Where to Elope in washington
Hey, I'm Allison
Your Washington-raised elopement photographer. Washington is full of diverse landscapes, and I’ve hiked over 600 miles through all of them - from woods and waterfalls, mountains and overlooks, meadows and wildflowers and islands and beaches. There are hundreds of locations to choose from, so I gathered resources here to help you choose the best Washington elopement location for you.
Hey, I'm Allison
Your Washington-raised elopement photographer. Washington is full of diverse landscapes, and I’ve hiked over 600 miles through all of them - from woods and waterfalls, mountains and overlooks, meadows and wildflowers and islands and beaches. There are hundreds of locations to choose from, so I gathered resources here to help you choose the best Washington elopement location for you.
JUMP BACK TO THE MAP TO LEARN ABOUT ANOTHER REGION OF WASHINGTON
- Mt. Baker Wilderness
- Bellingham
- North Cascades National Park
Best Elopement Locations:
Keep in Mind: Snowpack in the mountains generally lasts into late July and even into early August some years, but the Mt. Baker ski area usually closes by late April. The Route 20 pass (through the North Cascades Highway) usually opens up for the summer around June, but there’s still lots of snow off of the road.
Travel Advice: The biggest city in this region is Bellingham, which does have a small airport. You can either fly into Bellingham via Seattle (connecting at Sea-Tac airport), or you can fly into Sea-Tac, rent a car and drive about two hours. If you’re doing the drive, take the detour up Route 11 for the Chuckanut Scenic Byway.
- Hiking, camping, backpacking
- Road tripping
- Kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding, boating, fishing
- Mountain biking, road biking
- Skiing, snowboarding
- Whale watching, scenic flights
- Brewery hopping, thrift shopping, getting tattoos, oysters, farmers markets
- Beach combing, picnics, birdwatching
Popular Activities:
The part of the state that I call home, so I’m probably biased when I say it’s the best. But seriously, it has some of everything - woods, waterfalls, mountains, valleys, lakes, beaches, and even small cities. People here are generally very outdoorsy, so there’s absolutely no shortage of breweries, mountain bike trails and guided forest walks.
WOODS, WATERFALLS, MOUNTAINS, WILDFLOWERS, LAKES, BEACHES, CITY
Best Season:
8/10
SUMMER, FALL
LGBTQ+ Friendly:
Views:
Northwest Washington
JUMP BACK TO THE MAP TO LEARN ABOUT ANOTHER REGION OF WASHINGTON
- San Juan Island & Friday Harbor
- Orcas Island
- Whidbey Island
- Deception Pass State Park
Best Elopement Locations:
Keep in Mind: Some of the shops on islands (especially the San Juans) tend to close in the middle of the week, so if there’s a specific place you’re hoping to visit, be sure to check their hours before planning your trip. Peak whale watching season is May through September.
Travel Advice: The WSDOT Ferry system is the best way to travel to and between islands, but there’s also some water taxis, private charters and small planes available if you’re going for just a day trip. If you’re taking your car to an island, you’ll be taking a ferry, be sure to see if you can make a reservation, and arrive at least an hour before your target departure time. Those lines get very long in the summer and on the weekends, so try to travel outside of peak times if you’re able to.
- Hiking, camping, backpacking
- Kayaking, paddle-boarding, boating
- Whale watching, scenic flights
- Moped rentals
- Wine tasting, shopping, art viewing, farmers markets
- Beach combing, picnics, birdwatching
Popular Activities:
Most people don’t think of islands when they think of Washington state, but there’s actually 172 named islands in the state! They have some of the most temperate weather in the state, meaning warmer winters and cooler summers. The views are out of this world before you even arrive, and there’s a ton of things to do on island.
beaches, ocean, towns, lighthouses, woods, distant mountains
Best Season:
8/10
SUMMER, FALL
LGBTQ+ Friendly:
Views:
Washington Islands
JUMP BACK TO THE MAP TO LEARN ABOUT ANOTHER REGION OF WASHINGTON
- Olympic National Park
- Port Townsend
Best Elopement Locations:
Keep in Mind: Summer is the most crowded season for tourists, so I tend to prefer the Fall and Spring shoulder seasons. Rain here is more like a mist, so you’ll be set with waterproof shoes and a good rain jacket - no need for an umbrella! If you’re wanting to look at tide pools, make sure you reference tide charts to avoid showing up on the beach at high tide (which puts the ocean right up to the treeline on most beaches).
