Washington State Elopement Guide: All You Need to Get Started

Welcome, internet friends! Let’s check off a few boxes to make sure we’re all in the right place.

Are you:

• Crazy in love?
• Itching to run away with the love of your life?
• Searching for the perfect place to elope?
• Scoping out the prime landscape that is the Pacific Northwest?
• Bonus: Interested in what an experienced elopement photographer (and planner) has to say?

Perfect! Let’s chat about how to elope in Washington state, and why your Washington elopement will be absolutely spectacular!

*quick disclaimer before we dive in: I have yet to photograph an elopement in Washington, so all photos included in this blog are not mine (thanks Unsplash!!), but just here to serve as inspo!! who knows? maybe your gallery will replace these placeholders? I hope so!!*

What’s In Washington?

If you didn’t thrive in Social Studies class (no shade), Washington state is the very most “Pacific Northwest” destination in the continental United States. It borders Canada, Oregon, and Idaho and is just a short swim from Alaska (you know, relative to some other states). 

This state is home to iconic city landmarks (enter Space Needle and Pike Place Market), unnumbered artists’ creations, rich native culture, cuisine fresh from oceans and farms, and renowned wineries. It boasts a Pacific coastline and is filled with towering mountains, roaring waterfalls, and lush foliage. And, if I may suggest, Washington is a freaking amazing place to get married!! This is the stuff elopement dreams are made of!

Trip-Worthy Cities in Washington:

Some destinations in Washington are known for good reason. This state has stunning and diverse topography (ocean beaches, snowy mountains, lush rainforests). But it also has cities and towns worth stopping into — whether you want to see what the touristy fuss is about or hope to find the hidden hole-in-the-wall gems. If your vibes are artsy, foodie, outdoorsy (even in the city!), or much anything in between, your dream elopement itinerary awaits you here!

• Seattle
  • The Space Needle – Talk about iconic! Don’t act like you don’t want a top-of-the-world moment up here, with the world spread before you like your lifelong romance! (P.S. Check out their City Pass ticket option, where you can get bundle pricing for other fun stuff, too.)
  • Pike Place Market – Is this where you want to say your vows? Maybe not. But stroll hand-in-hand, grab a bouquet of fresh-picked flowers, discover eclectic souvenirs, and share a snack you won’t find at home? It’s a classic.
  • Allllll the city parks, where you can see the sights and even host your ceremony! Check out this brochure & reservation permit form from the city if you’re interested! Discovery Park, Kerry Park, and the Washington Park Arboretum are just a few scenic faves. But this page lets you sort by amenities, so you can check out which gorgeous locations have just what you’re looking for. 
  • Ferry rides to nearby islands — like Bainbridge, Whidbey, or Vashon. I won’t complain at all about a chance to take your pic in front of a lighthouse, twirling on the seashore, strolling small town streets, or leaning over a bridge surrounded by just the lushest greenery… Pair those moments with views on the way of the skyline and mountains, even seals, porpoises, sea lions, or whales — c’mon, let’s go! 
  • Explore nearby towns like Bellevue and Redmond. 
  • Hit up museums, shopping, and dining… There’s so much to see and do!
• Spokane
  • Explore Spokane Falls! You can walk across massive suspension bridges, ride cable cars, and check out nearby cultural attractions. 
• Bellingham
  • Bellingham is home of Whatcom Falls State Park and scenic Chuckanut Drive. Like many Washington towns, this one has the trio of history, arts, and fresh area cuisine. It’s a great launch point to admire and explore Mount Baker, the Salish Sea, and the North Cascades National Park!
• Tacoma
  • Enjoy the waterfront of Puget Sound, admire glass art, check out classic cars, and more. (It’s the closest major city to Mount Rainier.)
• Port Angeles
  • This city is full of art and rich in Native American history. Aaaand it’s practically next door to Olympia National Park.
• Olympia
  • Check out the State Capitol building, where you can take engagement photos or get married if you want! (Permit and fee info here.) It’s got some epic staircases and columns, if that’s your vibe (like if somebody needs their Cinderella moment). 
• Walla Walla and Yakima Valley
  • It’s Wine Country, with (you guessed it) tons of wineries and breweries to check out, plus skiing, golfing, shopping, museums, and so much of the great outdoors to explore. 
• Leavenworth
  • This is a quaint Bavarian village tucked in the Cascades… and it is gorgeous covered in snow and lit up for the holidays!!

