Best Washington Mountain Locations to Elope At
If you’re looking for the MOST perfect Washington mountain location to elope at, this guide is perfect for you! Washington is one of the most beautiful states in the country and the mountains have some of the best views in the world. We’ll go over logistics to keep in mind when eloping in the mountains of Washington like being in the backcountry and how to stay comfortable outdoors, and I’ve got dozens of jaw-dropping locations all over Washington state for you to choose from, plus tons of info about each. Let’s dive in!
How to be Prepared to Elope in the Mountains
Getting married outdoors looks considerably different than getting married at a venue where there’s temperature control, cell service, facilities, running water, and things like mirrors!! I want you to feel totally confident and prepared for your adventure elopement, so let’s start with some of my favorite tips to prepare for eloping:
Consider the time of year and when snow melts
Fun fact: Did you know that most of Washington’s iconic mountain locations are only accessible/free from snow for 3 to 4 months out of the year?
When you’re trying to really get that top-of-a-mountain feel for your elopement, you’ll need to travel into higher elevations. Some of my favorite spots to recommend are between 4,000ft and 7,400ft! Snow can linger well into July (and occasionally into August!) at these locations, so be sure to research your location before heading there in the shoulder months like June and October. I’m talking 10+ feet of snow in June - weather at sea level might be beautiful and warm, but mountains are an entirely different ball game.
If you’re looking for elopement locations that are (almost) guaranteed to have no/minimal snow, I would choose August through mid/late September. These are typically pretty safe months and all of the best locations are going to be snow-free, have cleared and open roads to trailheads, and will show off the best foliage like alpine wildflowers!
Not interested in doing a ton of research? I’ve got you! I wrote an entire blog post about choosing the best month for you to elope in Washington state.
Decide whether you want to hike or keep it to a short walk
Elopements can range from two-day events that include backpacking, miles of hiking, and hundreds to thousands of feet of elevation change all the way to simply stepping out of the car and being on a mountain top. BOTH are completely acceptable ways to elope, and one doesn’t outrank the other. Your elopement is still just as important if you don’t want to hike far, I promise.
Many locations you see of Washington state’s best mountaintops are accessed via some kind of hike. Keep that in mind before you set your heart on one particular view! But some of the most beautiful mountaintop locations have parking lots right at the summit so those views are only a short walk away.
Some things to keep in mind when choosing a hike for your elopement day:
Really think about how much you want to exert yourselves on your wedding day. Sure you might love hiking up a mountainside 2k feet on a random Tuesday in workout clothes, but what about when you’re trying to keep your makeup in tact, not get too sweaty or red in the face, and have energy left over afterwards for more parts of your elopement day? My best advice is to err on the easier side of your hiking abilities, whatever that looks like to you!
Keep the temperature in mind! Hiking a trail in 85 degree weather versus 55 degree weather makes a HUGE difference in how quickly you start to sweat, how hard your body has to work to cool off, and how much water and food you need to carry.
I wrote a couple of blog posts about how to hike on your elopement day, just for you!
Be Prepared for the journey to the mountain
Some of the best trailheads are an exit off a major interstate and a short drive to a parking lot. But some are miles and miles of non-paved forest services roads that could have potholes, washouts, or steep inclines. I always do my best to keep an eye on road conditions leading up to your elopement day so we’re all prepared, but this is the unpredictable outdoors!
If you’re really wanting to go for that mountain adventure, I’d suggest renting a Jeep Wrangler or a Ford Bronco so you’re not stressed about ground clearance when driving on those backroads. And make sure your rental has a spare tire, just in case!
Being high in the mountains also typically means having no cell phone service, which you can prepare yourselves in advance for.
Tips for being out of service on your elopement day:
Familiarize yourself with the roads and areas you’ll be traveling via Google Maps, Google Earth, or a topographical map like CalTopo
Download your maps and trails! Both Google Maps and Apple Maps allow for downloading maps to keep offline. Also if you’re planning to have a first dance song or if you want to make a ‘Driving to our Elopement’ playlist, download those for offline use as well.
Let someone know where you’ll be and how long you expect to be offline. I’m a big solo hiker and I always send out a text saying what trail I’m hiking, when I should be able to check in again, and what I’m wearing. It’s so easy and could really save you!
Be Prepared for the Great Outdoors!
Some of my couples are avid outdoors people who have spent a lot of time familiarizing themselves with certain areas, have their backpack contents memorized, and know how to handle unpredictable outdoor challenges. But some couples (who I know love the outdoors just as much!) only hike a few times a year for various reasons or just don’t get to spend time in the backcountry very often. Being far from things like cell service, gas stations, drinkable water, and snacks can pose its own challenges if you’re not prepared.
What to Pack on your Elopement Day:
Extra layers - even summer nights and mornings can be cool
Extra socks - it’s your wedding day, you’d be so bummed if your feet got wet and had to stay wet all day!