Travel Advice: You’ll want to fly into Sea-Tac airport and rent a car. Two main ways to get to the peninsula are driving the Tacoma Narrows Bridge or catching a ferry in Seattle. The ferry is definitely fun, but most locals opt to drive around and avoid the ferry lines. Other than camping, the main towns to stay in that are closest to park locations are Port Angeles and Forks.
- Hiking, camping, backpacking
- Road tripping, 4x4 offroading
- Kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding, boating, fishing, river rafting
- Beach combing, picnics, birdwatching
- Thrift shopping, getting tattoos, oysters, farmers markets
- Whale watching
Popular Activities:
Hoa hoa, hoa hoa hoa… I know my Twilight fans understood that one. The peninsula is home to Olympic National Park and the only temperate rainforest in the lower 48. Over 140 inches of rain fall here every year, so if you’re looking for a moody, green-filled elopement, this is your place! Miles of coastline, the Olympic mountain range, Lake Crescent and the Hoh Rainforest make the peninsula a great Washington elopement location.
WOODS, BEACHES, WATERFALLS, LAKES, MOUNTAINS
Best Season:
7/10
FALL, Spring
LGBTQ+ Friendly:
Views:
Washington's Peninsula
JUMP BACK TO THE MAP TO LEARN ABOUT ANOTHER REGION OF WASHINGTON
- Ocean Shores
- Long Beach
- Cape Disappointment
Best Elopement Locations:
Keep in Mind: Tide charts are always key for planning a visit to the coast, and especially in the winter. King tides occur in November - January (depending on the year) which pull the shoreline out further and up closer as the moon has its maximum gravitational pull of the year. If timed with a good storm, you can see massive wave breaks, which could make for an epic backdrop to a moody elopement.
Travel Advice: It’s likely easier to fly into Portland (PDX) and drive across the border to the southern Washington coast rather than flying into Seattle and fighting the city traffic. Depending on how you like to travel, it might make sense to stay in one spot for just one or two nights before moving onto the next to avoid repetitive drives.
- Beach combing, picnics, birdwatching
- Hiking, camping, road tripping
- Thrift shopping, getting tattoos, oysters, farmers market
Popular Activities:
South of Olympic, there’s still miles of coastline on Washington which make stunning locations for a moody beach elopement. While more northern beaches in Washington are mostly rocks and pebbles, several beaches on the south shore actually have sand!
BEACHES, LIGHTHOUSES
Best Season:
6/10
WINTER
LGBTQ+ Friendly:
Views:
Washington's Peninsula
JUMP BACK TO THE MAP TO LEARN ABOUT ANOTHER REGION OF WASHINGTON
- Beacon Rock State Park
- Greenleaf Basin
- Cape Horn Overlook
Best Elopement Locations:
Keep in Mind: Peak wildflower blooms change depending on the year, so it’s best to stay as flexible as possible if you’re trying to time a trip. This region has some of the earliest blooms in the state, typically lasting from early April to early June depending on the hike and the flower species.
Travel Advice: It’s likely easier to fly into Portland (PDX) and drive across the border to the southern Washington coast rather than flying into Seattle and fighting the city traffic. Most of the waterfalls in this area are on the Oregon side of the river (the Washington side has more overlooks and wildflowers), so Portland or Cascade Locks might be good places to stay.
- Hiking, camping, backpacking
- Road tripping, picnics
- Thrift shopping, getting tattoos, farmers market
Popular Activities:
Just across the river from Portland and Oregon lies the Columbia River Valley. This is a lesser-traveled part of Washington due to its distance from Seattle, but it’s a stunning location for waterfalls and wildflowers, which both peak in the spring.
OVERLOOKS, WILDFLOWERS, WOODS, WATERFALLS
Best Season:
8/10
Spring
LGBTQ+ Friendly:
Views:
Columbia River Valley
JUMP BACK TO THE MAP TO LEARN ABOUT ANOTHER REGION OF WASHINGTON
- Downtown Seattle
- Alki Beach
- Discovery Park
- Ballard, Fremont
Best Elopement Locations:
Keep in Mind: If you’re looking for privacy or don’t want to draw attention, a Seattle elopement likely isn’t the best fit for you. But if you’re looking for an energy-filled, exciting elopement in a city, then Seattle could be a great fit. I recommend looking up events that are happening in the city before booking your travel to make sure you’re not picking a date where the city will be overly crowded.
