The ultimate guide to elope in Washington State
TIPS. VENUES & LOCATION IDEAS FOR AN ADVENTUROUS WASHINGTON ELOPEMENT
The US is home to some incredible landscapes – but few states are as scenic as Washington on the Pacific Northwest corner of the country! With rugged beaches, towering mountains, lush forests, and vast deserts, you can tie the knot in just about any landscape. This guide will tell you everything you need to know to elope in Washington state, and how to plan the perfect adventurous wedding day!
Let’s dive in…
Welcome to the Adventure of a Lifetime
Hey there, I’m Amber! I’m your elopement photographer and planner – your one-stop-shop for absolutely everything you need for a magical, incredible elopement day.
I offer all-inclusive elopement packages for couples who want to relax and let me handle absolutely everything, as well as options for couples who like a little bit of DIY! I’ll find the perfect place for you to exchange vows, recommend vendors, help you figure out travel and lodging, make a timeline, and more – personalizing each part of your elopement day to perfectly suit the two of you. And of course, I’ll be there to take the photos and document this once in a lifetime adventure.
You aren’t like every other couple, and your wedding day shouldn’t be either! I’ll help you craft a day that’s true to you, authentic, and real, allowing you to immerse yourselves in the experience as you say your “I dos.”
First, let’s get on the same page…
What is an elopement?
Eloping means that you’re doing your wedding exactly how you want it – whatever that means for you! Instead of going along with traditions and expectations that don’t suit you, you’re planning a day that’s perfectly customized for the two of you and your relationship. You can hike in the mountains, hammock in the forest, soak in a hot spring… anything you want to do, it’s possible when you elope!
How to Legally Elope in Washington
To get legally married when you elope in Washington state, you’ll need a marriage license. You can get one from any county clerk’s office in the state, but if you’re traveling here for your elopement, it’s often easiest to apply in King County – they allow online applications, and will send your marriage license by mail!
After you get the marriage license, you need to wait 3 days to use it – and it expires after 90 days. An officiant and two witnesses are required to sign it when you elope, and then you’ll mail it back to the county clerk!
Why Elope in Washington State
Stunning Scenery
One of the best reasons to elope in Washington state is the scenery! Not only is it beautiful, but it’s also incredibly diverse. You’ll find rocky beaches, towering mountains, dense forests, and dry deserts – all within a few hours of each other!
Amazing Coffee
Seattle is famous for its coffee – and all over the state, you’ll find cute cafes and local brews to try! If you love coffee, you’ll love exploring the city and trying out different spots.
Outdoor Adventures
Washington state is one of the best places to elope for epic outdoor adventures! Whether you want to hike, see a temperate rainforest, kayak, rock climb, or any other activity you can think of, Washington is the perfect place to get outside.
Where to Elope in Washington
Washington has some of the most incredible places, and it can be hard to choose just one! To get you inspired, here are a few of the best places to elope in Washington State.
North Cascades National Park
This is one of the least visited national parks in the country – but not because it’s lacking in scenery! You’ll find incredible mountain ridges and peaks, dozens of alpine lakes, and remote beauty hidden in this national park.
Mount Rainier National Park
One of the most iconic places to elope in Washington state is Mount Rainier National Park, home to the towering peak that can be seen from Seattle. For an extra adventure, you can backpack all the way to the peak! But, there are plenty of easier trails through forests and wildflower meadows that you can explore too.
Artist’s Point
One of the best places to elope in Washington state for couples who want jaw dropping views without having to hike is Artist’s Point. Right from the parking lot, you can see panoramic views of jagged peaks, and a short nature walk will take you to some incredible overlooks. Several trailheads begin here too, so you can also take off for an adventure!
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park covers a ton of land in the west of Washington, and features a huge variety of scenery. There are rocky, rugged beaches, mountain peaks, temperate rainforests, waterfalls, and natural hot springs – so there’s a backdrop for every couple!
Snoqualmie National Forest
Just under an hour from Seattle, you’ll find the national forest with some of the best places to elope in Washington state. There are easily accessible spots like Gold Creek Pond and Franklin Falls, and harder trails to alpine lakes, ridges, and more!
Pro tip:
There are TONS of amazing, beautiful and inspiring places to elope in Washington. I have a long list of other places you
might consider for your elopement in Washington!
