How to Elope in Washington
As a girl who was born and raised in Washington - I can promise you, it’s one of the most magical places on earth.
If you desire to have a whimsical romantic wedding - elope in Washington.
Whatever outdoor setting you desire you can find it here.
Washington has a rainforest full of mossy trees, raging rivers and waterfalls, mountains with jagged spires, and valleys full of wildflowers below.…
It’s the perfect place to say yes.
Marriage Laws in the State of Washington
There are three main marriage laws in Washington: get your marriage license, find an ordained officiant, and make sure you have two witnesses.
If you need help booking an officiant that fits your vibe let me know and I’ll send you a list of my favorite local ordained officiants! Also, I have a best friend that is always down to hike and will sign as your second witness.
1. marriage license
The state of Washington requires you to apply for a marriage license at least 3 days before your elopement date. That license will be valid to use for 60 days after your application date.
If you don’t live in Washington, apply for the marriage license online then have it mailed to you.
2. officiant
Washington requires that you have a legal officiant to perform your wedding ceremony. This is a great way to have a friend or family member be involved in your elopement. Have them get ordained online and marry you!
3. witnesses
The last legal requirement for the state of Washington is to have two witnesses present at your wedding. Pro tip: your photographer and videographer can sign as your witnesses.
Permits for Outdoor Elopements in Washington
The three permits that are usually necessary are photography permits, videography permits, and a ceremony permit.
You will then need to get the proper park pass for that particular hike. Most hikes in Washington will require one of the following passes: Mt. Rainier National Park pass, Discover pass, or Northwest Forest Pass.
1. park passes
You need one park pass per vehicle. Park passes can be purchased per day or you can invest in an annual pass.
In Washington, there are three main park passes - Northwest Forest Pass, National Park Passes, and a Discover Pass. I know, it’s confusing even for a local like myself.
You can figure out which pass you need via Alltrails or WTA.com but to be absolutely sure - call the Ranger station that is designated for that trail. They will be able to tell you in a matter of seconds.
2. wedding ceremony permits
Most national parks require that you obtain a permit when performing a wedding within the park. Unsure if you need to obtain a permit? Call the Ranger station that is listed for your trailhead.
For instance, in Mt. Rainier National Park you need to apply for wedding ceremony permits four weeks before the intended elopement date and there is a $60 fee. Yet another reason to start planning your elopement right away.
3. photography + videography permits
National parks usually require commercial licensing permits for photographers and videographers. There are separate permits for the ceremony, photographers, and videographers.
Ensure that your photographer is going to obtain the necessary permits when you enquire about their services. There is usually a fee of around 100-200 dollars associated with these permits.
If they do not have the proper permits your photographer could get kicked out of the park. Your elopement just went from blessed to stressed in a matter of seconds.
Getting Around in Washington
light rail
This is a single track that runs from the airport through downtown up to the University District. If you are staying near a light rail station it’s the easiest way to get to the airport. You don’t need to get off or make any transfers - it’s a straight shot.
bus
Seattle does not have the best public transportation system, in fact, it’s pretty bad. However, there are busses that run regular routes, even if they arrive a little late. You can find Seattle bus routes here on the King County Metro website.
lyft
Seattle is a tech city. You will always be able to book or catch a ride on either Uber or Lyft. I’m not an Uber driver, but I’m usually available to pick you up from the airport, and I always bring snacks :)
rentals
If you don’t live locally (and want to hit the trails) I suggest you rent a vehicle. You may want to consider booking a camper van to eliminate the cost of lodging. Because who wouldn’t want to stay in a Sprinter van or a Westfalia?
Be aware, some roads leading up to the trailhead are unmaintained, and could be described as bumpy at best. This is why I offer location scouting for all my couples that book me - so they know exactly what they are getting into before making the trip.
Where to Stay in Washington
Renting a campsite or cabin near your ceremony location tends to be the most convenient.
When researching where to stay, type in the trail name, then expand your search geographically to the closet town to the trailhead.
Staying close to your ceremony location means less driving and later wake-up time on your wedding day.
However, if you are looking to stay in a city that has restaurants, bars, and other amenities check AirBnB / VRBO / or hotels in the following locations:
Seattle
I’m biased to Capitol Hill because it’s my old stomping grounds. Full of good dive bars and great food - it’s the most happening place in the city.
However, there are several other places to stay in Seattle. Near the outskirts of the city, you will find more peace and quiet and you may even find a parking space.
Tacoma
Thirty minutes south of Seattle you’ll find another ocean city called Tacoma. It’s closer to Mt. Rainier and a faster drive to the Olympic Peninsula.
Full of great microbreweries, a beautiful waterfront, and has an old town industrial feel.
Ashford
This is the closest town to the south side of Mt. Rainier National Park that has dozens of cute little cabins to stay in.
It’s a sleepy mountain town that has a handful of coffee stands, a gear rental shop, and a couple of small diners.
If you’re looking to get out of the city and head to the mountain - it’s the perfect place to stay.
Leavenworth
As a girl with a lot of German heritage, I can’t make a list of Washington towns without mentioning Leavenworth.
It’s a small Bavarian-style village in central Washington that is right by the Cascade mountains. You can always find great beer, sauerkraut, and pretzels.
It is surrounded by amazing rock climbing routes, great hikes, and epic mountain biking trails. It’s an outdoor dream.
Walla Walla
Likely a place you’ve never heard of. However, if you are headed east or eloping at Palouse Falls it’s the best place to stay.
Walla Walla is an old farm town that’s turned into a wine mecca. Small downtown, surrounded by grapevines and wheat fields.
Fun fact: It’s also where I went to college and where my cousin owns a soup shop.
Bellingham
There are countless Airbnb’s scattered up north near Mt Baker national park. But if you are looking for modern amenities and a hippy downtown vibe- Bham is your spot.
You’ll find Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and REI all near the city center. Several great coffee shops, good breakfast spots, and hipster bars.
Adventure Elopement Ideas
Washington is an incredibly diverse state with countless outdoor adventure options.
Here is a list of a few ideas for adventure elopement activities in my home state of Washington.
If you need any help booking or planning your activity I’m here to help!
extreme sports
bungee jumping: Bungee Masters
flying
rock climbing
outdoor climbing locations: 1, 2, 3
indoor gyms: Seattle, Tacoma, Bellingham
boating
hiking
I have been hiking in the PNW for 15 years. If you want a secluded location for your elopement you should definitely call me.
I will quickly be able to give you a list of several hikes that are suited to your desired vibe and level of experience. In the meantime - here are some of the most scenic places to elope in Washington.
Hi, I’m Alex!
If you can’t tell, I’m pretty passionate about helping couples plan their elopements.
If you are feeling stuck, need help doing research, or just don’t know where to go from here — call me, DM me, reach out. You don’t have to plan this by yourself.
I’m here and ready to help!