5 Places to Elope in Washington State
So... you've decided to elope in Washington but have no idea where to do it? As a Washington elopement photographer, I know all the best places to elope in Washington (and I'm here to share it with you!). I love helping couples find their perfect spot to say their vows and I'm here to help you every step of the way.
Washington is one of the most beautiful places in the entire world and I'm so happy to call it my home. The state has so much to offer, from rugged coastal beaches, waterfalls, enormous volcanoes, mossy rain forests, glaciers, stunning mountain ranges, and gorgeous alpine lakes. Washington has endless trails to explore, three national parks, multiple state lands and national forest, and loads of hidden gems to discover. If you want to plan a totally rad adventure for the day you get married- Washington is definitely the place for you.
This list contains general regions and non-specific areas in Washington- I only give out my best, secret locations to my elopement couples who hire me (and you can become one of them by contacting me!). If you want to find the best place to elope in Washington, you're in the right place.
1. Mount Baker Wilderness and North Cascades National Park
The Mount Baker Wilderness and North Cascades National Park is hands down one of my favorite places to explore in the entire world. The North Cascades is one of the least visited parks in the U.S., making it the ultimate destination for those seeking remoteness and the opportunity to truly be one with nature. Mount Baker is perfect for adventure enthusiasts and for those with a deep love of the outdoors.
With seemingly endless miles of trails to hike, you won't easily run out of places to explore. Featuring rugged mountain ranges, glaciers, waterfalls, countless alpine lakes, and the absolutely stunning Mount Baker, this is the perfect place to say your vows.
Check out this epic Mount Baker Wilderness elopement at my all-time favorite trail in the world! Or Learn How to Elope in North Cascades National Park!
2. Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is so incredibly diverse, containing stunning mountain ranges, rugged beaches, lakes, and even rain forests! If you want multiple different sceneries during your adventure elopement, this is the place for you. The remote beaches feature enormous sea stacks in the ocean, dramatic cliffs, and driftwood strewn across the beaches. The mountain ranges offer stunning views, and even more beautiful sunrises. The rain forest is an enchanted paradise with it's moss covered trees, waterfalls, rivers, ferns, and a never-ending sea of lush greenery. Full of hidden gems to discover, Olympic National Park is a fantastic place to say your vows at.
3. Mount Rainier National Park
Arguably the most famous mountain in the state, Mount Rainier stands at a stunning 14,411 feet tall. Adventure enthusiasts flock to Mount Rainier to explore it's countless trails with epic views of lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, mountains, and of Mt. Rainier herself.
Mount Rainier National Park holds a special place in my heart, there's something so magnetizing and fascinating about her. When I first moved here from Arizona and saw her in person, my heart stopped and I knew without a doubt that I was home. One of my biggest goals in life is to summit Mount Rainier one day. However, in the meantime, I'll just be happy to explore the trails in the park every chance I get.
Side note: There are also TONS of trails just outside the park's boundaries that have stellar views of Mount Rainier and are less crowded than the park itself! Plus, if you elope outside the park you can bring your dog along. :)
Check out this stunning Mount Rainier Engagement Photos for some inspiration.
4. Snoqualmie National Forest
The Snoqualmie National Forest has SO many different gorgeous locations to explore and would be a great choice to get married at. It offers gorgeous alpine lakes, waterfalls, mountain ranges, and a beautiful forest. Due to it's close proximity to Seattle, the trails can get quite crowded on the weekend. However, if you know where to look, you can travel off the beaten path and find a cozy spot all to yourself. If you want to elope in the Snoqualmie National Forest and also want to escape the crowds, I would definitely recommend a weekday elopement!
5. Alpine Lakes Wilderness & Central Cascades
The Alpine Lakes Wilderness contains some of the most jaw-dropping and pristine sceneries I've ever seen. Spanning over 394,000 acres and containing 615 miles of trails, there are so many options for you to adventure in. Boasting more than 700 lakes, this wilderness area is truly enchanting. Some of the best lakes require quite the hike to access, so if you want an epic backpacking elopement- the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is truly the spot for you.
Other things to consider for your Washington elopement
Most of these locations require a permit to get married at, so definitely look into the process of acquiring a permit well in advance of your elopement day so you aren't rushing and stressing over it last minute!
The best time to visit and elope in Washington is June-October
The summer months (July & August) are typically the driest months of the year and the best times to elope in the mountains
Consider getting married on a weekday for a more intimate experience! Washington is full of adventure enthusiasts, so many trails can get crowded on the weekends- especially during the busy summer months.
If it rains, just have fun and go with it! I love experiencing Washington in the rain and I believe that it even enhances the beauty of it all
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Want More Resources?
Learn more about what you can do on your all-day elopement and get timeline suggestions.
Discover How to Elope in Washington.
Want to elope outdoors but without a super long hike? I got you. Read this article on 6 places to elope in Washington with no hiking!
Hire Your Washington Elopement Photographer
Hi! My name is Kathleen and I'm an adventure wedding and elopement photographer (and your new friend!). I'm here to help guide you to having the ultimate wedding day experience, and to document every single moment of it. I would love to help you plan your elopement and answer any questions you may have! Learn more about me or my Washington Elopement Packages.
Get in touch with me and let's start planning your dream adventure.