Written by our rad team member, Kiersten Roy
Have you already decided that a Washington state elopement is right for you? If so, then you’ve definitely come to the right place! I may be biased, but as someone who has lived in Washington for several years, I know just how many stunning locations there are to choose from in this beautiful state! From alpine lakes, to snow-capped mountains, Washington truly has something for every couple seeking an adventurous and unique wedding experience. In this post, I’ve broken down the best elopement spots into five general areas, along with details on the best times of year to visit, quick facts about each location, and additional resources to help you plan your dream elopement. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the most beautiful elopement locations in Washington state!
The Top 5 Locations for Your Washington State Elopement
- Snoqualmie Valley
- Mt Rainier National Park
- North Cascades National Park
- Olympic National Park
- Leavenworth
Snoqualmie Valley + Snoqualmie Pass
First up on the list of my favorite Washington state elopement locations is Snoqualmie Valley. This area of Washington state is located right in my (Mollie’s) backyard and offers tons of places to choose from such as pristine alpine lakes, old growth forests, cascading waterfalls, and jagged mountain peaks. While each of these locations are all within a relatively short distance from each other, they all have something special to offer and can give you such a variety. With so much natural beauty in one area, I guarantee you’ll find a spot that speaks to your heart and matches your unique style. (Oh, and I haven’t even shared the best part yet.) Dogs are allowed in almost every part of Snoqualmie Valley meaning you don’t have to leave your four-legged friends behind on your special day!
Best Time of Year to Plan a Washington State Elopement in Snoqualmie Valley
One of the best things about Snoqualmie (aside from the fact that they are dog friendly) is that this area is accessible year round meaning you can elope here in any season! Because the Snoqualmie Valley area is lower in elevation, there are plenty of snow-free areas, even in the winter! In the winter after exploring snow free forests, you can head up to Snoqualmie Pass for a winter wonderland.
Why We Love Snoqualmie for Your Washington State Elopement
- Snoqualmie Valley is located just thirty minutes from Seattle, making it super convenient to access. You’ll still get all the stunning backdrops, and your family and friends can easily head back to the city after your epic Washington state elopement.
- This area is one of the most accessible areas in Washington. From multiple drive up locations to 5+ mile hikes, Snoqualmie is sure to have a location that fits all your adventure and accessibility needs.
- Did I tell you that this area is dog friendly? Here at the Between the Pine, we are all about including your pets in your elopement (click here to read out blog all about eloping with your furry friend), so this is definitely a big plus for planning your Washington state elopement in Snoqualmie Valley
- Recently, we added yet another reason to fall in love with Snoqualmie Valley. Our cabin, the Riverbend Retreat is nestled in the foothills of the Cascades and is just waiting to be the place where you celebrate your Washington state elopement! We allow elopements of up to fifteen guests, and the cabin is complete with a sunroom and a custom wood table perfect for a celebratory elopement meal.
What Can be Explored?
- Old growth forest (one of our favorites in all of Washington can be found here!)
- Waterfalls
- Reflective alpine lakes
- Rivers
- Mountain views
Need more inspo to help you choose where to plan your Washington state elopement? Check out these real elopements to help you start dreaming up your day.
Mt Rainier National Park
This list of best places to elope in Washington would not be complete without mentioning one of Washington’s most iconic sites: Mt Rainier National Park. Not only will you get to witness Mt Rainier herself, but the area also has tons of waterfalls, alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and fire lookouts perfect for any couple planning a Washington state elopement.
Best Time of Year to Plan a Washington State Elopement at Mt Rainier National Park
While Mt Rainier National Park is accessible year round, there are a few months in which the park especially comes to life – July through October! During the summer months the park is flooded with wildflowers and you’ll get clear views of Mt Rainier. As fall approaches, the leaves begin to change colors and snow starts to appear on the top of the mountain, giving off a magic that you have to witness to truly understand.
Why We Love Mt Rainier National Park for Your Washington State Elopement
- Being just an hour and a half from Seattle, Mt Rainier National Park is another Washington state elopement location that is conveniently located.
- Whether you decide to elope on the Paradise side or the Sunrise side of the park, Mt Rainier National Park has plenty of of drive up locations as well as hiking locations designed to accommodate all types of abilities.
