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The Complete Guide to Eloping in Washington State
Are you planning to elope and wondering what the best places to elope in Washington State are? You are probably wondering which national forest or national park will make for the perfect elopement. Washington State indeed has some of the most picturesque locations that are ideal for you and yours to say “I do” eloping style.
If you are planning an elopement adventure, get ready to be spoilt for choices. Washington State truly is home to some of the most scenic sites that will make your heart skip a beat.
Five Best places to elope in Washington State
Diverse landscapes, old-growth rain forests, enormous mountain ranges, a moody coast, alpine lakes, and glaciated mountain peaks, this state has it all. Are you convinced yet to elope in Washington State? If yes, then let us take you further into some of the best destinations this state offers to adventurous eloping couples.
MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
Mt. Rainier is a perfect backdrop for your elopement adventure. Along with the Mount Rainier herself towering at 14,411 feet, this national park with giant Douglas firs offers wildflower meadows, alpine lakes, waterfalls, fire lookouts, and a magical view of Tatoosh range surrounding the Mt Rainier.
Do you know Mt Rainier is the tallest mountain not only in Washington but the Pacific Northwest? It has one of the most extensive collections of permanent ice in the US. So get ready for some jaw-dropping views as you drive up to Eden. You may need a pinch to ensure you are not dreaming.
If you and your partner are adventurous by nature, you can add some thrill to your Mt. Rainier elopement experience. Mountain Rainier has a 93-mile backpacking trail, aka the Wonderland Trail. This loop circle a volcano with an elevation gain of 23,000 feet. It can take 9 to 13 days to complete the circle. Or you can simply plan a quick hike for your elopement.
Mt Rainier National Park is open throughout the year. However, July and August are the peak seasons because of warm and dry weather with blooming wildflowers. Some of the recommended locations for an elopement at this park are:
- GROVE OF THE PATRIARCHS
- SUNRISE VISITOR CENTER
- PARADISE VISITOR CENTER
NORTH CASCADE NATIONAL PARK
For us, North Cascade National Park is the best-kept secret of the Pacific Northwest. This park is one of the least visited in the country. If you are a couple looking for a serene and scenic location for your elopement in Washington State, this park is it! – You do not just get the magical drop-back scenery, but you get to have the whole location to yourself.
If you are a couple dying for a North Cascades wedding and you have a neck for adventure, North Cascade National Park offers 400-mile trails for hiking. This astounding park ranks second in the whole US for having the most glaciers. You will also find rushing waterfalls, alpine lakes, jagged ridgeline, and snow-capped mountains. It is also known as the Alps of America.
This park offers year-round access for eloping couples so that you can have a beautiful summer wedding or a Narnia backdrop for your elopement in Washington State.
For snow-covered peaks, you can choose to elope at the “trails off of Artist Point.” It looks like a scene out of a fantasy storybook with a breathtaking view of Mount Baker.
There are many other locations that you can choose from which are:
- ROSS LAKE RESORT
- DIABLO LAKE
- WITHROP
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK TO ELOPE IN WASHINGTON STATE
Olympic Park, one of the most favorite locations for elopement in the Pacific Northwest, is enormous, and it is open throughout the year. It is also known as the Olympic Peninsula of Washington.
Olympic is the only venue that will offer you any backdrop and scenery you could ever ask for. It has a perfect elopement background with hot springs, beach, rain forest, rugged mountains, alpine lakes – you name it, and it is there waiting for you.
You can even begin your elopement day on the coast and end it on a mountain peak, looking over a breathtaking sunset. In short, if you are thinking of Olympic National Park as a venue to elope in Washington State, it offers you endless possibilities for how you want to spend the most significant day of your life.
Some of the best locations for an elopement at this park are:
- HURRICANE RIDGE
- LAKE CRESCENT LODGE
- HOH RAIN FOREST
SNOQUALMIE PASS
It is the closest location to downtown Seattle with some epic views Pacific Northwest has to offer. Plus, if you love alpine lakes, Snoqualmie pass is the perfect spot to elope in Washington State. It has turquoise water lakes, waterfalls, and forest service roads leading to remote trailheads, which means you can choose from endless locations. Due to its lower elevation, you can get snow-free areas even in winter. And good news for dog lovers – Yes, dogs are allowed in most parts of the national forest.
Some of the best locations Snoqualmie National forest has to offer are:
- NORTH BEND
- MOUNTAIN LOOP HIGHWAY
MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
Mt. Rainier is a perfect backdrop for your elopement adventure. Along with the Mount Rainier herself towering at 14,411 feet, this national park with giant Douglas firs offers wildflower meadows, alpine lakes, waterfalls, fire lookouts, and a magical view of Tatoosh range surrounding the Mt Rainier.
Do you know Mt Rainier is the tallest mountain not only in Washington but the Pacific Northwest? It has one of the most extensive collections of permanent ice in the US. So get ready for some jaw-dropping views as you drive up to Eden. You may need a pinch to ensure you are not dreaming.
If you and your partner are adventurous by nature, you can add some thrill to your Mt. Rainier elopement experience. Mountain Rainier has a 93-mile backpacking trail, aka the Wonderland Trail. This loop circle a volcano with an elevation gain of 23,000 feet. It can take 9 to 13 days to complete the circle. Or you can simply plan a quick hike for your elopement.
Mt Rainier National Park is open throughout the year. However, July and August are the peak seasons because of warm and dry weather with blooming wildflowers. Some of the recommended locations for an elopement at this park are:
- GROVE OF THE PATRIARCHS
- SUNRISE VISITOR CENTER
- PARADISE VISITOR CENTER
Coastal Wedding Venues
Washington coastline is one of the best places to elope in Washington State in natural settings. Say your vows with a backdrop of the rugged beach and rocks emerging from the ocean. Most beaches are easily accessible as they are right along Highway 101. Some of them even offer camping facilities. Some of the recommended beaches perfect for elopement in Washington State are:
- Cape Flattery
- Second Beach
- Ruby Beach
- Rialto Beach
Making a Final Decision for your Washington Wedding!
- Most vendors generally expect a retainer to lock in your wedding date! Make sure to check with the venue on their availability for dates and get yours secured!
- Make sure to ask about any limitations, especially regarding catering & alcohol since these can sometimes be only in-house!
- Always prepare for any weather changes! If your venue has a large portion that plans to be outdoor, do you have preparations in mind for rain (an absolute must in the PNW!!)! Whether this means a designated indoor space, or renting out large tents, make sure you have yourself covered!
- And then celebrate!! You just completed one of the biggest parts of planning!! Now the fun begins of filling the space with your dreams and visions!!