How and Where to Elope in Washington: Everything You Need to Know from a Washington Elopement Photographer
Olympic National Park Elopement
Eloping in Washington is THE perfect choice if you love moody forests, misty coastlines, stunning mountain landscapes, or just want epic elopement photos with in sane scenery.
As a Washington elopement photographer, I’ve documented love stories everywhere from the coastline of Ruby Beach to the glowing alpine light at Reflection Lake, and let me tell you…. Washington is one of THE most wildly romantic places to elope. The variety Washington offers is incredible. Whether you want to hike miles as an adventurous hiking couple looking to elope, or want to do no hiking whatsoever, you will get amazing scenery.
Mount Rainier
But eloping here takes more than just showing up with your vows and hoping it doesn’t rain (spoiler alert: it might, and it’ll still be gorgeous). So let’s dive into everything you need to know—from tips, permits, and timelines to how to choose the right elopement photographer in Washington.
Why Elope in Washington?
Washington offers the kind of variety most states can only dream of. Within a single trip, you could say your vows in a rainforest, hike to a glacier-fed lake, and run barefoot across a rocky beach at sunset. There are some spots where you get forest on one side, and water on the other. And there are some areas that make it easy to elope with a combination of rainforest, mountain, water, and forest all in one elopement experience.
Here are just a few reasons couples choose Washington for their elopement:
Dramatic landscapes: wild coastline, foggy forests
Privacy + intimacy: many trails or spots feel secluded even during peak season
Accessible adventure: tons of epic locations within 2–3 hours of Seattle whether you want to hike or not
Mild seasons: spring through fall offers lush greens or golden tones depending on your vibe
Most Popular Washington Elopement Locations
These are the locations I photograph elopements at the most, and each one has a totally different mood and energy:
Olympic National Park
Eloping in Olympic National Park feels like stepping into three worlds at once: dense moss-covered rainforests, wild beaches, and dramatic alpine ridge-lines. Basically, it’s a choose your own adventure dreamland, and is perfect for couples who crave variety and want their elopement to feel like a movie that has three acts. You can start your morning with misty vows in the Hoh Rainforest, chase golden hour at Ruby Beach, or hike up to Hurricane Ridge for panoramic mountain views. For those looking for a mix of forest magic, ocean, and mountain drama, Olympic gives you everything, yet still feels intimate. It’s ideal for couples wanting an all-day or multi-day elopement experience that blends emotion, movement, and epic backdrops. Olympic National Park is also ideal for couples who want minimal hiking with epic views, as there are spots we can photograph an elopement experience without traveling to multiple destinations, but still get maximum variety.
🌊 Ruby Beach
Moody skies, driftwood-lined shores, dramatic sea stacks, epic sunsets glowing through said sea stacks. Ruby Beach gives romance with a blend of cinematic vibes. Golden hour here hits different when it peeks through the sea stacks and fog.
When you get a day with a golden hour, it is one of the top 5 places in the U.S. to watch the sun set, in my humble opinion. Ruby Beach is a different feel than your stereotypical sunny California beach. Ruby Beach is a forest-surrounded beach with dark sea stacks, water, logs, caves, and has the ultimate sunsets.
🌲 Hoh Rainforest
This is Washington’s enchanted forest and is covered in moss, mist, and ancient trees. It feels like stepping into a Studio Ghibli film. It’s one of my favorites for quiet, intimate ceremonies. Hoh Rainforest is one of the most magical and otherworldly places you can elope in Washington, and is one of the few temperate rainforests in the U.S. The Hoh is about a 4.5- to 5-hour drive from Seattle and pairs perfectly with nearby spots like Ruby Beach (just 45 minutes away), Second Beach, or Rialto Beach, making it ideal for a forest-and-ocean elopement day. The main trailheads like the Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trail are easy, short, and accessible, making it a stunning choice for elopements with minimal hiking. If you want quiet, intimacy, and full fairytale forest energy, this is your spot.
🌊 Rialto Beach
If you’re looking for more space to roam by the beach, don’t care about being surrounded by forest, and want less tourists and more intimacy, Rialto Beach will give you that. Rialto also has the iconic “Hole in the Wall”, about 1.5 mile walk through natural terrain, giving you extra time and spots for photos.
What is Hole in the Wall at Rialto Beach?
Hole-in-the-Wall is a massive natural sea arch carved into a rock formation by centuries of crashing waves. It’s located about 1.5 miles north of the Rialto Beach parking lot, accessible only by walking along the beach, which adds a mini adventure to your elopement. When the tide is low, you can walk right through the arch and explore the tide pools, barnacle-covered rocks, and hidden nooks beyond it.
