01: WHY CHOOSE TO ELOPE IN THE PNW

02: BEST TIME TO ELOPE IN THE PNW

03: WHERE TO ELOPE IN THE PNW

04: BUILDING YOUR PERFECT PNW ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE

Why the Pacific Northwest?

This place is Mother Nature at her most dramatic. The PNW is moody and magical — a dream backdrop for couples who want adventure, intimacy, and something that doesn’t look or feel like everyone else’s wedding.

Think:

• Towering mossy forests
• Rocky coastlines + hidden beaches
• Foggy mountains + wildflower meadows
• Cascading waterfalls + alpine lakes
• All-season magic (yes, even the rain is romantic here)

Note: Whether you’re barefoot on the beach or hiking to your vows, the Pacific Northwest truly has the best elopement locations.

Types of Elopements in the PNW

• Sunrise Vows at an Alpine Lake
  Quiet, misty mornings with golden light and no one around.
• Moody Forest Elopements
  Say “I do” surrounded by moss, ferns, and ancient trees.
• Coastal Adventures
  Rugged cliffs, crashing waves, barefoot beach ceremonies.
• Two-Day Elopement Road Trips
  Hit the coast, mountains, and forest all in one just-married weekend.
• Winter Lodge Elopements
  Cabins in the woods, hot cocoa, and snow falling during your vows.

Need help picking a location or activity combo? I’ve got you.

🌱 Spring (March–May)

Vibe: Misty forests, full waterfalls, wild greens
Best for: Waterfall elopements, coastal cliffs, rainforest vibes
Top Spots: Panther Creek Falls, Olympic Peninsula, Mount Rainier (lower elevations)
✔️ Pros: Fewer crowds, vibrant moss, wildflowers
❌ Cons: Rainy + snow lingering at elevation

☀️ Summer (June–August)

Vibe: Sunshine, wildflower meadows, alpine lakes
Best for: High elevation hikes, mountain views, water adventures
Top Spots: Diablo Lake, Mount Rainier meadows, Crater Lake, Cape Kiwanda
✔️ Pros: Open trails, long daylight hours
❌ Cons: Crowds, higher travel costs, wildfire season risk

🍂 Fall (September–October)

Vibe: Golden trees, cozy flannels, soft light
Best for: Moody forests, fewer tourists, dreamy portraits
Top Spots: Columbia River Gorge, Lake Crescent, Southern Oregon Redwoods
✔️ Pros: Stunning colors, cooler temps, quiet trails
❌ Cons: Shorter days, unpredictable weather

❄️ Winter (November–February)

Vibe: Cozy cabins, dramatic coasts, snowy woods
Best for: Intimate lodge stays, snowshoe elopements, coastal vows
Top Spots: Gold Creek Pond, Ruby Beach, Hoh Rainforest
✔️ Pros: No crowds, epic fog and mist
❌ Cons: Limited trail access, chilly AF

Time of Day Tips

• Sunrise Elopements – Soft light, max privacy, peaceful AF
• Sunset Elopements – Warm tones, blue hour magic, great for post-vow toasts
• Weekday Elopements – Avoid the crowds at all the iconic spots (Cannon Beach, Mount Rainier, Crater Lake, etc.)

⛰️ Mountains

• Mount Rainier National Park (WA)
• The North Cascades (WA)
• Mount Hood + Columbia River Gorge (OR)
• Crater Lake National Park (OR)

🌲 Forests + Waterfalls

• Hoh Rainforest (WA)
• Snoqualmie Region (WA)
• Silver Falls State Park (OR)
• Redwood National Park (CA)

🌊 Coastlines

• Ruby Beach (WA)
• Cape Kiwanda (OR)
• Cannon Beach (OR)
• Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor (OR)
• Big Sur Coast (CA)

Not sure which is right for you? I’ll help you pick the one that fits your vision and vibe.

Do You Need a Permit?

Usually, yes. Especially in:

• National Parks (Olympic, Rainier, Crater Lake, Redwoods)
• State Parks
• Forest Service land + coastal scenic areas

I’ll help you navigate the permit process, including:

• Off-limit decor rules
• Ceremony location requirements
• Group size limits
• Leave No Trace policies

WASHINGTON

• Apply online, get it by mail
• 3-day waiting period
• Valid for 60 days
• 2 witnesses required

OREGON

• Mail-in or in-person
• 3-day waiting (can sometimes be waived)
• Valid for 60 days
• 2 witnesses required

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

• Apply in person
• No waiting period
• Valid for 90 days
• 1–2 witnesses required

BONUS: HIRING YOUR PNW ELOPEMENT VENDOR DREAM TEAM

You deserve a vendor crew that sees you, celebrates you, and vibes with your energy. I work with:

• Adventure officiants
• LGBTQIA+ affirming florists + stylists
• Body-inclusive makeup artists
• Elopement planners
• Private chefs + luxury picnics

PNW Elopement Photography Packages

📸 Elopement Packages start at $4500
All packages include:

• Personalized planning + location guidance
• Permit + timeline help
• Film + digital photography
• Vendor recs
• Sneak peeks in 72 hours
• Me: your favorite Type-A goofball and adventure BFF

Bonus: I photograph AND officiate — I’ll help you with everything so you can focus on the fun stuff.