How to elope in Washington State: A Practical Planning Guide

What is the advantage of eloping as compared to a wedding?

What are the advantages of eloping instead of having a traditional wedding?

Eloping strips away a lot of the expectations that come with a traditional wedding and lets you focus on what actually matters to you. For some couples, that’s adventure. For others, it’s privacy, flexibility, or simply less stress.

Elopements give you more freedom

When you elope, you’re not locked into a venue, a strict timeline, or a guest list that dictates your entire day. You can get married on a mountain at sunrise, on a beach at sunset, or on a ferry boat in the middle of Puget Sound. Your day can be quiet or adventurous, planned to the minute or intentionally loose.

Elopements can be less stressful

There are fewer moving parts. Fewer opinions. Fewer schedules to juggle. Many couples tell me that eloping feels calmer and more intentional, especially compared to planning a large wedding with dozens or hundreds of guests.

Elopements let you spend money on what you care about

Instead of paying for things you don’t really value, elopements let you invest in experiences. Travel, photography, a great place to stay, or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. You can skip what doesn’t matter to you entirely.

Are elopements cheaper?

Elopements can be cheaper than traditional weddings. I have a longer explanation of what things could cost here. But, rather than thinking about how much you save, I love the budget aspects of elopement because it often frees up budgets to invest in the stuff you really want to make your day your own. So, that might mean using that venue cost on pre-ordering a wedding album or getting those really rad wedding shoes you’re going to use for years. My partner points out to me that a budget is there not to just help you spend less, but also to let you use the money you’ve set aside in a way that is truly special and joyful.

As a Washington elopement photographer I’ve seen couples bring their personalities to life in the most incredible ways—whether that’s exchanging vows on a mountaintop, sailing between islands during an elopement on a Washington State Ferry or celebrating with family in the North Cascades or San Juan Islands. However you imagine your wedding day, eloping gives you the space to make it truly yours.

Before choosing a location or picking a date, the most important step is deciding what kind of elopement experience you want. This doesn’t need to be overly detailed, but having a clear direction early will simplify every other decision.

Some couples picture a fully private ceremony with just the two of them. Others want a small group of family or friends. Some want a challenging hike. Others want something accessible and close to town. None of these are more or less “right.” They just require different planning.

A few questions that help clarify this step:

• Do you want this to feel adventurous, relaxed, or somewhere in between?
• Are you picturing a hike, a short walk, or no hiking at all?
• Will anyone else be joining you?
• Do you want the focus to be the ceremony itself, or the experience of the day as a whole?

You don’t need perfect answers yet. You just need a general direction. From there, choosing a season, location, and timeline becomes much easier.

Wedding packages start at $5000, elopements at $3000

All-day weddings start at $5000, 3-hour elopements start at $3000.

Rules for a Washington elopement

Step 1: Decide What Your Elopement Actually Looks Like

This is the time to write out in as much detail as possible what you want your wedding to look like. What are you envisioning? Be specific. Write out the story that you hope to someday tell grandchildren. The more specific the description of your elopement, the better you can make the details that matter actually happen. It’s also OK if some of the details you write now get cut down the road. This is the part where we begin to transfer dreams into reality. So, the better the dream is documented, the easier it is to make each element into a line item to check off.

With that, here are a few questions that might help you as you write out your elopement story:

• What is the vibe of your wedding?
• What is your adventure level?
• What is the setting
• Public vs private
• Guest count

Step 2: Choose Where to Elope in Washington State

Washington is big and one of the most geographically diverse states in the US. With that, there are so many options for where you can elope. You wrote your dream up above. Here are some examples of those landscapes:

Mountains

Washington has the best mountains in the US. I know I’m biased. But I believe it. There is nowhere that better balances beauty, adventure, ruggedness, and accessibility than the Cascades and the Olympics. Whether you’re considering a sunrise at Sunrise, sunset amongst Larches on Maple Pass, a fire lookout, or just your favorite trail, you really can’t go wrong with the mountains.

