How to elope in Washington State | 2024 Guide
Everything you need to know about planning an elopement in Washington State
Planning an adventure elopement in Washington State is undeniably one of the best decisions you can make! We don’t just say this because we live here ;) but because Washington truly offers the most dramatic landscape backdrops for your elopement day. It’s the ultimate destination for all adventurous couples out there. With thousands of acres of rugged mountain peaks and evergreen forests, Washington state boasts over a hundred state parks, and not one, not two, but three of the most popular National Parks in the US for you to enjoy and explore. So, let’s delve into how you can elope in Washington State!
Best time of year to elope in Washington State
Now, you might be thinking, 'I thought it always rains in Washington.' Let us BUST this myth for you. It’s true that Washington weather can be moody (which honestly makes your photos even more dramatic), but our summers are great! From early July to late August, we only experience a few short days of rain. In September, when our mornings and nights turn a bit cooler, the days are still very warm and perfect for hiking.
Summer (late June to early September)
Pros: Warm temperatures, lush greenery, and longer daylight hours make summer a popular time. This is ideal for hiking enthusiasts who want to explore high-elevation mountain trails.
Cons: Summer can be busier, and popular locations may have more visitors. It's advisable to plan and book in advance.
Fall (late September to November)
Pros: Fall brings a stunning array of colors as the foliage changes, creating a picturesque backdrop for your elopement. The temperatures are still comfortable, and the crowds tend to thin out.
Cons: The weather can become more unpredictable in late fall, and there's a chance of rain. However, the moody atmosphere can add a unique touch to your photos.
Winter elopements (December to March)
Pros: If you're seeking a snowy wonderland, winter can be enchanting. Snow-covered landscapes, serene surroundings, and fewer crowds create a magical setting.
Cons: Winter weather in Washington can be chilly and wet. Ensure you're prepared for the cold, and some mountainous areas may be less accessible.
Spring elopements (April to early June)
Pros: Spring brings the awakening of nature, with blooming flowers in Easy Washington and vibrant greenery. The weather starts to improve, and temperatures become milder. This is a great time for a refreshing and colorful elopement.
Cons: Early spring can still have lingering winter conditions, and most trails are still closed due to snow. Checking local conditions and being flexible with plans can overcome potential challenges.
The best time for you depends on the activities and landscape you want to include in your day. If you are a hiking fanatic and want to explore the most famous spots in Washington, we highly suggest scheduling your day from late July to late September. Or maybe you are looking for snow but without the extreme cold? Then May through June is your best option. To make things simple, we've listed our favorite areas and the best time of year to explore below:
Find the perfect locations for your Washington elopement
There are a few things to consider when finding your dream location. What scenery do you envision (wildflowers, fall colors, lakes, mountains, etc.)? How many guests are allowed at this location for the ceremony? How far are you or your guests willing to hike? What activities are you planning for your day? And are these locations accessible during the time of year you want to get married?
Feeling overwhelmed by all these questions? No worries! We assist all our couples in finding the perfect location(s) for their wedding day. After booking with us, we'll send over a questionnaire. Based on your answers, we will create a helpful location guide complete with numerous example photos. So, all you have to do is cuddle up with your partner on the couch and choose your favorite location(s) that we personally selected for you.
Want to get inspired? Check out these blogs:
Best Places to Elope in Washington State
How to elope in North Cascades National Park
How to legally get married in Washington State: permits, passes, and marriage license
Paperwork…Yawn! Although it’s not the most fun part of elopement planning, it's still very important to talk about.
Permits & Passes
For each area in Washington State, a different permit is required for a wedding ceremony. These permits range anywhere from $0 to $300 depending on your location and group size. In addition to your ceremony permit, you are also required to have a Northwest Forest Pass, Discovery Pass, or an America the Beautiful pass, again depending on the location. But if you are an avid Washington hiker, you probably already have one of these passes in your car.
Marriage License
To legally get married in Washington State, you are required to have 2 witnesses and 1 officiant. You can use your photographer as 1 of your witnesses if needed, or you can hire two photographers of the Running Wild team and one of us can officiate.
