I’ve been photographing elopements in Washington since 2018. After my first trip to the state, I loved it so much that I ended up moving there each summer, photographing up, down, and across the entire state of Washington. It really does feel like a choose-your-own-adventure state. Want mountains? Done. Rainforests? Easy. Beaches at sunset? Also possible. It’s no surprise you’re gravitated towards this area. As someone who specializes in the area, I can promise you, it’s every bit as breathtaking as it looks.
This list is based on real elopement experience, not internet research. I’m a Pacific Northwest-based elopement photographer who has helped 100+ couples plan and photograph elopements across Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier, the North Cascades, and dozens of other locations throughout the state. I’ve personally been to and photographed at every location on this list multiple times. With that in mind, here are the best places to elope in Washington.
15 Best Places to Elope in Washington State
If it’s mountains, wildflowers, lakes, beaches, or rainforests you’re after, there’s truly no better state in the country for it. As someone who has photographed elopements at every location on this list and many more across Washington, these are the 15 best and most stunning places to elope in Washington State.
1. Olympic National Park
I’ve photographed more elopements than I can count in Olympic National Park, and in my opinion, it’s the single best place to elope in Washington. Honestly, you could even make the case that it’s the best place to elope in the Pacific Northwest. Where else can you walk through a literal rainforest, stand on giant sea stacks, watch deer on top of a mountain, and end the day with vows at a waterfall?
Olympic truly has a little bit of everything. Whether you want mountains, rainforest, or the ocean, you can find it here. That diversity is exactly why I include Olympic at the very top of this list.
For couples visiting Washington (or the Pacific Northwest) for the first time, Olympic is almost impossible to beat. It has incredible scenery, plenty of ceremony locations for guests, and snow-free locations year-round. It’s one of the most versatile and rewarding elopement locations in the state and my top recommendation when couples say “We’ve never been to Washington before. Where should we elope?”
- Permit required: Yes. A $50 permit is required for groups larger than five.
- Crowd level: Moderate, though varies by location.
- Best time to elope: May–October.
- Popular ceremony locations: Hoh Rainforest, Ruby Beach, Hurricane Ridge, and Lake Crescent.
- Photographer tip: Olympic looks small on a map, but everything is far apart. It can take over an hour to drive from one location to the next.
I’ve got an entire Olympic National Park elopement guide you can read here!
Best for couples who: Have never been to Washington before, want to see as many different landscapes as possible, need a location that’s open year-round, and want no-hiking-required ceremony spots.
2. Mt. Rainier National Park
It’s the most popular national park in Washington for a reason! Mount Rainier is the best place to elope in Washington if you’re looking for something close to Seattle, want the best wildflower meadows in the state, or want incredible mountain views without needing to hike to see them.
Whether you’re into challenging hikes or prefer a location with no-hiking-required, Rainier has options for every type of couple. August is peak wildflower season and a huge reason this park is so popular for elopements, while September is my personal favorite. The crowds thin out, the weather is still great, and the landscape shifts into rich shades of red, yellow, and orange.
This is definitely a popular place for elopements though, so if the chance of seeing other couples isn’t your jam, don’t worry, there are tons of locations on this list for you!
- Permit required: Yes. A $275 ceremony permit is required. Summer dates fill quickly, so apply early.
- Crowd level: High in July and August, especially at the Paradise and Sunrise areas of the park.
- Best time to elope: July–September. Elope in August for wildflowers!
- Popular ceremony locations: Skyline Loop, Tipsoo Lake, and Reflection Lakes.
- Photographer tip: Parking fills early at both Paradise and Sunrise (two main areas of the park), sometimes before sunrise on weekends. In the summer, timed entry reservations may be required.
You might be interested in learning how to elope in Mt. Rainier National Park with my guide!
Best for couples who: Want a national park close to a city, love wildflowers, are flexible with times and dates for their ceremony, and don’t mind sharing the space with others.
3. North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park is one of the best national parks for wedding, especially if you’re a big hiker. Known as the “Swiss Alps of America,” this area is packed to the brim with mountains, lakes, glaciers, and some of the most unreal alpine views in the state. Not to mention mountain goats, too!
The best part? It’s way quieter than most national parks in the country. Since this location is much more remote than others on this list, it tends to be better suited for couples who don’t mind traveling and aren’t bringing guests, as many of the best viewpoints require a bit of hiking. This area is especially popular during the fall season when larches (pine trees that change color) cover the park in yellow.
- Permit required: Yes, a $50 special use permit is required.
- Crowd level: Low to Moderate. Popular spots like Diablo Lake can get busy in summer.
- Best time to elope: July–September.
- Popular ceremony locations: Diablo Lake, Maple Pass, and Blue Lake.
