Gone are the days when an elopement means running off secretly and getting married at a court house and keeping everything hush-hush. Today, elopements are on the rise for a reason. A modern elopement means that you get to craft how you want to get married. Your options are limitless. You get to choose to to natural places that may be significant to you both or you might want to choose a new place for you to explore together. When you choose to have an elopement, you are choosing YOU and your partner, above all else. Your hours, your choices, your timeline. Your experience.
If you’re here, you might be deciding if you want to elope in Washington state. Congratulations! The Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful and epic places to get married. Why not pack your wedding dress in a backpack, hike a few miles, and say your vows at a viewpoint? Maybe get ready at a small a-frame in the woods or at a fire look out on a ridge? Or perhaps something a fun adventure that accessible for every body. A rugged terrain you can drive on with a majestic mountain view at the end? A campground where you can snuggle by a campfire, listening to the crashing of ocean waves. There is something for everyone here in Washington. They don’t call the PNW a wonderland for nothing.
1) Mount Rainier National Park
There aren’t enough words to describe this park. It’s an outdoor lover’s dream. Alpine lakes, evergreen forests, waterfalls, rugged mountain peaks, and of course, Rainier itself. This majestic mountain towers over. Its power is undeniable. Why not have the elopement of your dreams in one of the dreamiest locations in the Pacific Northwest? We may also be biased because this is where we got engaged.
Like most national parks, Mount Rainier has restrictions and permitting requirements. When planning your elopement, take note of those conditions such as guest counts and specific locations you’re permitted to go.
(ex: “1-12 participants may use certain pre-determined locations, which may include select trails, picnic areas, roadside locations, and campground amphitheaters.” (NPS)
To apply, you need to fill out an application form and email it to mora_special_use@nps.gov. You have to submit your application at least a month before your elopement date. Once your application is received, you will be given instructions on paying the non-refundable application fee online. (read more here)
2) Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Mike lived in Bellingham to go to WWU, so Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is near and dear to our hearts. We visited this side of Washington so many times, and every time, it is spectacular.
3) Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park features three easily accessible ecosystems. You can go into the coast, up to see the Olympic mountains and alpine areas, and down into the temperate rain forest. Choosing to elope in Olympic National Park guarantees an adventure, perfect to celebrate the beginning of this new chapter in your lives.
Special use permits are required for all weddings and elopement ceremonies. You can download the application on their website which can be found here. They also recommend emailing them to let them know. Another permit that might be required is the Still Photography permit, which is for us, your photographers. They process these applications 3-4 weeks prior to your elopement day. Something to think about for sure.
4) North Cascades National Park
A breathtaking gem in Washington state. It has a vast wilderness filled with mountains, glaciers, peaks, and lakes. There are so many things to do in this national park, and we think it is a bit underrated considering how gorgeous it is here. We’ve explored so many places here from Blue Lake to Twin Lakes, driving through rugged roads with incomparable views and environment. But we feel like we have barely scratched the surface. If you want to feel awe-inspired, we highly recommend the North Cascades.
5) Mountain Passes
There are a couple that we’ve photographed at. Steven’s Pass, Snoqualmie Pass… so we’re putting them all in here. A mountain pass is a great place to elope because the scenery is often epic. They are also usually easily accessible since you can just drive there. We believe that every BODY is outdoorsy and can have an adventure, no matter what. We love places like this that provide breathtaking spaces that are easy to get to.
6) Leavenworth
Leavenworth is located in the beautiful Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. It is a great place to elope especially if you’re looking to explore the area for multiple days. There is something for everyone. It has a Bavarian town where you can grab a beer and stop by cute shops. Year round, it also offers a lot of options of cabin stays. Its outdoor opportunities are endless too. Lots of hiking trails, and view points. Places like Colchuk Lake are worth mentioning. It is an 8 mile roundtrip trip in this alpine paradise, and while it’s beautiful in every season, the larches in the fall are something worth waiting for too.
7) San Juan Islands
One of our favorite places! We love how quiet, serene, quaint, and peaceful the islands are. There is something for everyone in every island. From numerous hiking trails to whale watching to rugged and rocky beaches, it is the perfect place to explore and have your adventure elopement. Let’s start your elopement on the ferry in your elopement outfits. With the wind in your hair and the fresh sea breeze, it is a dream and quintessentially Pacific Northwest.
