Last Minute Elopement Guide | PNW Edition
Genuinely, we love a last minute elopement. They have been some of our absolute favorite days. The ones where couples have said “screw it, let’s do it” and reached out within weeks of getting married. There is just something electric about that spontaneous energy that permeates through the entire day in the most incredible way.
In fact, we love these types of days so much that we intentionally keep space in our calendar for these spontaneous babes, especially during the shoulder seasons (fall + spring) when the Pacific Northwest starts to slow down, and the weather starts to add some extra spice to the mix.
So, if you’re reading this with butterflies in your stomach, or feeling all buzzy with the excitement of planning an elopement in weeks instead of months, this one’s for you, baby.
- Crafting a Last-Minute Elopement Without Sacrificing Intention
- Best Locations for Last-Minute Elopements
- Planning Your Last-Minute Elopement Around PNW Weather
- Your Planning Strategy
- Your Elopement Photographers (hii it’s us)
Crafting a Last Minute Elopement Without Sacrificing Intention
When the timeline is tight, intentionality becomes your superpower. When you need to make decisions quickly, having a clear vision is a game-changer. So, let’s chat about the big decisions first:
Guests for your last minute elopement
Keeping things intimate is the name of the game here. The more folks you involve in your wedding day, the more logistics you’ll need to consider.
👉 Our advice: Keep it just the two of you, or be absolutely ruthless with your guest list. Keeping to the folks that you absolutely cannot imagine getting married without.
For many couples eloping at the last minute, that means just the two of them, but there are also folks who can’t fathom not having their parents or siblings witness their day.
You can absolutely have your clutch crew with you, but (and this may be a hot take), if someone isn’t going to enhance your day, they don’t need to be there.
Ideally, you’re keeping it to around 5 tops in your group (that includes you).
Check out this resource on how to elope that breaks down the planning process even more
Marriage License for your last minute elopement
To be legally married, you’ll need to apply for your marriage license!
For Washington:
- You can apply for your license in any county and it is valid throughout the state
- You’ll need an officiant and two witnesses
- You must observe the 3 day waiting period this cannot be waived
Oregon:
- You can apply for your license in any county and it is valid throughout the state
- You’ll need an officiant and two witnesses
- You must observe the 3 day waiting period, but can also have this waived for a small fee and proof that you’re getting married in less than 3 days
Officiant Options
- You can absolutely hire an officiant to lead your ceremony and sign your marriage license. We have plenty that we love to recommend.
- If you have guests joining you, they can easily become ordained online (totally free) and serve as your officiant.
- You can take care of the paperwork at home before or after your elopement.
- Sam is ordained and happy to serve as your officiant!
| Pro Tip: Don’t stress about witnesses if it’s just the two of you! Kyle is always thrilled to sign, and we will absolutely run into another human being during your day. |
Vendors for your last minute elopement
This is really going to be about distilling your day down to its absolute essence. With spontaneous elopements, many vendors may likely already be booked or unavailable, so it’s important to be flexible here.
👉 Our advice: Hire your adventure elopement photographer first. They’ll be the ones that can really make things happen crazy fast. We’ve planned elopements less than a week and half, so we’ve seen it all in terms of last minute elopement planning.
Find elopement photographers that offer planning support (hi, that’s us). For our more spontaneous couples, many end up with a curated location guide, detailed timeline, and lodging recommendations right after they book.
We take a lot of time on the initial call to get to know you, hear your vision, and immediately start game-planning with you. Our goal for first calls isn’t that you book with us, but instead that you have a clear vision and feel excited about the next steps (not stressed or overwhelmed)
Details and Attire
Start gathering your wedding attire ASAP. Opt for clothing that doesn’t need a lot of alterations, or work with a tailor that can work with a tight turn around time. Dresses with flowy fabric may need less tailoring. These are usually simple or minimalist designs with fabric that doesn’t have a ton of beading or intricate details.
Think flowy skirts with lighter fabrics and simple silhouettes
For suits, focus on finding something that has a good “off-the-rack” fit. Higher quality suits tend to be a good option for this.
Special Use Permits
Definitely one of the biggest considerations, and we’ll be going into detail in the next section, but this is one of the biggest logistics to figure out first! Many locations, like National Parks (most, but not all) will require you to have a Special Use Permit to have your ceremony in the park boundary, even if it’s just the two of you.