- Photographer tip: The North Cascades region gets some of the heaviest snowfall in Washington, which means many locations are only accessible July-September.
For information on permits, locations, and more, see my North Cascades National Park elopement guide!
Best for couples who: Prefer remote locations, don’t mind hiking, are eloping in the summer or early fall, and love mountains.
4. Hoh Rainforest
I guess you could say I’m cheating by putting this one on the list since it’s technically located inside Olympic National Park, but the Hoh Rainforest truly deserves a spot of its own. This is perhaps the most green location on this list. It’s one of the last remaining temperate rainforests in the world, and thanks to its wet climate, the forest is draped in moss, moss, and more moss.
This is truly a one-of-a-kind location. Because it’s so unique, this place is packed during the summer months. It’s not uncommon to have to wait up to 2 hours just to park. If you’re up for it, I recommend eloping here either during sunrise or sunset or in the off-season (I love the Hoh Rainforest in November). There’s a very small hike required to reach the forest and there isn’t much room along the trail, so only elopements with very small guest counts are recommended.
- Permit required: Yes, $50 if your group is larger than five people.
- Crowd level: High in summer. Sunrise or sunset is strongly recommended.
- Best time to elope: May-October. Gorgeous year-round!
- Popular ceremony locations: Hall of Mosses, Spruce Nature Trail, and the Hoh River.
- Photographer tip: This location is popular! Wait times of 1–2 hours are common in summer. Arrive early, go at sunset, or plan a weekday elopement for the best experience.
I’ve got a guide on eloping in the Hoh Rainforest that you’re going to love!
Best for couples who: Looking for a one-of-a-kind location, don’t mind crowds or planning around them, are open to off-season or sunrise ceremonies, and are planning an elopement with very few or no guests.
5. Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
If you love the views at a place like North Cascades National Park but aren’t keen on the whole hiking thing, I highly recommend checking out the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This national forest borders the national park and has some of the most “is this actually a real place?” views around.
It’s hard to believe this place isn’t a national park. This spot is wildly popular for elopements, and for good reason: it requires almost no hiking to reach, the sunsets are unreal, and it’s dog-friendly. Plus, it doesn’t require a permit and certain locations can accommodate a good amount of guests! Don’t even get me started on the alpine lakes, wildflowers, or mountains in this area either. Seriously folks, this is a good one!
- Permit required: No.
- Crowd level: High. This is one of the most popular places to elope. You will probably see other couples here!
- Best time to elope: July–Early October.
- Popular ceremony locations: Artist Point, Chain Lakes Loop Trail, and Bagley Lakes.
- Photographer tip: The Mt. Baker area is incredibly popular for elopements. It’s common to see multiple couples getting married here, especially at sunset.
Best for couples who: Want a mountain location without any hiking required, don’t mind crowds or other couples, want a dog-friendly spot, and don’t want to get a permit.
6. Artist Point
Chances are, you’ve probably come across a wedding photo taken at Artist Point if you were doing some Googling on Washington elopements. This location is technically located within the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, but its popularity makes this location deserve a spot on its own. This is one of the most popular places for an elopement in the entire state, and for good reason: you don’t have to hike! Views like this are just feet away from the parking lot which makes it a fan-favorite for couples wanting to bring guests.
However, because it’s so accessible, it tends to be busy. Personally, I’ve only ever photographed one elopement here where there weren’t any other couple around also taking photos. On the plus side, you don’t need a permit and it’s dog-friendly!
- Permit required: No.
- Crowd level: High. You will see other couples getting married here!
- Best time to elope: July–Early October.
- Photographer tip: The road to get here is windy. It’s popular, expect to see other people!
For more information about eloping at Artist Point, check out my ultimate guide!
Best for couples who: Don’t want to hike, don’t mind seeing other couples there, want a lot of variety in a condensed location, and want to bring their dog.
7. San Juan Islands
For couples looking for an outdoor ceremony location without the crowds you can find in the national parks, I highly recommend checking out the San Juan Islands. You can explore beaches, lighthouses, forests, and overlooks, all within a short drive, ferry ride, or easy walk. Visit during whale season to watch the migration, or come in the summer for some unreal sunsets on one of the many beaches each island has to offer.
Guests always love this location, as it feels like a mini vacation for everyone. My personal favorite island of the bunch is Orcas Island. It’s known as the “green island” and has everything from mountain trails to quiet beaches. You think it’d be named after the orca whales that live around the island, but the name is just coincidence.
- Permit required: No, unless you’re eloping at a state park.
- Crowd level: Low to moderate. Summer is busier, but it’s still much quieter than mainland locations.
- Best time to elope: May–September.
- Popular ceremony locations: Lime Kiln Point, Shark Reef Sanctuary, and Moran State Park.
- Photographer tip: The islands run on a ferry schedule, which can book up fast in summer. Reserve your spot online as early as possible.
