2025 is the year of elopements! Many people are trading large venues and extensive guest lists for epic landscapes and more intimate gatherings. And we are here for it, right? For couples looking for nature and jaw-dropping views, the PNW is unbeatable. Rocky cliffs that overlook magical coastlines, evergreen forests, alpine lakes, mountain trails, and just all-around breathtaking beauty.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your perfect elopement in Washington State!
Choose your season
Washington is beautiful all year long. Deciding which season to elope and finding out what you need to plan for is an essential step in the elopement planning process. I have lived in Washington since I was three years old and am very familiar with navigating each season!
Summer: Summer is probably the most popular time to elope — and for good reason! The weather is the most predictable this time of year; you can count on blue skies, beautiful sunrises, and sunsets. Summer is also possible because the mountain ranges are accessible this time of year. The summer season showcases blooming wildflowers, alpine lakes, sunny coastlines, and less rain. As such, this is also the busiest time of year for not only elopements but any type of outdoor recreation. Sunrise, sunset, and weekdays are the best times to elope during the summer to avoid crowds!
Fall: Fall is my favorite season of the year. I love fall colors, decor, activities, all of it! And fall is one of my favorite seasons for Washington elopements. The weather in September and October is still fairly sunny and predictable. And the overcast fall days fully highlight the epitome of the PNW — cloudy skies and foggy forests but with amazing fall colors. It’s still warm enough to go to the beach and snow doesn’t typically hit the mountains until late October.
Winter: During the winter, the weather and accessibility will depend on where you want to go! A snowy elopement is nothing short of magical. There are mountain locations that are still accessible when covered in snow! The coastal areas will be chilly and more than likely rainy (but let’s be honest, that’s totally a vibe here) but accessible. And many forested areas will be open as well. Both of these locations are great if you want to elope in winter but don’t want the snow.
Spring: During the spring, mountain locations like Mount Rainier or Artist Point will still be compacted with snow. The weather can be all over the place. The one thing you can count on in the spring is that you can’t predict the weather! Spring brings rain and sunshine, depending on the day. But spring, especially late spring, Washington is so GREEN. Everything is so lush! You can find early wildflower blooms and lower-altitude waterfalls.
Choose your location
Picking your season first makes it easier to pick your location! And Washington is fabulously wealthy when it comes to elopement-worthy locations. You can also have your photographer help you find the best location!
Here are some wonderful places to explore and consider for your elopement:
The North Cascades/Mount Baker
Artist Point: One of my absolute favorite places in Washington. Requires little hiking for incredible mountain views and reflection lakes! The alpenglow and sun rays are a magical addition to any elopement.
Heather Meadows / Bagley Lakes: Just down the road from Artist Point, Heather Meadows shines in the summer and fall with wildflowers and fall foliage. Quick trails from the meadows lead down the Bagley Lakes. These mountain lakes are nestled in a valley surrounded by mountain cliffs!
Diablo Lake: Known for its turquoise waters at the base of towering mountain peaks, Diablo Lake is unreal. This is a perfect place for a “just you two” ceremony. You can exchange vows at the lookout point and then head to the lake for lakeside photos and/or activities!
Olympic National Park
Lake Crescent: Crystal blue waters surrounded by mountains, numerous forest trails (one that leads to a waterfall), and often cute little deer prancing around. Lake Crescent is one of the most accessible and stunning locations for an elopement.
Ruby Beach / Rialto Beach / La Push: The beaches on the Olympic coast, near Forks, are otherwordly. Sunrise and sunset are the best time, creating the most amazing light rays coming through the coastal trees and bouncing off the larger-than-life boulders.
Hurricane Ridge: A complete view of a breathtaking mountain range, blooming wildflowers in the summer, fall colors in the spring, and snow-caps in the winter, Hurricane Ridge is a breath-taking place to say your vows. Sunrise is especially amazing at Hurricane Ridge.
Hoh Rainforest: A Twilight-lover’s dream come true. Misty and moody in the late fall and winter and sun-speckled in the summer. This is the quintessential PNW location.
Mount Rainier
Tipsoo Lake: This is my favorite location for a Mount Rainier elopement! Mount Rainier is a very popular location but Tipsoo doesn’t quite have as massive crowds. Fields of alpine flowers surround the lake and right across the road from the Naches Peak Loop, this popular elopement spot requires almost no hiking!