While we’ve helped couples secure a special use permit within two weeks of their elopement, a back up plan is always needed for areas that require a permit. Typically, we like for couples to give themselves a minimum of 6 weeks to get their permit approved. But, for last minute elopements, that isn’t always an option.
👉 Our advice: If you’re hoping for a location that is within a National Park boundary, fill out your permit application as soon as you have the necessary information (location, timing, etc.). Then, you’ll likely need to put a call into the office, or send a separate email to expedite the process.
Keep in mind that you will only need a permit for your ceremony. You can take portraits in the park in your wedding attire without a special use permit.
Best locations for your Last Minute Elopement
This is where local knowledge pays dividends, baby!! You won’t have to worry about permits or where to go, because you’ve got us.
Here are some go-to spots for last minute elopements
The Many National Forests
Gonna start off with some faves here! National Forests are the absolute best if you’re wanting privacy and don’t want to worry about permits. While not as manicured as National Parks, these areas offer up raw, accessible, and absolutely stunning locations for your day. Old growth forests, mountain views, alpine lakes, waterfalls, these areas have them all.
Fave National Forests: Mount Baker, Gifford Pinchot, Mount Hood
👉 Check out this Mount Baker elopement and Our Guide on How to elope in the North Cascades
The Oregon Coast
No permits required under 50 folks and you’ll have access to dramatic sea stacks, ethereal forests, and rugged cliffs giving you epic views of the Pacific. If you stick to the northern coast, you’ll have more vendors and lodging options, while the southern coast will bring you more mild weather patterns.
👉 Check out our guide to planning an Oregon Coast elopement
Olympic National Park
Dare we say it has everything? Mountains, lakes, rainforests, waterfalls, and a rugged coastline. This area is so incredibly special, and if you have 5 or less in your group, you won’t need a permit for your ceremony.
👉 Our guide to planning your Olympic National Park elopement
Planning your last minute elopement around the weather
The weather in the Pacific Northwest is a feature of every elopement day. That moody marine layer rolling in during your vows? That burst of sunlight breaking through the storm clouds? That’s not just weather, it’s an entire element of your day.
We shoot in every type of weather because the most compelling stories often happen when the conditions get a little interesting.
What to expect each season
Spring
Spring: Likely a lot of snow in the mountains. Lower elevations will see gushing falls, wildlife and wildflowers beginning to pop up. Rain and a moody atmosphere is to be expected, early in the season you may still have some surprise snow.
Summer
Weather is more predictable, lower tides, and wildflowers will hit their peak around mid-August. Snow is typically melted out in most areas late July-early August. Watch for wildfires, crummy air quality, and crowds.
Fall
Moodier weather and crisp temperatures. Foggy mornings and fall colors. Our fave season TBH. Access to certain mountain areas starts to close down around mid-late October.
Winter
Mountains are covered in snow (gorgeous), lower elevations are likely wet and cold. Pockets of sunny days can be found on the coast, particularly the southern coast, but honestly, count on rain.
Your Last Minute Elopement Strategy
Priority One – Secure your photographer – They will be your go-to-guides for finding the perfect locations, crafting your timeline, and will often serve as your officiant (yup, we’re ordained). Lock them in and everything else will fall into place.
Choose your location – Stick to permit-free areas that are also crazy stunning in the season you’ll be there!
Embrace the process – The best last minute elopements happen when couples lean into collaboration and allow the day to unfold.
The Pacific Northwest was basically made for intimate, adventure focused elopements. The landscapes are part of the story, and when you combine that natural drama with intentional planning, you get something pretty extraordinary.
We’ve seen it happen over and over again: couples who trust the process, invest in a quality experience, and embrace the beautiful uncertainty of a spontaneous wedding day, create some of the most compelling stories we’ve gotten to witness.
Your Elopement Photographers
We’re a married photography duo based in the PNW, driven by an insatiable love for the outdoors and a deep passion for celebrating couples in the beauty of the natural world.
The best moments are the ones you live in—the ones where you’re present, fully immersed in the experience, and wrapped in the embrace of the world around you.
Inspired by human connection, the values of our couples, and the landscapes they explore, we’re here to co-create a celebration that reflects your unique story.
Our Philosophy?
Beautiful photos come from a damn good time.
Honest storytelling, and intentional moments start long before your elopement day.
Our work is a collaborative effort with our couples, focused on intentionality, connection, and exploring inspiring places together.
Together, we’ll co-create a day where you’re free to fully embrace the moment.
Ready to see what’s possible when you trust the adventure? Let’s Talk
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