Washington Elopement Guide
Updated For 2024
The Ultimate Guide for Eloping in Washington State
How to Elope in Washington, the Best epic & adventurous locations, permit & weather information, and more!
Table of Contents:
How to elope in Washington
Best time of year to plan your elopement
The best Washington locations
Elopement permits
What to pack for your elopement
Washington elopement packages
01) Pick the time of year
02) Hire your photographer
03) Photographer will help you pick locations (that’s me!)
04) Apply for necessary permits
05) Get your accommodations & marriage license ready
06) Hire any other vendors & plan your activities
How to elope in Washington
In general, I recommend planning your adventurous Washington Elopement between June-October for the best weather possible!
Winter and Spring tend to be extremely unpredictable and usually rainy. June-October you’re likely to have a perfectly lovely temperature and mostly sunny days.
If you’re looking at eloping in the mountains, there will likely still be snow most places until July. August and September are more ideal mountain months for both weather and wildflowers!
Best time of year
The Best Locations to Elope in Washington State
Mountains
Mount Rainier National Park
The Reflection Lakes are one of the most iconic views around Mt. Rainier. Whether Autumn or Summer, this is easily one of the top photographed spots in all of Washington state. You’ll find beautiful colors in wildflowers and other foliage regardless of the season—along with wildlife, mountaintops, and lakes.
Located on the South side of Mt. Rainier, the Skyline Trail gives you some of the most beautiful views of the mountain. During the Summer peak season, you’re greeted with colorful meadows and glacial ridges with waterfalls. It’s truly breathtaking and actually has a longer hiking season due to its location.
If you can look away from the beautiful sight of Mount Rainier, there's another wedding destination nearby: 72-feet high Myrtle Falls. Even with Mount Rainier in the background, this is where everyone with a camera stops for a photo. It's an easy stroll to get there and a stunning setting for an elopement. You’ll see where the falls run down into a deep gorge created by the nearby creek. They flow all year, but Winter isn’t an option as the trails get cut off by snow.
If you want postcard sights of Mount Rainier as the backdrop for your elopement, then the Sourdough Ridge trail is the perfect spot. This trail through the subalpine meadows provides stunning views of the Emmons Glacier and 360-degree sights from Dege Peak. Plus the abundance of wildflowers along the trail makes for fantastic photographs.
The fields bordering Sunrise—the highest peak in the park—are known as Yakima Park. During Summer, this area was a favorite of the Yakama tribe for gathering and hunting. And for thousands of years, these and other subalpine fields have been important to natives for their natural beauty. For your elopement, there are few other spots near Mt. Rainier that provides so much contrast in nature.
Tipsoo Lake is lovely throughout the year! But when the wildflowers are in bloom, it’s like you walked into a Disney movie. They are extraordinary! The blossoms are dependent on climate patterns and snowmelt, but August is usually primetime for this incredible wedding backdrop.
Trek to an old fire lookout with in-your-face views of Mount Rainier and an azure blue lake below. Tolmie Peak as well as Eunice Lake pack a one-two punch for landscapes. But while quitting at the picturesque lake is a completely acceptable location, it’s best to take things onto the trail where you can elope amidst beautiful forests and a stunning mix of rock and greenery.
Mt. St. Helens National Monument
BOUNDARY TRAIL FROM JOHNSTON RIDGE OBSERVATORY
The Johnston Ridge Observatory is a regular stop for visitors to Mount St. Helens National Monument. Its appeal is understandable, considering that the visitor center is perched on a ridge overlooking the 1980 blast zone with views of the steaming caldera. But just beyond the observatory, is an easy, tranquil trail that provides spectacular views of a tundra-esq landscape filled with hundreds of elk roaming around. For a wedding, there are plenty of stopping points along the 4.6 mile loop that would make for a perfect setting.
This ridge and trail is named after a guy who wouldn’t leave when St. Helens was about to erupt. But don’t let the backstory fool you, the trail itself offers panoramic views of Mt. St. Helens that would make any nature enthusiast jealous. The trail itself is a ‘hiker’s trail’, but it’s over 7.8 miles, so there are plenty of stopping points to set up a magnificent elopement.
Popular due to the fact that it's the best equilibrium between day hiking and casual hikes for kids, Hummocks is a fairly flat loop walk among oddly formed hills left by the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980. The trail is full of wildlife like elk and many species of waterfowl and can serve as an incredible background for any elopement.