Is this everything there is to do and see in Washington’s cities and towns? Aaaabsolutely not! We’ve just scratched the surface, friends! If we team up to plan your uber-personalized elopement together (which this photographer is already dreaming about!!), we’ll dive into the adventure that reflects your love and lights your fire! I can’t wait!

National Parks in Washington:

If I may interject an opinion, these parks are the glory of the state. And they’ll make an undeniably glorious backdrop to your elopement!! See what I mean… 

• Mount Rainier National Park 
  • The meadows. The waterfalls. The namesake mountain peak reflected in the lakes. Snow. Streams. Heights. Depths. It’s the tranquil peace of knowing you and your lover are bonded forever. It’s the wonder of the unknown and the wildness of raw relationship. It’s freaking beautiful. And super fun. So what, are you coming?!
• North Cascades National Park
  • Hike, camp, boat, bike, get married… (wink, wink). This park has snowcapped mountains, towering evergreen trees, icy glaciers, and sparkling blue lakes. Want to ski the “American Alps” (as they’ve been called) together as you take the exhilarating plunge into married life? Steal that kiss with a little snow dusting your hair? Or, hand in hand, gaze out over the rocky cliffface into a raw, wild world tinged golden by a shimmering sunrise? Right here, friends. And some say this park is less frequented than the other two, so you might even have a little more space to admire each other… I mean, the scenery… 
• Olympic National Park
  • Fall in love all over again under the cover of giant mossy trees in the rainforest and to the music of powerful rushing waterfalls. Look out into the turquoise lake’s reflection – how deep is the passion you see in the person next to you? Dance on the beach, two hearts joining like the waves rush to unite with the shore. Wander, climb, gaze. Your love is that epic, isn’t it? 

State Parks in Washington:

There are literally over 140 state parks in Washington, offering everything from crabbing on beaches to dog sledding in the snow! Everyone has their favorites, but these are just a few worth whetting your appetite for:

• Deception Pass State Park (Oak Harbor) — Want to venture across the iconic 180-foot-tall Deception Pass Bridge, which connects the Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands? Or just admiring the area is cool, too.
• Cape Disappointment State Park (Ilwaco) — Unless you’re lost 18th century fur traders (who named the place), this wild refuge of forest, lakes, and ocean tidelands will absolutely not disappoint!
• Fort Casey Historical State Park (Coupeville) — Explore old military structures and a (super photographable!) lighthouse on Whidbey Island.
• Palouse Falls State Park (Washtucna) —  Or did you not want to picnic by a 200-foot waterfall?
• Mount Pilchuk State Park (Granite Falls) — Up for a (somewhat challenging but) rewarding hike? As in, one with dramatic views of Mount Rainier, Baker, Shuksan, and the Olympic Mountains?
• Larrabee State Park (Bellingham) — Waiting for you where Chuckanut Mountain meets Samish Bay and glimpses the San Juan Islands, this is the first state park established in Washington. Explore beaches, forests, meadows, lakes, rivers, waterfalls — it has it all!
• Riverside State Park (Nine Mile Falls) — Ready for hiking, paddle boarding, or rock climbing between the Spokane and Little Spokane Rivers? Check out the wildflowers in the spring!
• Beacon Rock State Park (Skamania) — Climb the namesake Beacon Rock and take in the views of the Columbia River Gorge!

How to Travel Around Washington

Now for some logistics…

Major Airports in Washington:

You have epic “What can I explore with the love of my life?” options once you get to Washington… but you do have to get here first. 

Unless a road trip is feasible for you, I figure you’ll probably want to fly here. Your options for navigating the skies include:

International & to all major US airports:

• Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA) | Sea-Tac, WA

Domestic, to some major US cities:

• Spokane International Airport (GEG) | Spokane, WA
• Bellingham International Airport (BLI) | Bellingham, WA

There are some plane tours, as well, but I suppose that’s not exactly what we’re talking about here. (We can chat about it if you’re digging the idea, though!!)

How to Travel Inside Washington 

Washington offers a variety of public transportation options. Some cities/counties offer bus systems, including the King County Metro Transit that serves the Seattle area. Sound Transit also offers frequent train, bus, and light rail options through greater Seattle. (You’ll need to buy an ORCA card to pay for rides, but it could be handy if you ride enough to make it worth it.) 

If you ride the rails (or buses or Ubers…), just make sure you calculate the wait time into your elopement timeline. (Remember, if we plan together, I’ll walk you through it all again. No worries!)

Plan on taking a ferry if you’re crossing the water — you can drive or walk aboard most of them. These take you to the islands and give you magical views of the landscape and sea life on the way! (I don’t know what your normal commute is like, but mine does not include whales like these ferry rides are known to!!) 