When to Elope in Washington
Washington is known for rain and moody weather – so you’ll definitely need to be prepared! Here’s what you can expect, and the best times to elope in Washington.
WINTER IN WASHINGTON
Winter is wet throughout the state – it rains nearly every day in the west side of the state, and the east side is snowy, so you won’t see many people out and about. Coastal regions are more temperate, but mountaintops are covered in snow all winter!
SPRING IN WASHINGTON
If you want to elope in the deserts of eastern Washington, spring is a great time! It’s warm and sunny, but not too hot.
In the west, however, it’s usually rainy until May, and mountainous regions will stay snow covered until mid summer! It’s a great time to elope if you want to avoid crowds, but you’ll need to be prepared with waterproof gear.
SUMMER IN WASHINGTON
Summers in Washington are pretty idyllic! The rain stops, and it’s warm and sunny – perfect for hiking. This is the best time to elope in Washington state if you want to hike, but it is popular, so plan for sunrise or sunset for your ceremony to avoid crowds!
FALL IN WASHINGTON
Early fall is a really great time to elope in Washington state, with warm weather and fewer crowds. Snow usually begins in mid October in the mountains, and the rainy season starts around the same time. Weather can be a little unpredictable, but you’ll get the chance to see some amazing fall foliage!
What to Wear to Elope in Washington
Deciding what to wear for your elopement is different from picking out traditional wedding attire, so here are some things to keep in mind!
The Dress
Your dress should be comfortable, and allow you to move easily throughout all your adventures! Pick styles that have loose, flowy skirts, and avoid mermaid dresses or anything too restricting. To stay warm, I recommend adding a shawl, jacket, or cape!
The Shoes
Hiking boots are best for an adventure elopement. Because Washington is so rainy, hiking trails are often muddy – so make sure your shoes have good traction, and that they’re waterproof! Break them in before the big day, and of course, make sure they’re comfortable.
The Suit
A suit is perfect for layering, and just like with elopement dresses, make sure it’s comfortable and allows you to move easily. If you need added warmth, base layers (thermal leggings or shirts) can work wonders!
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Washington?
7-day, all-inclusive ELOPEMENT
6 nights in accommodation (3* or more)
Elopement photographer for 3 days
All meals for the 7 days
4-5 beautiful, natural and raw ceremony location options
Custom timeline of the day
Officiant
Florist
Hair and makeup
Car rental
Airport transfers
TOTAL FOR An all-inclusive, 7-days ELOPEMENT IN WASHINGTON STATE :
$26 400
12-hours ELOPEMENT
Elopement photographer for 12 hours
4-5 beautiful, natural and raw ceremony location options
Custom timeline of the day
TOTAL FOR A 12-hours ELOPEMENT IN WASHINGTON STATE :
$9 600
Elope in Washington – Your Checklist
Choose a Location
The best part about eloping is the gorgeous locations you can choose from! I’ll help you find that perfect spot that works for you and your unique elopement day.
As a travel planner, I’m always exploring to find the best secret places! Once you’ve decided to elope in Washington, don’t hesitate to get in touch for planning assistance.
Choose a Date
Make sure you know about the weather, and what to expect with crowds in Washington, then set a date for your adventure elopement!
Learn About Travel Visas
Most people won’t need a visa to elope in Washington, unless you plan to stay for more than a few months!
Book Flights and Accommodation
Make your bookings early to get the best deals, and find a cozy place to stay that’s close to where you decide to tie the knot.
Book Your Vendors
Reach out to vendors early to – our calendars often fill up fast, so inquire as soon as possible! Your elopement vendors will help so much with planning your day and making everything come to life.
Elope in Your Dream Location!
This is it! Time to adventure, explore, get married to the love of your life, and have the most incredible day! Your wedding is one of a kind, and it should be a day you’ll remember forever.
DOES WASHINGTON SOUND LIKE YOUR DREAM?
How to plan your peaceful elopement in Washington with me
Let’s dive in, so you can start your journey right away!
Imagine a wedding where you can be you. Breathe. Bask in each other’s love.
Experience a place close to your hearts, or a bucket-list dream.
Let’s chat!
Are you eager to start planning your elopement in Washington State? I’m here to help you envision, plan and immortalize this beautiful adventure! Contact me now for a free consultation!