Headlamp - if we’re utilizing early morning or late afternoon evening, bring one just in case
Rain gear - this doesn’t have to be anything fancy, you can literally wear a poncho for times when we’re not taking photos. If there’s any chance of rain on your elopement day, I’d recommend bringing one umbrella for each person
Water and snacks - staying hydrated and fueled for your entire day is so important. No need to be hangry when you’re trying to get married!
Optional: If we’re doing a moderate or significant hike, consider gearing up with all of the 10 essentials!
Altitude Sickness
If you aren’t acclimated to high elevations (~4,000ft+) or have never visited the mountains, try to spend a few days in the area leading up to your elopement. And be prepared to drink more water than usual, take more breaks, and watch out for things like dizziness and headaches, as those can be signs of mild altitude sickness.
Wildlife
Being outdoors means the potential for crossing paths with wildlife, and it’s worth learning about the area’s fauna ahead of time. In Washington mountains, we have animals like marmots, wolverines, mountain goats, elk, black bears, and mountain lions/cougars. It might be scary to think about coming across some of these animals but trust me when I say the vast majority of these animals want nothing to do with humans!
Some tips about coexisting with wildlife:
Familiarize yourself with what animals you might encounter at your location
Hike in a group! Even just the chatter amongst you is usually enough warning for animals to be scared off without even knowing they’re there. Pro tip: Bear bells you can buy at outdoor stores are generally not effective. They’re too quiet!
Leave ‘em alone! Don’t feed or interact with wildlife
If we’re going to be in the backcountry or far away from parking lots and roads, consider carrying bear spray
For more detailed info about hiking amongst wildlife, read through Washington Trails Association’s How to Hike in Bear Country or How to Hike Safely in Cougar Country
Get your permits in order
Some locations like National and State parks require a specific type of permit to get married on their land called a Special Use Permit. It will vary between agencies, and some places don’t require a permit at all. Permits can vary from $0 to $300+, so be sure to factor this into your elopement budget!
Reach out to the permit coordinator to ask about your location. Let them know the day and time you want to elope and how many guests you’ll have. They’ll want to know specific areas and trails you want to utilize, and they’ll give you set rules for getting married there.
Leave No Trace
It is *so* important to me that we respect the land we’re using for your elopement day. We are all stewards of the earth and Mother Nature! The Leave No Trace Center for Ethics has so much amazing information about recreating responsibly.
The basic principles of Leave No Trace on elopement days:
Plan ahead and prepare - research your location, weather conditions, parking, sunrise and sunset, and what to generally expect
Travel on durable surfaces - stay on the trail!! Traveling off-trail to get a photo is frowned upon just about everywhere
Pack out waste properly - that means your snack wrappers and leftover food (that includes things like banana peels!) as well as toilet paper and sometimes even solid waste
Leave everything you find - don’t pick the flowers, don’t take rocks home, don’t build cairns, just generally leave stuff alone ;)
Minimize campfire impacts - be aware of campfire bans! Most of Washington has a fire ban throughout the summer and fall
Respect wildlife - give them space and don’t feed them
Be considerate of others - this one is especially important for elopement days because we’re almost definitely going to come across other folks out there. Most places don’t allow reserving a certain area or trail for a ceremony, so folks who happen to come across us have every right to walk by or be in the area
Washington Mountain Locations
Now that you feel good about HOW to elope in the mountains, let’s get to the good stuff: the locations themselves!
Mount Rainier National Park
As one of the MOST iconic mountains in the country and the tallest peak in the lower 48 states, Mount Rainier is sure to impress. You’re able to see her from many different sides of the park and even from trails outside the park.
A big draw of Mount Rainier National Park (other than Rainier herself!) are the wildflowers that bloom in the summer and fall. Elope in late August through late September and you’ll find at least some wildflowers! Lupines, Alpine Asters, and Avalanche Lillies are just about everywhere.
Permit info:
Mount Rainier requires a Special Use Permit to get married in the park. As of 2025, permits are $250 and are limited to very specific parts of the park on specific days of the week. There’s a huge visitor center with food and bathrooms, a gift shop, and rangers to talk to.
Things to note:
There is a $30 per car entrance fee to drive to Paradise and Sunrise, or an America the Beautiful Pass gets you in free
Many roads close for the winter in October or November, so plan ahead!
Want a full breakdown of how to elope at Mount Rainier? I’ve got you!!
Paradise Area
Paradise is the most popular area of the park (with good reason!) with tons of trails to choose from. Both paved and unpaved areas, mountain and valley views, wildflowers and wildlife, and tons more.
Best trails to elope on:
My advice: Park at the Jackson Visitor Center and make your way up any of the trails that stem from there! Tons to choose from, lots of intersections, and so many views.
Sunrise Area
Another popular area of the park that is only open from July through October is Sunrise - you’re so close to Rainier that it feels like you can reach out and touch her! Tons of trails to choose from, a gift shop and visitor center, bathrooms, and lots of parking.
