How and Where to Elope in Washington in 2025

Few places in the world leave me truly speechless, but Washington is one of them. From crystal-clear alpine lakes and wildflower-filled meadows to driftwood-strewn beaches and dramatic mountain peaks, it’s no wonder Washington is on your mind as a potential elopement location. If you’re considering or already planning your elopement here, you’re in the right place.

This is the most comprehensive guide about how to elope in Washington. You’ll find the best places to elope, how to get a marriage license, how to get a permit, weather information, and more. Let’s dive into the adventure of a lifetime.

Step 2: Choose a Date

Generally speaking, the best time of year to elope in Washington is going to be from July-September. However, each season has its pros and cons and each location shines during a different time of year. Check out what season would be best for you below.

July-August

The summer season (July and August) is usually considered the best time of year to elope in Washington. In the summer, there’s lots of sunshine, no snow, and all hiking trails are accessible. This is also when the famous wildflower meadows make their appearance. However, with warm weather comes crowded national parks and trails, regardless if it’s a weekday or weekend. In my opinion, while I do love the summer months, I recommend eloping during the fall if privacy is important to you.

• Olympic National Park: June to late September
• North Cascades National Park: Late July to mid-September
• Mt. Rainier National Park: July to mid-September

Pros	Cons
– Warm weather – No snow or rain – Lots to do in the towns and national parks – Wildflowers – Open and accessible trails	– Crowds – Expensive rental cars and lodging – More traffic than usual

September-October

September and October are Washington’s fall months. The fall season here is short but sweet. The colors in the state are absolutely beautiful, especially in higher elevation areas. This is the perfect time to elope if you want an elopement with less crowds and fairly good weather. Personally, I think all the best places to elope in Washington really shine in the fall.

• Olympic National Park: Late September to October
• North Cascades National Park: Late September to mid-October
• Mt. Rainier National Park: Late September to mid-October

Pros	Cons
– Less crowds – Gorgeous fall colors – Open and accessible trails – Cheaper lodging and rental car prices	– Chillier weather – Higher chance of rain and snow – Certain trails see a spike in visitors due to the fall colors

November-March

The winter months in Washington get a pretty bad rap in my opinion. Granted, if you’re hoping for Washington’s famous mountainous terrain, consider eloping during the summer, as many of the higher elevation locations are completely inaccessible until July. However, if you want something without snow, consider checking out lower elevation parks and forests like Olympic National Park or Seattle. Keep in mind that this is the rainiest season in Washington, but also the season that gets the least amount of visitors.

• Olympic National Park: November to March
• North Cascades National Park: Late October to May
• Mt. Rainier National Park: Mid-October to mid-April

Pros	Cons
– No crowds (I’m talking entire sections of a national park to yourself) – Cheaper lodging and rental car prices – Even lighting for pictures	– Chillier weather – Rain and snow – Less available location options

April-June

The spring season is probably my favorite time of year to visit Washington. The weather is usually still rainy this time of year, but the waterfalls are at their peak and the greenery is lush and vibrant. Most of the roads to higher elevation areas are still not open, but in lower elevation areas, most locations are empty, snow-free, and perfect for private ceremonies.

• Olympic National Park: April to May
• North Cascades National Park: June to late July
• Mt. Rainier National Park: Mid-April to June

Pros	Cons
– Less crowds – Cheaper lodging and rental car prices – Even lighting for pictures – Waterfalls at their peak – Greenery at its peak – Tons of wildlife	– Chillier weather – Rain and snow in certain places – Less available location options

Step 3: Get a Special Use Permit

If you’re eloping in a national park, state park, or national forest, you’ll more than likely need what’s called a “special use permit.” This permit typically range from $50 to $300, depending on the location.

After choosing your location, check in with your photographer about how to obtain the special use permit—they’ll know exactly where to send you. In most cases, you’ll need to fill out a form on the website of the national park or forest where you’re eloping, email it in, and then pay the fee online.

For example, if you search “[your elopement location] wedding permit” on Google, you should find a page with all the info you need.

Permits can take a few weeks to process, and submitting too late may result in late fees, so I always encourage my couples to get the application in as soon as they’ve locked in their location. A good rule of thumb is to submit your permit application at least three months before your elopement.

For more specific permit details about each national park in Washington, check out my free elopement guides below:

• Olympic National Park Permit Information
• North Cascades National Park Permit Information
• Mt. Rainier National Park Permit Information

Pro tip: Some photographers (like myself) help with the permit process to help make your elopement experience as stress free as possible!

Step 4: Apply for a Marriage License

A few things to note about a Washington marriage license:

• It has a 3 day waiting period, meaning you can’t elope until 3 days have passed after picking up your marriage license. For example, if you’re getting married on August 10th, you need to have your license by August 7th.
• The marriage license expires in 60 days.
• You can apply in-person, online, or via mail.

*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. You can get a marriage license from any county in Washington. I find King County to be the easiest.

In-Person

1. Fill out the online marriage license application.
2. Pick up your marriage license at least 3 days before your elopement. You must bring photo ID and $69 to pay for the application fee.
3. After your elopement, the officiant must drop off the signed marriage license to be processed.

Online

1. Fill out the online marriage license application.
2. After the application has been completed, email the recorder’s office (KCROMarriage@kingcounty.gov) with the transaction number on your application and a good telephone number.
3. In 3 business days, you will receive a call to pay for the $69 application fee with your debit/credit card. Your marriage license will then be mailed to the address on your application.
4. After your elopement, the officiant must drop off the signed marriage license to be processed.