Travel Advice: You’ll fly into Sea-Tac, which is just south of the city. From there, you have a few options. If you’re staying within city limits for the duration of your trip, you don’t necessarily need a car, so you can take the Light Rail from the airport into the city center or take rideshare. There are lots of e-bikes and scooters available for rent within the city, as well as buses and rideshare apps.
- Canoeing, paddle-boarding, boating
- Whale watching, scenic flights
- Beach combing, picnics, birdwatching
- Brewery hopping, wine tasting, museums, sports, concerts
- Thrift shopping, getting tattoos, farmers markets
Popular Activities:
If you’re looking to elope in the city but still want a touch of the outdoors, Seattle is a great spot. There are tons of parks in the city, and it’s truly surrounded by water with Puget Sound on one side and Lake Washington on the other.
CITY, beaches, woods
Best Season:
10/10
fall, summer
LGBTQ+ Friendly:
Views:
Seattle Area
JUMP BACK TO THE MAP TO LEARN ABOUT ANOTHER REGION OF WASHINGTON
- Mt. Rainier National Park
- Snoqualmie Valley
- Steven's Pass
Best Elopement Locations:
Keep in Mind: Hikes in this area tend to get crowded quickly. It’s best to arrive at the trailhead early (sometimes before sunrise) to ensure you get a spot and to avoid crowds at the top. Leave No Trace is especially important in these locations due to the increased foot traffic.
Travel Advice: You’ll fly into Sea-Tac, and I recommend staying on the east-side of Seattle. AirBnB’s are often the best way to go in this region, and it might make sense to stay at two or three different ones if you’re trying to maximize the amount of hikes or areas you’re exploring during your stay.
- Hiking, camping, backpacking
- Road tripping, picnics
- Canoeing, paddle-boarding, fishing
- Mountain biking, road biking
- Scenic flights, hot air balloons
- Brewery hopping, wine tasting, thrift shopping, farmers markets
- Skiing, snowboarding
Popular Activities:
The central Cascades are the heart of Washington. Very similar to northwest Washington, this region has almost everything. It’s also the closest region to Seattle, which means it has the most popular locations and most crowded trails.
woods, waterfalls, mountains, lakes, wildflowers
Best Season:
8/10
Summer, fall
LGBTQ+ Friendly:
Views:
Central Cascades
JUMP BACK TO THE MAP TO LEARN ABOUT ANOTHER REGION OF WASHINGTON
- Mt. Saint Helens
- Gifford Pinchot National Forest
- Mt. Adams
Best Elopement Locations:
Keep in Mind: There are quite a few road closures throughout this region due to washouts, so be sure to do research before getting your heart set on a specific location. Wildfires are also an issue in this region, as smoke tends to travel from eastern Oregon fires in the late summer and fall.
Travel Advice: You’ll fly into either Sea-Tac and head south, or PDX and head north. The towns along I-5 (the main north-to-south highway) are fairly small in this area, so I recommend getting a place with a kitchen and buying groceries.
- Hiking, camping, backpacking
- Road tripping, picnics
- Canoeing, paddle-boarding, fishing
- Mountain biking, road biking
- Scenic flights
- Skiing, snowboarding
Popular Activities:
Some of the most overlooked mountain views in the state, the south cascades are home to Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams, while Mt. Rainier is on the horizon to the north. There are lots of wildflower views and stunning old-growth forests in this region.
mountains, wildflowers, woods, lakes
Best Season:
7/10
Summer
LGBTQ+ Friendly:
Views:
South Cascades
JUMP BACK TO THE MAP TO LEARN ABOUT ANOTHER REGION OF WASHINGTON
- Lake Chelan / Stehekin
- Winthrop
- Wenatchee
- Yakima
Best Elopement Locations:
Keep in Mind: There are only a few passes through the Cascades. Be sure to look up conditions if you’re traveling in winter, early spring or late fall, since these passes require chains at times and sometimes close if conditions get too rough.
Travel Advice: Depending on how far north or south you’re planning to spend your time in the Central Cascades, you’ll likely fly into Sea-Tac and rent a car. AirBnbs or Vrbos are your best bet for lodging in these areas.