You can pick up your marriage license from a local county’s office or get it mailed to you. Washington state law requires a three-day waiting period before you can use it. Licenses are valid for 60 days after the three-day waiting period.
Don’t want to deal with the paperwork if you are coming out of state? You can always plan a symbolic ceremony and get legally married in your home state.
Does the sound of permits and passes make you sweat a little? No stress! We will help you figure all this stuff out when we are planning your elopement.
Choose your Washington state vendors for your elopement or adventure wedding
Similar to a traditional wedding, you will need to hire some vendors. The choice of vendors depends on your budget and needs. Some of our couples handle aspects themselves, such as making bouquets or baking a cake. Others prefer to hire vendors, ensuring a worry-free experience on their special day. There is no right or wrong answer!
Below are examples of vendors we've seen other couples hire for their elopements and adventure weddings:
Hair & Makeup Specialist
Florist
videographer
Accommodations. Think hotels, Airbnbs, Cabins, and Venues
Private Chef, Catering, or Charcuterie Boards
Baker (Cakes or any other type of deserts)
Rental Companies for Chairs, tables, and decorations
Activities Guides for hot air balloons, offroading, helicopters, and seaplanes
Fun activities to do during your elopement
Including fun activities that are meaningful to you can make your day feel more special, rather than it feeling like a high-end photoshoot in a beautiful location. We've seen couples do a variety of things, from crocheting, off-roading, hiking, playing board games, and having campfires, to jumping into alpine lakes. Choose something that holds meaning for you as a couple. Need suggestions? Here are just a few:
Making Breakfast at your Airbnb and cozy up in front of the fireplace
Hire a private chef for a fancy dinner
Plan a cute picnic in the mountains
Play games with your guests or just the two of you
Camping
Boating, Kayaking, Paddleboarding
Hiking (DUUH) ;)
Off-roading
Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling, Snowboarding, or Skiing
Write personal vows together
Get ready together and help each other in your attire
First Looks alone or with your family
Champagne Spray
Plan a first dance
Stargazing
Read letters or special notes from your family
The possibilities are endless!
How much does it cost to elope in Washington?
This varies. We see couples spend anywhere from $8k all the way up to $20k depending on what they incorporate and plan into their day. Want to see a breakdown of the average elopement cost with us? Read this blog: How much does eloping cost?
Want to get inspired by other couples who planned an elopement in Washington State?
How to pick the right elopement photographer for your day?
Whether you're choosing locations in Washington, the US, or worldwide, we always recommend starting by looking into elopement photographers. Why? Because some elopement photographers (the Running Wild team waving) include planning assistance in their photography packages. This means NO additional planning stress—YAY! You can just sit back and relax, grab your favorite drink, let us know what you are looking for, and we'll handle all the work. The only things you might need to do are signing permits, booking your vendors, and telling your friends how stress-free wedding planning can be. ;)
While we would truly love for you to choose us as your elopement photographers, we completely understand that you're exploring all the other options out there.
To help you find the best elopement photographer fit for your wedding day, we’ve compiled a small list of things to consider when searching for the perfect photographer:
Editing Style: Do you like the photographer’s editing style? Whether it's natural and vibrant colors (like how we edit) or that PNW moody vibe you're after, clarify your preferences. Do you prefer mainly posed shots or organic photos, or perhaps a combination of both? Every photographer’s shooting style is different. Ask to see three of their latest finished galleries to better understand their style.
Contract Review: Always, ALWAYS, read their contract carefully. Pay attention to the fine print. What is included? What is not included? Consider scenarios like acts of God (forest fires, death in the family, illness, etc.). Are there extra fees for your photos? Unfortunately, there are horror stories where couples had to pay extra to receive all their wedding photos.
Understand Their Process: Inquire about their process, from pre-elopement planning to the delivery of the final photos. A photographer who provides planning assistance or guidance can alleviate stress and contribute to a smoother experience.
Check Reviews and Testimonials Read reviews from previous clients to gain insights into the photographer's professionalism, communication, and overall satisfaction of their services. Honest feedback from other couples can be invaluable.
