The Best Washington Elopement Locations
Washington is truly one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Every time I catch a glimpse of the mountain ranges from afar, or better yet, get among them I pinch myself and exhale such feelings of gratitude. Not only am I lucky enough to call this place home, but have the honor of sharing these beautiful locations, guiding eloping couples through a once in a lifetime experience, and documenting their wedding day in an adventurous and unique fashion. Check out this post if you want to learn how to elope in Washington. If you’re ready to look for amazing elopement location ideas, these are just a few of the best places to elope in Washington state.
North Cascades National Park
If you’re thinking of eloping in Washington, considering one of the areas this state is most known for is a great place to start. Within North Cascades National Park are an innumerable number of epic places for elopement ceremonies, portraits, and adventurous activities. Whether you’re searching for tremendous views that are accessible just from the car, a day hike, or an overnight backpacking adventure, there are plenty to be found. Additionally, there is quite a level of diversity in the scenery type as you cross from the western to eastern side of the North Cascades. Being such a vast area, it’s fairly easy to find seclusion if that’s important to you during your elopement ceremony or portraits. Campgrounds or backcountry permits are available if you’re looking for a multi day adventure and the nearby western town of Winthrop is cute, relaxing, and accommodating if you want lodging.
Olympic National Park
Famous for so many reasons, Olympic National Park is one of the most amazing places for an adventure elopement in, not only Washington, but all the Pacific Northwest. Climate is quite different throughout the year but whether you want to say your vows by the ocean next to a clear summer sunset or in the deep moody forest fog of autumn, this region of Washington is always a beautiful place to visit. Known for its diversity, this national park is unique in that it is home to 3 distinct ecosystems. Mountain ranges, forests, and coastal beaches. A drive up Hurricane Ridge yields incredible panoramic views of mountain ranges, ridgelines, and high alpine meadows. The Hoh Rainforest is famous for lush greens, enormous trees, and being one of the most silent places on earth. Last but certainly not least, are coastal beaches of the Olympic Peninsula like La Push. From smooth sandy straights at low tide, towering sea stacks, and rocky beaches that stretch on for miles, make Washington’s northwest coast are unlike any other.
Mt. Rainier National Park
It’s impossible to think of Washington without thinking of Mt. Rainier National Park. This iconic mountain has become famous all over the world and is synonymous with epic adventure. Whether you’re local to the Pacific Northwest or you simply are drawn to the area, Mt. Rainier is an incredible place for an elopement. Different facets and entries to the park offer unique views of the mountain and each season offers different perspectives. The wildflowers of early summer are especially pretty. This is one of the more highly trafficked location in Washington but nonetheless, don’t let that dissuade you from considering a Mt. Rainier National Park wedding.
Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
If you want to disappear into the mountains for an epic adventure elopement or quiet intimate ceremony, this is a fantastic area to consider exploring. The middle section of the Cascade Mountains is abundant in alpine lakes, mountain peaks, ridgelines, and meadows. Many hikes lead to epic 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and are gorgeous for both sunrise or sunset vow reading ceremonies and first looks. Pro tip* weddings in national forests are far less regulated than national parks and nearly always cheaper.
Fire Lookouts
Littered among the mountainous peaks of the Pacific Northwest are a handful of inactive fire lookout towers, buildings, or structures. Washington is home to several its own. While some have become more popularized, others remain off the beaten path and retain a better chance of having all to yourself. If you do your homework, you will find that some even provide the opportunity for overnight use. Can you imagine hiking into a cozy fire lookout with epic views, sleeping under the stars, waking up among the mountains, and saying your vows atop a peak at sunrise?
The Palouse
The Palouse has to be one of Washington’s best kept secrets. Tucked away in the southeast corner of the state, this region is home to endless miles of rolling hills which turn gold every summer with the wheat harvest. Throughout my time at WSU, I lived in the area for 4 years and can personally attest to its unique beauty. As someone who prefers mountains and forests, I still fell deeply in love with the soft rolling hills that seem never-ending. They hold their own special type of romance. Walking among waist deep stocks of grain in your wedding dress under an ethereal sunset would be an amazing environment to say your vows. Among the rolling hills as well are a few stand out and unique landmarks such as Palouse Falls, Steptoe Butte, or the Snake River Canyon.
Eastern Washington
One of the aspects of Washington that make is so unique is its statewide diversity. On the east side of the mountains you’ll find hundreds of miles of deserts, canyons, rivers, sand dunes, and dry forests. With much more consistent weather and a drier climate, there are countless hidden gems that serve as excellent places for intimate wedding ceremonies.
Hey, I’m Warren and this is my why behind everything I do!
I believe this is where it all starts and is at the heart of everything, so let me tell you. I have a soft spot for sentimentality and I think love is awesome. I’m so grateful that I discovered photography early in life because I’ve been able to document my own journey in a creative fashion. For that reason, I have a strong passion for giving that same experience to others and take great pride in getting the responsibility of documenting their stories. Each picture has a story or feeling behind it and I love to capture that novelty. Arresting those moments in time allows us to remember and feel more intensely. I know how much I value that and enjoy passing that along to others through photography. I would love to be a part of telling your story.