Best season: Summer and Fall

Examples: North Cascades, Mt Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, 

Ocean coast

With the vast Pacific Ocean breaking on the shore, it is impossible not to both feel small and also feel your connection to each other. It is a humbling experience, but grounds memories amidst the blowing wind, sea stacks, and crashing winds.

Best season: Spring, Summer, and Fall

Examples: Second Beach, Ruby Beach, Shi Shi Beach

Inland islands and beaches

Western Washington has beaches everywhere. Some are rocky while others are sandy. Some are easy to get to, while others require all-day hikes. The options are endless.

Best season: All

Examples: San Juan Islands, Deception Pass State Park, Washington State Ferry

Cities

Even if you’d rather elope in the comfort of modernity, Washington has you covered. Whether you look at uniquely PNW places like the Space Needle or a fine restaurant, we’ve got it all.

Best season: All

Examples: Space Needle, Seattle waterfront, Tacoma, Washington Park Arboretum

Forests

Whether beneath the bows of a Western Hemlock (the Washington State Tree), hidden in the roots of a cedar, next to a sky-high fir, next to a maple, or innumerable other options, the forests of Washington are peaceful, beautiful, and intimate for your elopement.

Best season: All

Examples: Snoqualmie Falls, any forest

Eastern Washington

Eastern Washington is underrated. It is so diverse, warm, beautiful, quiet, and wild in a whole different way. Whether you’re in the desert, the empty forests of the Okanagan, the Christmas joy of Levanworth, or the wild plains of the Palouse, there are so many options. 

Best Season: Summer, Fall, Winter

Examples: Leavenworth, Columbia Gorge, Spokane

Step 3: Pick a Date and Season That Works for Your Location

Picking your elopement date is one of the most important things. For important things like a marriage license, use permits, or even hiring vendors, having a date locked in is vital. I love chatting with couples early in their wedding dreaming process, but as a photographer, I can’t even sign contracts with couples until they have their date figured out. So, let’s do that now.

Following the location selection above, let’s hone in on a date that is great for that location. With that, here are a couple of things to consider.

Weather realities

There is a reason that Washington is known to be wet in popular culture. In Seattle, it rains about 150 days a year and is cloudy around 220 days. That’s to say that over half of the year is not sunny. 

But here is our little secret. It doesn’t actually rain all that much. Rain is rarely that hard and usually comes in waves. So it’ll rain for a few hours and then stop (and repeat forever). It’s also most rainy in November through February. Once you get into the spring months, then it really leans into the short rain squalls followed by sun, followed by wind chaos. Then summer and fall are generally glorious.

So, with your elopement date, we just want to choose the right amount of flexibility for that season. That might mean having an alternate day built into your schedule or just the ability to start/end an hour late. I want you to live out that dream above. So, let’s make a plan so it can happen.

Snow and access

If you want snow, plan for Jan through March. Sometimes our winters take a while to get going. This is when you can be fairly confident that it’ll be ready for a snowy celebration.

If you don’t want snow, you’re fine just about any time of year in the lowlands. But, in the mountains, you’ll probably want to plan for July or later to ensure that it’s all melted out. In May and June, you’ll still have some parking areas that are snowy, and then snow patches on the trail even later.

Wildfire season

Wildfires are a real problem in the American West. Unfortunately, they’re also really unpredictable. We have had many years where they weren’t a problem. Others were problematic at any point during the summer and early fall. Honestly, my best advice is to just plan what you dream of and pick a date. It’s a risk, but there is no planning we can do about them 9 months out. 

The only thing to say is that the Eastern slope of the Cascade Mountains does get more fires during August and September. So, if you’re envisioning something in the North Cascades or near Leavenworth in those months, we will want to have alternative location ideas in mind.

Weekdays vs weekends

When picking a date, you will also be picking a day of the week. This is usually a great part of elopements over traditional weddings because smaller guest lists allow for more date flexibility. 

Elope on a weekend

Weekend elopements are usually more preferred for folks who are either locals (and are inviting WA local guests). It’s easier for people to get out of work. 

The downside of weekend elopements is that most locations are a little more popular. There will be more hikers on the trails. There will be more people on ferries. There will be more people out at your favorite pub. 

