Best Ideas for Adventure Elopements in PNW
As an adventure elopement photographer, I assist couples not only with photography, but also with planning their unique experience. When you fill out the contact form, I start brainstorming adventure elopement ideas based on your past experiences, needs, and wishes. To help you plan your adventure, here is a list of some of the most popular activities in the Pacific Northwest (PNW).
What to consider before planning your adventure elopement activities
Personal and guest needs
Don't hesitate to let me know what you need for your comfort, relaxation, and happiness. I can give you recommendations and make sure your elopement is fun and memorable. For example, I have options for people who can't walk long distances but like hiking. I can help choose a location that will be comfortable for kids, pets, or guests with special needs. I also help you find vendors.
Having fun without exhaustion
Be realistic about what you can handle. Consider alternatives like overlanding or using a helicopter for transportation if you want an elopement in a remote location but aren't up for physically demanding activities like mountain hiking. It's okay if you don't have the skills or stamina for your desired activities; we'll find alternatives for your elopement day that are fun and stress-free.
Destination
Think about the kind of weather, your favorite activities, and the kind of scenery you like. Don't worry if you're having trouble deciding. It's my job to find the perfect venue and setting that matches your preferences and interests. Take a look at my blog for more destinations info, here are some useful posts:
Best places to elope in Washington.
Twelve best locations for an elopement in Seattle
Ten best elopement venues in Seattle
Why you should contact your adventure elopement photographer before planning
You'll also need to arrange any necessary services like florists, hair stylists, caterers and even private chefs. I'll give you a list of reliable vendors.
The first step in selecting a dream location, whether it's a mountain, canyon, waterfall, ocean shore, or anything else scenic, is researching the area. As a local photographer, I can help you choose venues based on my knowledge of permits, crowds, and the local weather
When you've picked your location, you will want to create a detailed timeline of all your planned activities. This is included in my services, so you will have a well-organized day.
As a bonus, my husband will provide a complimentary officiating service.
Ideas for summer adventure elopements in PNW
Summer (late July to the end of September)
The summer and the beginning of fall are ideal for mountain activities such as hiking. It's what most people come to the Pacific Northwest for. However, while some hiking trails are open almost the whole year, others are closed due to snow and poor road conditions for 9–10 months a year.
Summer is not only beautiful for the mountain views, but also for the wildflowers blooming. Flowering fields with lavender, peonies, and lupines in early/mid-summer makes for spectacular photo sessions.
Autumn also brings yellows and reds, which are amazing to see and look spectacular in pictures.
So, you can go hiking or visit one of the many fire lookout towers. The most popular and not incredibly hard ones are
Winchester Mountain Lookout in the North Cascades,
Tolmie Peak Lookout,
Fremont Fire Lookout in Mt. Rainier National Park.
For adrenaline, try kayaking, paddleboarding, or inflatable boats on mountain lakes.
Oceans can be crowded, but the weather is great, and summer sunsets are awesome. You can walk on the beach, have a picnic, make a campfire under the stars, and roast marshmallows to enjoy summer weather. Note that not all beaches allow campfires, and they're only allowed when there's no fire ban. It's better to check with a ranger for each specific beach, which is what I do for my clients.
Ideas for fall adventure elopements in PNW
Fall (mid September to October)
Fall is still a good time for hiking. In Washington, there are "larches", a special type of coniferous trees that turn yellow in the fall, usually found in the mountains. Some people even plan elopements specifically to see them.
Fall is still a good time for hiking. In Washington, there are "larches", a special type of coniferous trees that turn yellow in the fall, usually found in the mountains. Some people even plan elopements specifically to see them.
Mountain biking is a great activity for the fall too. The Pacific Northwest has a wide range of mountain biking trails.
Mushroom hunting can be quiet and relaxing if you like it. Our forests are full of mushrooms and picking them is fun.
The ocean. The weather in the first half of fall is still good but you have to find a quiet corner if you want to avoid crowds. The ocean gets moody in the second half of the season. If you love the rugged beauty of the ocean and fog, this is the perfect time.
Ideas for winter adventure elopements in PNW
Winter (November to March)
In the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, winter means snow, so skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snowshoeing are obvious.
When you're done with chilly activities, you can warm up together under the stars in a hot tub (many mountain cabins have them).
The rest of Washington state (outside the mountains) is constantly cloudy, rainy, and gloomy, so you need activities to brighten the mood. Snowball fights and making snowmen or snow angels, if the weather permits, are fun just about anywhere... even in your backyard.
It's also Christmas time. Get cozy by the fire, roast marshmallows, and drink hot chocolate. Take a trip to a Christmas tree farm or a holiday light display to get into the holiday spirit.
Watching snowfall while snuggling up with a warm blanket, skating on a frozen lake, snow tubing or sledding, all don't require you to journey far from the city. For horse riding, ice fishing, building an igloo, a snow fort, or a snow cave, a two-day adventure elopement would be ideal.
Ideas for spring adventure elopements in PNW
Spring (April to June)
Spring in some places of the PNW can be quite dreary, especially in the first half. The ideal option for this time of the year is to find a cozy forest cabin with relaxing activities such as hot tubbing or soaking in hot springs.
Towards the end of the season, waterfalls are in full flow, making it the perfect time to capture roaring streams of water.
The plains begin to bloom with wildflowers in May. May in Eastern Washington is much more pleasant than other months, so I recommend it for spring elopements. The spectacular Frenchman Coulee is a great place to rock climb while admiring the blooming nature.
Additionally, Smith Rock State Park in Oregon is a favored climbing spot that increasingly attracts couples who wish to elope in May.
Ideas for adventure elopement in any season
The Pacific Northwest has all four seasons. Planning your special day around the weather and elements may seem logical, but don't let them constrain you. If you want to hike, we can find a suitable place both in winter and in summer. If you are interested in water activities during winter, we can explore options such as hot springs. Just fill out the form and we can create the elopement of your dreams in any season.
Here are some more ideas for activities that are good in any season:
Whale watching in the San Juan Islands (likely in the summer during their season).
Hot air ballooning.
Renting a seaplane from Kenmore Air and flying to the San Juan Islands or Ross Lake (Ross Lake is only accessible by plane, boat, or a very long hike).
Hugging alpacas at a farm like Topstall Farm.
Horseback riding.
Stargazing and capturing photos of the Milky Way.
Sailing on a yacht.
Relaxing in a hammock.
Roasting marshmallows over a campfire and having a barbecue.
Getting matching tattoos?
Renting a camper and eloping on an interesting adventure.
Arranging an elopement at a campsite with tents, a campfire, or the same camper.
By the way, one couple asked me if it's okay to smoke and meditate together.
Planting a flower, bush, or small tree together.
The best season for some of these activities may vary, so consider the weather and time of year when planning your elopement.
Elopement packages in PNW
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.