Pacific Northwest Elopement Ideas
Congrats on choosing to elope! It’s a big decision and it takes guts to do the unexpected, buck tradition, and forge your own path.
Now that you’ve decided on eloping, one of the many benefits is having tons more time to enjoy your guests and new spouse’s presence than you would in a traditional wedding. Aside from potentially doing the typical things like first looks, dancing, or hosting a dinner reception afterward, what will you do with all the extra time on your elopement day?
Adventure elopements come in all kinds of forms, and the activities you can do range from a family kayak trip through the Redwoods to a quiet hike in the North Cascades by yourselves. The options are truly endless! Read on for more guidance and inspiration.
How do you choose the right adventure for your elopement?
1. Stick to your budget
Plan according to your budget. For those on a tighter budget, elope closer to home or combine your elopement with your honeymoon.
There are also tons of free, or nearly free experiences as well. For example, hiking in the Pacific Northwest often means paying for a measly $5 parking permit. This gives you access to amazing views, fire lookouts to spend the night in, and beaches.
Your budget doesn’t have to limit the quality of your day so let your imagination soar.
2. Personal needs
Do consider your personal needs, as well as your guests. Take into mind what you need to be comfortable, relaxed, and happy. Communicate what these needs are to your adventure elopement photographer so they can provide the best suggestions for you.
3. Fitness levels
The last thing I want for you is to be completely exhausted on your elopement day. Be realistic with what you can do vs what you’d like to do. If you love the idea of eloping in the backcountry but hiking up a mountain sounds like it might be a bit too much, consider alternatives like overlanding or flying a helicopter to your ceremony location.
4. Your skills
If you don’t possess the skill to do what you’d like to try on your elopement day, no worries! There are tour guides for almost every experience out there.
5. By destination
If you’re still struggling to narrow down your options, consider what type of weather you’re hoping for, what kind of activities you enjoy, and what type of scenery you’d like to see. Then ask your adventure elopement photographer for suggestions or do some research on your own.
Here are my favorite spots to elope on the West Coast, in Washington, and in Oregon.
6. Leave room for spontaneity
No matter how you choose to fill your time on your elopement day, leave some wiggle room for spontaneity. This extra time will help keep things relaxed and allow for unplanned adventures. Sometimes it’s the little moments that take us by surprise that we love the most.
Adventures
Air travel
Hot air balloon
In Washington
In Oregon
Seaplane in Washington
Helicopter
Skydive
In Washington
In Oregon
Zipline
In Washington
In Oregon
Hang gliding
Paraglide
Gondola or ski lift ride
At Mount Hood
Arial tram through Portland
Water travel
Charter a boat in Washington
Ride a ferry
White water rafting
In Washington
In Oregon
Swim at a waterfall
Cliff jump
Jet skis
Tube or float
Kayak or paddleboard
Make it a bioluminescence tour in Washington:
Parasail
Hot springs
Hot tub boat rental in Seattle
Travel by foot
Hike
Backpack
Use your own backpacking gear
Rock Climb
Biking
Canyoneer the North Cascades
Slackline
Longboard
Summit Mount Saint Helens or another volcano
Explore a cave, like this one
Snow Travel
Sleigh ride
In Washington
In Oregon
Sled or tube
Snowshoe
Cross country ski
Snowmobiles
In Washington
In Oregon
Ski or snowboard
Snowcat
Other modes of travel
Overlanding
Road trip
Rent an epic getaway car
Animals
Whale Watching
In Washington
In Oregon
Horseback riding
In Washington
Pet Wolves in Washington
Make it tasty
Hire a private chef
Have a gourmet dinner
Hire a gourmet picnic set up in Seattle, rain or shine
Pack a picnic yourself like these two did
Other ideas
Camp
Glamp
In Washington
In Oregon
Meditate
Yoga
Make your own wedding bands together (I recommend doing this prior to your elopement as it takes an entire day)
Bonfire
Stargaze
Get your friends and family involved
Stay in an amazing Airbnb
In Washington
In Oregon
Your favorite activity
Browse the archive or search for specific topics (try “Mount Rainier National Park”, “beach” or “LGBTQ+”).