Washington Elopement Photographer | Running Wild Studio

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Best Places to Elope in Washington State

Washington State is without a doubt one of the most stunning places in the United States to fulfill your wanderlust. We are (still) constantly blown away by its diverse landscape - from rugged peaks, snow capped mountains and mythical forest to boho desert canyons and stunning sparkly coastlines - Washington seems to have it all!

With so many options, it can be hard to choose. To save you some trouble (and stress) we did all the research for you and created a list with elopement worthy locations for you to pick from. But before we start planning, let’s talk about the budget.


How much does it cost to elope in Washington?

The average Washington elopement cost varies a lot, but most of our couples spend anywhere from $7k to $20k when they book with us. Do you want more information about the cost of eloping? Check out this blog How much does it cost to elope


Most beautiful locations in Washington state for your wedding

Eloping in Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier is one of the most iconic and famous volcanoes in Washington. Although it has many outdoor activities and beautiful views to offer all year round, summer and early fall is the best time to visit Mount Rainier. That’s when you’ll get to enjoy its lush wildflower fields and beautiful fall foliage. Do you want to avoid crowds? Visit the park in late fall, winter, or early spring. Looking for more variety? Then spring and summer are the best times to visit.

If you want to know more about planning your elopement at Mount Rainier National Park, we wrote the perfect blog to help you start planning your adventurous wedding day at this beautiful park. Click this link: How to plan an elopement at Mount Rainier National Park

Best hiking trails in Mount Rainier National Park

  1. Burroughs

  2. Fremont Lookout

  3. Dedge Peak

  4. Tipsoo Lake Loop

  5. Panorama Point


Eloping in Olympic National Park

Looking for a location with lots of variety? From coast, rainforest, raging waterfalls, to mountain layers, Olympic National Park has one of Washington’s most diverse landscapes. Plan a 2-day wedding and explore every corner of this beautiful temperate rainforest!

Check out: Kate & Williams Intimate Fall Wedding in Olympic National Park

Best hiking trails in Olympic National Park

  1. Hurricane Ridge

  2. Marymere Falls

  3. Mount Storm King

  4. Hole in the Wall

  5. Hall of Mosses


Eloping in the North Cascades/Mount Baker wilderness

North Cascade National Park and the Mount Baker Wilderness is one of our favorite areas here in the PNW. They are also called the American Alps, and for a good reason. In this area you will find endless mountain layers and rugged mountain peaks. On top of that, the fall colors are absolutely breathtaking!

Learn more: How to Elope in the North Cascades

Best hiking trails in the North Cascades

  1. Winchester Mountain Lookout

  2. Artist Point

  3. Chain Lakes Loop

  4. Blue Lake

  5. Cascade Pass/Sahale Arm


Eloping in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Looking for a less crowded, but still stunning location to elope? Located south from Mt Rainier, you can find two lesser known and smaller volcanoes, Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams, which are perfect for couples who want seclusion.

Best hiking trails in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

  1. Harry’s Ridge Trail

  2. Lower Lewis River Falls

  3. Sunrise Peak Trail


Eloping in the eastern Washington desert

When you think about Washington you’ll think about the evergreen forests, high mountain peaks, and raging rivers. Many people do not know that Washington has a desert aka our mini Grand Canyon. This could be a perfect location for your elopement from late fall through early Spring. Also, one of our most famous waterfalls is in the middle of the desert. Pretty cool right?

Best hiking trails in Eastern Washington

  1. Palouse Falls

  2. Ancient Lakes

  3. Sage Hills

  4. Umatilla Rock


Eloping at Snoqualmie pass

If you’re a beginner hiker, Snoqualmie Pass is a good pick. It is also one of the more accessible locations from Seattle and offers adventure all year round. If hiking, kayaking on one of the many mountain lakes or snowshoeing on the snow-covered mountain slopes in wintertime sounds appealing, Snoqualmie Pass is a great choice!

Best hiking trails at snoqualmie Pass

  1. Gold Creek Pond Loop

  2. Rattlesnake Ledge

  3. Thorp Mountain

  4. Red Top Lookout


Eloping at Highway 2 (Index & Leavenworth)

Highway 2 is a mountain pass that offers many cute little mountain towns and cool hikes. Also, one of the most popular areas in Washington State is located along this highway; the Enchantments. I don’t think we have to explain that one, the name said it all!

Best hiking trails along Highway 2 (index/Leavenworth)

  1. Colchuck Lake

  2. Minotaur Lake

  3. Lake Valhalla

  4. Heybrook Ridge


Feeling overwhelmed by all the options? Reach out and let us help you narrow down the location list!

Your Washington Elopement Experts

!We are adventure junkies who LOVE to help couples like you to get married in a unique and authentic way. 30% of the time we are running wild with outdoorsy couples like yourself and the other 70% is us in the studio crafting fun, adventurous, and intentional elopement experiences. Whether this is somewhere in the rugged Pacific Northwest mountains or in the Utah deserts, we are here to guide you to the most epic spots and help you plan your dream day because we truly believe that you deserve a stress-free, in the moment, “just us” wedding experience, which reflects 100% who you are as a couple!