Best for couples who: Want something slower paced and less crowded, interested in seeing orca whales, and love oceanside locations.
8. Snoqualmie Pass
Snoqualmie Pass is such a hidden gem for elopements. I’m honestly surprised that it’s not as popular as I think it should be.
This area is packed with alpine lakes, forests, and waterfalls that feel way more “backcountry” than the short drive from Seattle would suggest. It’s one of the best places to elope in Washington if you want big scenery with minimal effort. You can explore one of the many waterfalls in the area, relax by lake, or hike up to a nearby fire lookout to watch the sunset over the mountains.
The only downside to this area is that it can get a bit busy. Specific locations in the area, like Gold Creek Pond, are a known hotspot for photos. If you have a photographer who knows the area well, they should be able to guide you to some of the lesser known locations for your elopement.
- Permit required: No, not usually.
- Crowd level: Moderate.
- Best time to elope: June-October.
- Popular ceremony locations: Gold Creek Pond, Franklin Falls, and Rattlesnake Lake.
- Photographer tip: Snoqualmie Pass gets extremely busy on weekends, especially at Gold Creek Pond. If you want privacy, plan for a sunrise ceremony or choose a weekday.
Best for couples who: Love waterfalls or lakes, want something close to Seattle, and are bringing just a few guests.
9. Seattle
I couldn’t talk about the best places to elope in Washington without mentioning Seattle. This is one of the only places in the US where you can say your vows overlooking a skyline, hop on a ferry for portraits, walk through a forest, and end the night with dinner at one of the best restaurants in the state, all in the same day. Whether you’re into famous spots like Pike Place Market and the gum wall, or prefer less-traveled parks and beaches, Seattle has tons of beautiful (and surprisingly quiet) places to elope.
This is a great options for guests who are flying in, as all the locations are right there. Though I will say to prepare for traffic if you’re eloping during rush hours. Sunrise or sunset is always best here.
- Permit required: Sometimes. Many parks and beaches require a small ceremony permit.
- Crowd level: Moderate to high depending on the location.
- Best time to elope: May–October.
- Popular ceremony locations: Discovery Park, Alki Beach, and the Washington Park Arboretum.
- Photographer tip: Don’t stress if the forecast calls for clouds. Seattle’s soft overcast light will make your photos incredible!
Learn how and where to elope in Seattle with my guide!
Best for couples who: Have guests flying in, want to be close to an airport, want a variety of different landscapes or activities, and don’t mind tourists nearby.
10. Leavenworth
For one of the most unique places to elope in Washington, I recommend checking out the Leavenworth area. If you want mountain views and a Bavarian village to celebrate in afterward, you won’t find a better place than this.
This charming town is in the middle of the Cascades and offers everything from alpine lakes to rivers to golden larch trails in the fall. Between the scenery and European-inspired streets, Leavenworth feels like a destination wedding without ever leaving Washington. It does get quite busy during the summer and fall, but if you know where to look, you can get entire sections of nature all to yourself.
Whatever you do, I recommend avoiding this place around Christmas. It’s famous for its light displays but man oh man does it get busy!
- Permit required: Usually not, but it depends on location.
- Crowd level: Moderate to high, especially in October during larch season and around the holidays.
- Best time to elope: June–October. Visit in late September or October for the larches.
- Popular ceremony locations: Colchuck Lake and Lake Wenatchee.
- Photographer tip: Fall (and December) is the busiest time of year in Leavenworth. If you’re hoping to see the larches or Christmas lights, plan for sunrise or sunset on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Here’s my guide with everything you need to know about eloping in Leavenworth.
Best for couples who: Love mountains, want dramatic views without long hikes, and don’t mind a more touristy town.
11. Gifford Pinchot National Forest
If you’re looking for an elopement location that’s totally underrated, Gifford Pinchot National Forest is an amazing choice. This massive forest is home to some amazing views of Mt. Rainier, old-growth trees, alpine lakes, lava fields, waterfalls, hot springs, and some of the best trails in the state. If you want the scenery without the crowds you’ll find in the national parks, I can’t recommend Gifford enough.
This area tends to be pretty remote with lots of hiking required for the best views, so it’s not a location I recommend to couples who are bringing guests. This is one of the best locations to see Mt. Rainier without being in the actual park or having to get a permit. And for the cherry on top, it’s all dog-friendly!
- Permit required: No.
- Crowd level: Low. You’ll often have entire trails or overlooks to yourselves.
- Best time to elope: June–October.
- Popular ceremony locations: Panther Creek Falls, Mount St. Helens, and Mt. Adams.
- Photographer tip: Cell service is almost nonexistent in Gifford Pinchot. The forest roads can also be rough, winding, and slow.