Why it’s a must-see location?:
Unique and dramatic: This arch is unlike anything at Ruby Beach or most PNW beaches. It frames the ocean like a natural cathedral and adds a cinematic focal point to your portraits.
Is it a walk or a hike to get to the Hole-in-the-wall?
Distance: ~1.5 miles each way from the Rialto Beach parking lot (so about 3 miles round trip)
Terrain:
You’re walking on sand, rocks, and driftwood the whole way, there’s no paved trail
No major elevation gain, but it can be tiring if you're not used to walking on uneven beach surfaces (I’m here for the adventure!)
At low tide, it’s a relatively flat stroll. At high tide, you may have to navigate over driftwood or wet rock areas
Time needed: Most people take 45–60 minutes to walk there if stopping for photos and navigating tide pools
Good news: You’re walking along the ocean the whole time, so even the journey is beautiful AF and full of photo ops
⛰️Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park is Washington’s crown jewel. Mount Rainier is a moody, majestic, and jaw dropping giant that demands reverence and awe. When you elope here, everything slows down. The meadows at Sunrise or Paradise fill with wildflowers in late summer, Reflection Lake mirrors the mountain on still mornings, and trails wind through ancient forests into views that will make you cry before you even say “I do.” Rainier is perfect for couples who want that iconic mountain shot without sacrificing variety. There are hidden groves, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and open skies that make for unreal photos. It’s a favorite for sunrise or sunset elopements, especially for couples who want a more accessible adventure with views that hit like a spiritual awakening. And during the Fall season, you might just pass away with the views.
The best spots to elope in Mount Rainier National Park:
Reflection Lake
Best in summer when the water is still and you can see Mount Rainier mirrored in the lake. It’s a quick walk from the parking lot, making it ideal for elopements with guests or minimal hiking.
Paradise:
Best for: Wildflower meadows (July–August), epic trails, sweeping views
Accessibility: Trails range from easy to moderate
Vibe: Iconic, lush, full of life
Pro tips:
Peak bloom is late July through early August
Gets busy—sunrise or weekday elopements are gold
Can combine meadow, forest, and mountain backdrops in one spot
Sunrise
Best for: Ridgeline views, alpine light, fewer crowds
Accessibility: Easy to moderate hikes
Vibe: Open, wild, expansive
Pro tips:
Opens later in the year than Paradise (usually July–September)
More remote, so ideal for couples craving solitude
Gorgeous golden light in the actual sunrise hours
Grove of the Patriarchs
Best for: Forest-lovers, emotional vow exchanges, Tolkien vibes
Accessibility: Short, flat trail through old-growth trees
Vibe: Enchanted, quiet, deeply grounding
Pro tips:
Feels magical in fog or soft light
Easy for guests or quick ceremonies
Works beautifully as a secondary location paired with a mountain spot
Tipsoo Lake
Best for: Sunset light, wildflowers, alpine reflections
Accessibility: Short trail, easy walk
Vibe: Intimate, picturesque, tucked-away
Pro tips:
Great for couples who want something scenic but simple
Wildflowers usually bloom late July to mid-August
Looks insane at golden hour with Rainier in the distance
Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest — Elopement Hotspots
Artist Point
Panoramic mountain views of Mt. Baker & Mt. Shuksan
Road accessible mid-summer to fall (usually July–October)
Ideal for sunrise or sunset ceremonies with minimal hiking
Picture Lake
Iconic reflections of Mount Shuksan in a calm alpine lake
Easy 0.4–0.6 mile trail, wheelchair-friendly
Gorgeous in fall, with colorful foliage
Heather Meadows & Fire and Ice Trail
Lush summer wildflowers and gentle alpine meadows
Offers short, interpretive “walks” perfect for low-impact ceremonies
Bagley Lakes
Two alpine lakes with peaks in the background
Moderate 2-mile round-trip, quieter crowd
Great for moody, adventurous portraits
Chain Lakes Loop
Scenic hike through wildflower meadows and lakes
More variety in terrain and backdrops—great if you want a hike + photos combo
Winchester Mountain Lookout
Historic lookout with sweeping views over the North Cascades
Moderate 2.1‑mile hike, minimal ceremony crowd risk
Group size capped at 12 by wilderness rules
Skylines Divide Trail
Dramatic ridgeline views of Mt. Baker and ridge country
Moderate hike, unplugged vibes, great for intimate elopements
Foggy Lake (Gothic Basin)
Glacial lake nestled below rugged peaks
Requires longer, more adventurous hike: perfect for bold couples
Snoqualmie Falls
Majestic waterfall backdrop – A breathtaking 268‑foot curtain waterfall, consistently stunning year-round and evocative at sunrise, fall, or after winter rains
Easy, scenic trail – A short, fairly flat 0.7-mile round-trip trail from the upper parking area to the viewpoint and nearly to the base, paved and accessible, gently sloping through lush forest .
