Washington elopement photographer

Adventure filled elopements artfully planned & captured in the wildest landscapes.

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Washington & destination elopement photographers helping couples create intentional outdoor wedding experiences.

Have you ever found yourselves thinking…

I want to plan a wedding day that actually feels like us.

Maybe you are realizing:

  • We want a stress-free, in the moment wedding experience where we get to focus on each other.
  • We want to plan intentional and meaningful activities and create a day that is totally unique to us and our relationship.
  • Our dream is to marry in a place that feels wild, meaningful, and deeply connected to the natural world, a space that feels like us.

Then you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be

Your elopement deserves to feel like an experience you’ll never stop talking about.

As your elopement photographers, we help you create a day that feels intentional from beginning to end. From finding breathtaking locations and planning meaningful activities to documenting every emotional, adventure-filled moment, we’re here to help you build a wedding experience that feels effortless, unforgettable, and entirely your own.

LET’S START PLANNING YOUR DREAM DAY

Why Choose an Outdoor Elopement or Micro Wedding?

Your wedding day doesn’t have to fit into someone else’s idea of what it should be, it can simply reflect who you are together.

  • You get to slow down
  • Be fully present
  • Explore somewhere breathtaking
  • And create memories that feel just as meaningful as the photographs themselves

Elopements and intimate outdoor weddings give you the freedom to create a day that truly reflects your relationship and what matters most to you.

Curious about planning an outdoor-focused wedding? Learn more about How to Elope or How to Plan a Micro Wedding

Elopements and small weddings aren’t about running away from tradition, it’s about running toward a day that feels true to you.

Imagine your wedding day feeling like this…

A wedding day that unfolds slowly.

Instead of squeezing everything into one hectic timeline, imagine turning your wedding into a multi-day experience.

One day spent exploring somewhere breathtaking together. Another celebrating with your favorite people around good food, stories, and unforgettable moments.

More time.
Less pressure.
Memories that don’t feel rushed.

A day built around the moments you actually love.

Maybe that looks like sharing coffee in a quiet cabin, hiking to your ceremony location, canoeing across an alpine lake, or watching the sunset after reading your vows.

Your wedding doesn’t have to follow a template, it can reflect your relationship, your pace, and the things that matter most to you.

An experience that feels deeply personal.

From fly fishing in mountain rivers and off-roading into the wilderness to slow picnics, board games with loved ones, or dancing under the stars, your wedding day can feel less like a performance and more like an experience you’ll never want to end.

Because the best moments are usually the ones that feel honest, unplanned, and completely your own.

“They put their heart and soul into your day so you can fully take it all in, enjoy every moment — both big and small — and simply trust them to work their magic”

Whoa, this sounds amazing, but how do we even begin? Don’t worry, We’ve got you covered

Micro Wedding & Elopement Planning Resources

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MEET YOUR

Elopement Photographer Team

running wild studio team

We’re the people helping you create a wedding day that feels true to you.

Long before Running Wild existed, we both planned wedding days that didn’t follow tradition

Sanne eloped before she even knew there was a word for it.

Brooke planned a micro wedding during the pandemic focused on connection over expectations.

Those experiences shaped the way we approach every wedding day now — intentional, meaningful, and deeply personal.

Because your wedding deserves to feel like you.

MEET THE TEAM

GET MARRIED IN OUR BACK YARD

Eloping in Washington State, Our Home Base

As Washington elopement photographers, this is where we spend most of our season documenting elopements across the state. From Mount Rainier National Park to the North Cascades and the Olympic coast, Washington offers an incredible variety of landscapes for couples who want an intentional, nature-focused wedding experience.

Rainforest Icon

How to Elope in Washington State

Your complete guide to planning an elopement in Washington, covering legal steps, best seasons, location ideas, and permits. Written from our experience as Washington elopement photographers.

How to Elope in Washington State

How to Elope | Guide

Washington National Park venues

Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Park each offer completely different landscapes—from alpine meadows and glacier views to rugged coastlines and mossy rainforests. As Washington elopement photographers, these are the locations we return to most for adventurous, nature-filled elopements.

Mount Rainier Elopement GUIDE

Olympic National Park Elopement GUIDE

North Cascades Elopement GUIDE

Best National Park Wedding Venues

Best Micro Wedding Venues in Washington

For couples planning a small wedding, Washington offers beautiful intimate venues surrounded by nature. We photograph micro weddings across the state and can help guide location planning.

Best Micro Wedding Venues in Washington

How to Plan a Micro Wedding

Mount Rainier Wedding Venues

120 +

Love Stories Captured in the great outdoors

6+

years of planning & photographing elopements

4 +

Photography Awards

14+

States & Countries Traveled

Washington Elopement Photographer Awards & Features

We are honored to have won a few awards and to be recognized for the artistry and thoughtfulness that go into creating our photographs. Each image we capture reflects our passion for storytelling and our commitment to preserving the most meaningful moments in our clients’ lives.

We don’t just take award winning photos, we curate experiences and capture the heartfelt moments that make your wedding day unforgettable and your photos timeless!

Real weddings we’ve planned and captured

Micro Wedding & Elopement Examples

Worldwide & Washington Elopement Packages Designed for Unique Wedding Experiences

Your elopement is more than a few beautiful photos, it’s an experience. Here’s what sets us apart:

UNLIMITED PLANNING SUPPORT

We don’t cap our guidance. From location scouting and permit navigation to timeline creation and backup weather plans — we’re with you every step of the way. You can email, call, or ask questions whenever you need. Your elopement deserves more than just coverage hours — it deserves full support.

