Washington is a big state with rainforests, glacier-covered volcanoes, turquoise alpine lakes, ocean shores, and island ferries, and most of it is within a day's drive of Seattle or Tacoma. When couples tell me they want to elope in Washington, my first question is always the same: Do you have a location in mind?

Here are the places I point couples to, plus what to sort out before you pick one.

Couple kissing in front of Mount Rainier surrounded by lush green trees during their outdoor engagement session.

Mount Rainier National Park


If you want the mountain in your photos, this is the classic choice. Paradise has wildflower meadows that usually peak from July into August, with Rainier right above you.

Rainier is also where weather changes fastest. It can be sunny at the car and socked in at the ceremony spot twenty minutes later. I tell couples to plan around that, and don't tie the whole day to one viewpoint.

A ceremony in the park requires a special use permit, and Rainier has designated ceremony locations. Check the park's site for current fees and deadlines, and ask whether timed entry reservations apply to your date.

Couple embracing on a reflective wet beach at sunset with gentle waves and a lighthouse in the distance.

Olympic National Park


It offers many different elopement options in one park. The Quinault Rainforest boasts moss, ferns, a lake, and trees to say “I do” under. Hurricane Ridge is high, open, and mountain-facing, but the road can close in winter weather. The coast, including Ruby Beach and Rialto Beach, has beautiful rock formations, driftwood, and big skies.

For beach ceremonies, look at the tide chart before you commit to a time. Tides decide where you can walk and how much beach you have. Olympic also requires a special use permit for ceremonies.

Panoramic autumn mountain landscape with golden larch trees, rocky peaks, and blue sky in the North Cascades.

North Cascades and Mount Baker


This is the pick for couples who want mountain peaks without Rainier's crowds. Diablo Lake has that milky turquoise color, and Washington Pass has wide-open views along Highway 20. The North Cascades Highway closes for the winter, so confirm it's open before you plan around it.

Mount Baker's Artist Point is spectacular in late summer and early fall, but the road is usually only open once the snow clears around June. Depending on the year, fall color up high can be the best part of the year here. North Cascades National Park also requires a special use permit for ceremonies, and Mount Baker is national forest land with its own rules, so check with the land manager.

Couple dancing joyfully in garden with scenic waterfront and mountains backdrop on their wedding day.

San Juan Islands and Deception Pass


If you'd rather have salt air than snow, look west. Deception Pass is a state park with beaches, bridges, and old-growth forest, and it's an easy drive from Seattle. The San Juan Islands take a ferry out of Anacortes, which makes the trip feel like a special part of the day’s adventure. Madrona trees, rocky shorelines, and quiet coves suit couples who want something slower. Be sure to book ferries and lodging early in summer.

What to Sort Out Before You Pick a Spot


Legally, Washington is pretty simple

The license has a three-day waiting period. It can't be waived once it ends, and the license is valid for 60 days.

  • You don't need to be a resident. A license from any Washington county works anywhere in the state, but it can't be used in another state or country.
  • You need an officiant and two witnesses. Both of you, the officiant, and two witnesses sign the certificate. Decide who your witnesses are before the day. As your photographer, I am happy to be a witness, and I can also include officiating in your package if you are interested!

Confirm everything with your county and the park you choose before you book anything.

What We See on Real Elopement Days


As a PNW photography team, we’ve learned that the whole experience depends a lot on how much freedom and time you give yourself to really enjoy your day. Here are some other pieces that I would suggest you think about.

  1. Elope on a weekday. Trailheads and viewpoints are quieter, and parking is easier.
  2. Include personalized activities throughout the day. Spend time writing each other letters to open a year later, bake a pie together, have a picnic on the beach, bring a speaker to play music for a first dance in the mountains…etc
  3. Plan for golden hour photos at sunrise or sunset…or both! Lighting changes quickly during the day, and the most beautiful photos are always at dawn or sunset, so don’t miss out on those! In the middle of the day, when the sun is the harshest, plan to hike to your campsite (if you’re doing a multi-day elopement) or have lunch with close friends before going back out to take photos.
  4. Accept the weather. Washington weather can be pretty unpredictable, especially in the mountains. Embrace it and have a backup plan if things need to shift.

Elopement FAQ


Do we need a permit to elope in Washington?

It depends on where you're saying “I do”. State parks and national forests have their own rules. National Parks require a permit.

What's the best time of year?

Summer and early fall give you the most access, since high-elevation roads and trails are open. Winter and spring work well for the coast and the rainforest. Tell me the location you want, and I'll help you match it to a season.

Can we bring family?

Yes. Some couples go just the two of them. Others bring parents or a few close friends. Both work, and your location choice should fit the size of your group, since some permit areas have capacity limits.

What if the weather turns?

We build a backup into the plan, whether that's a different trailhead, a different time, or a spot under tree cover. 

Let's Plan Yours


If you're thinking about a Washington elopement, I'd love to hear about it. Let me know what you want your day to look like and the places you're considering, and we'll figure out the right spot and the right package together.