Best Ideas, Locations, and Activities for Adventure Elopements in Washington State | Ultimate Guide 2024
Washington is a state of volcanoes and glaciers, apple orchards and vineyards, ferry routes, and tech conferences.
In one place—bustling and modern Seattle—engineers and scientists solve important problems of civilization. In another, travelers explore mountains to see turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and snowy peaks. As an elopement photographer, my job is to help couples escape from the hustle and bustle to celebrate their love and union amidst nature's beauty.
If you have already chosen our beautiful state for one of the most important events in your life, congratulations! Believe me, you have made the right decision. If you haven't yet, this post is for you. Here’s what awaits you if you decide to elope in our wonderful Evergreen State. Or better yet, contact me through the link, and we can discuss your expectations and plans on a free introductory call.
Why to Elope in Washington State Is a Good Idea
If I had to give you just one reason why you should elope in Washington State, I would say, "It's beautiful here!"
But luckily, this is my blog and I'm not limited by words, so here are at least five reasons why:
1. Your elopement will be beautiful. Check out my shoots in the Hoh Rainforest and North Cascades. These places are stunning, aren’t they? Washington State has a lot to offer those who appreciate natural beauty. Glaciers, volcanoes, forests, the ocean, lavender fields, apple orchards, charming towns, industrial sites, rustic cabins, and treehouse hotels—there are so many wonderful places to capture your special moments.
2. Your elopement will be active. Together, we'll choose activities that match your desired level of intensity. You can relax in a hot tub under falling snow, fly in a plane, or climb a cliff. Spend your intimate wedding in a peaceful atmosphere, soaking in the beauty around you, or take on an extreme adventure—the choice is yours. A two-day elopement allows you to do both.
3. Your elopement will be inspired by your favorite lore. Want to capture your big day Twin Peaks style? Or visit the locations from the Twilight series? You’re welcome! You can touch on the history of ghost hunting at the Thornewood Castle Hotel, used in Stephen King's horror movie Rose Red. There are also places here that seem perfect for Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings settings. If you need help finding them, just let me know.
4. Your elopement will be unforgettable in any season. No matter the time of year or the weather, there are places to stay and things to do in all seasons and conditions.
5. Your elopement will be delicious. Our state is known for its cuisine. Salmon, Dungeness crab, and other seafood are classic Washington State foods. We are also famous for apples, cherries, chocolate, and, of course, coffee! If you're a foodie, I can help you hire a private chef to prepare local cuisine using fresh, seasonal produce or find a restaurant to celebrate your special day.
What You Should Know to Elope in Washington State
You can plan an adventure wedding in Washington State using the following information:
Marriage License
To get married in Washington, you need a marriage license, two witnesses, and an officiating minister. The law only requires that both parties consent and the minister pronounces them married at some point during the ceremony. My assistant and husband, Pasha, is ordained and would be honored to officiate your ceremony as a complimentary service.
In Washington State, marriage licenses can be obtained from any county. There's a 3-day waiting period, so plan your elopement for at least three days after you get your license. Remember, the license is valid for only 60 days after issuance.
In King County, you can apply for a marriage license online and have it mailed to you (check with them directly about this option). That’s why I recommend King County to my couples.
How to get it:
- Apply online, by mail, or in person. If you’d like to complete the process in person, visit King County Recorder's Office at 201 S. Jackson St., Ste. 204, Seattle, WA 98104.
- For more information, visit their website.
Safety
Elopements are mostly conducted outdoors, which can come with various hazards. But don't worry. We’ll take every precaution. I’ll also advise you on what to bring and what to leave at home, depending on your elopement location and activities. Additionally, I always help create a Plan B in case the original location becomes unavailable.
Elopement Duration
You can choose a 4, 6, 8, 12-hour, or 2-day elopement. In my experience, the ideal duration is 8-12 hours, allowing you to visit multiple locations and enjoy various activities. Opt for the 2-day elopement if you want both—an intimate experience for just the two of you and a celebration with a small circle of loved ones.
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The Best Ideas for Adventure Elopements in Washington State
Summer Washington State Elopement (July to mid-September)
Warm days and sunshine make summer a popular season for adventure elopements. The most popular time to visit the mountains is from July to September, since they are only accessible during this period. It's perfect to combine a light hike, where you can take in the views of blooming mountains, with a swim in the turquoise waters of a mountain lake.
Water activities can be quite active: in this season, you can enjoy kayaking, ferry rides, water skiing, and fishing. We can end your elopement with a “trash the dress” part.