Hand-Edited, True-to-Life Color

Your photos should feel like you were there again. That’s why every single image is hand-selected and edited by our team and our in-house editor. We focus on natural, vibrant tones that reflect exactly what your day looked and felt like—no automated editing programs, no shortcuts. Just real, timeless memories.

Seamless Photo + Video

Because we offer both photography and videography, your final gallery and film will feel cohesive. The tones, the storytelling, the emotion — everything flows together. No mismatched styles. No disconnected storytelling. Just one beautifully consistent experience from start to finish.

ELOPEMENT PACKAGES & PRICING

TESTIMONIALS

What our couples have to say about working with Running Wild

Anna & Brandon

Spending the day with them was so fun, it felt like we went hiking with friends. They’re down for an adventure and make the best of every situation.

yosemite elopement photographer
washington elopement photographer capturing a fall elopement

Michaela & Joseph

What is there to even say?? Just WOW!!! Sanne and Brooke helped make our wedding week the fairytale of a lifetime.

Amy & Sam

They truly went above and beyond to ensure every detail reflected our love and they found the most stunning landscapes we had only dreamed of.

adventure elopement photographer

Read full reviews on google

Frequently Asked Questions About Elopements & Micro Weddings

Yes, we do! We’ve traveled to over 6 different countries and 9 states to capture the most incredible elopements.

Yes, eloping can be a fully legal marriage as long as couples follow the marriage laws of their chosen location.
To make an elopement legally binding, couples typically need a marriage license, an officiant, and, in some places, one or two witnesses. Requirements vary by state and country, so it’s important to check local laws before eloping.
Some couples choose to have a symbolic ceremony in a dream location and handle the legal paperwork separately in their home state or country.
This allows for more flexibility in where and how they exchange vows.

The cost of an elopement varies depending on location, vendors, and personal preferences, but on average, couples spend between $10,000 and $20,000 on their elopement. Compared to traditional weddings, which can cost $30,000 or more, eloping is often a more affordable and meaningful way to get married.

Typical elopement costs include:

  • Photography & Videography ($5,000–$10,000) – Capturing your day is one of the most important investments.
  • Travel & Accommodations ($1,000–$5,000) – Costs vary based on destination and season.
  • Attire & Accessories ($500–$3,000) – A wedding dress, suit, and other details.
  • Marriage License & Officiant ($100–$1,000) – Legal fees vary by location.
  • Florals, Permits, & Extras ($500–$3,000) – Bouquets, national park permits, and other special touches.

In our How Much doest it Cost to Elope blog we go more in depth about this topic.

Eloping offers an intimate and often adventurous way to celebrate your love, typically set in breathtaking outdoor locations like national parks or beaches. With just a few guests—or sometimes only the couple and an officiant—modern elopements focus on creating meaningful, personal experiences. In addition, many couples choose to elope for the flexibility and stress-free planning it provides. Whether it’s a mountaintop sunrise or a lakeside ceremony, eloping allows you to celebrate your love in a truly unforgettable way.

Yes! Eloping doesn’t mean you have to be alone—many couples choose to include close family and friends. While traditional elopements often involve just the couple, modern elopements can have a small guest list while still keeping the focus on intimacy and adventure.We consider any celebration with 15 or fewer people an elopement.

Whether you bring your parents, siblings, or a handful of loved ones, you can still have a meaningful and personal experience in a stunning outdoor location.

Having more than 15 people? No problem! We capture micro weddings up to 40 guests. Check out our Guide on Planning a Micro Wedding or Free Micro Wedding Planning Checklist

Our micro wedding and elopement photography packages range from $5,700 to $12,500, depending on location and hours of coverage. Elopement photographers often charge more than traditional wedding photographers because they do more than just take photos—they also act as guides and planners.

They help couples find the perfect location, create a timeline with personalized activities, recommend vendors, and assist with permits and marriage licenses, all while ensuring the day flows seamlessly. Investing in an elopement photographer means getting both stunning imagery and expert support for a stress-free, unforgettable experience.

The easiest way to plan an elopement is by hiring an expert elopement photographer who can guide you through the entire process. Unlike traditional weddings, elopements focus on intimacy, adventure, and personalization, and having a photographer who also helps with planning, location scouting, timeline creation, permits, and vendor recommendations makes everything stress-free.

We also have helpful guides to make planning even easier: How to Plan a Destination Elopement, How to Plan a Hiking Elopement, and How to Elope in Washington State.

Getting legally married is usually simpler than it seems, but the exact steps depend on the state or country you’re in, so it’s important to check local regulations. Typically, you’ll begin by applying for a marriage license through the county clerk’s office. Then, on your wedding day, an authorized officiant conducts the ceremony, you sign the license (sometimes with witnesses), and your officiant files it with the county. Once processed, you’ll receive your official marriage certificate.

If you’re eloping in a place like Mount Rainier National Park or North Cascades National Park, you may also need a special use permit for the ceremony. For international elopements, such as in Iceland, the legal requirements can be more complex. Many couples simplify the process by legally marrying at home first and then exchanging vows in their dream location. This way, you can fully enjoy your experience without getting bogged down in paperwork while keeping everything completely legal.

Whether you’re feeling inspired, excited, or just beginning to plan your elopement or Micro Wedding, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Reach Out to Start Planning Your Elopement

The Running Wild Team here! We take your inspiration—no matter how vague—and shape it into a beautifully planned, adventure-driven wedding in nature.

The next steps to inquire.

✅ Check our Pricing Page

✅ We will get back to you within 48 hours

✅ Schedule a 50-60 minute Zoom Call

✅ You don’t need to know what, when, or where yet!