Top Places to Elope in Washington | The Ultimate Guide
1/09/2026
Want to know the secret to finding the best places to elope in Washington? Here’s what we’ve learned after years of planning and documenting Washington elopements: finding the perfect locations are all about what inspires you, and deciding how if these places match how you want to feel.
Because the last thing you want is to choose a location that you’ve seen on instagram 5,000 times only to be bummed that there were, in fact, a million people there when you envisioned a private ceremony. While obviously the views are important and you want to prioritize them, there are so many other things to consider to bring intention to your day and make sure that you have an incredible experience (because that’s what it’s all about).
So this isn’t just a quick list of pretty locations (though don’t worry, we’re sharing those too), but this is much deeper. This is honest, insider info gathered from years of experience, and helping couples just like you find the perfect place to elope.
If that sounds like what you’re looking for, then you’re in the right spot! So, let’s help you find the perfect Washington elopement location that serves up views and is perfect for the experience you want to have.
Feeling overwhelmed by all the choices? We can help with that! Let’s chat about your vision, figure out the perfect spot, and craft the perfect day together.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview: Best Places to Elope in Washington
If we’re being honest, we’re a tiny bit biased when it comes to Washington State, afterall, it’s the place that made us decide to uproot our whole lives, move into an RV, and build a business that allows us to explore every inch of it, so we are ALWAYS stoked to yap about this place.
But for the sake of avoiding overwhelm, here’s a quick chart to give you an overview
| Location | Best For | Peak Season | Permit Needed | Crowd Level |
| Mount Rainier | Iconic mountain views, wildflowers, variety of landscapes | End of July – Mid September Access is year-round in some areas | Yes (for ceremony) | Very high |
| Olympic National Park | Diverse landscapes, rocky beaches, rainforests, mountains, lakes, and waterfalls | Memorial Day-Labor Day Accessible year-round | for larger groups 6+ | High/Moderate |
| North Cascades (west) | Privacy, alpine lakes, dramatic peaks, wildflowers | August-late September/early October Portions are accessible year round, for snow adventures | Nope! | Low-Moderate (depending on specific spots) |
| North Cascades (east) | Larches, big mountains, stunning lakes | August – early October | Photographer will need a permit | Moderate-High |
| Mount St. Helens | wildflowers, mountain views, less crowded alternative to Rainier | End of July – Mid September Access is year-round in some areas | Nope! | Low |
| Gifford Pinchot | Wildflowers, waterfalls, mountains, rivers, less crowded alternative to Rainier | End of July – Mid September Access is year-round in some areas | Nope! | Low |
| Olympic National Forest/Buckhorn Wilderness | rainforests, mountains, lakes, and waterfalls, less crowded alternative to Olympic | End of May – Mid September Access is year-round in some areas | Nope! | Low/Moderate |
Places to elope in Washington : Quick Decision Guide
Choose Mount Rainier if you want:
- Iconic, immediately recognizable mountain views
- Variety of landscapes in one area (meadows, lakes, waterfalls, forests)
- Winter elopement options
- Don’t mind structured logistics and permits
- Want to structure your day around sunrise or sunset (or both)
→ Read our Mount Rainier Elopement Guide
Choose Olympic if you want:
- Multiple ecosystems in one day (coast, mountains, rainforest, lakes)
- Year-round flexibility
- Easier permitting (or none for small groups)
- Maximum variety with minimal restrictions
→ Read our Olympic National Park Elopement Guide
Choose North Cascades if you want:
- Dramatic alpine landscapes
- Fewer crowds and tourists
- Type two fun with serious views
- BIG mountain scenery without a ton of hiking
→ Read our North Cascades elopement Guide
Choose Gifford Pinchot or Mount St. Helens if you want:
- Mount Rainier vibes without the crowds
- More flexible permitting
- Volcanic landscapes and dramatic scenery
- Don’t mind hiking to reach epic spots (there are also plenty of easy hikes, too)
Choose Olympic National Forest or Buckhorn Wilderness if you want:
- Olympic scenery without national park crowds
- No permit headaches
- Serious privacy (and willing to work for it)
Places to Elope in Washington | Mount Rainier
IN THIS SECTION
Why Mount Rainier is One of the Best Places to Elope in Washington
She is beauty, she is grace, she’s the crown of Washington State.