I’ll pretty much always vouch for having a car in the end, though. If you don’t road trip all the way to Washington, you can rent a car when you get here; there are a lot of rental services out of the SeaTac airport. It’s 5000% up to you, but it’s hard to beat the freedom that comes with being able to explore as far as the roads reach, without waiting on someone else’s arrival times. This is the way to have the most control over your elopement adventure’s destinations and schedule. 

Why Elope in Washington?

So, is Washington state the perfect place for you to elope? Let’s see, shall we?

You should elope in Washington if…

• You can’t wait to explore dramatic scenes of nature.
  • Rocky beaches? Sky-high pine forests? Rivers, streams, and waterfalls? Glaciers? Deer on the fringes of flowering meadows? Orcas gliding through the waves? Need I go on??
• You can’t decide whether you want the beach, the mountains, a rainforest, or an epic city view.
  • Here, you won’t have to choose! You can have all those amazing outdoor experiences and live the “high life” in cities like Seattle.
• You want to do a Twilight-inspired photography session near Forks.
  • iykyk
• A little rain or snow never bothered you anyway… ;)
  • Do you even know how stunning couples’ photos are in the rain?? Or how magical it is to have your mountaintop elopement dusted with snow flurries?!  
• You have some time.
  • There’s the whole 3-day waiting period thing for licenses. And it’s too gorgeous to not explore for a while! 

You should consider other options if…

• You’ll be devastated if weather changes your plans.
  • It can be unpredictable, so a great trip might require flexibility.
• You want both warm weather and to have prime summer locations all to yourself.
  • Peak seasons are understandably busy. However, you can expect things to be quieter during other times of year, or you can go further off the beaten path — which I’m all for!
• You’re on a time crunch.
  • Again, you’ll need 3 days between getting your license and having the legal ceremony. And there’s soooo much to explore, it’s a shame to rush off if you don’t have to!
• You want a coastline where you can swim.
  • It’s not that you absolutely can’t — there are some places to swim — but that Pacific water is on the cold side. That’s also not really the kind of play this bit of ocean is best for. Think more along the lines of crabbing, kayaking, storm watching, ferry rides… that sort of thing.

Best Time of Year to Elope in Washington

Weather can be all over the map in Washington (figuratively and literally). It pays to plan ahead to know what to expect, so you can enjoy the elopement of your dreams! 

Washington Seasons & Weather

Because of how it’s split by the Cascade Mountains and bordered by water on the west, Washington’s climate can vary a lot regionally. 

Western Washington (think Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympic National Park) is generally cooler and wetter than Eastern Washington. Literally, your rainforests are over here. Fear not, though; the San Juan Islands and surrounding areas have more rays for sunbathing. (Ahh!)

In eastern Washington (Walla Walla, Spokane, Yakima…), you’re going to have more extreme summers and winters, with the weather being much drier overall. This – and obviously in the mountains themselves – is where the snow fun will be! 

Best Time of Year to Elope in Washington For. . .

Having the popular locales more to yourself: Not summer, and definitely not summer weekends. If you’re after summer-ish weather, try mid- to late-spring or early fall. Go before Memorial Day and after Labor Day to avoid peak vacation season. If you can’t avoid busy season, prepare for longer wait times and more advance reservations.

Playing in the snow: Late November through April. Hello, skiing, snowshoeing, and dramatic snow-frosted photos!

Enjoying warm, dry, clear weather: June through September (but keep in mind the pros and cons of the peak summer season)

Strolling beaches: Winter for storm watching; spring for bird watching; summer for sunshine

Seeing whales: Summer and early fall (especially June through September) 

Visiting Wine Country: March and August for official wine months (yup, it’s a thing!); spring for flowers; fall for harvest season 

How to Legally Get Married in Washington 

Now for the exciting stuff — paperwork! Just kidding!! But legalities do matter, so let’s get to it. 