- Hiking, camping, backpacking
- Canoeing, paddle-boarding, boating
- Mountain biking, road biking
- Wine tasting, thrift shopping, farmers markets
- Skiing, snowboarding
Popular Activities:
Washington is divided by the Cascade mountains. About two thirds of the state lie on the other side of the mountains, and receive much less rain and water. As a result, the scenery is dramatically different than the west side of the state. The central area has access to the same mountain hikes as the west side, but has more hills and meadows vs. the forests and woods that are on the west side.
mountains, wildflowers, lakes
Best Season:
5/10
spring, summer
LGBTQ+ Friendly:
Views:
Central Washington
JUMP BACK TO THE MAP TO LEARN ABOUT ANOTHER REGION OF WASHINGTON
- Banks Lake
- The Palouse
Best Elopement Locations:
Keep in Mind: The middle of summer tends to be quite hot (95+ degrees) on this side of the state. Plan to bring extra water and try to plan activities for the morning before the sun gets too high, be sure to wear sunscreen and include water activities to stay cool.
Travel Advice: You may want to take a connecting flight from Sea-Tac into Spokane airport instead of driving. The drive from Seattle to the east side of the state can take 5+ hours.
- Hiking, camping, backpacking
- Canoeing, paddle-boarding, boating
- Road tripping
- Wine tasting, thrift shopping, farmers markets
- Road biking
Popular Activities:
The east side of Washington state is drastically different from the west side. Rolling hills of wheat and plateaus shaped by rivers replace dense forests. It’s often overlooked, with lots of open space and much fewer people in these dramatic landscapes.
Fields, wildflowers, lakes
Best Season:
4/10
spring, summer
LGBTQ+ Friendly:
Views:
Eastern Washington
Where to Elope in Washington by Region
- Mt. Baker Wilderness
- Bellingham
- North Cascades National Park
Best Elopement Locations:
Keep in Mind: Snowpack in the mountains generally lasts into late July and even into early August some years, but the Mt. Baker ski area usually closes by late April. The Route 20 pass (through the North Cascades Highway) usually opens up for the summer around June, but there’s still lots of snow off of the road.
Travel Advice: The biggest city in this region is Bellingham, which does have a small airport. You can either fly into Bellingham via Seattle (connecting at Sea-Tac airport), or you can fly into Sea-Tac, rent a car and drive about two hours. If you’re doing the drive, take the detour up Route 11 for the Chuckanut Scenic Byway.
- Hiking, camping, backpacking
- Road tripping
- Kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding, boating, fishing
- Mountain biking, road biking
- Skiing, snowboarding
- Whale watching, scenic flights
- Brewery hopping, thrift shopping, getting tattoos, oysters, farmers markets
- Beach combing, picnics, birdwatching
Popular Activities:
The part of the state that I call home, so I’m probably biased when I say it’s the best. But seriously, it has some of everything - woods, waterfalls, mountains, valleys, lakes, beaches, and even small cities. People here are generally very outdoorsy, so there’s absolutely no shortage of breweries, mountain bike trails and guided forest walks.
WOODS, WATERFALLS, MOUNTAINS, WILDFLOWERS, LAKES, BEACHES, CITY
Best Season:
8/10
SUMMER, FALL
LGBTQ+ Friendly:
Views:
Northwest Washington
- San Juan Island & Friday Harbor
- Orcas Island
- Whidbey Island
- Deception Pass State Park
Best Elopement Locations:
Keep in Mind: Some of the shops on islands (especially the San Juans) tend to close in the middle of the week, so if there’s a specific place you’re hoping to visit, be sure to check their hours before planning your trip. Peak whale watching season is May through September.
Travel Advice: The WSDOT Ferry system is the best way to travel to and between islands, but there’s also some water taxis, private charters and small planes available if you’re going for just a day trip. If you’re taking your car to an island, you’ll be taking a ferry, be sure to see if you can make a reservation, and arrive at least an hour before your target departure time. Those lines get very long in the summer and on the weekends, so try to travel outside of peak times if you’re able to.