Also, August is the time to watch the Perseid meteor shower. This is an ideal time for stargazing.
Autumn Washington State Elopement (mid-September to October)
As the weather cools, trees and grass transform with stunning fall colors. This is the right moment to enjoy nature’s palette and engage in more active pursuits without the heat. You can dedicate your elopement to mountain hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, or simply running through meadows against the backdrop of ancient, snow-capped peaks.
You could bring large backpacks and go camping—grill freshly caught fish and sip spiced warm wine. Mushroom foraging is another wonderful option. Ending the memorable day with a soak in a hot tub or a dip in a hot spring, which I can also capture, would be perfect.
Fall is the season for meteor showers—the Orionids, Leonids, and Geminids. Make sure to book a glamping experience with stargazing options if you can.
Winter Washington State Elopement (November to March)
Washington winters are rainy and foggy, with snowy conditions in the mountains. This season offers a unique romantic and moody atmosphere.
This means it’s time for elopements inspired by Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs… or Game of Thrones. Imagine! Flowers, wedding attire details, and your happy smiles will stand out brilliantly against the snowy backdrop.
Your winter elopement doesn't have to be freezing. By the way, I have an Instagram post on how to stay warm during outdoor winter sessions. We can find a cozy forest cabin with twinkling lights and a hot tub. You can enjoy a gentle hike on winter-accessible trails. Hot springs, a Finnish sauna, and Christmas mulled wine will warm your soul.
Spring Washington State Elopement (April to June)
Spring brings blooming flowers and warm, pleasant days. Eastern Washington tends to be drier, with mild temperatures, while Western Washington may still see some rain, creating opportunities for clear skies and rainbows. Oh, you will never regret choosing Washington for a spring elopement!
This time of year offers the perfect chance to capture beautiful photos with blooming alpine meadows and majestic, snow-capped mountains in the background. As the snow continues to melt, the waterfalls are especially full and stunning.
Where is the best place to spend time in hot weather? By the water, of course. Washington has water bodies for every taste—ocean shores, small island bays, mountain and forest lakes, rivers, and hot springs.
Best Locations for Your Adventure Elopement in Washington State
I’ve categorized my recommended locations by type. Since some locations are close to each other, we can fit two or more into one elopement. If you want a personalized plan, feel free to contact me.
Mountain Elopement Locations in Washington State
Washington is one of the most mountainous states in the country, home to 3,709 named mountains. I bet a mountain landscape in your wedding photos is just what you’re looking for. Here are a few you should definitely consider:
Mount Rainier National Park. This is the highest and most prominent mountain in our state and one of the premier climbing destinations. In addition to Mount Rainier, the park features a lot of hiking trails.
Mount St. Helens. Located in Skamania County, this active stratovolcano became a magical hiking destination after its famous 1980 eruption. Explore more than 200 miles of trails through an area marked with wildflowers, dense forests, lakes, and volcanic craters flanked by a glacier.
Hurricane Ridge and Mount Storm King at Olympic National Park. There is a wide variety of terrain and wildlife in this destination, from glacier-capped mountains to rugged coastlines and temperate rainforests. With plenty of hiking trails and mountaineering opportunities, the park is an excellent place to go backpacking.
North Cascades National Park. With 103 mountains named, this park is popular among hikers, backpackers, campers, and climbers. The park covers over 2.5 million acres. Alpine meadows and lakes can be seen from popular hiking routes here.
Mountains in Snoqualmie Valley. The Snoqualmie Valley Trail is a non-technical hike. During the summer, blackberries, elderberries, and wild roses fill the air with their sweet scents. Also, Twin Peaks, the popular television mystery series directed by David Lynch, was filmed in Snoqualmie.
Mount Baker in Snoqualmie National Forest. Mount Baker is surrounded by a forest with thousands of miles of trails. Located in the North Cascades, it contains rugged and scenic landscapes. There are over 200 glaciers here, making it a popular mountaineering destination.
Forest Elopement Locations in Washington State
Forest locations here will take your breath away.
Hoh Rainforest at Olympic National Park. The rainforests of Olympic National Park are truly enchanting. With moss-draped trees, fern-covered floors, and a mystical ambiance, these forests are perfect for a fairytale elopement. The Hoh Rainforest and the Quinault Rainforest are two of the most popular.
Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trailhead. It’s my favorite trail ever. A gently graded trail just outside North Bend passes under overhanging cliffs and offers views of Garfield Mountain across the river. Only the rapture of birdsong and murmurs of river break the silence.