Mount Rainier shows up at the top of everyone’s Pinterest boards for a reason. That massive, glacier-covered volcano dominating the skyline? Those colorful subalpine wildflower meadows so stunning and fragile they had to be roped off to keep folks away?!
The reflective lakes that serve up perfect mirror images on calm, summer days?! Yup! That’s our girl, and it’s easy to see why she’s one of the top places to elope in Washington state.
Quick info about Mount Rainier
- Best for: Iconic mountain views
- Peak Season: End of July – Mid September
- Months to avoid: March-June
- Some areas are open year-round
- Crowd Level: Chronically high
- Permit required: Yes, for all ceremonies, vow exchanges, letter reading, etc.
- Timed entry permit: Likely needed for 2026 (though not officially announced)
Best Locations in Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier is one of the best places to elope in Washington state because it offers a variety of views and adventure options ranging from easy-peasy walk up locations to backcountry options with more solitude and rewarding views.
There are 4 main entrances to Mount Rainier and each offers something unique:
| Entrance | Info | Best for | Locations |
Nisqually Entrance | – Quickest access to the Paradise area. – Unobstructed views of sprawling meadows that explode with wildflowers come August, and waterfalls that feel like they’re straight from a story book. – Open year round | Easy access, winter elopements, wildflower meadows, and a variety of trails and difficulty levels. | – Myrtle Falls – Skyline Trail – Nisqually Vista Trail |
| Carbon River Entrance | – Currently closed because of bridge and road maintenance (we know we’re bummed about it too). – Gives you access to a stunning temperate rainforest and some seriously hikes. | Rainforest vibes, big mountain hikes, fire towers, and waterfalls | – Tolmie Peak – Chenuis falls – Spray Park |
| Sunrise Entrance | – Offers up the highest point you can drive to in the park. – Views are arguably even more dramatic than the ones you’ll see at Paradise. There’s a different type of vegetation sitting up this high, giving it a more alpine feel. | Alpine atmosphere, serious mountain views, sunrise elopements, and a variety of trails and difficulty levels. | – Mount Fremont Lookout Trail – Sunrise Nature Trail – Tipsoo Lake (not technically at sunrise, but pretty close, so we’re counting it) |
| Stevens Canyon Entrance | – Gives you quick access to stunning falls, old growth forests – A relatively short drive to the Paradise area, giving you the best of everything! | Lake reflections, wildflowers, easy access and lots of variety | – Grove of the Patriarchs – Bench and snow lakes – Reflection lake |
→ TBH We could yap about Mount Rainier for a looong time (and have) for a more in-depth look, more locations, and planning info, check out our Mount Rainier Elopement Guide
When to elope in Mount Rainier : Seasonal Guide
Summer through early fall (August- early October) is prime time! Wildflowers peak around early-mid August. The weather is more predictable in August-early September, and you’ll have full access in the park starting around late July. Keep in mind that early July will likely still have snow fields.
September through October gives you those pretty fall colors, and dustings of early snow. October can see some early snow fall, so keep that in mind if your hearts are set on areas that close after the first heavy snow of the season (looking at you Sunrise Corridor)
December – March(ish) is snowy and beautiful! Paradise stays open year-round, so you’ll have access to some winter wonderland scenery. Be prepared for cold weather (duhhh) and bring extra gear like snowshoes, micro spikes, and trekking poles.
Okay, we’ll be so real, we get so many inquiries from couples that want to elope in Mount Rainier in May or June, and we have to be honest, Spring at Mount Rainier kinda sucks. Here’s why:
There are no wildflowers. They are all buried under the snowmelt.
| Pro Tip: Wildflowers at Mount Rainier don’t really start sprouting up until mid-late July and they peak in August. The timing varies year to year depending on the snowpack and how warm the spring was. |
Managing Crowds at Mount Rainier
Crowds can be a little intense at Mount Rainier, especially in the summer months. Winter still sees quite a few folks as Paradise is relatively close to Seattle and gorgeous.
For this reason, we often recommend that couples opt for a weekday when eloping here, and 1000% focusing on sunrise and sunset.
Opting for a date that falls after Labor Day, or fall can also be super helpful!
