional travel fees for elopements and intimate weddings anywhere in the PNW.
Contact me to book your elopement on a date that works for you.
This sweet and photogenic couple chose to have their romantic photo session with their two dogs.