Elope on a weekday

If you’re flying into Washington for your elopement and so are your guests, you should definitely think about eloping on a weekday. Fewer people will be out on trails. It will be easier (and potentially cheaper) to book lodging and wedding vendors. You also will have an easier time building in a weather alternative (example: you plan for a Wednesday elopement, but have the option to do it on Thursday if needed). 

But, a less trafficked event will pertain more to local-specific activities. I’m talking about hikes that aren’t the most popular. Sunrise at Mt. Rainier is just about as packed on a Tuesday in July as a Saturday. The same goes for a summer trip up the Space Needle. If it’s a thing that people are traveling to, the date doesn’t matter quite as much.

Step 4: Understand Permits and Location Rules

Washington State does not care where you elope. The marriage license simply asks the county for records. But,there are a few places that do require permits or permission for your elopement.

National Parks

Elopements and Weddings in National Parks require a Special Use Permit. You can obtain them for Mt Rainier, Olympic, or North Cascades. Mt Rainier has a map with the locations of where you can have your wedding and how many guests (including photographer) are permitted for that location. Olympic and North Cascades are much looser about their requirements. You’re going to be asked to stay on trail and not interfere with other guests. Also, for weddings in National Parks, you do not need a separate permit for your photographer ,thanks to the EXPLOREActt.

National Forests

Most of Washington’s public land is National Forest land. But there are a handful of ranger districts that handle each of these areas. In my experience, I have found that the various districts have different rules when it comes to weddings. In general, you will not need a permit for your elopement. But, some of the districts classify wedding photography as “commercial photography” and thus require permits for it to be documented. This one is confusing. Talk to your photographer. They’ll help.

State Parks

It will vary a little bit from park to park about what permits would be necessary. You should connect with staff at the park you’re planning to elope in to know for sure what they require. In general, you can plan to apply for a Special Activities Permit, such as the one linked here. This comes with a $45 application fee. You may end up needing to pay extra in order to reserve a space in the park, but I do recommend doing that so you know you’ll have at least a picnic shelter designated as your own.

For photography in a Washington State Park, the photographer must apply for a Commercial permit. This is something your photographer handle in conjunction with the park itself. It does cost $100, so most photographers will add this cost to your elopement package.

Public and private land

Beyond that, the patchwork quilt of private and public land continues. There are other types of land use out there. Just talk with your photographer or simply search the name of the spot and then “wedding permit” in order to know what is required.

Step 5: Get a Washington State marriage license

Before we dive into the where of your elopement, take a step back and ask the what. What do you want to do on your elopement day. If you’re not sure, I ask people to imagine “What would you do if your elopement wasn’t being photographed?” With that, I’m saying, what would you do to just enjoy the day. That exercise can help create

Washington makes it refreshingly easy to get married. As far as states that are not Nevada go, it is about as simple as it gets. Here are the main rules and logistics to know as you start planning:

No residency requirement

Neither partner needs to live in Washington to get married here. You can travel in from just about anywhere, but at least one partner needs to have a US Social Security Number.

Your ceremony must take place in Washington.

A Washington marriage license is only valid if the wedding is performed inside the state. Likewise, you cannot use a license from another state for a Washington elopement.

You need five people total for a legal wedding.

That includes:

• The two of you
  
• One officiant (licensed clergy or judge)
  
• Two adult witnesses
  

Online ordinations are completely legal in Washington. And for what it is worth, I am also a legal officiant. If you are truly eloping with no guests, we have absolutely pulled in nearby hikers to witness. People are always excited to help.

You can apply in any county and marry anywhere in the state

You do not have to get married in the same county where you apply. If you live in Washington, it is usually easiest to apply in your home county. If you are flying in, King County is typically the most convenient option. You can start the application online, but you will still need to finalize it in person.

Cost and payment

Marriage licenses cost $169. You can usually pay with cash, check, credit card, or debit card.

There is a three-day waiting period.

You must wait three full days after receiving your license before getting married. If you are traveling to Washington for your elopement, be sure to arrive at least three days before your ceremony to take care of this.

Your license is valid for 60 days.

