People ask if the list of elopement location suggestions I send clients are really customized for every client all the time. The answer is yes! Every couple and elopement are completely unique and all my recommendations – from what activities to include, to vendor recommendations, to suggesting where you should elope – are personalized for every client.

These suggestions go so far beyond what landscapes would make for the prettiest backdrop. While that is a significant factor, I’m also taking into consideration what the best overall experience would be for you. This includes a variety of factors, all listed below.

Accessibility

My number one concern is accommodating you and your potential guests needs. This could mean anything from requiring ADA accessibility to wanting to limit the amount of drive time from the airport. Whatever your unique needs are, after decades of exploring the Pacific Northwest, I have locations that will work for you!

For example, Gabriel and Michael, pictured below, wanted to elope in the mountains, near Seattle, with easy accessibility for their guests’ convenience.

Seasonality

Locations at higher elevations change drastically throughout the year. For example, there are seasonal road closures within Mount Rainier and the North Cascades National Parks, while other locations have hiking trails that become inaccessible or unsafe.

I’ll help you navigate what locations will be safe and accessible whenever you want to elope.

Permits

Some locations require you to get special use permits to elope on public lands. They’re generally less than $150, but the permit regulations for each national park, national forest, and wilderness areas vary.

When you receive your location list from me, it will have details about permits for each location. Once you choose where you’d like to elope, I’ll help walk you through the permit process.

Landscape

This is the part I love most. You tell me what kind of landscape you’re picturing eloping in, and I’ll find the perfect place for you.

You don’t need to have exact ideas — I’ve had couples tell me “Well, I love the water, but my partner is drawn to rocks and mountains,” and I helped find incredible spots that made them both feel heard.

Amenities

I’ll keep in mind what you’re hoping to do outside of the time you spend eloping. If you’re looking to stay in a walkable town with plenty of choices for restaurants and bars, my elopement location suggestions will look different for you than those that are preferring a more secluded and quieter getaway.

Activities

I always suggest celebrating after your ceremony, and this is the best time to include an activity during your elopement. This could look like anything from enjoying a quiet sunset picnic to going on a whale-watching tour! If you have ideas, interests, or must-do activities while you’re in Washington, I’ll take those into consideration when suggesting where you should elope.

Pet-friendly locations

If you’re hoping to bring along a well-behaved pet, please do! I’ll cater your location suggestions to pet-friendly locations.

Backup plans

Weather and mother nature is the one piece of this adventure we cannot control. I’m happy to go out in any weather if it’s safe, but I realize that’s not everyone’s preference. We’ll make rainy day plans, as well as backup plans in case your chosen location has sudden changes making it inaccessible.

In the rare cases where I’ve had to implement backup plans, the changes have been completely stress free since every option was discussed and agreed upon beforehand.