North Fork Sauk River Trail in Snoqualmie National Forest. It’s a truly beautiful trail that runs through the Glacier Peak Wilderness of Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. For the first 2-3 miles of this trail, you will hike through pristine Cascadian old-growth wilderness. The trees here grow extraordinarily large despite significant snowfall in the winter.
Waterfront and Beach Elopement Locations in Washington State
My favorite beaches here are many, so I can only mention a few.
Ocean Beaches
Olympic National Park's beaches offer stunning coastal landscapes ideal for elopements. Ruby Beach is famous for its dramatic sea stacks, tide pools, and driftwood-strewn shoreline. A more serene and expansive setting can be found at Rialto Beach, which boasts wide stretches of sand and breathtaking sunsets. At Second Beach (La Push), there are tall sea stacks rising straight out of the water, and a hole to the north allows the wind to whistle and moan during storms. Kalaloch Beach is renowned for giant driftwood log sculptures.
City Beaches
Mukilteo and Alki Beach are excellent city beach locations that combine urban convenience with natural beauty. Mukilteo Beach, located near the ferry terminal, offers stunning views of Puget Sound and the distant Olympic Mountains. With sandy shores, picnic areas, and a historic lighthouse, this is a charming place for your elopement. Located in West Seattle, Alki Beach offers panoramic views of the Seattle skyline and Puget Sound.
Mountain Lakes and One Pond
Mountain lakes in Washington State offer breathtakingly beautiful settings for elopements, with their crystal-clear waters and stunning alpine scenery.
The Gold Creek Pond is accessible for those who do not wish to hike and still want to take beautiful photos by the water.
Olympic National Park's Lake Crescent has the most turquoise water in the state. In addition to the amazing mountains, there are also boat rentals and swimming spots.
Picture Lake (Mt Baker Snoqualmie National Forest) is right next to the parking lot, so no need to boast. In good weather, Mt Shuksan reflects brilliantly in the lake.
A hike to Blue Lake (North Cascades) is fairly easy, and there are many larches around the lake that change colors during the fall season
Colchuk Lake is known for its striking blue waters and dramatic mountain backdrop. The challenging hike to reach the lake is well worth the effort, providing a sense of adventure and seclusion for your elopement.
Diablo Lake is located in North Cascades National Park, Diablo Lake is famous for its turquoise waters, surrounded by towering peaks and lush forests.
Rattlesnake Lake. Situated near North Bend, Rattlesnake Lake is easily accessible and offers a peaceful setting with clear waters and mountain views.
Lake 22 is a beautiful alpine lake with a backdrop of rugged cliffs and dense forest. The moderate hike to the lake is rewarded with stunning views and a tranquil setting.
City Elopement Locations in Washington State
Kerry Park. It’s located in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle and offers one of the most iconic views of the city. From this vantage point, you can see the Seattle skyline, including the Space Needle, Elliott Bay, and on clear days, Mount Rainier. A panoramic view and vibrancy of the city make it a popular spot for elopements.
Downtown Seattle itself is bustling with energy, historic landmarks, and beautiful waterfront areas that provide a dynamic urban backdrop for your special day.
Ferry to Bainbridge Island. Taking a ferry adds a sense of adventure and romance to your elopement. The journey across Puget Sound offers amazing views of the water, mountains, and the Seattle skyline.
Garden Elopement Locations in Washington State
Seattle Chinese Garden. With its traditional Chinese architecture, peaceful koi ponds, and lush greenery, this garden creates a tranquil and elegant atmosphere.
Lavender Fields in Sequim. During the summer months, the fields are in full bloom, creating a sea of vibrant purple flowers against the backdrop of the Olympic Mountains. The sweet fragrance of lavender fills the air, adding to the romantic ambiance.
The Skagit Valley Tulip and Daffodil Festivals (Mt Vernon). A trip to Mt Vernon during April and May offers you the chance to see the famous tulip festival firsthand. The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival features tulip fields, gardens, events, and activities. You can also attend the La Conner Daffodil Festival in March, which is less crowded and very beautiful.
Wedding venues at Seattle Gardens. For those wanting an intimate wedding among blooming flowers, there are also a number of gardens that offer this kind of experience. If you contact me for a free consultation, I can tell you more about the options available to you.
Cozy Towns for Your Elopement in Washington State
Coupeville. This town was established in the 1850s and is the second-oldest in Washington. Many of the buildings in the area date back to the 19th century. They now house art galleries, boutiques, and seafood restaurants that serve Penn Cove mussels.