Sunrise: Born witness by the name, the Sunrise area of Mount Rainier comes alive at Sunrise (and also sunset) and has some of the closest views of Rainier. The rising and setting sun creates hues of pink and purple on the mountain. A popular destination, weekdays at sunrise or sunset are the best times to elope!
Paradise: The Paradise area is probably the most popular in the park! Hiking up from the visitor center, you will find epic views of the mountain, waterfalls, wildflowers, and diverse trails. Myrtle Falls and Nisqually Vista are two of my favorite areas to explore for elopements. With it being so popular, I would definitely avoid weekends and mid-day. Weekends draw large crowds!
Deception Pass
Washington has many state parks that are epic backdrops for any elopement — and Deception Pass is one of the best! Rocky, coastal cliffs, grassy bluffs, rocky beaches lined with tall evergreens. And a massive bridge that goes over the ocean — an essential photo spot!
Leavenworth
Fall and winter are the coolest times to elope in Leavenworth. You can visit Lake Wenatchee State Park for jaw-dropping mountain lake views and then head into Leavenworth, a picture-perfect Bavarian town. When covered in snow, Leavenworth is magical.
Snoqualmie / Snoqualmie Pass
This area is a great elopement location during all seasons. With snow in the winter, lush green in the spring, vibrant colors in the fall, and gorgeous mountain sunsets in the summer, it’s has everything needed for a gorgeous elopement. And there are many Airbnb and lodging options in this area!
Hire your photographer
Heyo! My favorite part of the process (am I biased? yes). Your photographer is more than just your phototaker. With my couples, I help coordinate and plan the timeline, research permits, suggest and scout epic locations, recommend and find vendors, create mood boards, and more. Your photographer should be a helpful resource during your planning — as well as someone you feel comfortable with. I want my couples to feel completely themselves with me. I want them to trust me to capture all the important moments as much as they love my editing/shooting style. I recommend booking your photographer early!
Book your vendors
And while you are in the booking mood, start booking your other vendors! Here are some vendors you might consider for your elopement
- Florist
- Planner
- Hair & Make-up
- Officiant
- Videographer
- Baker
- Decor/Rentals
Permits/Marriage License
You typically need a permit to elope or have a wedding ceremony in Washington's national parks, including Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, and North Cascades National Park. This is because these parks manage special events to protect natural resources and ensure visitor access.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Special Use Permit: Most national parks require a Special Use Permit for weddings, elopements, or any similar event. You’ll need to apply for this in advance, and fees vary depending on the park and event size.
- Location Restrictions: Some parks have designated locations for ceremonies to minimize environmental impact. Be sure to review the park's specific guidelines.
- Group Size: Smaller groups may have fewer restrictions, but larger gatherings may have additional requirements or limitations.
- Photography Permits: If you're hiring a professional photographer, you may also need a separate permit for commercial photography.
- Timing: Some parks have blackout dates or seasonal restrictions due to high visitor traffic or environmental concerns.
It's best to contact the park directly or check its official website for detailed requirements. State Parks may have different requirements. You can always check official state websites or ask your photographer for help!
- Marriage License: Obtain your license from any county auditor’s office in Washington. You don’t need to be a state resident to apply.
- Both parties must appear in person with valid photo ID.
- There is a three-day waiting period after the license is issued, so plan accordingly.
- The license is valid for 60 days.
- Officiant: You’ll need someone to officiate your ceremony. This can be a professional officiant, a friend or family member ordained online, or even a judge.
- Witnesses: Washington requires two witnesses over the age of 18 to be present during your ceremony. If you're planning an intimate elopement, consider inviting a couple of close friends or hiring a photographer who can also act as a witness.
Plan your activities
The getting ready, the vow exchange/ceremony, the wedding photos — the elopement timeline essentials! But you can also plan a lot of fun and/or special activities before, during, and after your ceremony! Here are some fun ways to celebrate on the day of your elopement:
- Make each other breakfast before you get ready
- Do a champagne toast
- Pack a picnic
- Go on a long beach walk
- Stargazing
- Start a time capsule
- Ride horses
- Do a cake cutting
- Make a campfire and roast smores
- Hot tub
- Release lanterns
- Take a swim
- And more!
These types of activities make for amazing memories (and photos!)
Planning an elopement in Washington is so exciting! Make sure to slow down and enjoy the planning — planning your elopement should be enjoyable!