Permits
If you’re having your ceremony in Mount Rainier National Park, you’ll need to get a special use permit. This will allow you to legally have your ceremony in the park territory. Mount Rainier also has specific locations where ceremonies are allowed, depending on your group size.
- You’ll apply for your permit after you’ve chosen your ceremony location and have a rough idea of what time your ceremony will be.
- Ideally you’ll also be able to give yourselves at least 6 weeks to get your permit approved.
- A special use permit is not needed for portraits in the park, just the ceremony.
- Your permit can also serve as your timed entry permit!
| Pro Tip: Mount Rainier has been trying out timed entry permits for the last two years. This year, a timed entry permit was only needed for the Sunrise corridor, but it’s unclear what they plan to do in 2026, but we can probably anticipate that they will implement this in Sunrise and Paradise. |
Where to stay near Mount Rainier
- This A-frame with a cedar hot tub in Packwood
- The Well-Spring Spa in Ashford
- This bright cabin in Packwood
| Pro tip: Book lodging within 45 minutes of your ceremony location to avoid brutal early morning drives |
Is Mount Rainier the Best Place for your Washington Elopement?
- You want those iconic Rainier Views
- You’re comfy with more structured logistics and permitting
- Planning around crowds and strategic timing doesn’t feel stressful
- You don’t mind not having a lot of flexibility if the weather is gnarly
- You appreciate having lots of variety in one general area
- The thought of sprawling wildflowers meadows make you swoon
Alternatives to Mount Rainier
If your heart is set on that Mount Rainier vibe, but you’re wanting fewer crowds and more flexibility, then Mount St. Helens and Gifford Pinchot are two National Forests that are great options. Both offer up similar landscapes with a fraction of the crowds.
In these areas, you’ll find dramatic peaks, alpine lakes, and stunning wildflowers, and old growth forests.
The trade-off is that most locations will require more hiking to reach and further out from lodging and amenities. But, if you’re down for a bit more adventure, these areas can deliver big time and give you more flexibility, as you won’t need a permit!
Best for: Couples who love the Mt Rainier vibe, but want more solitude and are excited for something a little more rugged.
Best Places to Elope in Mt. St Helens
Fave Places to Elope in Gifford Pinchot
You’ve got dramatic volcanic peaks, alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and old-growth forests. The trade-off is that most locations require more hiking to reach, and you’ll need to be more self-sufficient since there’s less infrastructure. But if you’re down for a bit more adventure, these areas deliver big time without the crowds or complicated permitting.
Places to Elope in Washington | Olympic National Park
IN THIS SECTION:
Why Olympic National Park is one of the Places to Elope in Washington
This slice of the PNW has so many different ecosystems to explore from mountains, to lakes, to rocky beaches and rainforest. Moody, unique, and diverse, the Olympic Peninsula is truly magnificent.
Olympic National Park is MASSIVE, spanning over 900,000 acres. You can spend your elopement day exploring the temperate rainforests, and gushing waterfalls. Then, end the night staring at the snowy peaks, or the rugged shoreline as the stars begin to come out.
Quick info about Olympic National Park
- Best for: Diverse ecosystems, year-round access, flexibility
- Peak Season: Memorial day – Labor Day
- Months to avoid: July-August
- Some areas are open and accessible year-round
- Crowd Level: Moderate- high depending on where you go
- Permit required: if your group is less than 5, no permit is needed
- Timed entry permit: none (as of late 2025)
Best Locations within Olympic National Park
The Olympic Peninsula is one of the most ethereal places to elope in Washington state and if you want an in-depth look at what it could be like, check out our guide to planning an Olympic National Park Elopement.
MOUNTAINS
Hurricane ridge is probably the most iconic mountain area in the park. At 5,242 feet above sea level, you’re treated to panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, and on a clear day, you can see the strait Juan De Fuca.
In the winter it turns into a snowy paradise that’s accessible on weekends (they plow the road, but always check to be sure)
FAVE SPOTS
LAKES
Lake Crescent is that impossibly blue, crystal clear lake that looks fake in photos, but is absolutely real. Lake Crescent has super low nitrogen levels, which makes it difficult for algae to grow, giving it incredible clarity and that gorgeous color.
