Are you and your partner planning to elope outdoors surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest? From dramatic mountain peaks to quiet beaches, from sprawling lakes to meadows in full bloom, there’s no shortage of idyllic places to elope in Washington state. Add these seven to the top of your list to consider!

Pro tip: Be sure to look into whether you’ll need a special use permit for your elopement – we’ve included links to permit information for each location below.

Mt. Rainier

Just 60 miles from the heart of Seattle, Mt. Rainier is a spectacular year-round option for eloping in Washington. The Carbon River entrance is the easiest access point to the mountain from Seattle, and is one of the entrances that stays open through the winter.

Whether you’re imagining a fresh spring afternoon, a summer sunrise, a fall evening at golden hour, or a wintery wonderland, Mt. Rainier has endless options for you and your partner to choose from.

Tipsoo Lake looks like it came straight off of a postcard. It provides a lush, open backdrop for an elopement. In summer months, the wildflowers surrounding the lake are over-the-top in the best way possible. If you’re planning to invite a small group of loved ones to witness your elopement, the flat terrain around Lake Tipsoo makes it easily accessible.

Are the two of you a high-adventure couple? Mt. Rainier has several fire lookout points with epic views, and Tolmie Peak is one of them. The terrain gets challenging as you reach the Peak, but is oh-so-worth-it for the stunning photos you’ll be able to capture.

Mt. Rainier Special Use Permit information

Olympic National Park

We love Olympic National Park for the same reason we love celebrating love…because we believe there’s beauty in diversity! Olympic National Park covers around a million stunning acres of land and includes diverse ecosystems, elevations, and weather patterns. With iconic sites galore, it’s one of the best places to elope in Washington state.

Olympic National Park covers the better part of the Olympic peninsula, so depending on the specific location you choose, you could find yourself anywhere from roughly 100 to 200 miles outside of Seattle.

If you’re looking for a rugged coastline, Ruby Beach is an ideal site to elope.

Are you going for a moody vibe? Hoh Rainforest feels like a picture-perfect, mossy fairyland nestled among some of the largest spruce trees in the United States.

Hurricane Ridge will give you and your partner an epic vista with dramatic forested peaks and valleys, plus snow-capped mountains in the background. Added bonus? The views are stellar from the picnic area, so no hiking needed if that’s not your thing!

Or, picture this: you and your partner holding hands on a dock that stretches out into the pristine waters of Lake Crescent, surrounded by the Olympic Mountains.

Olympic National Park Special Use Permit information

Mt Baker

Situated near the Canadian border west of the Cascade Mountain Range, Mt. Baker is one of the loveliest places to elope in Washington during the summer months.

Artist Point offers an incredible view that rivals most others in the state. It’s about 5,000 feet above sea level, so in the winter it’s buried deep under the snow. But, in the summer, when most of the snow has melted, Artist Point is easily accessible and will reward you and your partner with views (and photos) you simply can’t get anywhere else. While the views from the parking area are unforgettable, a gentle 5-10 minute walk will lead you away from cars and into the wilderness.

If you’re considering inviting friends or family to your elopement, Heather Meadows provides a beautiful, spacious area to gather lakeside. There’s plenty of room to celebrate and enjoy a picnic together surrounded by fields of gorgeous purple heather and huckleberries.

Mt. Baker Special Use Permit information

North Bend/Snoqualmie Pass

The 25 mile stretch that begins at North Bend and ends at Snoqualmie pass is a quick drive from Seattle and is home to some truly beautiful sites with picturesque backdrops. They are all worth considering as you’re looking at places to elope in Washington.

If you’re going for a low-adrenaline experience and easy terrain, Gold Creek Pond is gorgeous and ADA accessible. Strollers? Wheelchairs? High heels? No problem! In the spring and summer, the paved loop around the pond is lined with wildflowers, and, bonus! – there are picnic tables just begging to be covered with a lovely cloth and a mouth-watering spread.

Snoqualmie Falls is one of the most popular attractions in the state…and for good reason. It’s breathtaking! If you and your partner are interested in a quintessential waterfall ceremony, this is the spot for you.

