How To Elope In Washington State

Olympic National Park

This one’s absolutely one of the best places to elope in Washington state, because honestly, it has a little bit of everything! You’ll find mountains, lakes, the ocean, and even temperate rainforests - and you can go from one landscape to another pretty quickly. Olympic National Park is Washington’s biggest, and most diverse park, so you’re guaranteed to find an amazing place to tie the knot! Some of the best spots include Hurricane Ridge, Ruby Beach, and the Hoh Rainforest. 

Mount Rainier National Park

For amazing mountain views, or wildflower meadows, one of the best places to elope in Washington State is Mount Rainier National Park. The mountain is Washington’s most iconic landmark, and it would make an amazing backdrop for your ceremony. You can choose from different hiking trails, but there are also plenty of easily accessible spots that are just as beautiful! 

Artist Point

Artist Point is located a little outside of North Cascades National Park, and it’s one of the absolute best places to elope in Washington State if you want a place that’s easy to get to. As soon as you get to the parking lot, the views of the surrounding mountain peaks are absolutely jaw dropping! A short trail will take you to more private spots, but you don’t have to do any strenuous hiking at this location. 

Gold Creek Pond

Gold Creek Pond is a really popular Washington elopement location, because it’s located just an hour’s drive from Seattle! This gorgeous lake surrounded by mountains is super easy to get to, and perfect for a sunrise or sunset ceremony. 

How to Get Legally Married When You Elope in Washington State

Another part of your elopement is Washington is getting legally married! You don’t have to live in the state to do this, and the process is fairly easy. You can go to any county clerk’s office in the state to get a marriage license - so if you live here, I recommend finding the office closest to you. If you don’t live in Washington, it’s best to apply with the King County office - because you can apply online and get your marriage license in the mail! 

You’ll both need a photo ID, and there’s an application fee. The fee will depend on which office you get your marriage license from, but in King County, it’s $69.  

You can apply for your marriage license no sooner than 63 days from the day of your ceremony - so do this early, but not too early! Once you get your marriage license, there’s a three day waiting period, which means you need to wait three days before you can have your ceremony. 

The Best Time to Elope in Washington State

When you’re setting a date for your elopement, it’s really important to consider the weather, as it can be a little wild in Washington! Make sure you know about each season before deciding when the best time to elope in Washington state is for you. 

Summer Elopements in Washington

The best time to elope in Washington, for most couples, is usually summer! This is when we get a break from the rain, and the weather is warm and sunny. If you want to tie the knot in the mountains, July and August are the best times for snow free trails! Early in the season, you can also see wildflowers blooming, which creates a gorgeous backdrop for any wedding ceremony. 

Fall Elopements in Washington

Early fall is pretty underrated for elopements in Washington! September and early October, though a little more unpredictable than the summer, are usually still warm and great for exploring. You can get out to those beautiful locations, and there will be fewer people around, so you’ll have more privacy for your elopement. In higher elevation areas, snow usually starts falling in mid-October, but early October can give you an opportunity to see the famous larches! 

Winter Elopements in Washington

I won’t lie, winters are pretty gloomy. It rains often, but the rain is usually more of a constant drizzle than a strong downpour! Clear umbrellas look cute in photos, and a winter elopement can be the ultimate way to avoid crowds. The mountains will definitely be covered in snow, but lower elevations spots by the coast usually don’t get much snow! 

Spring Elopements in Washington

Spring weather is unpredictable, rainy one day and sunny the next. Early spring can be pretty chilly, but as the weather warms up, eloping close to the end of the season can be a good way to get some of these Washington elopement locations to yourselves. The mountains will be snow covered until July, but you can definitely explore lower elevation spots. 

Washington State Elopement Packages

Are you ready to elope in Washington? To get married your own way, with a day that perfectly reflects the two of you and the relationship you’ve built?  

Booking an elopement photographer is a really huge part of your day - it’s a big decision, and one you shouldn't take lightly. So, my job as a Washington elopement photographer is to make sure you know I’m with you every step of the way. I’ll help you plan the perfect elopement, with recommendations for locations, vendors, and places to stay, and I’ll make sure that your photos accurately tell the story of your once in a lifetime day. 

To learn more about Washington elopement packages, contact me!