Popular Activities:
Most people don’t think of islands when they think of Washington state, but there’s actually 172 named islands in the state! They have some of the most temperate weather in the state, meaning warmer winters and cooler summers. The views are out of this world before you even arrive, and there’s a ton of things to do on island.
beaches, ocean, towns, lighthouses, woods, distant mountains
Best Season:
8/10
SUMMER, FALL
LGBTQ+ Friendly:
Views:
Washington Islands
- Hiking, camping, backpacking
- Kayaking, paddle-boarding, boating
- Whale watching, scenic flights
- Moped rentals
- Wine tasting, shopping, art viewing, farmers markets
- Beach combing, picnics, birdwatching
- Olympic National Park
- Port Townsend
Best Elopement Locations:
Keep in Mind: Summer is the most crowded season for tourists, so I tend to prefer the Fall and Spring shoulder seasons. Rain here is more like a mist, so you’ll be set with waterproof shoes and a good rain jacket - no need for an umbrella! If you’re wanting to look at tide pools, make sure you reference tide charts to avoid showing up on the beach at high tide (which puts the ocean right up to the treeline on most beaches).
Travel Advice: You’ll want to fly into Sea-Tac airport and rent a car. Two main ways to get to the peninsula are driving the Tacoma Narrows Bridge or catching a ferry in Seattle. The ferry is definitely fun, but most locals opt to drive around and avoid the ferry lines. Other than camping, the main towns to stay in that are closest to park locations are Port Angeles and Forks.
Popular Activities:
Hoa hoa, hoa hoa hoa… I know my Twilight fans understood that one. The peninsula is home to Olympic National Park and the only temperate rainforest in the lower 48. Over 140 inches of rain fall here every year, so if you’re looking for a moody, green-filled elopement, this is your place! Miles of coastline, the Olympic mountain range, Lake Crescent and the Hoh Rainforest make the peninsula a great Washington elopement location.
WOODS, BEACHES, WATERFALLS, LAKES, MOUNTAINS
Best Season:
7/10
FALL, Spring
LGBTQ+ Friendly:
Views:
Washington's Peninsula
- Hiking, camping, backpacking
- Road tripping, 4x4 offroading
- Kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding, boating, fishing, river rafting
- Beach combing, picnics, birdwatching
- Thrift shopping, getting tattoos, oysters, farmers markets
- Whale watching
- Ocean Shores
- Long Beach
- Cape Disappointment
Best Elopement Locations:
Keep in Mind: Tide charts are always key for planning a visit to the coast, and especially in the winter. King tides occur in November - January (depending on the year) which pull the shoreline out further and up closer as the moon has its maximum gravitational pull of the year. If timed with a good storm, you can see massive wave breaks, which could make for an epic backdrop to a moody elopement.
Travel Advice: It’s likely easier to fly into Portland (PDX) and drive across the border to the southern Washington coast rather than flying into Seattle and fighting the city traffic. Depending on how you like to travel, it might make sense to stay in one spot for just one or two nights before moving onto the next to avoid repetitive drives.
Popular Activities:
South of Olympic, there’s still miles of coastline on Washington which make stunning locations for a moody beach elopement. While more northern beaches in Washington are mostly rocks and pebbles, several beaches on the south shore actually have sand!
beaches, lighthouses
Best Season:
6/10
winter
LGBTQ+ Friendly:
Views:
Washington Coast
- Beach combing, picnics, birdwatching
- Hiking, camping, road tripping
- Thrift shopping, getting tattoos, oysters, farmers market
- Beacon Rock State Park
- Greenleaf Basin
- Cape Horn Overlook
Best Elopement Locations:
Keep in Mind: Peak wildflower blooms change depending on the year, so it’s best to stay as flexible as possible if you’re trying to time a trip. This region has some of the earliest blooms in the state, typically lasting from early April to early June depending on the hike and the flower species.
Travel Advice: It’s likely easier to fly into Portland (PDX) and drive across the border to the southern Washington coast rather than flying into Seattle and fighting the city traffic. Most of the waterfalls in this area are on the Oregon side of the river (the Washington side has more overlooks and wildflowers), so Portland or Cascade Locks might be good places to stay.
Popular Activities:
Just across the river from Portland and Oregon lies the Columbia River Valley. This is a lesser-traveled part of Washington due to its distance from Seattle, but it’s a stunning location for waterfalls and wildflowers, which both peak in the spring.
overlooks, wildflowers, woods, waterfalls
Best Season:
8/10
Spring
LGBTQ+ Friendly:
Views:
Columbia River Valley
- Hiking, camping, backpacking
- Road tripping, picnics
- Thrift shopping, getting tattoos, farmers market
- Downtown Seattle
- Alki Beach
- Discovery Park
- Ballard, Fremont
Best Elopement Locations:
Keep in Mind: If you’re looking for privacy or don’t want to draw attention, a Seattle elopement likely isn’t the best fit for you. But if you’re looking for an energy-filled, exciting elopement in a city, then Seattle could be a great fit. I recommend looking up events that are happening in the city before booking your travel to make sure you’re not picking a date where the city will be overly crowded.