You may not initially be interested in eloping at a place called Rattlesnake Lake, but don’t worry!...there truly aren’t any rattlesnakes there! (It was named for the sound the wind makes rustling through the long field grasses surrounding the lake.) What you will find is a really lovely recreational area just about 30 miles outside of Seattle that offers a lake with a wide-open pebbly beach, spectacular mountain views and lots of opportunities for biking and hiking.

Snoqualmie Pass Special Use Permit information

North Cascades

The North Cascade mountain range is home to two fabulous sites for elopements in Washington. If you’re interested in staying a night or two (or more!) after your ceremony, Ross Lake Resort and the town of Stehekin are great locations to consider.

Both are picturesque lake destinations with no direct road access. This means if you’re going to make your way there (by ferry, boat, or hiking trail), it’s worth it to stay a while and really enjoy all they have to offer!

Hoping to relax just the two of you? Or dying to adventure with some of your closest friends or family? Either way, both of these destinations offer the best of the Pacific Northwest outdoor experience: hiking, biking, boating, paddle boarding, cabin life, and unmatched natural beauty for an unforgettable elopement.

North Cascades Special Use Permit information

Leavenworth

The charming Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth is about 120 miles east of Seattle. Thinking of a winter elopement? You’ll get to enjoy sleigh rides, skiing, Christmastown, and twinkling lights galore. The rest of the year doesn’t disappoint either! Kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, golfing, and fishing make Leavenworth one of the most recreationally appealing places to elope in Washington.

In terms of ceremony locations, we love the wide variety of exceptional and unique Airbnb rentals available in Leavenworth.

Whether your vibe is a traditional Bavarian-style log home, or a modern riverfront house with a sprawling deck, the options are (practically) endless. Any of them can make for a great elopement location.

Crystal clear Lake Wenatchee is Leavenworth’s neighbor. It is nestled among the Cascade Mountains and is fed by glaciers and snowmelt. Its wide sandy beaches provide a wonderful site for a memorable outdoor elopement. With plenty of open space and easy accessibility, it’s an outdoor option that’s as low-stress as it is beautiful.

Unless you’re eloping in a state forest, national park, or other area under government protection, you shouldn’t need a special use permit in Leavenworth.

San Juan Island Chain

The Puget Sound and surrounding Straits are home to more than 100 gorgeous islands (but just a few dozen are home to people) and truly lovely scenery. If an island elopement is up your alley, San Juan Island, Whidbey Island, and Orcas Island are several fantastic options.

Accessible by ferry or small plane, the islands in the San Juan Chain offer a charming, slower pace of life that will allow you and your partner to unplug, breathe in the fresh island air, and relax into your celebration. Whether you plan to celebrate just the two of you, or invite some loved ones to join you, you’ll find a bounty of beautiful locally-made and -grown food along with freshly caught seafood…perfect for your first official meal as a married couple!

Whether you opt for a scenic farm, a striking bluff, or a beach resort dock stretching into the Salish Sea, you won’t be disappointed with the San Juan Islands.

Another option to consider: why not take advantage of the ferry ride to your island of choice and elope on the ferry?! If you love a nautical theme, we can’t think of a more fun, unconventional place to elope in Washington!

San Juan Islands Special Use Permit information

The verdict on places to elope in Washington? You can’t go wrong!

Eco tip: no matter where you choose to elope in Washington, keep the Leave No Trace principles in mind.

Pro tip: even if you don’t need a special use permit at your elopement location of choice, you may need a National Forest parking pass – day and annual passes available.

What’s Next?

Is one of these locations exactly your vibe? Or maybe you’re still feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of choosing a site and planning the rest of the details? Either way, Evergreen Event Company is here to support you.

We are passionate about helping couples plan authentic, joyful, environmentally friendly celebrations that express their unique relationship. When we work together to plan your elopement, we help you hone in on how you want your day to feel and the type of experience you want your guests to have. Throughout planning, we work closely with you to reduce stress (and waste!) as much as possible. It’s our priority to help you create a meaningful, beautiful, truly-you wedding!

If you and your partner still need help narrowing down places to elope in Washington state, Location Scouting is an optional add-on to our Elopement Planning Service.

Ready to get started planning your Seattle elopement? Submit an inquiry and we’ll set up a consultation call.

Let’s do this!

7 Unforgettable Places to Elope in Washington State