Best Places to Elope in Washington
Elopements are becoming more popular among couples. They provide an opportunity to have an intimate and exciting celebration, focused on you and your loved one. If you have your heart set on an adventure elopement or intimate wedding, it’s time to ask yourself the question, “Where are the best places to elope?”
Most importantly, you need a location that will highlight your love story and be significant to you both. Whether it’s half-way across the country or in your hometown - the United States offers a variety of stunning options. However, elopement photographers consider the Washington state to be the diamond of the country.
To help make your choice, follow my guide with everything you need to know about adventure elopements and intimate weddings in Washington.
Why Choose a Washington Adventure Elopement?
There is no limit to stunning, scenic landscapes. Regardless of your elopement vision, Washington offers mountain ranges, ocean shores, islands, desert landscapes, and evergreen rainforests.
In Washington, you will have the opportunity to experience a variety of outdoor activities, including picturesque hikes, rock climbing, paddle boarding, scuba diving, skiing, and more!
Every season will allow for a unique and exciting adventure elopement. Rain or shine, there is a long list of activities to choose from, as long as you know which location is best during each season and plan your elopement details accordingly.
When to Elope in Washington
Summer (July to mid-September)
Warm days and sunshine make this a popular season for adventure elopements - mountain locations will be crowded with tourists. It’s important to choose less populated locations or settle for a sunrise elopement.
The hiking season opens in the Washington mountain scapes, with thousands of trails in the North Cascades and Mt. Rainier National Park. You can exchange vows with a view of Mt. Baker, take elopement wedding photos in the Mt. Rainier flower fields
Summer activities: go paddle boarding on the river, sightseeing on an ocean beach, and end with stargazing in the mountains.
Autumn (mid-September to October)
The weather cools off, the trees and grass take on gorgeous fall colors, and popular tourist locations are less crowded and busy.
If you want to elope in the mountains, make sure to do so before the start of the snow season in mid-October.
Autumn activities: fall foliage hikes, sailing, harvest festivals (like Oktoberfest), mushroom hunting, and wine tasting.
Winter (November to March)
Washington winters bring rainy and foggy weather, aside from the snowy temperatures in the mountains. Before you drive to take gorgeous photos in the winter wonderland, check for road closures and snow storm warnings along the highway.
This season will bring a romantic, moody atmosphere that no other time of the year will.
Winter activities: You can fill your day with adventure by going snowshoeing, sledding, skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating!
Spring (April to June)
Flowers start blooming and the spring sunshine brings warm, pleasant days.
Eastern Washington tends to be drier, but the heat isn’t strong enough to reach summer temperatures. It may still rain in Western Washington, which makes clear skies and rainbows in your favor! It is recommended you bring an extra set of clothes and waterproof shoes.
Spring activities: You can take breathtaking photos in the wildflower fields, visit beautiful waterfalls, have a bike adventure, or a cute picnic with a lakeside view.
Where to Elope in Washington?
Washington's various landscapes offer a never-ending list of stunning locations for your adventure elopement, adventure wedding, or adventure couple session. To get you inspired, here are some of the most popular options for a gorgeous and memorable day.
Olympic National Park
This park has it all: a gorgeous coastline, evergreen rainforests, and dramatic mountains. Here, you can plan an elopement of any style and color! For your adventure, you can go rock climbing, plan a backpacking trip, or hike through the Olympic National Park rainforests.
Mount Rainier National Park
There are many captivating hiking trails to choose from. All trails feature a unique beauty and offer both short and long journeys. Whether you want to exchange vows at a gorgeous fire tower lookout or enjoy a fun hiking adventure - you can’t go wrong with Mt. Rainier National Park.
North Cascades National Park
This is another epic hiking spot. Featuring azure lakes and magnificent mountain surroundings, it is an ideal choice for those who want to include a hiking or backpacking adventure in their elopement.
Artist Point
Artist Point will take your breath away with rooftop views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan straight from the parking lot. If you’re planning to have a group of guests at your intimate wedding or adventure elopement, this location will be most accessible to everyone.
Fire Towers
You can hike up to one of the historic Fire Towers with your elopement photographer, take your getting ready photos just inside the tower, host a picnic to celebrate your elopement, and even spend the night there to experience an unforgettable rooftop sunrise.
San Juan Islands
This is an ideal spot for whale watching, boating, and wakeboarding. For a romantic start to your San Juan Islands elopement, you can travel on a float plane or sailboat. The weather is warm, yet breezy during the spring, summer, and autumn seasons.
Ross Lake
Ross Lake Resort offers incredible accommodation in floating cabins directly on the lake. You’ll have to book this secluded, spectacular location in advance. Ross Lake is challenging to get to - only by a long hike, float plane, or boat. However, low numbers of tourists make it a perfect private elopement spot.
Snoqualmie National Forest
Located only an one-hour drive from Seattle, the Snoqualmie National Forest has many popular locations for elopements and adventure couple sessions: Gold Creek Pond, Franklin Falls, and Rattlesnake Lake. There are many activity options all-year round, such as snowshoeing or skiing. You can also hike up to the infamous Snoqualmie Falls for striking photos by the waterfall.
This is only a preview of what your day could look like at any of the mentioned locations. As an experienced elopement and intimate wedding photographer, I have a long list of other stunning places in Washington and will gladly help find the perfect spot for you!
What to Wear to an Elopement in Washington?
Dress:
It should be comfortable, light, and airy to allow for free movement during the entirety of your adventure.
Flowy sleeves, skirts, and drapes look magnificent in scenic photos.
Long dresses are preferred because they can hide your hiking shoes, waterproof boots, and layers/thermal wear if necessary!
Avoid corset tops, underskirts, long trains, and mermaid silhouettes.
Suit:
Comfort and free movement are the most important.
Plan for layers underneath the suit if you’re planning to elope in the winter months!
Shoes:
Waterproof hiking boots are a necessity in Washington.
Make sure your shoes have good traction and are fully broken in before your elopement day.
Do not wear new, unbroken shoes - you will have discomfort and a possibility of blisters!
Legal Elopement Details
Legal Elopement Details
To legally elope in Washington state, you will need to apply for a marriage license in your city or county hall. I’d recommend applying in King County as they have an online application and will send you a marriage license by mail.
It is suggested to apply 3-4 weeks before your elopement or intimate wedding day. An ordained officiant and 2 witnesses are required to sign the license before it is mailed back for records.
How much does it cost to elope in Washington?
Learn more on Pricing.Here is Everything You Need to Know About Elopements
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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.