18 Best Places to Elope in Washington State
Rugged mountains. Soaring waterfalls. Stunning beaches. Our team of elopement photographers would love to tell your story. We put together this guide to help couples find the best places to elope in Washington State.
Washington Elopement Photographer
Sound Originals is the best Washington elopement photographer. You can trust our team of master artists. We understand how to create gorgeous imagery you'll love forever. Experience counts. Hundreds of couples across the Pacific Northwest have trusted Sound Originals as their elopement or wedding photographer.
Washington State Elopement Locations
Washington State elopement locations span everything from rugged mountains to lush gardens. No matter what style of wedding you prefer, you can find it in Washington. Be sure to check out our guide to stunning places to elope near Seattle.
Olympic National Park
Mount Rainier National Park
North Cascades National Park
Hurricane Ridge
Ruby Beach
Hoh Rainforest
Salt Creek Beach
Madison Falls
Sol Duc Falls
Olympic Peninsula
Crystal Mountain
Snoqualmie Falls
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park elopements are so wonderful we created an entire page! Olympic National Park ranks among the most-visited national parks in America. Spend a day there and you'll instantly know why. You can get married on Hurricane Ridge at 5,000 feet. Or, maybe you prefer a more intimate elopement ceremony along the rugged coastline of Shi Shi Beach, La Push or Ruby Beach. Olympic National Park elopements have it all! Check out our Ultimate Guide to an Olympic National Park elopement.
Mount Rainier National Park
Couples love celebrating their marriage at Mount Rainier National Park. Pro tip: it's also wonderful for engagement sessions and weddings. Mount Rainier soars over 14,000 feet above the cities and towns of Western Washington. As a result, the warm weather season is very short. The visitor center at Sunrise typically only opens in July. By November, it's packed with snow again. Paradise tends to be the favorite place to elope at Mount Rainier National Park. First, it's very easy to get to and open year-round. Second, Paradise boasts the most stunning views of wildflowers, meadows and rugged peaks. Check out Sissi + Billy's epic Mount Rainier engagement photography.
North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park holds its own as one of the best places to elope in Washington State. North Cascades National Park does not have an entrance station. That's because commuters rely on Highway 20 to drive from Western to Eastern Washington. This road also happens to be one of the most spectacular drives in the world. We love elopements at Diablo Lake. The lake's water turns a distinct turquoise color thanks to sediment and runoff from nearby glaciers. As a Seattle elopement photographer, we can suggest other places to get married in the North Cascades. We can also drive to Artist Point, near Mount Baker. Artist Point is technically not inside North Cascades National Park. Even so, it's just as scenic.
Hurricane Ridge
A Hurricane Ridge wedding is for couples who want to get married above the clouds. Quite literally. Sitting at 5,000 feet above sea level, Hurricane Ridge towers above the river valleys and towns below. It's a very easy drive from Port Angeles. Couples elope near the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center.
Ruby Beach
A Ruby Beach elopement captures ocean beauty. This stretch of coastline earns its name from the polished rocks. They are smooth and shiny like rubies. Ruby Beach is the most well-known beach in Olympic National Park. It's also very easy to access from Highway 101. Ruby Beach is famous for its prominent sea-stacks rising from the ocean. Even large trees grow on these rock outcroppings. They make splendid backdrops for romantic couples portraits.
Hoh Rainforest
Green is the theme of any Hoh Rainforest elopement! That's because this place is covered with green trees, leaves, ivy, moss and anything else you can think of. It's wet! The Hoh Rainforest can feel like an eerie and spooky place. It's wet. It's damp. It's dark. But it still feels awesome! The lush green makes for wonderful photos. A white wedding dress combines so perfectly with the rich green color of ferns, ivy and moss. The Hoh Rain forest gets about 14 feet of rain each year. Wow! Compare that to nearby Seattle's 36 inches. We should also be on the lookout for the resident herd of elk! The Hoh Rainforest has also been listed as one of the seven wonders of Washington.
Sol Duc Falls
Sol Duc Falls is located near Lake Crescent Lodge in Olympic National Park. Your elopement photographer will help you pick the best time of day. The waterfall is under a canopy of trees. As a result, you can usually take good pictures during the day. The sunshine at midday won't usually interfere with elopement photography. Professional photographers love the shade! Couples love standing on the wooden bridge over the falls. You can reach the waterfall after a short 1.6 mile hike. You can park at the Sol Duc Hot Springs and Resort. While you're there, maybe swing by the hot springs for some soaking and relaxing? Not quite a honeymoon, but it's close, right?
Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent elopement pictures showcase awesome blue water. Lake Crescent is stunningly clear. The National Park Service says that's because the lake has very low levels of nitrogen. You can see the bottom very clearly for a long distance. But Lake Crescent is also very deep. Most couples plan their elopement along the shores of Lake Crescent near Lake Crescent Lodge. From there, you can take romantic photos on the long wooden pier. Your elopement photorgapher will also show you other locations for couples portraits. The sandy beaches look great. Your wedding ceremony can take place along the pebble beaches with soaring mountains and fir trees as a backdrop. The Outdoor Project touts five great reasons to trek to Lake Crescent. We couldn't agree more!
Salt Creek Beach
Salt Creek Recreation Area is on the Olympic Peninsula, although not inside the boundary of Olympic National Park. It's a county park. But it could be a national park, at least if amazing scenery is your guide. Salt Creek Beach is about 20 minutes from Port Angeles, Washington. It's an easy drive. Once there, you enjoy rocky outcroppings just as magical and prominent as Ruby Beach or any of the other ocean beach elopement locations. Salt Lake is on the strait, so you're also more shielded from heavy waves and winds. We absolutely love exploring the nooks and crannies of Salt Creek. That's where Nicole and Zack held the first dance after getting married at Hurricane Ridge!
Madison Falls
Madison Falls is a wonderful little waterfall near the Elwah River section of Olympic National Park. You hike a very flat 1-mile trail to arrive at a glorious waterfall. It feels secluded. You might almost think you discovered this little part of paradise. The waterfall itself is tall enough for epic photos of your elopement or even engagement. Some couples have their first look at Madison Falls.
Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie Falls is only 30 minutes from Seattle. As a result, it's a great place to elope. The waterfall viewpoint is next to the Salish Lodge and Spa. Snoqualmie Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Washington State. The best part is the 270 foot waterfall! At the nearby lodge, couples love the hotel's fine dining and luxury lodging options. Some couples plan intimate weddings or elopements at Salish Lodge. They walk outside to the viewpoints for romantic pictures near Snoqualmie Falls. It can be difficult to take great wedding photos with the waterfalls in the background. That's why it's important to hire a professional photographer. Sound Originals is experienced with elopements at Snoqualmie Falls.
Crystal Mountain
Crystal Mountain elopements and weddings take place with a spectacular view of Mount Rainier. What's more, you enjoy a scenic gondola ride to the top of the mountain! You'll enjoy a delicious meal at the Summit House restaurant. Couples and their families can relax on lawn chairs overlooking the mountain before or after their elopement ceremony. Your professional photographer understands how to capture the elopement alongside the scenic vistas at Crystal Mountain Resort. This can be a challenge due to Mt. Rainier's changing weather conditions. All the more reason to trust a Seattle elopement photographer who has experience with adventure weddings and engagements.
Seattle Viewpoints
Engaged couples always ask us where they can get a wedding photo like this one. We're never telling you the location. Just kidding. Of course we'll help. This photo was taken at Newcastle Golf Club in Renton, Washington. The golf course boasts the single best view in the Seattle area. From the grassy knoll, you can see across the Seattle skyscrapers to Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. A bride's white wedding dress stands out beautifully among the grasses. Be sure to devote plenty of time with your Seattle elopement photographer. The light changes quickly. We'll capture the best images about an hour before sunset.
Woodinville Wineries
Every wedding photographer in Washington State considers a winery elopement absolutely wonderful. Wineries are intimate and cozy, elegant and refined. Couples can elope at tons of great wineries across the Seattle area. Many popular winery wedding venues are located in the Woodinville, Washington area. This wedding photo is from Rebekah and John's special day at JM Cellars.
Alki Beach
Alki Beach is a wonderful setting for an elopement in Washington State. Alki Beach boasts one of the most stunning views of the Seattle skyline. The stretch of road along Puget Sound makes wonderful romantic couples photos. Some couples hold their elopement ceremony at public parks along the shoreline. Luna Park is a popular location for a wedding ceremony. It's a small pier near Salty's restaurant. You can reserve the pier for a private event through the city of Seattle. As a result, couples and their families enjoy a private area to setup chairs, flowers, decorations and an alter. Your professional photographer in Seattle can tell you the best time of day for your elopement ceremony. That's because the sun can create gorgeous light behind couples. You might even see ferries, eagles and orcas!
Rooftops
You don't always need to drive long distances for a magical elopement in Seattle. One of the best places to elope in Washington State might be right above you. We're talking about your rooftop! Or maybe a friend's rooftop deck or patio. Couples like Michaela and Tane got married on a roof with stunning flowers and decor. Our elopement photography team captured the beauty of Seattle's hills and the Fremont neighborhood. We also went to Discovery Park, which happens to be one of the best places for engagement photos near Seattle. We captured artistic and romantic pictures of the newly married couple in the tall grass meadow overlooking Puget Sound. We also took elopement photography on Seattle city streets with an urban vibe.