- Just outside the park are some of the cutest, quaintest mountain towns you’ll ever find. Not only are these areas fun to explore, but you’ll also be able to find all sort of accommodations and A-frame cabins to host your post-elopement celebration.
- Did you know that Mt Rainier is the tallest mountain in Washington AND the Pacific Northwest? Standing at 14,411 feet tall, this mountain is truly one of the most iconic sites in all the area!
- While Mt Rainier National Park itself is not not dog friendly, the surrounding national forest is! We know the best hikes both inside and outside the park for elopements with pets.
What Can be Explored?
- Wildflower meadows (Rainier is famous for this!)
- Old growth forests
- Fire lookouts
- Waterfalls
- Alpine lakes
- Mountain views
Need more inspo to help you choose where to plan your Washington state elopement? Check out these real elopements to help you start dreaming up your day.
North Cascades National Park
While Mt Rainier National Park might get more attention, it’s the North Cascades that truly are the underdog that always wins in my book. This mountain range is often called the Alps of America and it’s easy to see why. Spanning miles and miles across Oregon, Washington, and Canada, this mountain range is filled with jagged peaks, snow capped mountains, and alpine lakes that can only be reached by hiking. These trails are well worth their effort and provide some of the most stunning views in the whole state!
Best Time of Year to Plan a Washington State Elopement at North Cascades National Park
Our favorite months to visit North Cascades National Park are August through October. During these months you’ll get to experience wildflowers and the beautiful fall foliage that comes as the seasons change.
Why We Love North Cascades National Park for Your Washington State Elopement
- Depending on the area you choose, many locations within North Cascades National Park are located two and a half hours from Seattle.
- While there are tons of hiking trails in the North Cascades perfect for those seeking a little more adventure, the park also has several drive up locations that still provide stunning backdrops for your elopement with guests.
- The North Cascades is another area that is filled with quaint mountain towns perfect for exploring or simply relaxing and enjoying the serenity after you tie the knot. One of our favorites is Glacier, WA. This little mountain town is nestled outside the National Park, making the surrounding trails more private and dog friendly (yep, the best of both worlds!).
- Despite having the nickname “the Alps of America” North Cascades National Park is actually one of the least visited national parks in all of the U.S. This means that you’re like to have more privacy during your Washington state elopement and, who knows, you may even get the mountain to yourself!
- North Cascades National Park is another national park that is not dog friendly, but the surrounding national forest is! We know the best hikes both inside and outside the park for elopements with your fur friends.
What Can be Explored?
- Old growth forests
- Fire lookouts (our favorite one in all of Washington State!)
- Reflective alpine lakes
- Mountain views
- Glacier fed rivers
Need more inspo to help you choose where to plan your Washington state elopement? Check out these real elopements to help you start dreaming up your day.
Olympic National Park
If you thought Washington was only filled with mountains and forests, think again! Olympic National Park is home to some of the state’s best beaches, but that’s not all it has to offer. Here you’ll also find hot springs, rainforests, and whitecap mountains that allow you to truly experience all that Washington has to offer.
Best Time of Year to Plan a Washington State Elopement at Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is another area that is open and accessible for elopements year round. Some months will be moodier than others, but hey, that’s what Washington is known for, so why not embrace it?
Why We Love Olympic National Park for Your Washington State Elopement
- The Olympic Peninsula is a little further away from Seattle than some of the other locations on this list, but you’ll have a few more options for how to get here. The trip will take about two and a half hours from Seattle by car, or you can access the peninsula by ferry.
- The location!! Olympic National Park is the only location where you can start in the mountains, have a picnic in the forest, chase a waterfall, marvel at an alpine lake, and end at the ocean all without having to travel too far.
- Olympic National Park is another one of the locations that sadly is not dog friendly. We recommend North Cascades or Snoqualmie Pass if you want your pup of honor to attend your Washington state elopement!
- One of our favorite PNW towns is located in Olympic National Park – Port Angeles
What Can be Explored?
- Old growth forest (one of our favorites in all of Washington can be found here!)
- Waterfalls
- Reflective alpine lakes
- Rivers
- Mountain views
- Ocean
Need more inspo to help you choose where to plan your Washington state elopement? Check out these real elopements to help you start dreaming up your day.
