Twelve Best Locations for an Elopement in Seattle
In planning an elopement, the main question is “Where should we elope?"
Seattle offers a wide range of stunning locations for adventure elopements. Whether you prefer breathtaking views, natural settings, or cultural backdrops, this vibrant city has it all.
As an experienced elopement photographer living in Seattle for five years, I can suggest some of the best places to say 'I do.' However, keep in mind that holding a ceremony in public parks requires a permit. While the permit guarantees your reservation, the park will remain open to the public during the ceremony. For more details on permits for Seattle city parks, visit the official website. For permits for state parks and national forests, you must visit their respective websites.
Kerry Park
This park’s allure lies in its ability to transport you to a dreamlike world where urban charm meets natural beauty. Located in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle, Kerry Park has earned its reputation as one of the most enchanting locations for elopement photoshoots.
With its breathtaking panoramic views of the city's skyline and the iconic Space Needle, this park provides the perfect spot for intimate moments with Seattle as a backdrop.
Discovery Park
The Discovery Park looks like a sprawling oasis and is known as the largest urban park in the city. Once the site of Fort Lawton, this expansive wonderland now beckons visitors with its diverse landscapes.
Perched on Magnolia Bluff, Discovery Park commands awe-inspiring vistas of both the majestic Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges. Here you'll explore a secluded haven boasting two miles of pristine, protected tidal beaches, enchanting forest groves, dramatic sea cliffs, and lively sand dunes.
Golden Gardens Park
Set in the charming neighborhood of Ballard, overlooking serene Puget Sound, this park offers remarkable vistas of both Puget Sound and the majestic Olympic Mountains. On its grounds, you'll find two lush wetlands, a delightful short loop trail, and a beautifully restored northern beach.
Golden Gardens Park beckons visitors to leisurely strolls along its rugged coastline, invigorating hikes through the forest trails, basking in the sun on its sandy beaches, fishing from the pier, and setting sail from its 300-foot long boat launch at the park's southern end. This romantic haven amidst nature's embrace offers couples an intimate and picturesque elopement experience.
Olympic Sculpture Park
Those seeking the ideal backdrop for their elopement photoshoot will be delighted with the Olympic Sculpture Park. Once an industrial site, it is now a flourishing green haven dedicated to an eclectic array of sculptures. Consider the golden hour when planning your elopement photoshoot here, when the sun bathes the scenery in a warm, ethereal glow.
Kubota Garden
The enchanting 20-acre garden in South Seattle was gifted to the city by Fujitaro Kubota's estate in 1987. Its landscape blends Japanese garden aesthetics with the Northwest's natural beauty, providing a fairytale setting for an elopement. A journey through rolling hills, lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, serene ponds, and graceful bridges leads to streams, cascading waterfalls, and lush plants.
Washington Park Arboretum
Woody plants at Washington Park Arboretum provide an excellent backdrop for elopement photoshoots. Besides the Japanese Garden, the entire arboretum is free to the public. Across its 230 acres of gardens, natural areas, and wetlands, you can find something for you all year round.
Washington State Ferry
A distinctive aspect of Washington State is its ferry system, which operates across Puget Sound and elsewhere. An elopement ceremony on one of these ferries offers captivating nautical architecture and scenic views. Micro weddings on ferries are beautiful and cost-effective, as you only need to pay for the tickets. It also provides you with plenty of time to interact with your guests. As it's public transportation, you can talk with your loved ones during any waiting times.
Alki beach
A Seattle city park renowned for its seaside vibes and scenic views, Alki Beach is located on Beach Drive in West Seattle. Recognizable from the movie Sleepless in Seattle, it offers a picturesque setting for elopements. Nearby, you'll find excellent restaurants to enjoy after your nuptials.
Your Alki Beach elopement will be captured with stunning backdrops, including Seattle's twinkling skyline and mountains across Puget Sound. Watch out for seals, whales, and even Bald Eagles soaring overhead. You might even see majestic orcas on your special day.
Ballard Locks and Carl S. English Botanical Garden
Ballard Locks, located at the west end of Salmon Bay in Seattle, handle more boat traffic than any other lock in the United States. It is also popular due to the fish ladder and Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens in the surrounding area. Over one million people visit Ballard Locks each year, making it one of Seattle's top tourist attractions.
Weddings and events can be held in the garden for up to 50 people, with approval. In addition, Commodore Park on the South Side of the Locks is operated by the City of Seattle, so weddings and outdoor events must be coordinated through Seattle Parks District.
Instead of charging fixed fees, the garden accepts donations for vital visitor improvements. A $10 suggested donation per person is fully refundable if plans change, capped at $250.
Gas works park
Gas Works Park, located on Lake Union, provides a relaxed atmosphere for weddings. There's a big hill for kites, a sundial, a great view of Seattle, and easy access to the Burke-Gilman Trail, which runs past the Gas Works parking lot, and follows the Burlington-Northern Railroad to Log Boom Park.
Lake Union access is restricted and boating, swimming, fishing, and wading are not allowed because of hazardous substances in lake sediment, but Gas Works Park remains an excellent park for celebrations. A large picnic shelter and grassy hill provide ample space for festivities.
Aurora Bridge
George Washington Memorial Bridge, commonly called the Aurora Bridge, spans Seattle's Aurora Avenue (U.S. Highway 99) 167 feet above Lake Union and the Lake Washington Ship Canal. In 1990, the Fremont Arts Council held a competition for the space beneath the bridge. The purpose was to prevent undesirable activities, like loitering and littering, by introducing art. The winner, the "funky" troll, was built later that year and became a Seattle cultural icon.
The Space Needle
Having undergone a complete transformation, the Space Needle is the perfect location for your event. At 100 feet, the Skyline event space provides panoramic views of Seattle, including the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, and the glistening waters of Elliott Bay and Lake Union.
The Loupe, the world's first and only revolving glass floor, offers guests breathtaking views of the structure and Seattle from 500 feet above the ground. It's an immersive and unforgettable experience – towering skyscrapers, snow-capped mountains, and the sprawling cityscape below.
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.
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.