San Juan Islands
You'll find some of the best places to elope in Washington State on the San Juan Islands. One of the best wedding venues in Washington is Roche Harbor Resort. The resort is located about 15 minutes from Friday Harbor, Washington. Sound Originals Photo & Video has photographed and filmed many weddings at the resort, including Katie and Stefan's Roche Harbor Resort wedding and Jenny and Justin's San Juan Island wedding. We love this magical island. We love Roche Harbor Resort weddings so much that we created a special page all about eloping and getting married on the San Juan Islands!
Gold Creek Pond
Gold Creek Pond is one of the best places to elope in Washington State. The Gold Creek Pond trail is located near Snoqualmie Pass. It's about 1 hour from Seattle. The path is ADA accessible and offers momentous views of the pond and surrounding mountains. Check out our guide to Gold Creek Pond elopements, including photography and a video of Jennifer and Mark's wedding.
PNW Elopement Packages
Couples enjoy plenty of options when it comes to PNW elopement packages. Many venues offer all-inclusive pricing for elopements and small or intimate weddings. These packages may include catering, venue rental, chairs, decor and even photography services. Sound Originals Photo & Video offers affordable PNW elopement packages that fit every budget. Please contact us for a custom quote! Our elopement photo packages include hourly coverage, digital images, full print rights and a shareable online gallery. We also offer elopement and Seattle wedding videography.
Washington Elopement Packages
Most couples want to remember their marriage with Washington elopement packages that include photography and videography. Our team of storytellers is among the top elopement photographers in Seattle and the surrounding areas. It's important to ask what's included with photography and videography services. Our packages include digital images in full resolution with print rights. As a result, couples can download and print the images with any lab. We also offer shareable online galleries so your friends and family can enjoy your ceremony and marriage photography! Travel, gas and mileage must be an extra charge depending on your elopement package in Washington State.
Best Elopement Packages in Washington State
Sound Originals is proud to offer the best elopement packages in Washington State. Our packages include photography and videography. Your story deserves beautiful pictures you absolutely love. Our team of storytellers will deliver hundreds of photos with hand-editing. We'll also film the special moments of your elopement and edit it together into a wonderful highlight video or elopement video you'll cherish for generations. When picking your elopement package, you'll want to consider location, number of photographers, whether the package includes digital images and print rights, along with videography options, including a highlight film, ceremony video, and drone footage.
Elopement Packages Seattle
Are you looking for elopement packages in Seattle? We can help! Sound Originals is based in Seattle. That means there are no travel fees! We can help you plan the perfect elopement or small wedding. You'll get access to our planning guide along with an experienced photographer or videographer. It's worth it. You might also want to add an engagement session to your elopement package. We can help you find the best locations for a stunning Seattle elopement!
Small Wedding Packages Washington State
Small wedding packages in Washington State are becoming more common. Many couples are choosing to hold intimate weddings or elopements instead of larger gatherings. Our team offers several elopement and small wedding packages in Washington State. For instance, we offer a 6-hour elopement and small wedding packages for intimate weddings and small gatherings. This includes 6 hours of coverage from a talented photographer, digital images in full resolution, full print rights and a private online gallery. Please contact us for full pricing information and to chat more about what's best for you.
All-Inclusive Elopement Packages in Washington State
Planning an elopement gets overwhelming. We get it. That's why many couples ask about all-inclusive elopement packages in Washington. All-inclusive typically means you'll get everything you need for your elopement, such as your photographer, videographer, venue, florist, catering and help planning your officiant and other necessary vendors. Some companies cater to engaged couples looking for all-inclusive elopement packages. As a result, many wedding venues in Washington specialize in all-inclusive packages.
Oregon Elopement Photographer
Sound Originals is also the best elopement photographer for Oregon couples! There are so many wonderful places to get married in Oregon. If you're considering a marriage near Portland, the Oregon Coast or the high desert, we'd love to be considered. Here's our guide to the best locations to elope in Oregon.
Washington State Elopement
There is no more romantic place to start your life together than a Washington State elopement. Fir trees. Blue waters. Crisp air. Jagged mountains. No wonder the Pacific Northwest is such a special place! Before eloping, couples need to sort out some logistics. This includes a wedding license, officiant, witnesses and venue. You'll also want to hire a top elopement photographer and a videography team to remember your special day for generations to come. Need help picking the best place to elope in Washington State? We're happy to give more ideas. We also love this guide to romantic places to elope in Washington State.