Best trails to elope on:
Emmons Vista Overlook and Silver Forest trail
My advice: Pick your hike ahead of time, as many venture off in different directions and do not cross paths. This area is best visited at sunrise, which in the summer can be starting your hike as early as 3-4am!
Tipsoo Area
One area that can fly under the radar is Tipsoo Lake and the surrounding trails! There’s no visitor center and only vault toilets available, but it’s not to be missed. Amazing lakes, Rainier views, and fewer people than Paradise or Sunrise.
Best trails to elope on:
My advice: Park at Naches Peak Loop Trail parking and hike at least a portion of the Naches Peak Loop going clockwise. You’ll hit Tipsoo Lake, Little Tipsoo Lake, and more sights along the trail itself.
Olympic National Park
The Olympic Peninsula houses Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest and has just about every type of scenery you could want: mountains, rainforests, lakes, beaches, and much more.
Permit info:
A permit for Olympic National Park is only required if you have more than 2 guests! The park only issues permits for groups of more than 5, so the two of you plus me is three, and then two guests. Groups over 5 require a Special Use Permit that is $50-100 as of 2024.
Things to note:
Port Angeles is the closest city to book accommodations
There is a $30 per car entrance fee to drive to Hurricane Ridge, or an America the Beautiful Pass gets you in free
Hurricane Ridge road closes in the winter months and is only plowed on certain days of the week for visitors, so plan ahead!
There are tons of trailheads from this one parking lot, so it’s easy to get away from the crowds
A variety of hikes exist from short, paved walks to long, steep trails
Looking for more information about eloping at Olympic National Park? I’ve got a comprehensive guide ready for you!
Hurricane Ridge
Drive up 17 miles of paved road to get to the summit of Hurricane Ridge at 5,200 feet with ease. You’ll have panoramic views of the Olympic Range and deer love to frequent the area!
Best trails to elope on:
My advice: Stop at the vista points along the drive up to Hurricane Ridge, and then start a hike once you get there!
Additional pro tip: When trying to find this location, search for ‘Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center’ on Google maps and you’ll be taken right to the final parking lot. The visitor center no longer exists, but the parking lot does!
North Cascades
Some of the most vast, dramatic, and beautiful mountains in all of the Pacific Northwest, the North Cascades get overlooked sometimes!
Permit info:
In North Cascades National Park, a $50 Special Use Permit is required to get married in the park. Other North Cascades locations outside of the park (such as in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest) may not require a permit at all for small groups, but it’s best to check in with the specific agency.
There is no entrance fee to enter the park, hooray!
Things to note:
Both North Cascades National Park and the surrounding areas are considered the North Cascades, so be sure to learn about what land you’re eloping on!
Highway 20 (in North Cascades National Park) and the final stretch of Highway 542 (in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest) close for the season in October or November, and reopen in June or July depending on conditions. Plan ahead for closures!
While researching North Cascades elopements, you might come across some locations that are not permissible to visit anymore, such as a Diablo Lake vista point.
Want more in-depth knowledge about eloping in the North Cascades? Be sure to check out my breakdown in this guide!
North Cascades National Park
This is one of the least visited National Parks in the Country! And has one of the most beautiful highways where you can see bright blue lakes and glaciers.
Best areas to elope at:
Stehekin - Buckner Orchard
Additional fun fact: Stehekin is ONLY accessible by ferry or by hiking the 7-20 miles in. There are no roads leading there!
Outside of the National Park
Various areas surrounding the National Park are just as beautiful and not to be overlooked! There are National Forests such as Mount-Baker Snoqulamie National Forest and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Park
Best areas/trails to elope at:
My advice: Choose more than one location in the North Cascades area! Just be sure you map out the locations, as some only have one road in and out, making for a veeeeery long trip between the two.
Snoqualmie Pass
This mountain pass is LOADED with all kinds of fun, ranging from awesome mountain views to well-known walls to climb to waterfalls that will amaze. You’ll love it!!
Permit info:
Because almost all of Snoqualmie Pass is in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, most locations won’t need a permit! Be sure to double check by reaching out to a park ranger before eloping.
Things to note:
These locations are the closest to Seattle and the Seattle-Tacoma airport!
Conditions can change quickly in mountain passes and this one is no exception
Best trails to elope on:
Pro tip: Gold Creek Pond is closing for ~10 years starting in 2025 for habitat restoration, so be sure to see it before it’s closed!
Washington State Elopement Packages
If you’re looking for the most incredible elopement experience, look no further! I’m Van and I think you’re going to love what we can create together.
Washington elopement packages start at $5,700
And include the following:
A minimum of 4 hours of elopement photography coverage
Travel to ANYWHERE in Washington
Unlimited support (both knowledge and moral!)
Access to my library of resources on how to elope
Detailed and custom location suggestions based on your needs
Elopement day timeline creation
Recommendations for outstanding vendors
High-resolution files that are yours to keep
Complimentary officiating services
Looking for more Mountain Elopement Resources?
I’ve got you, friend. Here are some of my faves!