There are very few places on Earth where you can find rainforests, beaches, waterfalls, and mountains all within a few hours of each other. The Pacific Northwest is one of those places, so for all my nature-lovers out there, I’m not surprised you’re considering eloping in the PNW (good choice).
As a PNW elopement photographer who has specialized in photographing elopements in the region since 2019, I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned in this handy guide.
Whether you’re dreaming of saying your vows in a mossy forest, picnicking on a mountaintop, or taking a dip in an alpine lake, the PNW truly has it all and more for your elopement. If you’re looking for the best places to elope in the Pacific Northwest, need help navigating permits, or want to know what to expect from the weather, this ultimate PNW elopement guide has you covered.
7 Best Places to Elope in the PNW
Let’s start with the most important decision of all: choosing your elopement location. Mountains, lakes, beaches, rainforests, and everything in between are all on the table here. If you’re not sure where to begin, these are my top seven picks for the best places to elope in the PNW.
Washington
It’s not called the Evergreen State for nothing! Out of all the places in the PNW you could choose to elope, I have to say that Washington’s a pretty hard one to beat. Interested in seeing all the locations this place has to offer? You’re going to love my guide on the 15 most breathtaking places to elope in Washington State!
1. Olympic National Park
I may be a little biased (it’s my favorite place in the PNW, and honestly, my favorite national park for elopements), but Olympic National Park is hands down one of the best places to elope in the PNW. Not only is it one of the most diverse national parks in the country (mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, beaches, rainforests, etc.) but it’s also open with snow-free locations year-round. Choose from large accessible ceremony sites, hike to the top of a peak, or watch the deer graze in the meadows. The point I’m trying to make is that Olympic’s variety is and always will be unmatched.
- Scenery: Mountains, lakes, rainforests, waterfalls, beaches, old-growth forests.
- Permit required: Yes. A $50 permit is required for groups larger than five.
- Crowd level: Moderate.
- Best time to elope: May–October.
Best for couples who: Have never been to the PNW before, want to see a ton of landscape variety, and need accessible locations.
2. North Cascades National Park
Calling all hikers! North Cascades National Park was made for you. Often referred to as the “Swiss Alps of America,” this underrated national park is one of the most noteworthy and least visited in the U.S. Massive mountain ranges, glaciers, alpine lakes, and more than 400 miles of hiking trails make this a dream location for couples who love to hike and are looking to escape the crowds at busier locations.
- Scenery: Mountains, glaciers, wildflowers, lakes, waterfalls, forests.
- Permit required: It depends on the area. If needed, the permit is $50.
- Crowd level: Low to Moderate.
- Best time to elope: July–September.
Best for couples who: Love to hike, want something crowd free, and like remote locations.
3. Mt. Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park is probably the most iconic elopement location in the Pacific Northwest. I even have it listed near the top of my best places to elope in the US post. Of all the locations on this list, this is the one most people picture when they think of the PNW, and they’re not wrong. With wildflowers, old-growth forests, rivers, and mountain views, it’s easy to see why this park is so popular. Because of its proximity to Seattle, it can get busy, especially in summer, so planning ahead is key if you want less crowds.
- Scenery: Mountains, wildflowers, lakes, rivers, forests, waterfalls.
- Permit required: Yes. A $275 ceremony permit is required.
- Crowd level: High, especially in July and August.
- Best time to elope: July–September. Elope in August for wildflowers!
Best for couples who: Want wildflowers, don’t mind crowds, want an iconic park, and need something accessible for guests.
4. Artist Point/Mt. Baker
If you were to ask me where the best mountains are for an elopement, I would easily tell you that you’d find them in the Mt. Baker area, and more specifically at Artist Point, which is a short 0.5-mile trail from the parking lot. Not only does this location not require permits (score!), but there is so much variety in a 2-minute driving distance. I’m talking mountains, glaciers, alpine lakes, wildflowers, a rainforest, you name it, you’ll find it. The only downside is that it gets pretty crowded in the summer for weddings specifically. Don’t be surprised to see other couples tying the knot here!
- Scenery: Mountains, wildflowers, lakes, rivers, forests, waterfalls.
- Permit required: No, a permit is not required if you have less than 75 guests.
- Crowd level: High, especially in July and August.
- Best time to elope: July–early October.
Best for couples who: Want easy access mountains, need a dog-friendly location, don’t want hiking, and don’t mind seeing other couples getting married.