Norway Pass shows just how fast nature can come back when something catastrophic happens. There’s a lot of open areas within the pass, so there aren’t as many trees as other trails on this list. But in its place are fields and fields of wildflowers breaking through the landscape. With the hills, shrubs, flowers, and other vegetation, it’s become one of the most popular elopement sites all around Mt. St. Helens.
The Loowit Trail is a little more challenging than some of the others. But for an elopement, you don’t have to get into the difficult areas to find pumice fields teeming with wildflowers and gullies full of water. Combine those views with Mt. St. Helens in the backdrop, and you have an unforgettable wedding scenario.
North Cascades National Park
They don’t call it ‘Artist Point’ for nothing. This marvelous point is full of panoramic peak views, meadows full of wildflowers, and of course, alpine lakes. This is a good starting point for casual hikers as you can drive right up to it, so it’s a very popular area. Fortunately, there are a lot of side trails perfect for eloping where you and guests can get away from any crowd.
If you’re looking for an elopement spot that’s great for some additional family members and guests, then don’t ‘overlook’—couldn’t resist—Washington Pass Overlook. From here you can see the magnificent granite peaks and lush green forests for miles in every direction. Plus you can drive right up to it and there’s even wheelchair accessibility.
If you really want to get off the beaten track Stehekin is the place. There’s no accessibility by car. You’ll need to take a boat or plane or hike or go by horseback. It easily doubles as an elopement and honeymoon destination with tons of activities like kayaking, skywatching and of course, horseback riding. It’s the ultimate outdoor-lovers' elopement location.
FIRE LOOKOUTS
Fire lookout points are fantastic backdrops for elopements. And fortunately, North Cascades National Park has tons of them! They’re not the most family friendly spots as they’re located at very high peak points. But those points give spectacular panoramic views of the landscape that go on for miles. Plus, many are available for overnight stays, so you and your significant other can double down on the adventure.
Olympic National Park
HURRICANE RIDGE
Hurricane Ridge is a prominent mountainous area located within Olympic National Park in Washington State, USA. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including the snow-capped Olympic Mountains. Visitors can access Hurricane Ridge by car, driving along a winding road that leads to the heart of the ridge. The ridge is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, providing opportunities for hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife viewing. With an elevation of over 5,200 feet, Hurricane Ridge is known for its diverse ecosystems, ranging from subalpine meadows to dense forests, making it a must-visit location for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
OBSTRUCTION POINT
The Obstruction Point Trail is situated in the northern part of Olympic National Park, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Access to the trailhead is typically via Hurricane Ridge Road. The trail is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, featuring expansive vistas of the Olympic Mountains, alpine meadows, and diverse ecosystems. Hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Mount Olympus. Due to its elevation, Obstruction Point Trail is often covered in snow during the winter months, making it primarily accessible in the summer. The trail is a popular destination for those seeking wildflower displays during the warmer months.
MT STORM KING
The Mount Storm King Trail in Olympic National Park is a challenging and rewarding hike renowned for its spectacular views of Lake Crescent and the surrounding mountains. The trailhead is accessible near the Storm King Ranger Station, and the ascent involves steep sections and rocky terrain. Hikers who reach the summit are treated to a breathtaking panoramic vista, making the effort well worth the stunning scenery of the pristine lake and lush landscapes below.
Lakes
Without a doubt, Gold Creek Pond offers everything you need for a beautiful elopement or small wedding. It’s full of natural beauty and is easily accessible to everyone. The pond itself looks more like a lake and is surrounded by lush, green forests and wildflowers. On a sunny day, you’ll have spectacular pictures to treasure for a lifetime.
Lake Chelan is breathtaking! A glacier feeds this huge lake that extends for over 50 miles. No wonder it’s one of the most popular lakes in the state. Around the lake, there are tons of shaded trails with fantastic views of the lake and all the glorious surroundings. In Summer, you’ll get clear blue water and plenty of sunny days for an elopement.
LAKE WENATCHEE
You can do it all at Lake Wenatchee—mountain climbing, horseback riding, paddleboarding. And of course, it’s a beautiful spot for a small elopement ceremony. The lake is crystal clear and surrounded by tall mountain peaks. This is a destination spot for fans of watersports with year-round camping. So whether you want a snowy backdrop or the sights and sounds of Summer, Wenatchee can provide the perfect backdrop.