Surrounded by forested mountains and accessible year round, it offers both easy waterfront spots, patches of dense forest, and gorgeous waterfall hikes.
FAVE SPOTS
- The shoreline near Lake Crescent Lodge
- Moments in time trail (it’s like a mini Hoh)
- Marymere Falls
→ Check out this moody Lake Crescent elopement and for an idea of what it looks like in the spring, peep this Lake Crescent Wedding
RAINFORESTS
While there are quite a few rainforests in the Olympic Peninsula, the Hoh is by far the most renowned. It is truly peak PNW vibes. We’re talking massive Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock draped in verdant moss, nurse logs covered in ferns, and soft, golden light filtering through the canopy. It’s magical year-round, but really sings in the spring when everything is lush and green.
FAVE SPOTS
- Hall of Mosses
- Spruce nature trail
- Quinnault rainforest (an excellent alternative to the ever-crowded Hoh)
COAST
Here you’ll find some of the most dramatic stretches of moody coastlines. Seastacks, driftwood, tide pools, and a moody atmosphere create an entirely different energy then the mountains and rainforests.
FAVE SPOTS
→ Check out this Ruby Beach elopement to see how UNREAL these sunsets are
When to Elope in Olympic National Park
Summer:
through Late June-early September is peak season. In July, most of the snow has melted away, and by the last couple of weeks you’ll have wildflowers popping up in the mountains.
This is when you have the most accessibility in the park as the roads to the mountains open back up.
Autumn:
September through November gives you those pretty fall colors, and dustings of early snow.
October can see some early snow fall, or at least some drizzly skies, so keep that in mind if you’re hoping for clear views. This is also a great time to visit to avoid the crowds. It is great for fall color and even though the rainforests aren’t as lush, seeing fall pop against the green is still gorgeous.
This is probably our favorite season here. The crowds are low, the colors are beautiful, and the weather adds an extra storytelling layer. If you love a moody vibe, opt for early-mid October.
Winter and Spring:
December – May(ish) is wet, but beautiful. Hurricane ridge is gorgeous when it’s covered in snow, but you’ll have to time it right as it isn’t open each day.
February and March are tricky months with the rainforests being drenched, the mountains are either slushy, or getting hit with late snow. However, this is a cute time for Lake Crescent and the beaches if the tides are low enough and there aren’t any hazard warnings.
Late May is when the rainforests really pop and the waterfalls are absolutely roaring.
Managing Crowds at Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park definitely sees crowds during the peak seasons (Memorial-Labor Day), particularly the Hoh Rainforest and Hurricane Ridge where you could be waiting to even enter the parking lot for hours.
Sticking to sunrise/sunset, and opting for a weekday for popular areas is an absolute must.
Truthfully, there are other, less known areas in and outside of the park that make for a more private option. You’ll need to put in some time on bumpy NF roads, or open to extra miles to get that privacy.
Permits
Olympic National Park requires a special use permit if your group exceeds 5. This includes the two of you, your on-site vendors (think photographers, videographers, officiant), and guests. This gives you so much flexibility in case of severe weather and makes pivoting really simple.
If your group is large enough to require a permit, this is super easy to do and you’ll only need it for your ceremony, not portraits in the park.
Where to stay in Olympic National Park
- This cute cabin in Port Angeles
- This cozy cabin in Forks
- This chic lakehouse on Sutherland
- This tiny home in Forks with a sauna
| Pro Tip: There are not a ton of lodging options in Forks. Book as soon as you have your locations, or general area figured out! |
Olympic National Park the Perfect Place to elope in Washington if you:
- You want to experience multiple dramatically different landscapes in one day
- Value flexibility and want to minimize permitting headaches
- Are keeping your elopement small and intimate
- Love a moody vibe
- Want year-round options that each offer something special
- Want both easy-access and adventurous hiking options
Alternatives to Olympic National Park
If you’re wanting less crowds, or to explore areas that are “off the beaten path” there are plenty of areas near Olympic that deliver. Both Buckhorn Wilderness and Olympic National Forest offer up incredible trails and alternatives to the National Park.
Best for: Couples who love the idea of everything an Olympic Peninsula elopement has to offer, but want more solitude, or are excited for something a little more rugged.