Do not apply earlier than 63 days before your wedding day. Once that window opens, it is safe to apply. King County’s website is a good reference if you want to double-check timing.

Sign with your current legal name

No matter what you plan to do with names after the wedding, you must sign the marriage license with your current legal information. You can request certified copies later for any name change paperwork.

Mail your license back after the ceremony.

Your license will come with a return envelope, though it usually does not include a stamp. You are legally married as soon as the document is signed. If it gets lost in the mail, you are still married, but replacing the paperwork becomes more complicated.

Step 6: Build a Simple Elopement Timeline

Every elopement is different. Locations, seasons, weather, guest count, and personal priorities all change the flow of the day. But sometimes it really helps to see what a full elopement day can actually look like on paper.

The sample schedules below are based on a theoretical August 15 elopement and assume a one-hour hike each way to the ceremony location. These are not meant to be rigid timelines. They are meant to give you realistic touchpoints for how long things take, how much time to allow for photos, and how a full wedding day can unfold without feeling rushed. Your actual day may look very different, and that is exactly how it should be.

Sunrise elopement

4:00 am – Meet at the trailhead
4:30 am – Start hiking
5:30 am – Arrive at sunrise location
6:00 am – Start elopement ceremony
6:05 am – Sunrise
6:20 am – Done with the ceremony
6:30 am – Portraits of a couple in sunrise light
7:30 am – Group photos with other guests
8:00 am – Start hike out
9:00 am – Return to the trailhead
10:00 am – Brunch
12:00 pm – Naps

Sunset elopement

4:30 pm – Meet at the trailhead
5:00 pm – Begin hike to ceremony location
6:00 pm – Arrive at ceremony location
6:10 pm – Snacks
6:30 pm – Get dressed
7:00 pm – Ceremony
7:20 pm – Champagne Toast
7:30 pm – Group photos with guests
7:45 pm – Portraits of a couple
8:21 pm – Sunset
8:45 pm – Done with portraits
9:00 pm – Begin hike
10:00 pm – Return to the trailhead and go home

Step 7: Hire Your Elopement Vendors (If Any)

How to hire an elopement photographer

You should hire me. It’s easy. I’m quite good at what I do.

That said, you should hire someone you connect with. You’ve been searching through online galleries. But, look at full galleries. Have a chat on Zoom with folks. You spend as much time with your photographer as your best friend. So make sure that as much as you like their work, you also are excited to spend the day together.

Also, hiring your photographer should be one of the first vendors you connect with for an elopement. They are one of (if not the only) vendors who will be at your wedding. So, making sure you’re locked in on each other’s calendars is important. Also, most elopement photographers are used to being pseudo-planners/coordinators as well. That’s something you might hire separately for a traditional wedding, but folks like me are here to help however possible for small weddings.

Who should officiate my elopement?

Most people elope with either a professional officiant or a personal friend/family member. Some folks prefer the professionalism and being able to take one more aspect off their planning by hiring someone to come out. But that is another cost and another person at the wedding. So, if you’re in Mt Rainier National Park, that is another person to account for against your max guest list. 

Having a personal friend or family member officiate is always fun because it’s exactly that, personal. It builds on your relationship and continues to deepen your relationship. In Washington, an officiant has to be either a judge or a clergy member. But an online church like the Universal Life Church is totally fine. 

Lastly, I’m also a legal officiant for weddings in Washington. So, if you want to keep things simple, I’m always here to help.

Other vendors to consider

Hair and Makeup: I wrote a full blog on this, but I definitely recommend talking to Symmetrie (Bellingham), Michelle Wright, Kendra Springer, orSarah Ren. It is always a good idea to make sure that your makeup artist has experience with your skin tone.

Planners: PinkBlossom Events, Pacific Engagements, Prive Events, Ever After Events (Bellingham)

Dressmakers: BHLDN, The Dress Theory, Grace Loves Lace, Emily Riggs. 

