Eloping may be considerably less stressful than planning a full-blown wedding, but there are so many untraditional things to take into consideration. This includes guidelines around who can marry you to where you can and can’t have a ceremony, so in this blog I’m answering all the questions you’ve ever had about eloping in the Pacific Northwest.

Legal Guidelines

Check here for all of Washington’s current laws about marriage. There are options to apply in person or by mail, but in short, you must apply for a license at least three days prior to your wedding and use it within 60 days.

For your ceremony, you must be married by an ordained officiant and have two witnesses present.

Travel and accommodations

The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is Washington’s largest airport. You’ll be able to find direct flights here from most airports.

As for lodging, there are a lot of fun places to stay off the beaten path, so I suggest finding an elopement photographer to help you choose where you’d like to elope and then book accordingly.

Planning timeline

Elopements are generally planned between one and 18 months out. Some locations require special use permits to be married there, and they usually ask that you submit those requests at least four weeks in advance.

In general, the more time you give yourself to plan, the more locations, lodging options, and vendors will have your date available.

Where to elope

Washington is home to many beautiful city and state parks, as well as Mount Rainier National Park, the North Cascades National Park, and the Olympic National Park. Whether you dream of getting married at a waterfall or in the mountains, forest, beach, or desert, there are many options for you to choose from.

When choosing where to elope, you’ll need to take into consideration the season, accessibility, and special use permits. Helping guide your decisions, understanding the permit process, and suggesting beautiful and often lesser-known locations is one of my favorite jobs as an adventure elopement photographer.

When to elope

The best time to elope in Washington is really up to personal preference.

If you’re hoping for sunshine, then July through September would be your best bet. If you prefer moody PNW vibes, I suggest getting married between fall and spring when the skies are overcast.

Summer (best for weather)

July - September

Summer is the Pacific Northwest’s best-kept secret. You can expect perfect 70+ degree days throughout western Washington (80 to 100 degrees in eastern Washington) with only a few rainy days.

All mountain passes and hiking trails are open by July, and summer shows Washington at its best. Find wildflowers in the mountains, long days with sunshine, and crowds in the more well-known locations.

Pro tip: Avoid crowds by eloping at sunrise or sunset on a weekday!

Autumn (good weather and privacy)

October - November

The rain returns to the west side in October. Eastern Washington, again, sees less rain, but cooler temps come quickly here.

Fall colors typically peak throughout the state in October. Most hiking trails and mountain passes are open until late October, but the weather can change quickly during this time of year. Be prepared for rain and snow at higher elevations (especially in November) but expect decent weather and fewer crowds.

Winter (best for privacy)

December - March

Expect moody skies and rain throughout winter on the west side of the Cascade mountain range in Washington. Eastern Washington generally has more blue skies and the potential for snow in the lowlands.

You’ll find snow in the Olympic and Cascade mountains, with plenty of ski resorts and cozy cabins. If you’re looking to elope without snow, consider checking out locations with lower elevations like Olympic National Park, state parks, and national forests.

If you’re hoping for the iconic mountain terrain Washington is known for, you’ll want to visit in summer. Many roads and hiking trails aren’t accessible during these winter months, however, the ones that are, are stunning!

Keep in mind that winter is the rainiest time of year in Washington, but it’s the least crowded.

Spring (good weather and privacy)

February - June

In spring, snow begins to melt in the mountains to make a few more roads and trails accessible. You should still expect overcast skies and rain throughout western Washington, but eastern Washington is usually drier.

This is the best time to see waterfalls as their flows peak, and the forests are particularly lush and vibrant.

Pro tip: Spring is wedding vendors’ shoulder season, so it should be easier to find vendors with your elopement date available than it would be in summer.

Choosing vendors

One of the best perks of eloping? Choosing what vendors you’d like to include (or not!) on your wedding day. Live music for your first dance? Videographer? A hot air balloon grand exit? The only limit here is your imagination.

Check out these activities for more ideas.

If you’re in need of vendor recommendations, ask your photographer or other hired vendors — everyone will be happy to share who they love to work with!

Sustainable practices

If you choose to elope outdoors in the wilderness or a national park, you’ll need to practice leave no trace principles. This means no wandering off paths for photos, leaving trash or decor behind, and respecting the wildlife and other visitors. These easy to follow rules will help leave our outdoor spaces beautiful for years to come.

If you’re interested in eloping in Washington State, contact me and I’d love to help guide you through the planning process.

Start planning your Washington state elopement