Leavenworth. In central Washington, this small town resembles an alpine village with its Bavarian architecture, high mountains, and taverns serving German traditional dishes. In the winter, the town is decorated with Christmas lights and hosts a seasonal carnival and holiday market.
Winthrop. It’s a charming old western town that offers antique boardwalks, fine dining, luxury hotels, and wonderful outdoor recreational activities. There are many interesting festivals and events held throughout the year, including the Winthrop Balloon Roundup, Rhythm and Blues Festival, and the Wild West Historic Celebration.
La Conner. It was founded in 1860 as a waterway crossing point and farming town. In 1940, however, artists began to discover the city and started to settle here for the wonderful sunrises and sunsets. Among the most famous names are Morris Graves, Guy Anderson, Richard Gilkey, and Clayton James. Artists were followed by tourists… Today, it’s a very beautiful town for those who love the atmosphere of old coastal life.
Where to Stay While Eloping in Washington
Find your ideal stay on Airbnb. Here are some beautiful lodges and hotels close to the most popular elopement spots.
Treehouses
TreeHouse Point (Issaquah)
Tree House Tranquil-A-Tree near Mt Adams.
Iron & Vine Treehouse near Mt Rainer
Mountain View's Tree House Joint
Glamping
Washington Global Glamping in the Olympic National Forest
Stargazer Dome at Mt. Rainier.
Campgrounds and Lodges
In every popular area, there are a lot of campgrounds and lodges. Ideally, you should pick ones that are nearby where you will hold your elopement.
Historic Hotels
Historic Hotel Packwood, near Mt Rainer. It was founded in 1912 as a hotel.
The Shelburne Hotel, near Long Beach. In Washington State, the Shelburne Hotel has been operating continuously since 1896.
Lake Quinault Lodge. Located on the south shore of Lake Quinault among ancient Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, western red cedar, and western hemlock trees, the lodge was built in 1926.
Best Elopement Activities in Washington State
There are many ways to spend your time in our stunning, God-blessed state.
For a Relaxing Elopement Experience
You can stay in a forest A-frame cabin far from the city, where you’ll stargaze in the evenings while roasting marshmallows over a campfire.
During the day, we’ll take a leisurely walk around the area. I’ll capture you against the backdrop of mountains and treetops. If you enjoy mushroom foraging or fishing, we may include these activities in your day.
You can also choose kayaking or paddleboarding to glide across the calm waters of a lake, such as Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park.
For lunch, you can hire a private chef or have a romantic picnic.
We’ll catch the golden hour for beautiful photos of the two of you.
End the evening in a spa or hot tub to relax after the wedding day’s hustle and bustle.
For Those Who Want an Active Elopement Without the Adrenaline
If you want excitement but aren’t ready for intense activities, we can select several locations for your elopement. As a main activity, you can choose a hike. If you stay near a winery, we can arrange a tour with wine tasting.
It’s also possible for you to go on an overnight backpacking trip such as a guided tour with llamas. During the tour, instructors accompany you and guide the llamas. The llamas carry your gear to the campsite, where you will enjoy a beautiful dinner and stay overnight in a scenic location. You’ll also have the chance to cuddle with the llamas.
We’ll spend the evening in a picturesque spot to capture the golden hour, taking photos of you as a happy couple in the sunset glow and lantern light.
Then you can enjoy a beautiful starry sky.
Adventure Elopement for Those Who Love Adrenaline
You can reach your chosen location by private helicopter or plane. There are many activities to choose from—rock climbing in the summer and snowboarding or skiing in the winter. If you love nature, we can find a beautiful route for horseback riding.
For an overnight hiking trip, we can choose one of the Fire Lookout Towers as our destination, where you can spend the night. The evening will be perfect for stargazing, and the morning will be ideal for exchanging vows while watching the sunrise in the mountains.
Also, we can trek to one of the gorgeous waterfalls, which are especially full in the spring.
Washington State Elopement Packages
If I’ve convinced you and you’ve decided to have your elopement in Washington State, I’m excited to present my service options.
You can choose a 4, 6, 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 husband, is ordained and would be honored to officiate your ceremony at no cost to you.
There are no additional travel fees for shoots anywhere in Washington State.
Contact me to book your elopement on a date that works for you.
The nautical theme of this intimate wedding and the choice of a yacht were no coincidence. The bride is the daughter of a sailor, and the groom is a retired Navy officer.