Fave locations in Buckhorn Wilderness
- Handy Camp
- Mount Townsend (check out this Olympic Peninsula Elopement for reference)
- Tyler Peak
Top locations in Olympic National Forest
- Lena Lake
- Colonel Bob (best as an overnight)
- Murhut Falls
You’ll definitely have to put in some miles either hiking or driving, but you’ll be rewarded with more privacy than is typically found in Olympic National Park.
Places to Elope in Washington State | The North Cascades
IN THIS SECTION
Why The North Cascades are one of the Places to Elope in Washington
Ahhh our favorite mountains in the PNW. Truly the most incredible place for stunning mountain views and privacy, as this area isn’t as visited. This works heavily in favor for couples wanting both privacy and dramatic alpine scenery without the crowds of Rainier and Olympic.
Think 360 mountain views, fun 4×4 road adventures, stunning alpine lakes, easy jaunts and so many options for some type 2 fun!
Quick info about The North Cascades
- Best for: Type 2 fun and mountain views
- Peak Season: Early August – Labor Day
- Months to avoid: honestly, like all of spring (end of March-mid July)
- Some areas are open and accessible year-round (though snow gear may be required)
- Crowd Level: low-high depends on where!
- Permit required: None for the western, the National Park will require a SUP, and the eastern side will require a commercial use permit.
- Timed entry permit: none
Best Locations Within the North Cascades
The North Cascades region is huge and encompasses the National Park itself, plus surrounding national forest land (Okanagan-Wenatchee on the eastern slopes and Mount Baker on the western slopes). This gives couples that are planning a North Cascades elopement an incredible range of options, though permitting and crowd situations vary pretty significantly between these three areas.
Okanagan-Wenatchee National Forest (Eastern Slopes)
Dramatic peaks, stunning wildflower meadows, and golden larches in the fall. This area butts right up against the Enchantments (a wholeseperate bucket-list situation), includes spots around Lake Chelan and is close to the adorable Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth. When the conditions are right, places like the Maple Pass Loop or Blue Lake explode with colorful wildflowers in the spring and golden larches in the fall.
Larch season (typically late September-early October) is its own phenomenon. Alpine larch trees turn this incredible golden, yellow before dropping their needles, and it draws some serious crowds.
But there are a few challenges that come with this side of the Cascades: This area has been hammered during wildfire season the past few years. Wildfire activity typically ramps up around July, and peaks in late August/early September.
Depending on where fires are burning and wind patterns, you can end up with heavy smoke, low visibility, and area closures. For the Eastern side, you absolutely need a solid back up plan if you’re eloping during wildfire season.
Best Places to Elope in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Permitting for Okanogan-Wenatchee
Your Elopement Photographers will need a commercial use permit for Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, which typically runs around $350 and can increase if you’ll be bringing any guests with you/ This permit is needed for both ceremony and portraits, which is more restrictive than most places to elope in Washington State.
| A note on crowds: Crowds: In our experience, this side of the Cascades sees more crowds than the National Park and the western slopes, especially on the weekends. The most iconic and easy to access spots (anything along HWY 20) get insanely busy and cars will end up lining the side of the road. But, the beauty of the National Forest is that there’s so much of it! If you’re willing to put in the miles, you can absolutely find solitude. |
Where to stay near Okanagan-Wenatchee
Mount Baker (Western Slopes)
This is probably our favorite area for elopements. The western slopes see more precipitation which means the forests tend to be more lush than the eastern side, and the weather patterns tend to be a little more dramatic, which has helped with wildfire season in the past.
Mount Baker is a massive, glacier-covered volcano that serves up some pretty epic views. When the road to Artist Point is open (typically late July through mid-October, depending on snow), you’ll be treated to some of the most spectacular mountain views of Mount Baker and Shuksan.
But here’s what we really love about this place: there are SO many options beyond the obvious spots. Alpine lakes tucked into cirques, waterfalls tumbling through mossy forest, ridge-line hikes with views for days, and spots that require just enough effort that you’ll have them largely to yourself.
The Deming area is tiny, charming, and serves as the gateway to the Mount Baker area. It’s roughly about 45 minutes from Bellingham and a couple of hours from Seattle, so you’ve got good vendor access while still feeling like you’re in the middle of nowhere.
