Written by our rad team member Jess Dastous

Best places for your Seattle elopement

Looking for the best places for your Seattle elopement but don’t know where to begin, not to worry we’ve got you covered! We’re sharing some of our absolute favorite locations that would make the perfect place for your Seattle elopement. If you are dreaming of an adventure elopement just outside the city, then this guide is for you! In this blog we are breaking down the ultimate jaw dropping locations that are all within a short drive from Seattle. From waterfalls to mountain overlooks, get ready to dream up your epic Seattle elopement day right outside the city limits!

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Why Seattle is a great location for your elopement

Dreaming of eloping but not wanting to travel too far from Seattle? Well, you’re in the right place! You can truly drive any direction from Seattle and arrive at the most stunning elopement backdrops your eyes will ever witness. Whether you call Seattle home or are flying into the Pacific Northwest for your elopement or maybe even taking a road trip in your van, there are adventure-packed elopement destinations all within close proximity to Seattle and the airport. Keep scrolling, because we’re breaking down the top places to elope within one, two and three hour drives of Seattle.

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Best places for your Seattle elopement that are just one hour from the city

Snoqualmie Pass

Mollie and Drew live in a little mountain town called North Bend (which she’ll brag on in a second) which is located right near the stunning area of Snoqualmie Pass. This has quickly become their go-to area for day hikes, summer camping, and long drives that have led them to breathtaking mountain overlooks that are hidden gems and more private than some of the more popular areas around Seattle. The reason we chose this area as one of the best places to elope near Seattle is simple: I-90 makes this part of the national forest accessible all year, and the windy forest service roads that jet off of I-90 lead to endless adventures for your Seattle elopement. From the old growth forests with giant douglas fir trees, massive waterfalls, multi pitch climbs and mountain summits, this region of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest holds a wealth of options for an elopement within an easy drive from Seattle. Plus, there’s a quaint little A-frame cabin, tucked along the river in North Bend just waiting for you. Want to see some adventures and epic backdrops that Snoqualmie Pass has offered? Explore below!

North Bend

Okay, now we’re really going to be a little biased, because North Bend is Mollie’s hometown! Her little mountain town is surrounded by old growth forests, stunning waterfalls and epic mountain views. The city sits at the base of Mount Si, which would be the perfect backdrop for your Seattle elopement. It’s her backyard, so she knows all the hidden gems that would be dream locations. Just 35 miles from downtown Seattle, you could drive up for the day or plan an entire trip here! Plus, you can stay at the Riverbend Retreat, her stunning A-frame nestled between the pines and along the river. This would make the absolute perfect location for your first look, celebratory meal in the sun room and ending the day around the campfire. Have we peaked your interest? Reach out to us about eloping in North Bend and explore these adventures below!

Highway 2 towards Stevens Pass

Another stunning location for your Seattle elopement is  Highway 2 leading up to Stevens Pass and the stunning Bavarian themed town of Leavenworth! Highway 2 cuts through some of our favorite mountain towns in Washington including Index, WA and Skykomish, WA. Highway 2 is the northernmost highway that remains open all year as it winds through the Cascades. This area of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest offers waterfalls, hikes that lead to alpine lakes, the Skykomish River, incredible spots for climbing, a historic fire lookout you can reserve to stay in, and trails that lead you to the most breathtaking  jagged mountain overlooks that would make a dream location for a sunset elopement.  Want more inspo for planning your best day ever here, head to the links below!

Mountain Loop Highway

For our last location located just one hour from Seattle, the Mountain Loop Highway connects Granite Falls, WA to Darrington, WA. This two-lane highway winds through the western portion of the Cascade Mountains and offers dense forest floors, alpine lakes, fire lookouts, waterfalls, and even ice caves as it follows the Stillaguamish River. Since the Mountain Loop Highway is not part of a national park, this area of the Pacific Northwest can oftentimes feel less busy than other parts of the state making ideal for your Seattle elopement. The Mountain Loop Highway holds some of our all time favorite hikes, drive up overlooks, and campgrounds, making it the perfect year round location for any adventurous elopement or intimate wedding. And, an added bonus, various parts of the Mountain Loop Highway remain snow-free or have minimal snow even throughout the winter months due to their low elevation. Start dreaming up your day here along the Mountain Loop Highway by clicking the link below!

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Drive under three hours for these elopement destinations near Seattle

Mount Rainier National Park

Standing at 14,411 feet, Mount Rainier is guaranteed to give you the perfect mountain backdrop for your Seattle elopement. This Washington national park offers giant douglas firs, waterfalls, wildflower meadows, fire lookouts, alpine lakes, views of the Tatoosh Range that surrounds Mount Rainier, and, of course, Mount Rainier herself. One of the great things about Mount Rainier National Park is the year-round accessibility! So, no matter what time of year you’re dreaming of eloping near Seattle, Mount Rainier has so many options. Also, there are hiking trails for all abilities within the park. And, there are amazing amenities inside and outside the park, too! Click here to check out our complete guide for your Mount Rainier elopement, and explore some real adventures and elopements in Mount Rainier National Park below.

North Cascades National Park

Known as the Alps of America, it is no surprise that this is one of our top recommendations for the best places for your Seattle elopement. With jagged peaks, snow capped mountains, historic fire lookouts and the bluest of alpine lakes that are only accessible by hiking, the North Cascades are truly a dream come true. Did you know North Cascades National Park is one of the least-visited national parks in the nation? This means you just might get an entire mountain to yourself for your Seattle elopement! With remote trails that few know about, the North Cascades hold some of our favorite spots in Washington that are just waiting for you to elope at. Click here to check out our complete guide for your North Cascades elopement, and explore some real adventures and elopements in North Cascades National Park below.

Olympic National Park

The Olympic Peninsula is across the Puget Sound from Seattle, and is home to Olympic National Park, which features hot springs, rainforest, whitecap mountains and the rugged coast. Olympic National Park is the most underrated national park in our opinion. Eloping here you can experience many diverse landscapes, all in one day! You could begin your Seattle elopement day on the coast with giant rock formations jutting out of the ocean, exploring tidepools and maybe even witnessing whales in the distance. You can then head to the forest, where you’ll stand among some of the tallest trees and oldest trees in the world, covered in the greenest mosses your eyes will ever see. Head to a nearby waterfall then end your day  at sunset with a stunning mountain overlook as your backdrop! There are so many possibilities of what your Seattle elopement day could look like on the Olympic Peninsula. Click here to check out our complete guide for your Olympic Peninsula elopement, and explore some real adventures and elopements in Olympic National Park below.

So, there you have it! The best places to elope, all within three hours from the city, that are perfect for your own Seattle elopement or adventure wedding. Ready to start dreaming up your own Seattle elopement? Head to our contact form and we can start planning your best day ever here!