DIABLO LAKE
Not currently open for elopements or photos
The North Cascades are a great place for eloping, but Diablo Lake is exceptional because it offers the ability to elope in Winter and early Spring as well. The area around the lake is rugged but full of vegetation and spectacular snow-capped views of the Cascades. It’s a little bit of a climb, but when you get there, you’ll understand why it’s a popular elopement spot!
LAKE CUSHMAN
Lake Cushman has crystal clean water and thick forests that run along the shoreline. It’s a very popular lake full of opportunities for watersports and hiking. A lot of the trails are steep, but they make for wonderful photographs with the rocky peaks and green trees. After the wedding, there are tons of camping sites around, so you can have an intimate wedding and honeymoon all in one spectacular place.
Located just west of Port Angeles, Lake Crescent lies within the Northern foothills of the Olympic Mountains. Carved out by a glacier, the lake is full of pristine blue water and completely surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Lake Crescent is known for the large number of lodges in the area that make for a wonderful spot to land after the elopement.
Spirit Lake is aptly titled as this lake takes on a new physical form every time there’s volcanic activity, but it’s spirit lives on. When Mt St. Heles erupted, the landslide set off a giant tidal wave and reduced the depth of the lake. This created more of a giant pond full of volcanic debris. And it’s that backdrop that creates an opportunity for a truly unique elopement. The lake is surrounded by low lying ridges and high peaks along with interesting stockpiles of driftwood.
The trails around Rattlesnake Ledge and lake are more manicured than some of the other areas on the list, as it’s a busier trail. But there are lots of opportunities to find private stops for the perfect elopement. On the trail, you’ll find views of Mount Si and Washington and there are some wonderful sights around the Cedar River watershed. No matter what backdrop you want, this area has lots of potential.
Desert
VANTAGE
Vantage is like something out of a Spaghetti Western with its desert landscape lined with cliffs. Here, you and your significant other can elope on the cliffs overlooking the vastness of the sand dunes or the gorges around.. Or, you can even get right into the dunes with amazing views surrounding for a more interesting look. Regardless, with the sun shining overhead, you won’t be disappointed by this location.
CHELAN, ENTIAT, WINTHROP
Located within a small section of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, this area has the Chelan Mountains in the northeast and the Entiat Mountains in the west with the Entiat River Valley splitting the two ranges. Simply put, it has everything—rivers, trees, and mountain peaks! Plus the Glacier Peak Wilderness Area is just to the north. You’d be hard pressed to find a bad spot to elope in this naturally beautiful wonderland.
Even if you don’t choose Palouse Falls for an elopement, this is a spot you should see at least once in your life. The falls drop over 200 feet into a massive bowl and then the current takes everything downstream through the gorge to the Snake River. The falls are relics of the last Ice Age and were named the state waterfall of Washington in 2014. With all of the photographers and painters coming here, it’s no wonder that they’d be one of the top spots for an elopement in Washington state.
If you want to elope somewhere a little more rugged, the Horsethief Butte is a favorite for rock climbing. Your wedding will have amazing cliffs, beautiful wildflowers, and spectacular views of both the Columbia River and Mount Hood. Who knows? You might have some wildlife in the background too as it’s a popular spot for both eagles and falcons.
Columbia River Gorge
Beacon rock was once the core of an ancient volcano. But over millions of years, water has carved away at the rock and created a place with some of the most spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge around. Even Lewis and Clark camped here on their journey to the Pacific! For an elopement, you’ll be surrounded by stunning cliffs and a wildly green landscape that make for phenomenal photos.
The Columbia River Gorge is very popular, so it’s often a chore to find more secluded areas for elopements. Fortunately, the Panther Creek Falls aren’t as popular as they’re a little off the beaten path. But the walk there is both short and beautiful, and the falls have a solid viewing deck. Overall, it’s a superb spot for an elopement with a magnificent backdrop.
STRAWBERRY ISLAND
The Strawberry Island loop is a 4-mile trail that goes along the Columbia River Gorge. It’s easy to walk and full of stunning views of the river and surrounding hillside. This is a perfect spot for a spring or summer elopement as it doesn’t get too hot. In the summer, you can even wade across the river to Ives Island for some fun pictures. It’s always nice to add a little adventure to the elopement!