Travel Advice: You’ll fly into Sea-Tac, which is just south of the city. From there, you have a few options. If you’re staying within city limits for the duration of your trip, you don’t necessarily need a car, so you can take the Light Rail from the airport into the city center or take rideshare. There are lots of e-bikes and scooters available for rent within the city, as well as buses and rideshare apps.
Popular Activities:
If you’re looking to elope in the city but still want a touch of the outdoors, Seattle is a great spot. There are tons of parks in the city, and it’s truly surrounded by water with Puget Sound on one side and Lake Washington on the other.
City, beaches, woods
Best Season:
10/10
fall, summer
LGBTQ+ Friendly:
Views:
Seattle Area
- Canoeing, paddle-boarding, boating
- Whale watching, scenic flights
- Beach combing, picnics, birdwatching
- Brewery hopping, wine tasting, museums, sports, concerts
- Thrift shopping, getting tattoos, farmers markets
- Mt. Rainier National Park
- Snoqualmie Valley
- Steven’s Pass
Best Elopement Locations:
Keep in Mind: Hikes in this area tend to get crowded quickly. It’s best to arrive at the trailhead early (sometimes before sunrise) to ensure you get a spot and to avoid crowds at the top. Leave No Trace is especially important in these locations due to the increased foot traffic.
Travel Advice: You’ll fly into Sea-Tac, and I recommend staying on the east-side of Seattle. AirBnB’s are often the best way to go in this region, and it might make sense to stay at two or three different ones if you’re trying to maximize the amount of hikes or areas you’re exploring during your stay.
Popular Activities:
The central Cascades are the heart of Washington. Very similar to northwest Washington, this region has almost everything. It’s also the closest region to Seattle, which means it has the most popular locations and most crowded trails.
woods, waterfalls, mountains, lakes, wildflowers
Best Season:
8/10
Summer, Fall
LGBTQ+ Friendly:
Views:
Central Cascades
- Hiking, camping, backpacking
- Road tripping, picnics
- Canoeing, paddle-boarding, fishing
- Mountain biking, road biking
- Scenic flights, hot air balloons
- Brewery hopping, wine tasting, thrift shopping, farmers markets
- Skiing, snowboarding
- Mt. St. Helens
- Gifford Pinchot National Forest
- Mt. Adams
Best Elopement Locations:
Keep in Mind: There are quite a few road closures throughout this region due to washouts, so be sure to do research before getting your heart set on a specific location. Wildfires are also an issue in this region, as smoke tends to travel from eastern Oregon fires in the late summer and fall.
Travel Advice: You’ll fly into either Sea-Tac and head south, or PDX and head north. The towns along I-5 (the main north-to-south highway) are fairly small in this area, so I recommend getting a place with a kitchen and buying groceries.
Popular Activities:
Some of the most overlooked mountain views in the state, the south cascades are home to Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams, while Mt. Rainier is on the horizon to the north. There are lots of wildflower views and stunning old-growth forests in this region.
mountains, wildflowers, woods, lakes
Best Season:
7/10
summer
LGBTQ+ Friendly:
Views:
South Cascades
- Hiking, camping, backpacking
- Road tripping, picnics
- Canoeing, paddle-boarding, fishing
- Mountain biking, road biking
- Scenic flights
- Skiing, snowboarding
- Lake Chelan / Stehekin
- Winthrop
- Wenatchee
- Yakima
Best Elopement Locations:
Keep in Mind: There are only a few passes through the Cascades. Be sure to look up conditions if you’re traveling in winter, early spring or late fall, since these passes require chains at times and sometimes close if conditions get too rough.
Travel Advice: Depending on how far north or south you’re planning to spend your time in the Central Cascades, you’ll likely fly into Sea-Tac and rent a car. AirBnbs or Vrbos are your best bet for lodging in these areas.
