Your Complete Guide to Eloping in Washington State

01: WHY CHOOSE TO ELOPE IN WASHINGTON

02: BEST TIME TO ELOPE IN WASHINGTON

03: WHERE TO ELOPE IN WASHINGTON

04: BUILDING YOUR PERFECT PNW ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE

01: WHY CHOOSE TO ELOPE IN WASHINGTON

Why Elope?

Eloping lets you toss the traditions that don’t serve you and build a wedding day that actually feels like you. No pressure, no rules — just you two, your love, and a whole lot of intention.

Why Washington?

Washington State is where wild beauty meets pure magic. From its lush rainforests and snow-capped peaks to rugged coastlines and alpine lakes, it’s the dream backdrop for couples craving intimacy, adventure, and something wildly their own.

Think:

  • Towering moss-covered forests
  • Rocky coastlines + hidden driftwood beaches
  • Foggy mountain peaks + vibrant wildflower meadows
  • Cascading waterfalls + turquoise alpine lakes
  • All-season wonder (yep, even the rain feels romantic here)

Note: Washington’s natural variety means there’s a perfect spot for every elopement vision — whether that’s barefoot on the beach or lacing up hiking boots for an alpine adventure.

Types of Elopements in the PNW

  • Sunrise Vows at an Alpine Lake
    Quiet, misty mornings with golden light and total privacy.
  • Moody Forest Elopements
    Say “I do” surrounded by ancient trees and soft, mossy ground.
  • Coastal Adventures
    Driftwood beaches, crashing waves, barefoot ceremonies at golden hour.
  • Two-Day Elopement Road Trips
    Hit the mountains, rainforest, and coast in one just-married weekend.
  • Winter Lodge Elopements
    Cabins, hot cocoa, and snow falling during your vows? Yes please.

Need help narrowing it down? That’s what I’m here for.


02: BEST TIME TO ELOPE IN WASHINGTON

When to Elope in Washington

Each season in Washington brings something magical. Here’s how to pick what fits your vibe:

🌱 Spring (March–May)

Vibe: Waterfalls, fresh greens, moody magic
Best for: Rainforest elopements, coastal cliffs, quiet trails
Top Spots: Olympic Peninsula, Panther Creek Falls, Mount Rainier (lower elevation)
✔️ Pros: Fewer crowds, vibrant moss + ferns
❌ Cons: Rainy, lingering snow in mountains


☀️ Summer (June–August)

Vibe: Clear skies, wildflowers, turquoise lakes
Best for: Alpine elopements, backpacking, paddleboarding
Top Spots: Diablo Lake, Mount Rainier meadows, North Cascades
✔️ Pros: Long days, dry trails, epic views
❌ Cons: Busy season, wildfire risk later in summer


🍂 Fall (September–October)

Vibe: Golden light, colorful leaves, cozy vibes
Best for: Forest elopements, mountain views without the summer crowds
Top Spots: Lake Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Snoqualmie Region
✔️ Pros: Crisp temps, fewer tourists
❌ Cons: Shorter days, chance of early snow


❄️ Winter (November–February)

Vibe: Cozy cabins, snowy trees, misty coasts
Best for: Snowshoe vows, lodge stays, stormy beach ceremonies
Top Spots: Gold Creek Pond, Mt. Baker area, Ruby Beach
✔️ Pros: Zero crowds, moody magic
❌ Cons: Limited trail access, cold temps

Time of Day Tips

  • Sunrise Elopements – Soft golden light, max privacy, serene AF
  • Sunset Elopements – Warm tones, blue hour magic, ideal for post-vow celebrations
  • Weekday Elopements – Skip the crowds at iconic spots like Mount Rainier, Olympic National Park, and Diablo Lake

03: WHERE TO ELOPE IN WASHINGTON

The Best Elopement Locations in Washington

⛰️ Mountains

  • Mount Rainier National Park
  • North Cascades National Park
  • Mount Baker Wilderness
  • Leavenworth & Alpine Lakes Wilderness

🌲 Forests + Waterfalls

  • Hoh Rainforest (Olympic National Park)
  • Snoqualmie Region (Twin Falls, Franklin Falls, Rattlesnake Lake)
  • Gifford Pinchot National Forest
  • Wallace Falls State Park

🌊 Coastlines

  • Ruby Beach
  • Rialto Beach
  • Second Beach (La Push)
  • Kalaloch area

Do You Need a Permit?

Most likely, yes — especially in:

  • National Parks (Olympic, Rainier, North Cascades)
  • State Parks
  • Wilderness & Forest Service Areas
  • Coastal beaches within protected areas

Don’t worry — I’ll walk you through the permit process, including:

  • Location-specific rules
  • Group size limits
  • Leave No Trace guidelines
  • What you can and can’t bring to your ceremony spot

04: BUILDING YOUR PERFECT WASHINGTON ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE

Activity Ideas:

  • Rent a campervan for a weekend roadtrip
  • Hike to a secret alpine lake for your vows
  • Canoe or paddleboard together after your ceremony
  • Camp overnight under the stars
  • Picnic on the beach with a private chef
  • Snowshoe to a cozy cabin elopement
  • Bring your dog along for the adventure

Dreamy Elopement Stays in WA:

  • Kalaloch Lodge – Oceanfront cabins near Ruby Beach
  • TreeHouse Point – Dreamy treehouses in the Snoqualmie forest
  • Stormking Spa Cottages – Romantic rainforest cabins in Forks
  • LOGE Camps – Laid-back spots in Leavenworth, Westport, and more
  • Goldmyer Hot Springs – Remote hot spring retreat near North Bend
  • Fire Lookouts – Rustic towers with panoramic views

GETTING LEGALLY MARRIED IN WASHINGTON STATE

  • Apply online or in person
  • 3-day waiting period
  • License valid for 60 days
  • 2 witnesses required

Officiant Tip:

I’m ordained and can legally marry you and document your whole day — it’s a two-for-one adventure experience.

Other options:

  • Ask a friend to get ordained online (it’s free + easy)
  • Hire a pro officiant (I’ve got recs!)

BONUS: HIRING YOUR IDEAL WASHINGTON ELOPEMENT VENDORS

You deserve a vendor crew that gets you — your style, your story, your love.

I work with:

  • Adventure elopement officiants
  • LGBTQIA+ affirming florists & stylists
  • Body-inclusive HMUAs
  • Elopement planners + picnic pros
  • Private chefs for post-vow dinners

WASHINGTON ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY PACKAGES

📸 Elopement Packages start at $4500
All packages include:

  • Custom planning + expert location help
  • Permit and timeline guidance
  • Film + digital photography
  • Sneak peeks in 72 hours
  • Vendor recommendations
  • Me: your Type-A goofball + built-in adventure BFF

Bonus? I photograph and officiate. You just show up and be in love.


READY TO PLAN YOUR WASHINGTON ELOPEMENT?

From mossy forests and alpine peaks to driftwood beaches and wildflower meadows — Washington is overflowing with soul-stirring places to say “hell yes” to each other.

Let’s create a day that’s full of heart, color, connection, and adventure.

📍 Based in Washington
📷 @BlakeKelloggPhotography
🌈 For the colorful & the queer
💌 Let’s chat!


Washington Elopement Guide

Free Guides, The Pacific Northwest, Washington