Best Places to Elope in Mount Baker
See this Mount Baker Elopement for inspo!
Where to stay near Mount Baker
North Cascades National Park
Nestled in between Mount Baker and Okanagan-Wenatchee, you have North Cascades National Park, one of the least trafficked National Parks in the lower 48. Home to stunning, turquoise bodies of water and the gateway to Stehekin, a remote area that is only accessible by boat, foot, or seaplane. This area offers up some truly remote adventures. This area is also incredible if you’re wanting a scenic, but challenging hike for your day.
Best Places to Elope in North Cascades National Park
Where to Stay Near North Cascades National Park
When to Visit the North Cascades: A Seasonal Guide
Summer (late July-early September): Snow melts into fields of wildflowers and weather becomes more predictable. Wildfire season begins, and you’ll likely see burn bans and poor air quality, particularly on the eastern side. Wildflowers tend to peak early-mid August, depending on the snowmelt.
Autumn (mid September-early/mid October): The colors start to turn and weather gets a bit moodier as we shift into fall. Larches turn typically in early October, sometimes late September depending on the temperature change. You may see early dustings of snow in September. Typically the road to Artist Point closes by October 15th, but sometimes earlier if there is significant snowfall.
Winter: Once the mountains are packed with snow, this place becomes a winter wonderland. Skiing, snowshoe hikes, and so many winter adventures!
Spring (Marchish – mid July): Very mehhh, in our opinion. Think muddy slush, limited access, and crummy weather. We generally recommend avoiding this time of year.
Managing Crowds in the North Cascades
This varies on the season, but generally Okanagan sees more crowds than Baker and the National Park. This is particularly true during the early summer months and larch madness. The eastern side tends to melt out sooner than the western slopes, making the peak season a bit longer, and when the larches turn, you will see a ton of folks.
Permitting in the North Cascades
Each area handles permitting differently and the rules have been changing each year, so it is important to check in with the permit office of each location:
- For the National Park, the permit system is similar to Olympic, with small groups not needing permits for a ceremony.
- For Mount Baker, you generally don’t need a permit, but may need to submit a group gathering application (super easy and has no cost).
- For Okanangan-Wenatchee, the permitting tends to be a little more complicated.
Are the North Cascades Right for Your Elopement?
The North Cascades are perfect for you if:
- Prioritize privacy and don’t mind putting in some miles for it
- Love dramatic, alpine landscapes
- Are comfy with more adventurous, less developed locations
- Want to avoid the crowds and tourist infrastructure of more popular parks
- Are flexible with timing and down with potentially longer hikes
→ Read our North Cascades Elopement Guide for more insight
Let’s chat locations & build your dream day!
Places to Elope in Washington State by Season:
Choosing your season is just as important as choosing your location when it comes to Washington elopements. Some Washington elopement locations really sing in certain season, while others…just don’t. Here’s what to expect throughout the year and our recommendations for each season to help you choose.
Best Places to Elope in Washington in Spring
(Marchish / April-Juneish)
What to expect: Rain, maybe a mix of late snow. Super green forests, raging waterfalls the deeper into the season you get, and wildflowers peeking out in low elevation areas (like sea-level low). Embrace the mood, pack rain gear, and lean into the moody vibes.
Top Places to Elope in Washington in Spring
- Stick to the Olympic Peninsula, specifically lower elevation areas like Lake Crescent, the rainforests, and the coast during low tide. These areas are genuinely beautiful in spring. The forests are verdant, lush, and alive.
Where to avoid: High elevation areas at Mount Rainier and the North Cascades entirely. Theyre still dealing with snow (not the cute kind) and limited access.
→ Wildflowers? Don’t even think about it yet. Lower elevation areas *might* have some woodland flowers peeking through, but alpine blooms are months away.
| Wildflowers: Don’t even think about it yet. Lower elevation areas might have some woodland flowers, but alpine wildflowers are months away. |
Best Places to Elope in Washington in Summer
(July-Early September)
This is peak everything! Your most predictable weather, peak wildflowers (July-August), and early sunrises and late sunsets.
Best Places to Elope in Washington in Summer
Truthfully, everywhere is stunning, but also crowded.