Mail-In

1. Fill out the paper application.
2. Have the application notarized. King County does not provide notarization services.
3. Mail in the original notarized application with the $69 check or money order to the following address: King County, 500 Fourth Ave., Suite 430, Seattle, WA 98104. Checks are payable to King County Recorder.
4. 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.

Do You Need an Officiant and Witness for a Washington Elopement?

Yes. You will need an officiant and two witnesses for your Washington elopement.

Pro tip: If you want a friend or family member to be your officiant, they can get ordained for free online through the Universal Life Church in less than 5 minutes.

Pro tip: I am ordained and officiate ceremonies for free in all my elopement packages! Already have an officiant? I can be a witness!

Step 5: Book Your Elopement Vendors

Now that you’ve locked in your location, date, and paperwork, it’s time to secure your vendors. While you can book vendors at any point in the process, most book out 3 to 12 months in advance, so reaching out early is key. I highly recommend booking your elopement photographer first (yes, I’m biased, but trust me on this one). The right photographer can make a world of difference in your planning. They’re experts who can guide you on everything from hidden gem locations to permits, licenses, lodging, and beyond.

Here are some of the most common and a few of my favorite vendors across Washington.

Officiants

• Another One Ties The Knot
• Officiant Jimmie

Planners/Stylists

• Bright Side Events
• Tapestry Event Co.

Hair and Makeup Artists

• Anne Timss
• Zo and Co Styling

Florists

• Moonflower Design Co.
• Goldenrod Floral Design

Private Chefs

• Chef Bonnie Rae
• The Tall Chef

Cakes

• Sift and Gather
• Honey Crumb Cake Studio

Videographers

• Happy Camper Films
• Emerald Media

Photographers

Lucky for you, I know an incredible Washington elopement photographer and planner (yep, that’s me!) who specializes in creating epic, adventurous elopements all across the Pacific Northwest. If you’re dreaming of saying “I do” surrounded by jaw-dropping landscapes, I’ll help you every step of the way. From handpicking the perfect locations and securing permits to guiding you through marriage licenses, crafting your timeline, and recommending top-notch vendors—I’ll make sure your day is nothing short of perfect. Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Check out my Washington State elopement packages here!

Step 6: Book Your Travel

This part is pretty straightforward, but I have to say—one of my absolute favorite things about Washington is the incredible variety of Airbnbs. Whether you’re into off-grid cabins, cozy A-frames, or sleek modern homes and apartments, there’s something for every couple. Check out a few of my top Airbnb picks below.

Olympic National Park

• Green Victoria
• Epic Treehouse on the Water
• A-Frame Getaway

North Cascades National Park

• Retro A-Frame Chalet
• Mt. Baker Forest Cabin
• Modern Mt. Baker Cabin

Mt. Rainier National Park

• Forest A-Frame Cabin
• Wits End Retreat
• Cozy River Cabin

Step 7: Book Your Activities

What do you want to do on your elopement day? A first look? A scenic hike? A candlelit dinner? Now’s the time to really visualize your dream day and book the activities that will make it memorable before you start creating your timeline. Here are some ideas to get you inspired.

• Soak in the hot tub before getting ready
• Eat at the famous Pink Door restaurant in Seattle
• Enjoy a brunch picnic in your Airbnb while wearing matching robes
• Hike to one of Washington’s iconic fire lookouts – I recommend High Rock and Tolmie Peak!
• Buy a bouquet of flowers from Pike Place Market
• Have a bonfire and eat s’mores – be sure to check for fire bans on the beaches!
• Hire a personal chef for an intimate dinner with family
• Go paddle-boarding on Lake Crescent
• Hit the slopes on Mt. Baker
• Go on a waterfall spree around the state
• Explore Seattle’s art museum
• Take a Washington State ferry
• Stroll through a lavender farm on the Peninsula
• Book a private boat dinner
• Go horseback riding along the Nisqually River
• Book a hot air balloon ride over Seattle
• Take a scenic bike ride through a national forest

Step 8: Create a Timeline

We’re almost there! One of the final steps is to create a timeline to make sure your day goes smoothly. Check out the sample timelines below to get an idea of what your Washington elopement could look like.

Step 9: Elope!

Woohoo! You did it! You’ve just planned the most amazing Washington elopement. Now, it’s time for the best part—getting married!

Washington Elopement Packages

Hi, I’m Brianna, a Washington elopement photographer who’s passionate about helping couples plan a wedding day that’s not only unforgettable but also reflective of who they are. I offer a variety of elopement packages, from simple planning assistance to full-service bookings with travel and vendors. No matter which package you choose, you’re guaranteed an incredible experience in one of the most stunning places on Earth. Because I only work with 18 couples a year, your elopement is guaranteed to have the attention to detail and care it deserves. Check out my packages page here or take a peek below.

Washington State Elopement Package Pricing

• 4 hours – 1.5 days of elopement coverage anywhere in Washington
• 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
• 24-48 hour sneak peeks to share with the world
• Travel fees to anywhere in Washington are already included
• Starting at $7,000

Pin for Later

If you’ve made it this far, I hope my guide has been helpful! Before you go, be sure to pin these graphics to your Pinterest so you can easily refer back to this guide throughout your planning journey.