Coast
Known for its reddish sand, Ruby Beach has the colors that make for unforgettable sunsets. Your elopement can have it and so much more! With rocky stacks and the magnificent Pacific water, you can create memories of a lifetime. Plus, the area has tons of interesting looking driftwood around that make for a perfect Pacific Northwest vibe.
Around La Push are three of Washington’s most scenic beaches—it’s always good to have options! You can’t travel from beach to beach directly, so it’s best to make a choice beforehand. But for an elopement, it doesn’t get much better than this. The sunsets, wildlife, and cooler temperatures make for a great Pacific Northwest elopement that everyone can enjoy. Just don’t expect to jump in the water without a wetsuit!
Looking for windy cliffs and lighthouses for your elopement? Cape Disappointment won’t leave you disappointed as it’s the perfect place to smell the sea air and view the meeting of the Pacific and the Columbia River. Around the seafront, you can hike through old forests and see both freshwater lakes and saltwater marshes. This spot is a wedding photographer’s dream and could be a breathtaking location for your wedding.
If you want a beachfront wedding, Scenic Beach State Park has over 1,500 feet of it located on the Hood Canal. The whole park is picturesque and full of groomed trails that lead to some spectacular views of the Pacific. The park is famous for its wild rhododendrons and also has some wonderful views of the Olympic Mountains. Your elopement could even feature some of the amazing wildlife in the area.
WHIDBEY ISLAND - EBEY’S LANDING
Located on a bluff that overlooks the Puget Sound, Ebey’s Landing is a unique location in Washington State. And that’s saying a lot considering all of the other locations on this list. From here you get magical views of the Pacific along with the Coupeville seaport and actua, working farms around. There’s plenty of wildlife, and it’s all rolled into one amazing spot.
What you’ll need:
To get married in the area you’ll need your marriage license, a photography permit and a wedding permit. Every park is slightly different, so it is important to review each park’s permitting rules and call the permit department if you have further questions. Permits do not include park entrance fees. Symbolic ceremonies usually don’t require these permits.
For every spot, you’ll at least need a special use permit for the wedding. This requires that you send in a form at least a month before the elopement to be safe and to pay the fee.
Here are links to the Washington State Park Permit Page and the National Park Permit page, so you can fill them out beforehand based on where you want to elope. Regardless, it’s best to visit the park page of the exact site where you want to get married beforehand.
You and your guests will also need park passes along with your permits to legally get married within the parks. You can buy day passes for the individual parks or seasonal passes if you plan to come back on the regular. Here are the sites for Washington State Park Passes and National Park passes.
Washington state marriage license
Getting a marriage license is a straightforward process, but here are some important things to know about marriage licenses in Washington:
It’s possible to get a marriage license from any county, and the license is valid in the entire state. However, they require that you return the license back to the same county where you got it—but you can do it by mail!
A Washington state marriage license costs $69—nonrefundable.
The license if valid for 60 days
You may not get married on the same day you get your license. There is a three-day waiting period.
You must have an ordained officiant and two witnesses present at the wedding.
Washington Packages
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Full Day $7,500
7 hours of coverage
3-5 locations + capturing any activities you do
Split or consecutive coverage
Includes any necessary photography permits
Includes ALL TRAVEL FEES to get here
Vendor referrals, location recommendations, help planning your timeline
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Half Day $6,000
4 hours of coverage
2-3 location
Consecutive coverage or $250 extra for split
Includes any necessary photography permits
Includes ALL TRAVEL FEES to get here
Vendor referrals, location recommendations, help planning your timeline
-
Golden Hour $4,500
2 hours of coverage (elopements only)
1-2 locations
Sunrise OR sunset - to get the best lighting
Includes any necessary photography permits
Includes ALL TRAVEL FEES to get here
Vendor referrals, location recommendations and help planning your timeline
If you plan on hiking for your elopement, make sure to come prepared!
Extra layers
Downloaded map of the area
First-aid kit
Pocket knife, fire starter, compass
Flashlight with extra batteries
Extra food
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Park Pass
Recent Washington Elopements
Let’s work together.
Fill out this form as detailed as possible and we’ll be planning together in no time!
A fall elopement shoot at Artist’s Point near Mount Baker in northern Washington.