- If you’re hoping to avoid throngs of folks, opt for the North Cascades, or be strategic about timing. Late July through August is prime time for wildflower blooms. Timing varies by elevation and winter snow, but this is your window!
Where to avoid: High traffic areas like the Hoh are places we’d recommend avoiding. Even with strategic timing, these places can still be absolute madhouses and really kill the intimacy of the day. We also would recommend avoiding areas that are highly impacted by wildfires, or at least having a solid backup plan in place.
Autumn Elopements in Washington
Mmmm the sweet spot for more privacy, epic views and pretty colors. While the weather conditions can change on a dime (in any season, really) Late Autumn sees more rainfall and moody weather. The beginning of September can still see smoke from wildfires, but the incoming rain often helps.
Best Places to Elope in Washington for Autumn
For peak fall colors, opt for the eastern Cascades during Larch Madness. For less crowds, we really like an Olympic National Park elopement after Labor Day. We also really love the western slopes and Mount Baker during this time of year.
Where to avoid: Personally, we love everywhere in the fall, BUT if you’re looking forward to a lush, rainforest, this is the worst time for the Hoh. Typically it’s a little dried out from the summer and not as verdant as it is in the spring. If you’re hoping for Rainier views, know that they get a little more rare the deeper into the season.
Best Places to Elope in Washington in Winter
We love a winter wonderland! And Washington certainly delivers! Snowshoeing in the mountains, snuggling up in the hot tub after skiing some slopes, exploring evergreen forests caked in fresh powder…what a dream, right? You can expect shorter days and frigid temps. It can also be pretty unpredictable weather wise, so we recommend staying flexible and keeping an eye on road closures and conditions.
The best places to elope in Washington in winter will be all the mountain areas where you can snowshoe and ski! We love the Western slopes of the Cascades for this particularly the Mount Baker Ski Area, Heather Meadows and Artist Point. Paradise in Rainier is also stunning. Truly, areas like Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent in the Olympics are also stunning in the winter.
Where to avoid: Places like the Hoh can be super muddy in the winter. While the coast is usually pretty good option, you’ll need to plan around the tide schedules, and remain flexible in case a beach hazard warning is issued. If you’re hoping for a Coastal elopement, we’d recommend considering an Oregon Coast elopement instead, particularly on the southern coast, where the weather tends to be milder.
Feeling clearer on when and where the perfect places to elope Washington are for you? Let’s talk about making it happen. We’ll help you nail down the perfect location, navigate permits, and craft a timeline that gives you the experience you’re dreaming of.
Getting your Washington State Marriage License
Good news! It’s significantly easier than you might be thinking. Eloping in Washington state is refreshingly straightforward from a legal standpoint. Here are the main points you’ll need to consider:
- Your license is valid statewide. Meaning, you can apply for/pick up your license in one county, and get married in another.
- Some counties allow you to apply and receive your marriage license through the mail, making it easier on couples from out of state.
- There is a 3 day waiting period that you’ll need to observe
Washington Marriage License Requirements
- An officiant: Washington requires someone legally authorized to officiate. Luckily, Sam is ordained and happy to serve as officiant if you’re wanting to keep things simple and intimate. Many couples opt for this route when they’re eloping just the two of them and don’t want to coordinate with another vendor.
→ If you want a friend or family member to officiate, they can easily get ordained online through organizations like the Universal Life Church.
- Two Witnesses: You need two people to sign your marriage license as witnesses. This is super easy to handle, as we’re always thrilled to sign as witnesses, or if there is another vendor present, they can also sign.
If you’re truly eloping just the two of you (and us) Sam can sign as your officiant, with Kyle signing as one of your witnesses, and we will undoubtedly run into another human being that will be thrilled to sign as your second witness.
After your Ceremony
- Your officiant will fill out and sign your marriage license after your ceremony, along with your two witnesses.
- Then, your officiant is responsible for returning it to the county within a certain timeframe.
- The county will then process your marriage license and you can request your certified copies.
→ Need help crafting a ceremony that feels like you? Our elopement ceremony guide has a ton of inspiration and frameworks for creating something meaningful and personal.