Popular Activities:
Washington is divided by the Cascade mountains. About two thirds of the state lie on the other side of the mountains, and receive much less rain and water. As a result, the scenery is dramatically different than the west side of the state. The central area has access to the same mountain hikes as the west side, but has more hills and meadows vs. the forests and woods that are on the west side.
mountains, wildflowers, lakes
Best Season:
5/10
spring, summer
LGBTQ+ Friendly:
Views:
Central Washington
- Hiking, camping, backpacking
- Canoeing, paddle-boarding, boating
- Mountain biking, road biking
- Wine tasting, thrift shopping, farmers markets
- Skiing, snowboarding
- Banks Lake
- The Palouse
Best Elopement Locations:
Keep in Mind: The middle of summer tends to be quite hot (95+ degrees) on this side of the state. Plan to bring extra water and try to plan activities for the morning before the sun gets too high, be sure to wear sunscreen and include water activities to stay cool.
Travel Advice: You may want to take a connecting flight from Sea-Tac into Spokane airport instead of driving. The drive from Seattle to the east side of the state can take 5+ hours.
Popular Activities:
The east side of Washington state is drastically different from the west side. Rolling hills of wheat and plateaus shaped by rivers replace dense forests. It’s often overlooked, with lots of open space and much fewer people in these dramatic landscapes.
fields, wildflowers, lakes
Best Season:
4/10
Spring, Fall
LGBTQ+ Friendly:
Views:
Eastern Washington
- Hiking, camping, backpacking
- Canoeing, paddle-boarding, boating
- Road tripping
- Wine tasting, thrift shopping, farmers markets
- Road biking
When to Elope in Washington
your seasonal guide
Some mountain roads are only open in the middle of the summer, wildflowers bloom at different times in the lowlands vs. alpine areas, and waterfalls reach max flow in the spring and early summer. Because the land is so diverse, you need to think about your elopement location in the context of the season you’re hoping to elope.
When to Elope in Washington
your seasonal guide
Some mountain roads are only open in the middle of the summer, wildflowers bloom at different times in the lowlands vs. alpine areas, and waterfalls reach max flow in the spring and early summer. Because the land is so diverse, you need to think about your elopement location in the context of the season you’re hoping to elope.
I’M ALLISON, AND I KNOW JUST THE SPOT
The truth is, the best places to elope in Washington aren’t the ones you see over and over again on Pinterest or Instagram. Hiring someone with local knowledge does more than give you access to the lesser-known locations - the right person can ensure you live out the best possible version of your dream day.
Ready to turn your vision into a reality? Fill out the contact form and let me know what kind of spot you’re looking for. I’m happy to give you some specific location ideas on a free consultation call.
I’M ALLISON, AND I KNOW JUST THE SPOT
The truth is, the best places to elope in Washington aren’t the ones you see over and over again on Pinterest or Instagram. Hiring someone with local knowledge does more than give you access to the lesser-known locations - the right person can ensure you live out the best possible version of your dream day.
Ready to turn your vision into a reality? Fill out the contact form and let me know what kind of spot you’re looking for. I’m happy to give you some specific location ideas on a free consultation call.
Best Washington Elopement Locations
A lesser-visited peak in Washington, Mt. Baker Wilderness offers similar views to Mt. Rainier National Park with fewer crowds. Summer and fall seasons offer tons of options for hiking trails.
Mount Baker
Best Washington Elopement Locations
A lesser-visited peak in Washington, Mt. Baker Wilderness offers similar views to Mt. Rainier National Park with fewer crowds. Summer and fall seasons offer tons of options for hiking trails.
Mount Baker
Best Hiking Elopement Locations
GET A FREE SPREADSHEET OF 80 WASHINGTON HIKES
Best Hiking Elopement Locations
GET A FREE SPREADSHEET OF 80 WASHINGTON HIKES
How to Choose the Best Washington Elopement Spot
How to Choose the Best Washington Elopement Spot
Explore Washington Elopements
Get inspiration from real couples I’ve helped elope in Washington.
Explore Washington Elopements
Get inspiration from real couples I’ve helped elope in Washington.
Peaceful and private beach elopement in Deception Pass state park.
Catryce + REese
Misty Bellingham hike and backyard microwedding.
Anabel + Dash
Cloudy Mt. Rainier elopement with blue hour first dance and campfire.
KEELIE + KEEFER
A simple sunset elopement on Samish Island with guests.
REBECCA + ANIDA
Smokey sunrise mountain elopement with coffee picnic & letters from family.