Oregon
Oregon has it all: beaches, mountains, deserts, and more. While these locations below are stunning (and definitely some of the best in the entire state), you can explore my guide to the 15 best places to elope in Oregon if you need some more inspiration!
5. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
Located along the southern Oregon Coast near Brookings, Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is easily one of the most underrated elopement locations in the PNW. This stretch of coastline is filled with sea stacks, hidden beaches, natural arches, and unbelievable cliffside views. It’s also just minutes from Redwood National Park, making it easy to experience multiple landscapes in one day. Skip the crowds of the more popular beaches up north and head a bit more south to Brookings. I promise you won’t regret it.
Psstt… I have a pretty cool real-life elopement that was photographed in Brookings that you can check out here.
- Scenery: Rocky beaches, tidepools, overlooks, forests, natural arches, waterfalls.
- Permit required: No, a permit is not required if you have less than 75 guests.
- Crowd level: Low to moderate.
- Best time to elope: May-October.
Best for couples who: Don’t mind short hikes, want to be close to redwoods, and don’t mind remote-feeling locations.
6. Columbia River Gorge
If waterfalls are high on your list, the Columbia River Gorge is going to be hard to beat. With more than 90 waterfalls on the Oregon side alone, this area offers endless options for elopements. Aside from waterfalls, this area has some unbeatable wildflower meadows, lakes, and hiking trails. The gorge sits along the Oregon and Washington border and is especially popular in summer. During peak season, some areas require driving or timed-entry permits, so it’s important to plan ahead.
- Scenery: Waterfalls, forests, lakes, rivers, wildflowers, mountains.
- Permit required: No, a permit is not required if you have less than 75 guests.
- Crowd level: Moderate to high.
- Best time to elope: May-October.
Best for couples who: Want waterfalls, prefer to be closer to an airport or bigger city, and need accessible locations for guests.
7. Cannon Beach
You can’t talk about PNW elopement locations without talking about Cannon Beach! One of the best and most famous beaches for elopements, Cannon Beach is not only popular for its iconic sea stack, but also for its walkable town that’s just perfect for a honeymoon. Bring your dog, ditch the permit, and invite all your friends and family. Cannon Beach is one of the most accessible and best places to elope in the PNW for all the beach-lovers out there.
- Scenery: Sea stacks, nearby sand dunes, open landscapes.
- Permit required: No, a permit is not required if you have less than 75 guests.
- Crowd level: Moderate to high.
- Best time to elope: May-October.
Best for couples who: Love cute beach towns, want something very accessible, need a dog-friendly location, and don’t want to stray too far from the city.
Best Time of Year to Elope in the Pacific Northwest
The best time of year to elope in the Pacific Northwest is typically May–June or September–October, though weather can vary widely depending on the state and elevation. Below is a breakdown of what each season looks like so you can decide what would be best for you!
Summer (June-August)
Summer is peak season in the PNW. Trails are clear, wildflowers are blooming, and weather is warm and sunny. This is when places like Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park are at their most colorful (for wildflowers that is), especially in July and August. However, that also means crowds, crowds, and more crowds. Plan for a weekday at sunrise or sunset to have the most privacy as possible.
Best for:
• Wildflowers
• Warm weather
• Snow-free hiking trails
Things to note:
• Crowds are at their highest
• Traffic and parking can be challenging in the national parks
Fall (September-October)
Fall is my favorite season for PNW elopements. Crowds drop significantly after Labor Day, prices go down, and fall colors begin to show, especially in the North Cascades and parts of Oregon. In some areas, it can start to get a little cold and most mountain roads begin to close for the season come mid-October.
Best for:
• Fewer crowds
• Fall colors
• Cooler temperatures
Things to note:
• Certain trails see a spike in visitors due to fall colors
• Rain or snow is possible at higher elevations
Winter (November-March)
Winter elopements work best in lower-elevation locations like Olympic National Park or the Oregon Coast. Expect rain, fog, lots of greenery, and elk. High-elevation parks like Mount Rainier and North Cascades are largely inaccessible due to snow. This is one of the better seasons to elope if you want to avoid crowds.
Best for:
• No crowds
• Moody lighting
• Wildlife sightings
Things to note:
• Rain and snow
• Fewer location options due to weather
Spring (April-May)
Spring is similar to winter but with longer days, more wildlife activity, and waterfalls at peak flow. While many mountain areas remain snowed in until June or July, coastal and lower-elevation locations shine during this season. If you were to ask me, I’d choose the spring (and let’s be honest, the fall) over all the other seasons.