Washington Marriage Laws:

Elopement is all about crazy beautiful love… but there are rules if you want this thing to be legally binding. Here’s how it goes down in Washington:

A couple of notes:

• You’ve both got to be 18 or older. It doesn’t matter how completely smitten you are; Washington won’t allow marriage for minors anymore. So, you know, wait until your birthday. But we can still get planning!
• Marriage licenses vary in price between counties, but you can expect to pay about $70 to make your match official.
• There will be a 3-day waiting period between when you get your license issued to you and when you can actually hold the ceremony. We can’t do one-day weddings on a whim here. But it’s the perfect excuse to take a few days to explore this glorious state together!
• Your license will expire after 60 days (not that you’ll want to wait that long anyway!).
• A marriage license from any county in Washington will be valid in any other WA county. So, you could grab your license when you land in Seattle and then tie the knot in the Cascades. (Can you say dreamy?!)
• You’ll need 2 witnesses. Counties’ age recommendations vary, but 18 or over would be wise. (I can be one! Let me know if I need to bring a friend!) They’ll need to sign the certificate, so pick people with good handwriting and/or that you won’t regret having involved in 20 years. (Kidding… mostly.) 
• You need an officiant, who can be: most justices, judges, commissioners, and licensed or ordained religious ministers. Your friend or family member can officiate if they become ordained, such as through a free online program. You or your partner can’t officiate it yourselves (like you can self-solemnize in some states).

How to Get Your Washington Marriage License

It varies by county, but you will likely need to both appear at the county’s customer service center in person or have a mail-in application packet notarized. Either way, most counties now want you to complete the application online* beforehand. (It’s not the worst – there’s less of a chance they misspell your name if you type it, right? Anywho, it’s a digital world.)

To complete the marriage license application, you’ll need to:

• Provide current government-issued photo ID.
• Provide Social Security numbers (or sign that you do not have them).
• Share each partner’s birthplace, as well as parents’ names (maiden for mothers) and birthplaces.
• Pay the required fee, which varies by county but is approximately $70.

Remember that you’ll need to wait 3 days between receiving the issued certificate (not just submitting the application) and having your wedding ceremony.

Then, after the ceremony, you’ll need to return the signed certificate to the same county auditor’s office that gave it to you. You can generally mail or hand-deliver it. If you want copies, you’ll need to request and pay for them.

*Here you can find online applications for King County (home of Seattle), Clark County, Pierce County, and Snohomish County. A quick search should get you to any others! (Or we can make a good plan for you in your elopement planning sessions with me as your photographer!)

Washington National & State Park Special Use Permits

National and state parks are top-notch places to get married  — like totally beyond comparison! *Sigh!* Can you imagine saying “I do” in one of these beauties?! They have a few steps required of you, but it’s totally worth it (and frankly easier than working with a lot of venues)!!

Washington National Parks:

• Mount Rainier National Park
  • Permits are required for all weddings, in addition to the park entrance fee. 
  • Specific locations are allowed based on the number or participants. 
  • You’ll need to apply at least four weeks prior to your date and pay a $250 fee.
  • Here’s their webpage with application information and locations to browse!
• North Cascades National Park
  • You’ll need to submit a Special Park Uses Application and pay the $50 application fee.
  • They offer locations based on group size.
  • They ask you to reach out through this contact form or the phone number on this page for your application and more specific information. 
• Olympic National Park
  • Submit your application at least 3-4 weeks in advance.
  • The park asks that you download a Special Use Permit application and email or write them, as well.

Washington State Parks:

• Washington State Parks ask that you contact the park you’re interested in first. They provide some inspiration and location suggestions here.
• Then send your completed application for a Special Activity Permit (Eloping is pretty special, isn’t it?!) request to the park at least 60 days ahead of your hopeful date. The sooner the better, in case there are hiccups.
• With your application, send a park map marking where you want to have your ceremony. (Don’t get overwhelmed by this; we can totally work on it together if you feel a little lost!)
• Pay $45 and any additional fees.
• Show proof of insurance. (Details here.)

And then you’re nestled between pine trees and a roaring waterfall, heart pumping, gazing into your lover’s eyes as they slide a ring onto your finger… (Sigh!!)

Where to Stay In Washington

Airbnbs/VRBOs

There are so many fun options in Washington if you choose to go the Airbnb/VRBO route! Take these for inspiration, but obviously don’t feel limited to them! If I help you as your devoted elopement photographer and planner extraordinaire (hint, hint), we can dive deep into your style and find a booking that fulfills all your desires!

Iron & Vine Treehouse at Mount Rainier

It’s a treehouse. Like, just look. If you’re looking to hide away with your lover, I mean, I’m not sure how this could not be the place.

New Built Modern Rainier Tiny Cabin w/Hot Tub & EV

It’s in the same area as the treehouse, for half the nightly price. This one has a gorgeous wall of windows to let you take in that view (and to let in some light for photos, just saying)!

