Updated for 2025
Washington State is home to some of the most incredible landscapes you could ever image. From the coast to the mountains, it’s a state that has it all. I couldn’t recommend a Washington elopement enough, this state holds a type of magic that is unmatched!
To the reason why you’re here. It’s possible you’re playing around with the idea of having a small ceremony in Washington but unsure as to where, because lets be real, everywhere you go has possibilities of the perfect elopement spot.
Just take a moment to think about what eloping in some of these grand landscapes might look like. Are your eyes closed? Are you dreaming big?! GOOD, because below you’ll find four general locations in Washington state for the perfect adventure elopement or small wedding ceremony.
4 Elopement Locations in Washington
Now let’s get down to business; starting off strong with one of my all time favorite places in Washington, Mount Baker. Truly an incredible location for your Washington elopement.
Mount Baker & Snoqualmie National Forest
Mount Baker is one of the best places in my opinion for a Washington elopement. This area is not a National park, however, it is part of the North Cascade mountain range. National parks such as Mount Rainer, or even Olympic are both incredibly popular destinations, meaning crowds can be challenging. Mount Baker is just as stunning as both of those locations and the epic views are a bit more accessible!
If you’re someone who wanted to have an elopement or a small, very small, adventure micro wedding you would have the ability to avoid crowds with no problem. Another, upside to the Mount Baker area as your elopement location, your fur child can totally tag along! I mean what would make your day better! This is very pet friendly area and MOST trails are dog friendly! Just image you, your soon to be husband or wife and your pup staying the night before your elopement in a fire tower or cabin, waking up to beautiful sunrise, then taking all the time you need before saying “I do” with the most EPIC backdrop!
I can see the magic already!
Now when you’re planning an adventure elopement you immediately think you want to elope in a National park and while doable in the state of Washington if planning on eloping or having a small ceremony of any kind they do require permits. Good news, Washington does NOT require a permit in the National forest around the Mount Baker area. When a location does not require a permit it can make planning the locations, so much easier and allows for more flexiabilty with throughout your day!
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest locations for eloping
Mount Rainer National Park
Mount Rainer National park, this is probably one of the most widely known National Parks in the United States, making it an absolute hot spot for eloping! With wild flowers everywhere, some of the coolest wild life..(pikas?! my spirt animal), alpine lakes, waterfalls and SO MUCH MORE, this park is one of the most magical places in the PNW!
Looking into Mount Rainer for your adventure elopement, or an adventure wedding to be held with the iconic Rainer as your backdrop? I can totally help with that!
Planning a small ceremony in this National Park takes a bit more planning than Mount Baker, but still easy to do! Permits are a MUST to hold a wedding/elopement in this location! About a month prior to your date, you are required to request a $60 permit HERE. Along with a permit, much like several National Parks most require a pass for entry you can get a standard entry pass or a Annual pass.
I could not suggest a weekday elopement or adventure wedding enough especially in a busy park such as Rainer. A weekday is the best time, the likely hood of crowds would be lower. I strongly suggest that is something keep that in mind if crowds raise a concern. As for dogs, they are allowed in the park, but not allowed on trails!
Best location in Mount Rainer for eloping
- Mount Fremount Lookout (My favorite)
- Naches Peak
- Mrtyle Falls
- Tipsoo Lake
- Silver Forest
North Cascade National Park
FUN FACT: FREE ENTRY FOR NORTH CASCADE NATIONAL PARK
Yes, you read that right no pass for entrance into what I consider the closest thing to the Swiss Alps, in the US, North Cascade is next level! This is a massive and pretty secluded national park, making it a great spot for an elopement. North Cascade will leave you will memorable views and provide an intimate elopement experience you might be looking for. This exquisite national park features the most beautiful blue lakes, lush forests, and we must not forget the breathtaking mountains, providing the perfect backdrop for your special day. Looking for a intimate picnic by the lake, closing the evening with paddle boarding or you want to get your heart pumping and head up a trail into the mountains, North Cascades National Park is the perfect place to make your wedding day unforgettable.
You will need a special use permit to get married in North Cascade National Park!
This park is one that is closed during most of the colder mounts of the year due to the high elevation. So when planning that is something to take into consideration! Best time for a wedding in the park would be between June and September!
Best spots in North Cascade for eloping
Olympic National Park
Are you a twilight fan? If so this is the place for you! Olympic is a dream, providing you with a potential backdrop anywhere from the coast line, to lush, VERY lush rainforests or some magnificent mountains, truly and amazing place marry your forever person.
Olympic just like Rainer and Cascade you are required to apply for a special use permit. It’s $50 and suggested to apply least four weeks in advance. There is an entry fee for Olympic as well, but if you get the annual pass you can get into any National park that requires a pass for future adventures (OR let me tag along with you and we can use mine)
Best Locations in Olympic for Eloping
- Hoh Rainforest (as of 2025 the road into Hoh Rainforest is closed, will reopen when road is repaired)
- Rialto Beach
- Hurricane Ridge
- Lake Crescent
Washington is a state I hold near and dear to my heart. Every time I’ve had the pleasure of going I never want to get back on the flight home! It would be a pinch me moment if I was the one capturing your day in the beautiful state! My bags are packed and I’m stoked. Talk soon!
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