Videographer: Becca Neblock, Weiss Films

Florists: Free Range Florals, Pozie by Natalie, Rebecca’s Flower Shop 

DJ: DJ Headsmile

Caterers/Food Trucks: Table Catering, Miere Catering, and other food truck options 

Step 8: Plan the Logistics That People Forget

Parking

Usually, this is pretty easy. If you’re going hiking, there probably is a trailhead. If you’re in the city, park like you’re in the city. Just remember that if you’re eloping during a time when a lot of folks are out enjoying the beauty of the PNW, they probably will be at your parking lot too. So, think ahead if you might need a few extra minutes (or to drop someone off and then go find a spot).

Bathrooms

I run a lot. I have a mental map of all the port-a-potties in North Seattle. This is because sometimes bathrooms are hard to find. Most famous trailheads will have an outhouse. State parks definitely have bathrooms. But, in general, these aren’t great spots to change into your outfits. Just be aware.

Cell service

For adventure elopements, it’s safe to assume that we won’t have service. There are a few spots that are exceptions, or there is the possibility of using satellite calling. But, it’s probably best not to count on it. If we’re going to meet at the trailhead, I usually like to schedule a “meeting time” and also a “if you aren’t here by XXX time, something went wrong” time. This is even what I do with my wife when I go hiking (Something like “I should be done by 4 pm, but you shouldn’t worry unless you don’t hear from me by 9 pm”).

Accessibility

Adventure elopements are often not ADA accessible. But that doesn’t always have to be the case. If you’re planning a wedding and you want to include folks who have some mobility challenges, let’s chat. Spots like Artist Point or Deception Pass offer options for you to be in the beauty of nature even if you’re in a wheelchair. 

Leave No Trace basics.

Anytime you’re planning to go into the wilderness, it’s a good idea to review the Leave No Trace principles, but it is especially important when planning your elopement. The seven principles are:

1. Plan ahead.
2. Travel and sleep on stable surfaces.
3. Dispose of waste properly.
4. Leave what you find.
5. Minimize campfire impacts.
6. Respect wildlife.
7. Be considerate of others.

Keep all these in mind when planning your elopement. As we plan your elopement and during the celebration, I will do all I can to help you stay within these guidelines. We will take photos that celebrate

Step 9: What to wear during your Washington elopement

Footwear

I have a joke that when you move to Washington, the state sends a “welcome package” with a Patagonia light puffy, a pair of brown Blundstones, and a Miir coffee mug. So, you definitely can wear your standard shoes. I will probably be wearing mine.

But otherwise, the most important thing is to dress for what you’re going to be doing. You can always change into fancy shoes when you arrive at your elopement destination. You can also simply not change. If you don’t want your shoes to be a big deal, your photographer can ignore them. If you’re wearing a dress, your shoes are probably going to be hidden underneath, unless you choose to show them in a photo. If you’re wearing pants, you can basically just wear black shoes of any kind and they’ll be forgettable. When it comes to photos, any practiced photographer is just as good at hiding what they don’t want to be seen as they are at showing what you want to focus on.

Layers

Washington isn’t the kind of place to wear thick parkas. It isn’t that cold all the time. More things change. I usually leave the house with 3-4 layers on so that I can build up or down depending on how the day changes. Especially if you’re going hiking, you’ll lose layers on the way, yup, and then need to gain them when returning. Synthetic or Merino fabrics are your friends. Cotton and even true down aren’t the greatest if there is a chance of sweat or rain. 

Emergency items

If we’re going into the mountains, definitely have the 10 essentials. But we’ll also make sure to stay warm.

And bring extra gloves. You can never have enough gloves.

Step 10: Have a backup plan

Weather backups

Sometimes it rains in Washington. Whaaaaaat? Reeeeeeaaaaalllyy? 

OK, sarcasm aside. It rains. That’s OK. We can either get wet or make a different plan. I am here to help with your day. 

But some weather is unavoidable. Some altitudes are unsafe at certain times. 33 degrees and sleeting is just miserable and probably wouldn’t lead to fun photos. So, we’ll always have a backup plan. I always make a “bad weather plan” when we are having a planning call before the elopement. Whether we choose to go with that plan or not will be a conversation when we get close to the date. But we’ll be prepared.