Leavenworth
Do your Washington state elopement dreams include rivers, lakes, and towering granite peaks surrounding a Bavarian-themed town complete with chalets and breweries? If you answered yes, then you have to consider Leavenworth! This cute Washington town truly has it all from cabins in the woods, to epic hikes that lead to stunning views of the mountains all around, to fairytale like towns complete with lots of fun activities year round.
Best Time of Year to Plan a Washington State Elopement in Leavenworth
While you can elope in Leavenworth year round, the summer and fall months are our favorite months to plan your Washington state elopement. It’s true, Washington summers are hard to beat and some might even say the fall months are even better. We’ll even go so far to say that Leavenworth is a must-visit destination during the fall season. With its stunning foliage, crisp weather, and picturesque mountain scenery, it’s no wonder why visitors flock to this area during this time of the year.
Why We Love Leavenworth for Your Washington State Elopement
- The two hour drive to Leavenworth from Seattle is well worth it just to experience what the town and all its surrounding areas have to offer. And, if you’ve been dreaming of traveling to Europe, why not kick off your honeymoon at Washington’s own German-themed town?
- Fun fact: Not too long ago, Leavenworth was actually transformed from a struggling logging town to a thriving tourist destination. By transforming the town into a Bavarian-style village, the town started attracting visitors and is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Washington state!
- Leavenworth is one of the top places for fall because of the magical colors and weather this time of year brings.
- Plus, fall also brings Oktoberfest to town and what better place to celebrate than in a Bavarian themed town? This annual event draws in thousands of people from all over the country to enjoy traditional German food, beer, and entertainment.
What Can be Explored?
- Alpine lakes
- Rivers
- Mountains views
- Famous fall foliage
Need more inspo to help you choose where to plan your Washington state elopement? Check out these real elopements to help you start dreaming up your day.
Are You Ready to Decide Where to Plan Your Washington State Elopement?
Wherever you choose to plan your Washington state elopement, we’re here to help you plan your best day ever with the most stunning backdrop. Contact us if you have questions about where to elope, we’d love to help you choose the perfect elopement destination that represents you.
What You Need to Know About Packages For Your Washington State Elopement
When choosing to have a Washington state elopement, we highly recommend three elopement packages to our couples – half-day, full-day or sunrise to sunset. If you are looking for a more budget friendly option, our half-day package would be a great choice and can take place at either sunrise or sunset with a stunning backdrop for your elopement in the mountains.
Our second option for your Washington state elopement is our full-day package, which includes first look photos at your cabin in the early afternoon. We will then head out to two unique locations for you and your partner to explore. After, we will head to your ceremony location, where you will elope in the mountains with the most stunning backdrop at sunset!
The last elopement package option is our sunrise to sunset package. This is one of our most popular elopement packages booked by our couples and here’s why: when booking a sunrise to sunset elopement, you are going to have golden hour and blue hour at BOTH sunrise and sunset! This means you are going to get the best light on your day (twice!!) and get to experience multiple locations. Click here to learn more about our packages for your Washington state elopement.
Meet Your Photographers For Your Washington State Elopement
We feel most at home in the outdoors, so it’s no surprise that is where we gravitate towards as your Washington state elopement photographers. Between the Pine was founded by Mollie in 2018 and she has hiked hundreds of miles all over the Pacific Northwest, Kauai, Colorado, and beyond. Since 2018, we’ve grown our team and hired three incredible photographers (cue Whitney, Dawn and Kass)!
Dawn has been photographing elopements all over the Pacific Northwest for the last seven years and is truly incredible when it comes to capturing all the in-between moments of your Washington state elopement!
Kass was previously an outdoor recreation guide and knows all the best locations to adventure during your Washington state elopement. She transitioned from guide to photographer six years ago and hasn’t looked back since!
Whitney is an outdoor enthusiast turned elopement photographer and loves to capture all the details during your elopement in nature. She is guaranteed to take you to some of the most secluded settings with the most jaw-dropping views your eyes will ever see.
Our team at Between the Pine is passionate about our jobs and adventuring to the most beautiful locations to document your Washington state elopement. We know the Pacific Northwest like the back of our hands and are dying for a reason to head back to the mountains, forest and everything in between! Click here to learn more about the Between the Pine team, your Washington state elopement photographers!
View comments
+ Leave a comment