Best Places to Elope near Seattle
March 5, 2019
Best Places to Elope near Seattle
Seattle is an incredible city to live in (and visit!). You can be in the city looking out towards the Olympics and the Puget Sound, and in a matter of minutes drive towards the mountains, and start hiking in the forest. I love living and exploring here, so it makes sense that you’d want to find the best locations in the Pacific Northwest for your adventure wedding.
As a guide to my couples helping them plan the best wedding day or elopement they can imagine, I’ve found that some of my couples highly value choosing an adventurous outdoor location for their wedding day, but also desire the convenience of being close to Seattle. And for some, they want to elope with family, and have easily accessible trails for family members to witness their ceremony, without compromising on the beauty of Washington.
All of these locations are less than 2hrs away from Seattle! They are classic PNW beautiful! Which may make them pretty popular, but as a local photographer, I know the best ways to beat the crowds for your event ;)
Deception Pass
Just arriving at Deception Pass Bridge is beautiful. There are lots of hikes to choose from for your adventure elopement, and beach! Distance from Seattle: 1hr 30mins Permit: Contact Washington State Park for information.
Rattlesnake Lake/Ledge
You don’t need to hike to get to the lake for your wedding! And if you do want to get in a hike for a stunning adventurous spot, you can hike up to Rattlesnake Ledge for your adventure elopement photography. Distance from Seattle: 45mins Permit info: Private or exclusive events (gatherings, celebrations, weddings, etc.) of 30 or more people are prohibited. Find your permit info here.
Franklin Falls
One of the best spots in Washington for a waterfall elopement. In the winter if you're willing to trek farther, is a beautiful sight to get to, snowshoes are recommended. Distance from Seattle: 1hr Weather: In the winter the road to the trailhead is usually closed due to snow. This is a great spot to hike to in the early summer - autumn. 2mile roundtrip hike that leads to the base of the waterfall. Permit: Contact the National Forest Service.
Gold Creek Pond Trail
Gold Creek Pond is a popular area in the summer for picnicking, enjoying mountain scenery, and engagement and wedding photography. But if you want a stunning mountain view near Seattle for your elopement, this is perfect. Have your ceremony by a crystal clear pond, and no hiking needed for family and friends to witness you and your beloved exchanging vows. Distance from Seattle: 1hr 15mins Weather: In the winter this becomes a snow play area, and the road to the parking lot is shut down. Can be snow covered through May. In the summer this is a ADA-accessible paved loop hike. Permit info: Contact the National Forest Service.
Snohomish Hot Air Balloon
Have you considered saying your vows while in a hot air balloon? Truly a unique experience. If you can be prepared that you might need to reschedule your wedding day, due to weather, than this can be an option for you! Distance from Seattle: 40 mins Weather: Flights available weather permitting May - September
https://snohomishballoonride.com
Bainbridge Island or Bremerton, Washington State Ferry
Yes, you can have a wedding ceremony on a Washington State Ferry! The ferry ride from Seattle to Bainbridge or Bremerton is absolutely beautiful. The Seattle cityscape in the background of your elopement would be so unique.
Permit info: Contact WSDOT
TreeHouse Point, Fall City
Adventurous and simple. TreeHouse Point does all the planning for you! Enjoy your ceremony on their property, followed by a cake & champagne toast. Distance from Seattle: 40mins https://www.treehousepoint.com
Planning an adventure wedding or elopement? I’d love to chat with you about your wedding photography! You might also want to read my list of best places to elope in Washington State. Let’s create something wild, romantic, and uniquely you.