As with rain, the same goes for fire smoke. There is little we can do to plan for it in the future. Fires flare up quickly and unpredictably. Some years have been terrible, others not so bad. But, if you’re considering eloping in the Cascade Mountains in July through September, we’ll again have a backup in mind. 

Timeline flexibility

As with having a location backup plan, it’s also a good idea to have date flexibility in your elopement planning. If you are a Washington local, having the ability to push the elopement back a day because of a rainstorm is a huge plus. If you’re flying in, it’s worth building in a buffer before or after the planned elopement. Then, if you don’t use it, you have an extra day to relax or enjoy the beauty of the PNW.

Mental flexibility

I can’t plan for your mental flexibility. That’s kinda up to you. But nature is unpredictable. But, having an outlook of “this is our adventure, no matter what” goes a long way to enjoying the day, no matter what the weather gods give us.

Step 11: What Eloping in Washington Actually Costs

A Very General Elopement Budget (Spend on What You Care About)

One of the best parts of eloping is that you are not locked into a traditional wedding budget structure. You get to spend money on the things that actually matter to you and skip the things that do not. There is no required checklist. No required guest count. No required anything.

Some couples go all in on an incredible location and photos. Some prioritize a luxury place to stay. Some spend their money on food, wine, and experiences. Elopements give you the freedom to eschew what you do not care about and fully invest in what you do.

Here is a very simple, realistic breakdown using common Washington elopement numbers. This assumes you already live in Washington. If you are flying in, I trust that you’re smart enough to look up a flight to SeaTac.

Travel

Estimated: $50 to $300

For most Washington residents, travel is just gas and maybe a ferry ticket. A Sunrise hike on Mount Rainier and a coast day in Olympic National Park cost very different amounts in fuel, but neither is extreme compared to traditional wedding travel budgets.

Lodging

Estimated: $250 to $1,200 per night

You have a lot of range here, depending on priorities.

• A stay at somewhere iconic like Salish Lodge or Lake Quinault Lodge usually lands in the $400 to $800+ per night range, depending on season.
• A 10-person Airbnb split between a small group often ends up being $600 to $1,200 per night total, which can be shockingly affordable per person.

If you are hosting guests, lodging often becomes one of the biggest shared expenses and one of the most meaningful parts of the experience.

Permits

Estimated: $150

Most wedding permits in Washington land between $50 and $200. To keep things simple and safe for planning, $150 is a very realistic average to budget.

Photography

$5,000

That is my full day elopement coverage. Other photographers may be less or more, depending on experience, coverage time, and what is included. This is usually one of the largest line items, but it is also the one thing that lasts beyond the day itself. Send me a message and let’s talk about your dreams.

Florals

Estimated: $200 to $1,000+

Florals vary wildly based on:

• Bouquet size
• Fresh vs dried
• Local vs destination florist
• Installations vs handheld

A simple bridal bouquet often costs around $200 to $350.
A bouquet plus boutonniere might be $350 to $600.
Large installations, arches, or multiple arrangements can easily pass $1,000+.

Many elopement couples also skip florals entirely or make their own for less than $50 with flowers from Pike Place Market.

Food and Drink

Estimated: $200 to $1,500+

This depends on guest count and how you celebrate.

A few examples:

• Post-hike pizza and beer for 6 people: $150 to $250
• Nice restaurant dinner for 8: $600 to $1,200
• Private chef or catered dinner for 10 at an Airbnb: $1,000 to $1,500+

You can eat snacks on a mountain or host a full-blown dinner party. Both are valid wedding meals.

Optional Activities

Estimated: $100 to $1,000+

These are the extras that make elopements feel personal:

• Kayak rentals
• Ferry rides
• Charcuterie boards
• Champagne
• Tattoos
• Boat charters
• Guided hikes

Some couples spend almost nothing here. Others build their entire day around an experience.

The Big Takeaway

There is no correct elopement budget. There is only an intentional one.

Some couples spend $6,000 all in.
Some spend $15,000.
Some spend far more because they choose to.