Wheelchair & stroller friendly – The upper viewpoint is fully ADA-accessible with paved paths and no stairs, ideal for couples with mobility concerns or guests needing easy access
No permit needed for small ceremonies! You can exchange vows at the upper viewpoint or lower areas without a special event permit. Just plan early to avoid crowds
Private ceremony option: With 1.4-mile access to the lower falls via less-used trails, you can have a more intimate moment away from the crowds
Free parking and amenities: Ample free parking (upper lot), bathrooms, gift shop, observation decks, and picnic tables: everything you need for a stress-free day
Proximity to lodging & extras. Right next to the iconic Salish Lodge & Spa, which offers upscale lodging, on-site dining, and easy photo + prep options
Accessible from Seattle – Only about a 35-minute drive east of Seattle, making it super convenient for day-of travel .
Cultural & cinematic significance – Beyond its natural beauty, Snoqualmie Falls holds deep cultural meaning for the Snoqualmie Tribe and has iconic ties to Pacific Northwest pop culture
Why Choose Areas in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest?: Variety all in one area: alpine lakes, fire lookouts, wildflower meadows, and panoramic ridgelines—all within a 2–3 hour drive from Seattle
Accessibility options: From zero-effort locations (Picture Lake) to moderate hikes (Bagley Lakes, Winchester Lookout), there’s something for every energy level
Permit-friendly: Under 75 people means no special use permit required, just bring a Northwest Forest Pass for trailheads
Epic scenery = epic photos: All spots offer dramatic backdrops, moody textures, and cinematic moods that elevate every shot!
Bonus Hidden Gems:
If you want something a little off the beaten path:
Bench + Snow Lakes Trail: Short hike, lake + alpine meadow payoff
Fremont Lookout: Moderate hike, unreal mountaintop sunset views
Pinnacle Peak Trail: For bold couples who want a moderate-to-challenging hike with dramatic backdrops
Travel Time From Seattle (SEA-TAC) to Elopement Locations
Here’s a quick cheat sheet if you're flying into Seattle and wondering how long it’ll take to reach these epic locations:
Ruby Beach: ~3.5 to 4.5 hours
Hoh Rainforest: ~4.5 to 5 hours
Olympic National Park (Lake Crescent / Hurricane Ridge): ~3 to 3.5 hours
Mount Rainier / Reflection Lake: ~2.5 to 3 hours
These drives are stunning. You’ll drive along coastlines, forests, and past some of the best roadside views in the country. I always recommend turning your elopement into a mini road trip or weekend getaway. You won’t regret it. I have an elopement guide for couples that hire me with more information, including which way is best for traveling, which side of the park has better cell service, lodging options, food, what the nearby cities are like, etc. I have a guide just for Olympic National Park elopements, and one just for Mount Rainier National Park elopements.
How Long Should a Washington Elopement Be?
This is one of the most common questions I get. Here’s the real tea: you can elope in two hours or you can stretch it into an entire weekend. It all depends on your vision. Most of our elopement packages are either 4 hours, 8 hours, or a multi-day experience.
4 Hours is perfect if you’re staying in one spot, 6 hours is great if you want mainly one spot but want some photos at your air bnb or a nearby spot, and 8 hours is great if you want to do a full day with getting ready, details, hiking, vows, and get that epic experience. We also do a lot of multi-day elopements, which are the best for maximum vibes, zero rushing, and the best photos with great scenery and lighting! Multi-day elopements are incredible, and we generally structure them with 2-4 hours the first day with a first look and sunset portraits, with most of the adventure on the 2nd day. The 2nd day we typically do vow ceremony, champagne celebration, hiking or exploring, photos, picnic or other food experience, and sometimes photos at your air bnb.
2 hour elopement experience: Ideal for a short hike or walk, vow exchange, and some portraits at one location
4 hour elopement experience: We typically do an elopement experience in one spot for 4 hours, and include first look, details, vow ceremony, first dance, and can add on a charcuterie picnic, small cake, champagne, wine, and/or beers (or non-alcoholic beverage), along with other add-ons like a tattoo artist, sketch artist, live painter, depending on the experience you want to have.
