Guide to Washington State Elopement Seasons

As a local to the Pacific Northwest and outdoor enthusiast, I stay outdoors year round. Rain or shine. The key for enjoying the outdoors in any weather, is being prepared and having the right gear for the weather conditions you are in. You can’t go wrong if you embrace the weather conditions of the season and day you choose to get married. Here’s my guide to planning an outdoor adventure wedding in Washington State Elopement by Season.

Winter

You’re more likely to have a location all to yourselves if you consider eloping in the winter. If you’re not worried about rain on your wedding day (it’s super fun!), you can still have your best day ever in the colder months. Snowshoeing, and skiing/snowboarding are just a couple ways you can explore a snowy mountain top exchange your vows on, and warming up with hot toddies in an A-Frame cabin is cozy and romantic. Eloping in the winter also gives you a reason to create a stunning wedding attire look with your outerwear! Layer up with beautiful boots, scarfs, coats, a wool sweater and a tulle skirt etc. You’re not likely to have the beach to yourself in the summer months in Washington State. But in the winter you can! Hike through a mossy forest, and explore the rocky beaches and sea stack. If snow isn’t what you like, and you don’t mind rain, the Olympic Peninsula would be a beautiful spot to have an elopement ceremony.

Spring

At high elevations, you are still going to see snow on the ground at mountain locations, like Paradise at Mount Rainier National Park. But closer to sea level you are going to see budding trees and flowers, and less people on the trails than the summer. The weather can be very dynamic, but the days are starting to get longer, so golden hour sunsets are easier to find. If you’re dreaming of waterfalls, this is a great time to get married in Washington, just after the snow melt, and before dryer temperatures the waterfalls are raging in all their glory.

Summer

If you are dreaming of iconic PNW, summer is your time to elope. National Parks are fully open during the summer. Locations and roads closed in the winter and spring are now open for easier access to explore in places like the North Cascades. The Pacific Northwest is pure magic during this season. Long bright days, wildflower meadows, incredible sunsets, stunning beaches. With summer temperatures you will want to consider if you are able to hike in hotter temperatures, and prepare for sun exposure. Some locations might have fire bans in place, and wildfires and smoke can come through during summer months. Activity options for adventure seekers seem endless, from sea plane or helicopter ride, kayaking or sailing, or exploring jeep trails. You aren’t limited to on foot for an adventure elopement.

Fall

I got married in the fall, so I am biased on thinking this is the most beautiful season of the year. In the autumn you can expect temperatures to start dropping which is more enjoyable for hiking longer distances, and less visitors at National Parks than the summer. Stunning foliage colors, and earlier in this season you still have access to higher elevation mountain locations. You will want to be prepared for rain, but even with rain on your wedding day the evergreen state is full of color. And if you haven’t experience larch season before, leaf peepers rejoice.

Planning your Pacific Northwest adventure wedding or elopement? Want to know more about how to have an adventure wedding? I’d love to chat with you about your wedding photography! Learn more about How to Elope here, more about myself the adventure elopement photographer here, and if you’re ready to connect, fill out my contact form here. Let’s create something wild, romantic, and uniquely you.