Best for:
• Peak greens and waterfall flow
• Low crowds
• Wildlife sightings
Things to note:
• Rain
• Some higher elevation areas are still inaccessible due to snow
Do You Need a Permit to Elope in the Pacific Northwest?
Yes. If you’re eloping in a national park, state park, or national forest in the Pacific Northwest, you will more than likely need what’s called a special use permit. Permit fees typically range from $50 to $300, depending on the location.
The easiest way to check if a permit is required is to search: “[elopement location] wedding permit.” This should take you to a page with instructions on how to get a permit for your specific location.
You can also ask your photographer. Most elopement photographers like myself are very familiar with permit requirements and can point you in the right direction or help you through the process. In most cases, permits are straightforward to apply for and can be completed entirely online. I recommend applying at least three months before your elopement date, especially for popular locations or summer weekends.
How to Get a Marriage License in the PNW
To make your elopement official, you’ll need a marriage license. Requirements vary by state, but the process is generally simple.
- Washington allows mail-in and in-person applications.
- Oregon allows mail-in (specific counties) and in-person applications.
- Both states have a 3-day waiting period in place meaning you can’t get married until 3 days have passed after picking up your license. In Oregon, you can pay to waive this fee. In Washington, you can’t. Check out this website that has a super helpful calculator to tell you what date you should apply for a license to abide by the the 3-day waiting period!
How to Get a Washington Marriage License
*Note: I am using King County in this example. Each county may have a different process and price for obtaining a marriage license. You do not need to get a marriage license from the county you’ll be getting married in.
In-Person
- Fill out the online marriage license application.
- Pick up your marriage license at least 3 days before your elopement. You must bring photo ID and $169 to pay for the application fee.
- After your elopement, the officiant must drop off the signed marriage license to be processed.
Mail-In
- Fill out the paper application.
- Have the application notarized. King County does not provide notarization services.
- Mail in the original notarized application with the $169 check or money order to the following address: King County Recorder’s Office, RE: Marriage Application, 201 S. Jackson St., Ste. 204, Seattle, WA 98104. Checks are payable to King County Recorder.
- After your elopement, the officiant must drop off the signed marriage license to be processed.
Check out the official website for more helpful information here. If you have additional questions, the recorder’s office can be reached at 206-477-6620.
How to Get an Oregon Marriage License
*Note: This example uses Washington County (Portland), but each county has its own process. You don’t have to get your license from the county where you’ll elope. I recommend Washington County for its easy, straightforward process.
In-Person
- Fill out the online marriage license application.
- Pick up your license at least three days before your elopement. You can walk in or call for an appointment. Bring your ID and $60 for the license. Walk-ins are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- After the ceremony, return the signed marriage license to the same office.
Mail-In
The mail-in option should be done 4-8 weeks before your ceremony.
- Call the County Clerk’s office at 503-846-8752 or email RecordingCopyRequests@washingtoncountyor.gov to request an application.
- Fill out the application.
- Mail it in along with a $60 cashiers check or money order.
- After the ceremony, return the signed marriage license to the same office.
For step-by-step instructions, visit the Washington County official website here.
Pro tip: You will need an officiant and two witnesses to sign the license in both Washington and Oregon.
Pacific Northwest Example Elopement Galleries & Guides
Curious what it actually looks like to elope in places like Olympic National Park, the Oregon Coast, or the North Cascades? Here are some guides and real elopement galleries that include helpful tips to help you imagine and plan your own PNW elopement.
Pacific Northwest Elopement Activities
Book the cozy Airbnb, splurge on first class, and rent the luxury car you’ve always wanted. Your elopement is more than just the ceremony, it’s an entire experience. Adding a few activities to your trip can make it feel even more meaningful and memorable. Whether you want something adventurous or relaxing, here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Go whale watching during your elopement in Port Angeles
- Be a tourist in Portland and try out all the famous food spots like Voodoo Doughnuts
- Go kayaking through Washington’s different islands
- Have a bonfire with s’mores in the woods or on the beach
- Check out one of the 1,000s of waterfalls around
- Take a dip in the local hot springs
- Go wine tasting at a vineyard
- Visit an island for your ceremony
- Take a hot air balloon ride
- Go skiing in the winter
- Visit a national park
- Get rained on in a rainforest
- Take a wildlife tour
- Have a picnic on top of a mountain
Pacific Northwest Elopement Timeline Examples
You’re almost there! At this point, you have your location and maybe even your travel booked. Now, it’s time to put everything together with a timeline. Below are a couple of sample Pacific Northwest elopement timelines to help you visualize what this looks like.