8 hours or full-day: Perfect for storytelling, two different landscapes (like rainforest + beach), or sharing the day with a few guests. 8 hours gives you some getting ready moments, time to explore a couple areas or do a long hike, vow ceremony, first dance, and any additional add-ons that fit the vibe you’re after. Full day elopements allow for maximum variety that can include up until sunset, or can go later into darkness for stargazing.
Multi-day: For the couples who want to soak it all in! I LOVE multi-day elopements. Typically, we do a half day on day one, and then the next day can either be a sunrise elopement day or sunset elopement day. I help you plan and structure everything. Multi-days are great for adding on experiences like hiking, kayaking, exploring, or even doing some steamy photos together at your air bnb at the end of the day. Your experience is something that should reflect you, and should be full of scenery that speaks to you.
I help you figure out the perfect timing for your energy, photos, and story. No stress, just vibes.
How Many People Should You Invite to a Washington Elopement?
There’s no one-size-fits-all, but here’s a general guide to help:
0–2 guests: A true “just us” elopement. Super flexible with hiking, weather, and timeline
3–15 guests: Still intimate! Perfect for accessible ceremony spots and a few extra chairs
16–30 guests: You’re in micro-wedding territory. We’ll want to choose a venue or viewpoint that allows this size (some parks limit group numbers) Most National Parks allow 15 or fewer people.
No matter how big or small, I’ll help you choose a location that keeps the day feeling personal and wild.
What to Look for in a Washington Elopement Photographer (and What They Actually Do)
Not all elopement photographers are created equal, especially in Washington, where the weather can shift in seconds and the lighting is a whole cinematic rollercoaster. A great Washington elopement photographer should be more than someone with a camera.
Here’s what I help with:
Location scouting based on your style, accessibility, and best lighting
Permit guidance for national parks and public land (yes, you usually need one!)
Timeline building so you’re never rushed and always chasing the best light
Weather prep (because “misty” and “downpour” are two very different things)
Vendor recommendations that match your energy and values
Calm, grounded energy on a day that can feel surreal
What you’ll take care of:
Booking your lodging + travel
Grabbing your Washington marriage license
Showing up with love, intention, and maybe some muddy boots
Photography Styles You’ll See in Washington Elopement Photographers
Washington attracts a wide range of photographers, and no two styles are quite the same. Here are a few of the most common you’ll come across:
Moody + Cinematic: Earth tones, dramatic shadows, and deep emotion. Think storytelling that feels straight out of an indie film.
Ethereal + Warm: Golden light, soft colors, and dreamy softness—great for sun-kissed peaks or glowing beaches.
Editorial or Fashion-Inspired: Intentional compositions, bold posing, and a strong artistic eye. Perfect for couples who want a high-fashion twist on a wild location.
Not sure what style fits your vibe best? Take my Photography Style Quiz to find out. It'll help you figure out exactly what you’re drawn to—and it’ll help your whole vendor team match your energy.
But remember, Washington weather for your elopement can vary drastically, and rainy foggy weather is better for moody vibes, while sun kissed Washington skies are perfect for ethereal warm photo vibes. Just know that whatever Mother Nature decides, your elopement photos in Washington will be UNREAL.
Things People Don’t Know About Eloping in Washington
Permits are usually required even for simple vow exchanges on public lands
Cell service is spotty in most locations (don’t worry, I prep you with offline plans)
Weather changes fast - layers and backup plans are key. You cannot trust weather apps! We almost make a Plan A and a Plan B (and in some cases a plan C ;)
Wildflower season in places like Mount Rainier is brief and beautiful (usually late July/early August)
Golden hour at the beach can be super late in summer, think 8:30–9:30pm, and it’s 100% worth the wait
Fall season in Mount Rainier is JAW-DROPPING, but the timing needs to be planned right, and Mother Nature is always in charge, so it could start earlier or later than planned. Fall season with peak colors in Mount Rainier is usually mid-September to early October. Typically last two weeks of September and first week of October.
Ready to Elope in Washington?
If this sounds like your thing, and you’re ready to elope in Washington, I would love to be your elopement photographer!
I’ll help you find the best spots, plan the timeline, and capture the kind of photos that feel like your favorite memory and your favorite movie had a baby.
🖤 Reach out here to book your Washington elopement with me
And don’t forget to take the quiz to figure out exactly what style fits your day best
Let’s make some magic in the wild, and congratulations on making this decision!!
Datura Photo | Washington Elopement Photographer