Best for couples who: Want something off the beaten path, need a dog-friendly location, and aren’t bringing lots of guests.
12. Cape Flattery
Cape Flattery feels like the edge of the world (and it kind of is). This is the northwesternmost point in the continental U.S., and the views here are unreal. Think sea cliffs, crashing waves, and ocean in every direction. Plus, it’s just a few minutes away from some of my most favorite beaches in the state.
Getting to Cape Flattery takes a bit of effort, which is exactly why it’s such a great place for an elopement, it’s not too busy. It’s more remote than most coastal locations in Washington and located kind of in the middle of nowhere (though it’s fairly close to Olympic). Just keep in mind that this area is on tribal land, so you will need to get permission from the tribal leaders beforehand. This is a location I don’t usually recommend for large groups, as the observation platforms are small and can feel a bit crowded.
- Permit required: No, but permission from the reservation is.
- Crowd level: Low to moderate.
- Best time to elope: May–October.
- Photographer tip: Cell service is spotty here. While you’re in the area, drive south to explore the beaches! Many of them are similar to those you can see in Hawaii.
Best for couples who: Are eloping just them two, don’t mind driving a ways to reach the area, and want to prioritize the beach on their elopement day.
13. Deception Pass State Park
Deception Pass State Park is one of the most iconic, popular, and easily accessible places for a Washington elopement. Known primarily for its bridge, Deception Pass has a little bit of everything: cool architecture, cliffs, beaches, and forested trails all in one area. This is a great option for couples who want variety without having to travel too far from Seattle. There are so many different ceremony locations here, both hiking and no-hiking-required.
Because of its popularity and proximity to Seattle, Deception Pass can get busy, especially during weekends and summer months. That said, it’s still possible to find quieter pockets of the park if you plan carefully. Early mornings, weekdays, and off-season dates are the best times of year for an elopement here.
- Permit required: Yes, a $45 permit is required.
- Crowd level: Moderate to high.
- Best time to elope: May–October.
- Popular ceremony locations: Goose Rock, Rosario Head, and North Beach.
- Photographer tip: There’s a $11.50 parking fee for the park!
Best for couples who: Want something closer to Seattle, want a wide variety of photo spots, are bringing guests, don’t mind a few people here and there.
14. Columbia River Gorge
Most people immediately think of the Oregon side when someone mentions the Columbia River Gorge, but the Washington side is just as stunning and far less crowded. This area is packed with waterfalls, forests, and mountain views, all without the permits and congestion you’ll find across the river.
If you want scenery without national park rules, this is such a solid option. There’s a ton of variety in this area, though the main landscape you’ll see will be sweeping views of the gorge below. In the spring, there are a few trails in the area that get covered in wildflowers. This area is great for both hikers and not, though I do recommend this area more for couples who don’t mind hiking a bit, as many of the best viewpoints for a ceremony require a short hike.
- Permit required: No.
- Crowd level: Moderate.
- Best time to elope: June–October.
- Popular ceremony locations: Dog Mountain, Cape Horn, and Beacon Rock.
- Photographer tip: Many of the best views in this area require a short to moderate hike to reach.
Best for couples who: Want a more quiet location, love to hike, want wildflowers, need a dog-friendly location, and don’t have many guests.
15. Mount Saint Helens
Mount St. Helens is one of the most unique and underrated places to elope in Washington. The landscape here in unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere: wide-open views, volcanic rock, forests, lava flows, caves, wildflowers, and more. If you’re drawn to scenery that feels completely different from the lush forests and alpine peaks found elsewhere in the state, this is an incredible place to elope.
This area is especially great for couples who want big views without heavy crowds. While it’s still a popular destination, it tends to feel quieter and more spacious than places like Mount Rainier. Access varies by season due to snow, but late spring through early fall offers the best conditions. This is definitely one of those places I recommend for hikers, as while there are some accessible locations, many of the must-see spots require some hiking.
- Permit required: No.
- Crowd level: Moderate.
- Best time to elope: June–October.
- Popular ceremony locations: Hummocks Trail and Johnston Ridge Observatory
- Photographer tip: Footwear matters more here than most locations. Volcanic rock and loose gravel can be slippery.
Best for couples who: Want something more unique than forests or alpine lakes, prefer fewer crowds, don’t mind unpredictable weather, love open landscapes, and don’t mind hiking.
Need a Washington Elopement Photogapher?
Take it from someone who has photographed more than a hundred elopements in Washington: having the right photographer by your side can make all the difference. From helping you plan your timeline to guiding you through permits and picking the perfect location, I’m here to make the entire experience easy. If you’re ready to start planning your Washington elopement, take a peek at what’s included in all my elopement packages below or head over to my pricing page to learn more.
Washington Elopement Packages
- 4 hours – 2 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 $6,500
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.