Choosing the Perfect Place to Elope in Washington State
Here’s the planning sequence that makes the planning process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Step 1: Define Your Vision & Priorities
Reality Check: Do you need to have all of this figured out before you reach out to us? Absolutely NOT!! There are plenty of couples that come to us with a vague idea of what they want their day to look like and we get to help them clarify the vision. |
The Views:
Before you can choose a specific location, get super clear on what’s most important to you. Think about the scenery you want to take in and explore. Do you want to count the snowy mountain peaks, watch the ocean waves roll in, listen to the water lap the shore as wind blows ripples on the lake, feel the spray of water from gushing falls?
Taking a second to consider the landscape that would most inspire you can help you get a lot of clarity and narrow down the best places to elope in Washington for YOUR day.
Activity Level:
Do you want to hike for hours to reach a remote alpine lake? Or would you prefer easier-access spots? Do you want a location that’s easy for your guests to get to and a second location that’s more of an adventure for just the two of you?
Are there specific activities you’d like to include like paddleboarding, kayaking, or skiing?
Privacy level:
How important is solitude to you? Are you okay with strategically timing around crowds, or are you looking for more of a “out in the middle of nowhere type” of privacy.
Weather:
Do you feel like the “weather is just another element of the story” type, or are you hoping for more predictable conditions? This will heavily influence your season and location choice.
Step 2: Book Your Washington Elopement Photographer
Maybe this seems backwards, but trust us when we say, you should book your Washington elopement photographer BEFORE you decide on the places to elope in Washington, or lock in specifics. Here’s why:
- An adventure elopement photographer that knows the best places to elope in Washington intimately becomes your planning partner and logistic expert.
- We know which spots get crowded when, where permits are needed, what times of the year are actually amazing versus meh, which spots work for your activity level, and how to structure your day for beautiful images and an incredible experience.
- The right Washington elopement photographer can also help connect you with other incredible vendors that work or service your chosen area
Curious about our approach and what working together looks like? Learn more about our elopement packages and planning process →
Choose the Perfect Place to Elope in Washington
Once you’ve booked your Washington elopement photographer, you’ll work together to narrow down the perfect elopement location. This usually involves:
- A conversation about your vision, priorities, and what you’re wanting your experience to look like
- A detailed questionnaire where you can really think through your vision and what you want your day to feel like
- A custom location guide built just for you, including ceremony spots, portrait locations, timeline suggestions, travel recommendations, lodging options, and vendors.
| Keep in mind, this location guide isn’t just ceremony spots, it is a comprehensive resource for your whole elopement experience. This is honestly just a peek at the kind of support we provide our couples. Get a better idea about how we do things → |
Step 4: Let the Details Fall into place
After you’ve selected your locations, everything else begins to fall into place crazy fast. You’ll want to at least have a general area figured out before tackling these logistics.
- Book your lodging:
- We’ll provide lodging options that fit the vibe and keep you close to your locations.
- Apply for your permits:
- We’ll guide you through this and make sure you have all the info you need to apply. Typically you’ll need your ceremony location, a window of time, and a few other details figured out before you can apply
- Book additional vendors:
- When you have a general location figured out, you can begin reaching out to other vendors. Based on your vision, we’ll also send a list of vendors that serve your area.
- Apply for your marriage license:
- Remember to observe the 3 day waiting period and that your license is valid for 60 days.
After that, YOU GET MARRIED and have the best day ever!!
New to elopements and not sure where to start? Our complete guide on how to elope covers everything you need to know (down to the details).
A FINAL NOTE ON PLACES TO ELOPE IN WASHINGTON
Whether you’re still deciding between Mount Rainier’s iconic views and Olympic’s diverse landscapes, you already know that a North Cascades elopement is perfect for you, or you’re somewhere in-between, just know that we’re here for all of it.
We’re here to help you craft a Washington elopement that’s as intentional and adventurous as you are. One that prioritizes the experience you want, not just the bangin’ photos you’ll get (though those will be incredible as well). One where you actually get to enjoy your day instead of stressing about logistics, permits, or if you picked the “best” spot.
Because, here’s the thing: there is no single best spot. There’s the spot that’s best for you, and we’re realllyyy good at helping folks figure out exactly what that is.
Let’s make this happen, let’s hear your vision and dig into what you’re dreaming of for your day.
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