8-Hour PNW Elopement
- 12:00pm – Getting ready pictures at the Airbnb
- 1:00pm – Leave for a hike in the mountains of Washington
- 1:30pm – Arrive and prep for the trail
- 3:00pm – Intimate ceremony and portraits at an alpine lake
- 4:30pm – Head back to the car
- 6:00pm – Cake cutting/FaceTime family
- 6:30pm – Leave for an intimate candlelit dinner
- 7:00pm – Dinner with a sunset view
- 8:00pm – Photo coverage ends
4-Hour PNW Elopement
- 5:00pm – Getting ready photos at the Airbnb
- 6:00pm – First look
- 6:15pm – Leave for a ceremony at a waterfall in Oregon
- 6:30pm – Ceremony with friends and family
- 6:45pm – Family portraits
- 7:15pm – Toasts and family picnic
- 8:00pm – Golden hour portraits
- 9:00pm – Photo coverage ends
Pacific Northwest Elopement Packages
Woohoo! You did it! You just planned the most perfect PNW elopement. Now all that’s left to do is pack the umbrellas (wink, wink).
I’m Brianna, a Pacific Northwest elopement photographer who helps couples plan intentional, stress-free elopements in the most beautiful place on Earth, the PNW being my specialty. My packages are fully customized and include support with everything from choosing the perfect location and building a timeline to vendor recommendations and permit guidance. If you’re looking for a hands-on experience and someone to walk you through the entire process, you’re in the right place.
You can explore my elopement packages in more detail below or check out my PNW elopement packages page here that also include all-inclusive elopement packages! Vendors booked, travel secured, and photography included. What more could you ask for?
Pacific Northwest Elopement Package Pricing
- 4 hours – 2 days of elopement coverage anywhere in the Pacific Northwest
- A personalized elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
- Personalized elopement location recommendations
- Vendor, lodging, and activity recommendations
- Assistance and information to help you with permits, licenses, etc.
- 90+ page elopement planning guide filled with tips and tricks
- Customized elopement timelines
- Optional complimentary officiant services
- Online gallery with full resolution images and printing rights
- Complimentary album design
- 24-48 hour sneak peeks to share with the world
- Travel fees to anywhere in the Pacific Northwest are already included
- Starting at $6,500
Looking for More Location Inspiration?
If you’re open to traveling a teeny tiny bit south into Northern California, I have some spots that look like the PNW without the PNW crowds. Or maybe you’re set on the PNW but just want a few more location ideas. Whatever it is, I probably have a guide for it:
- Mt. Hood Elopement Guide
- How to Elope in Crater Lake National Park
- Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Redwood National Park
- How and Where to Elope in Seattle
- Mt. Shasta Elopement Guide
- Best Places to Elope in the Hoh Rainforest
Don’t forget your FREE elopement guide!
An all-in-one planning guide for all things elopements! Whether you’re hoping to hike through the mountains of Washington or sip a margarita on the beaches of California, this comprehensive elopement guide has everything you need to know about how to plan the perfect elopement.
You? You’re the kind of person that gets a lil’ teary eyed looking at an epic view…
That moment when you turn to the person you’re with and ask, “Are you seeing this?” I live for it. Places with trees and mountains and soft breezes that make you say, “I can’t believe this place exists,” I spend pretty much all of my free time searching for and exploring them.
These places have always felt like home to me. And if you’re the kind of person who also feels more at home surrounded by trees than by people? Then we’ll get along really well. The Pacific Northwest is full of secret spots that are too special to share with just anyone. But it would make me happy to share them with you on your wedding day.
If the mountains/beaches/redwood forests are calling your name, go ahead…
(I promise you won’t regret it.)
P.S. I’m Brianna. I’m a Pacific Northwest elopement photographer whose mission is to create custom, one-of-a-kind elopement experiences in the Pacific Northwest that allow couples to fully immerse themselves in the highest levels of excitement and wonder on a day designed exclusively for them.