Washington State Elopement Laws
Before getting married, you'll definitely want to consider Washington State elopement laws. Couples need a marriage license from a county in Washington. Once obtained, you can get married or elope in any county in Washington. It does not need to be the same county where you got your license! Snohomish County has a great resource page on wedding and elopement laws. Remember you'll need to wait 3 days after getting your marriage license. This waiting period cannot be waived, even by court order! Your license is valid for 60 days. Under Washington State elopement laws, you can be married by any licensed or ordained person of any church or denomination, or a Washington state judge or commissioner. If you live in Seattle, it might be convenient to get your marriage license for your elopement through King County.
How to Elope in Washington State
Here are some resources to help you get a marriage license before your elopement in Washington State. You'll apply for your license in any county, typically from the auditor's office or county clerk. In Pierce County, wedding and marriage licenses are handled by the auditor.
Mountain Elopement Washington State
Many couples want to get married with a mountain elopement in Washington State. You have so many choices for beautiful mountains, rugged ridges and other scenic locations in the backcountry and wilderness. When planning your mountain elopement, it's important to find vendors with outdoor and adventure wedding experience. An elopement in the mountains is very different from a wedding in a fancy garden. We've photographed many mountain elopements across Washington State, including the Cascade Mountains, Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park. We've photographed engagements and weddings there, too.
Seattle Elopement Photographer
There's a reason we've earned 5-star reviews from 100+ thrilled couples. Sound Originals is proud to be among the best Seattle wedding photographers. We specialize in storytelling. Our artists capture portraits, elopements and weddings with a magic touch. We're also the top elopement photographer in Seattle!
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Olympic National Park Elopement Video
Frequently Asked Questions
Sound Originals is proud to be more than just a wedding photographer. We're your guide. We're your storytelling partner. We're here to help with anything you need to plan your perfect marriage.
Where can I elope in Washington State?
You can elope just about anywhere in Washington State! From the dramatic coast to the tall peaks, couples can pick the best place to elope in Washington State based on their own unique style. Your elopement can be a canvas to your marriage journey. Our friends at WAInnsiders put together a great guide to romantic places for elopements in Washington State. They're a hotel and tourism agency, so this is from the perspective of innkeepers. It's a great read!
How much does it cost to elope in Washington State?
It is affordable to elope in Washington State. You'll need to get a marriage license from a county clerk. Beyond that, the cost to elope is mostly up to you. You can hire an elopement photographer, officiant and florist. You can rent a venue, buy a dress and cater a meal. Or you can elope your way. The only thing you'll definitely need is that marriage license and two witnesses.
How do you elope on Mt. Rainier?
Couples can easily plan to elope on Mt. Rainier. The National Park Service requires a special use permit for weddings and elopements. The cost is minimal. You'll need to apply a month in advance. Beyond the permit, you can plan your elopement or wedding on Mt. Rainier almost exactly how you dream.
Where is the easiest place to elope?
The easiest place to elope depends on where you live, and how far you want to travel. You might consider an all-inclusive venue in the Seattle area that offers elopement packages. This would be very easy. You can also consider a courthouse wedding in Seattle. That's the classic definition of elopement!
How can I get married quickly?
You can get married quickly by planning quickly. The key components of a marriage are an officiant and witnesses. Some states don't require witnesses, but Washington does.
Can you elope in Washington State?
Yes, you can elope in Washington State. You'll need a county marriage license, officiant and two witnesses. King County lists judges who are able to perform marriages and elopement ceremonies. Washington State law requires a 3-day waiting period before you can elope. Your marriage license will be valid for 60 days. You should contact any county clerk for information. King County makes the process easy to apply for a marriage license and elope in Washington State.
Can you still have a wedding if you elope?
Yes, of course you can still have a wedding if you elope! The term elopement these days really just implies a small, intimate and casual wedding. It's a perfectly legal marriage under Washington State law. Many couples choose to elope first and plan a larger wedding down the road. Some couples have a wedding after eloping once they have saved enough money. Other couples prefer to say their vows and exchange their rings in a more private ceremony.
What do you need to get married in Washington State?
You'll need a marriage license, an officiant and two witnesses to get married in Washington State. The process is easy. Your local county courthouse can provide more information.
What is the best time of year to visit Olympic National Park?
The best time of year to visit Olympic National Park depends on your weather preferences. The ocean beaches and rain forest are wet and soggy in the winter, spring and fall. Forks, Washington happens to be the rainiest town in the United States! The summer months are the driest season in the park. As a result, you'll find gorgeous meadows, wildflowers and plenty of green lush trees. Summer can also bring warm weather at the beach and higher elevations like Hurricane Ridge. Spring and fall can be very pleasant times of year. The Pacific Northwest is notoriously unpredictable when it comes to rain. In other words, you should always plan for rain!