The beauty of eloping in Washington is that you get to design a day where:

Step 12: Things to do after the wedding

Paperwork

Don’t forget to send in your marriage license. When you get the paperwork from your county, it includes an envelope to return the signed license. I don’t think it comes with a stamp. But otherwise, it’s as simple as possible. Just throw it in the mail.

If you’re considering changing your name, you will need copies of the marriage license. It usually takes about a month after the county receives your license for it to be processed and copies to be ready to be ordered. When you do order them, get a couple of copies. Prices on those may vary, but it’s probably easier to have 4 copies now, rather than realize you need more later.

Celebration ideas

You just got married. You should celebrate. Whether that is going out for dinner, catering a meal, hiring a chef, or even having a professional wine tasting, do what you love. Again, go back to your initial dream. Let’s start with that and then hone in on how we can make that happen. 

Sharing with family

Share with your family how you want. I love seeing families that are tight and connected. But, there are lots with more tricky relationships. With that, there are no rules and no scripts. Tell your family about your wedding in your own way. This day is your celebration, and we are here ot make you feel the love with your partner first and foremost.

Announcements

I am aware that we live in a modern society. Most folks want to share with family and friends about their elopement. For some folks, that’s a text, an email, or a full-on social media blast. With that, I always deliver a handful of photos within 2 days of the elopement so you have a preview and a few photos to share. I want you to use the best photos possible to tell your Nana about the day, too.

Common mistakes when planning a Washington elopement

Underestimating travel and access time
Washington looks compact on a map, but mountain roads, ferries, forest roads, and trail access all take longer than expected. Build extra buffer time into your day, especially if you’re relying on sunrise or sunset light. And if you’re having a winter elopement, there are some roads that aren’t even open. 

Assuming summer means solitude
Summer is beautiful, but it’s also peak hiking and tourism season. Many couples expect privacy without planning for early mornings, weekdays, or less popular locations.

Not having a weather backup plan.
Washington weather is unpredictable year-round. Even “dry season” days can change quickly in the mountains or along the coast. A flexible timeline or nearby backup location can make the difference between a stressful day and a great one.

Planning too much into one day
It’s tempting to stack multiple hikes, locations, and activities into your elopement day. In practice, simpler plans almost always lead to a more relaxed and meaningful experience.

Ignoring the physical reality of the day
Elevation gain, cold wind, heat, and elevation all adds up. Make sure your plans match your fitness level and comfort, not just how things look in photos. 

If we’re going to do a hiking elopement, do some hiking before the wedding day, too. Being fit for your chosen adventure makes it more fun.

Choosing a location before understanding permits and rules
Some of the most iconic spots have specific restrictions on ceremonies, group size, or where you can stand. Picking a location first and figuring out permits later often leads to last-minute stress or forced changes.

Forgetting the marriage license waiting period
Washington has a mandatory three-day waiting period after you receive your license. This catches out-of-state couples off guard more often than you’d expect.

Overthinking what an elopement “should” be
No rule says you need a hike, vows at sunrise, or an epic viewpoint. The best elopements are the ones that reflect what actually feels meaningful to you.

Is eloping in Washington right for me?

Washington elopements are not one size fits all, and that’s a good thing. This state is best for couples who value experience, flexibility, and connection over tradition and rigid timelines.

Eloping in Washington might be right for you if you feel drawn to wild places, dramatic landscapes, and days that unfold naturally. If you want your wedding to feel more like an adventure than an event, Washington offers mountains, coastlines, forests, deserts, and islands all within a single state.

It’s also a great fit if you want a wedding day that centers on the two of you rather than expectations from others. Many couples choose to elope here because it allows them to slow down, be present, and design a day that actually reflects who they are.

That said, Washington elopements are not ideal for everyone. If you want a large guest list, a formal venue, or guaranteed weather, a traditional wedding or destination venue may be a better fit. Being honest about what you want your day to feel like is far more important than choosing a location just because it’s popular.If you’re still figuring out whether eloping aligns with your values and vision, I recommend starting with my deeper dive on why couples choose to elope in Washington, which focuses less on logistics and more on the emotional and experiential side of the decision. From there, this guide helps you turn that vision into a plan.