Outlook Cabin

The view. Entiat is in the Cascade Mountains near the Columbia River, and you’ll see the majestic valley from the porch. It has a fire pit, hot tub, and sauna for cozying up together, and even a swing set – how fun is that?! (And can you imagine how adorable those photos would be?!)

Hotels, Lodges, & Resorts

If you’re looking for something upscale or extra comfy (which puts a snazzy spin on getting ready photos, if that’s your vibe), here are a few thoughts to get you going: 

• Astra Hotel, Seattle – downtown near the Space Needle; clean and modern, with an artsy-techy vibe
• Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort, Leavenworth – pool, hot tub, and spa; hiking with a mountain view; outdoorsy charm
• Four Seasons Hotel, Seattle – downtown near the art museum and marketplace; sauna; rooftop pool and bar
• Salish Lodge and Spa, Snoqualmie – overlooks Snoqualmie Falls; in-room fireplaces (so cozy!)
• Hotel 1000, Seattle – near the waterfront and Pike Place Market; modern and elegant; spa and Topgolf
• The Davenport Tower, Spokane – pool, hot tub, sauna, and spa; elegant yet a touch “wild”

If you want to soak in the national parks’ glory day and night, there are several options for places to stay right on or near park grounds. 

• Olympic National Park offers cabins, lodge rooms, and more. They also suggest nearby communities to stay in. 
• You can stay in Mount Rainier’s Paradise Inn during the summer or National Park Inn anytime. 
• North Cascades National Park recommends a few unaffiliated lodges/resorts nearby, as well. 

Campgrounds

Then, if you’re going further into the camp scene, there’s no lack of opportunity to immerse yourselves in nature. 

• State park lodging rentals here! Think cabins and yurts.
• Here you can reserve campsites in Washington state parks.
• You can see information about campgrounds in Olympic National Park here. 
• And here you can check out campgrounds in Mount Rainier National Park.
• Then, here’s info on backcountry camping permits and campground reservations in North Cascades National Park.

Washington Elopement Photographer

So, a couple things:

1. Planning your dreamy elopement in Washington state might seem like a lot… but it’s wayyyy easier when your photographer is also your experienced elopement planner, devoted to helping you make unique and glorious memories!
2. When you’re pledging your lifelong love to your partner in a place like this, you definitely need it photographed by a fellow dreamer-adventurer!

What’s a couple of lovestruck adventurers (like you two) to do? Let me go on this amazing journey with you! 

But not like as a weird third wheel. As your super supportive, elopement-obsessed, on-call sidekick committed to helping you relish this season and capture amazing memories!

Heyyy! If we haven’t met, I’m Alexis — travel buddy, lover of love, obsessed with capturing authentic beauty through my camera lens. My hiking boots and whale-watching jacket have been ready for this moment; how about you? Ready to get hitched?!

Washington Elopement Packages

Elopements are my jam. I’m here for you — from the initial brainstorm all the way to delivering your final swoon-worthy photo collection. Wherever you choose to go, as long as it’s the adventure you have your young and wild hearts set on, I’m with you!

You can explore my elopement photography packages here. (They’re named after my pets!) When you reach out, we can nail down particulars (like travel fees) that will make your elopement perfectly, spectacularly “you.” 

I cannot wait to cheer you on during one of the greatest seasons of your life! There is no greater privilege than supporting love! 

And your love… where will it take you? To the snowy tops of the Cascades? To rich green pine forests? To rushing waterfalls? 

To your lover’s arms. To your partner’s devoted gaze. To a ring on your finger and a best friend forever. It will be wild. And serene. And utterly beautiful in every way. 

That’s why you’re running away with your person, after all. And that’s why I’m here — to support you and capture the moments forever. I’m ready when you are!

Final Tips for Eloping in Washington 

But wait, Alexis! How do I pack for my elopement? What should I wear in Washington? What does an elopement timeline look like? How do I know I won’t forget something important?!

I’ve got you, friend. There’s more to the planning process – but it’s not scary. Not if you have someone helping you plan it who’s all about you living your best getting-hitched life! (Heyy! It’s me! It’s me!!)

I’ve been around this elopement-planning block a time or two, and serving unique, authentic, young and madly-in-love couples is my jam. 

Check out my ultimate elopement planning guide and packing list to get you further on your way. I’ve also got extra resources linked for you below (because I’m here for you like that)!

Or (my favorite option!!) hit me up when you’re ready to get serious about making your wedding day the most amazing adventure of your life — and when you want it photographed authentically, capturing the raw magic between the two of you. 

What do you say, friend? Ready to elope in Washington? I’m with you, wherever your love takes you!