HOW TO ELOPE IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST:
Your PNW Elopement Guide
The Pacific Northwest is known for its breathtaking landscapes. You’ll find just about any kind of scenery—cascading waterfalls, vast deserts, towering mountains, rocky beaches, lush forests, natural hot springs…anything you could possibly want! The Pacific Northwest encompasses Washington, Oregon, and parts of Idaho and California, so for any couple who wants an adventure on their wedding day, a PNW elopement might be just what you need for an outside the box, one-of-a-kind experience!
This PNW Elopement Guide will explain how to elope in the Pacific Northwest and tell you everything you need to plan your day. Here’s what’s inside:
- The Best Time to Elope in the PNW
- The Best Places to Elope in the PNW
- Tips for Eloping in the PNW
- PNW Elopement Packages
HOW TO ELOPE IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST:
Your PNW Elopement Guide
The Pacific Northwest is known for its breathtaking landscapes. You’ll find just about any kind of scenery—cascading waterfalls, vast deserts, towering mountains, rocky beaches, lush forests, natural hot springs…anything you could possibly want! The Pacific Northwest encompasses Washington, Oregon, and parts of Idaho and California, so for any couple who wants an adventure on their wedding day, a PNW elopement might be just what you need for an outside the box, one-of-a-kind experience!
This PNW Elopement Guide will explain how to elope in the Pacific Northwest and tell you everything you need to plan your day. Here’s what’s inside:
- The Best Time to Elope in the PNW
- The Best Places to Elope in the PNW
- Tips for Eloping in the PNW
- PNW Elopement Packages
THE BEST TIME TO ELOPE IN THE PNW
The Pacific Northwest is known for its moody weather, but the region is so big that the weather will vary a ton depending on where you’re eloping!
Here’s a breakdown of the best times to elope in the PNW:
Winter Elopements in the PNW
Winters are pretty gloomy in the Pacific Northwest. In the west, it rains for much of the year and, the closer you are to the coast, the truer this tends to be! West of Seattle and Portland in the PNW, you can expect overcast days and rain.
Low elevation areas in the west rarely see snow, but the mountains in this region are snow covered all winter. In eastern Washington and Oregon, and throughout Idaho, you’ll likely see snow all winter, and freezing temperatures.
Spring Elopements in the PNW
Spring is one of the best times for a PNW elopement if you plan to elope in the desert. By the coast, you can still expect frequent rain, and in the mountains, there will still be snow. The good thing about precipitation in the PNW is that when it rains, it’s usually a light drizzle, so if you’re willing to brave a little bit of chill and bring a rain jacket, eloping during this time of year can be a great way to avoid some of the crowds. This can also be a great time to see the waterfalls in full force as the snow melts and, in mountainous regions, lower elevation meadows bloom in late spring, creating a gorgeous rainbow of wildflowers.
Summer Elopements in the PNW
Summer is without a doubt the most popular time to elope in the Pacific Northwest, and the busiest time throughout the PNW. The sun shines, especially in July and August, and locals and tourists all rush to explore the outdoors, taking advantage of the temperatures and clear skies. This is definitely the best time to elope if you want to hike in the mountains, as the trails will be snow free with the bonus of wildflowers. The only place I recommend avoiding is the desert, as it can get overwhelmingly hot and dry!
Fall Elopements in the PNW
In the Pacific Northwest, fall is a gorgeous time. You can see the natural landscapes and lush forests erupt in shades of red and yellow, creating the perfect opportunity to see fall foliage. In most parts of the PNW, September is the perfect time to elope, as the daily rain usually hasn’t started yet, and there are less visitors as the summer crowds clear out. High elevation areas usually see snow early in the season, starting as early as the beginning of October.
The Best Time to Elope in the PNW
The Pacific Northwest is known for its moody weather, but the region is so big that the weather will vary a ton depending on where you’re eloping!
Here’s a breakdown of the best times to elope in the PNW:
Winter Elopements in the PNW
Winters are pretty gloomy in the Pacific Northwest. In the west, it rains for much of the year and, the closer you are to the coast, the truer this tends to be! West of Seattle and Portland in the PNW, you can expect overcast days and rain.
Low elevation areas in the west rarely see snow, but the mountains in this region are snow covered all winter. In eastern Washington and Oregon, and throughout Idaho, you’ll likely see snow all winter, and freezing temperatures.
Spring Elopements in the PNW
Spring is one of the best times for a PNW elopement if you plan to elope in the desert. By the coast, you can still expect frequent rain, and in the mountains, there will still be snow. The good thing about precipitation in the PNW is that when it rains, it’s usually a light drizzle, so if you’re willing to brave a little bit of chill and bring a rain jacket, eloping during this time of year can be a great way to avoid some of the crowds. This can also be a great time to see the waterfalls in full force as the snow melts and, in mountainous regions, lower elevation meadows bloom in late spring, creating a gorgeous rainbow of wildflowers.
Summer Elopements in the PNW
Summer is without a doubt the most popular time to elope in the Pacific Northwest, and the busiest time throughout the PNW. The sun shines, especially in July and August, and locals and tourists all rush to explore the outdoors, taking advantage of the temperatures and clear skies. This is definitely the best time to elope if you want to hike in the mountains, as the trails will be snow free with the bonus of wildflowers. The only place I recommend avoiding is the desert, as it can get overwhelmingly hot and dry!
Fall Elopements in the PNW
In the Pacific Northwest, fall is a gorgeous time. You can see the natural landscapes and lush forests erupt in shades of red and yellow, creating the perfect opportunity to see fall foliage. In most parts of the PNW, September is the perfect time to elope, as the daily rain usually hasn’t started yet, and there are less visitors as the summer crowds clear out. High elevation areas usually see snow early in the season, starting as early as the beginning of October.
THE BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN THE PNW
Your options for the best places to elope in the PNW and what kind of scenery you want to be surrounded by are basically unlimited! With such diverse, varied landscapes, it can be hard to decide, but don’t worry, Lisa can help with that.
Here are a few options for your elopement.
Mountains
The mountains offer some of the most jaw dropping places to elope in the PNW. Whether you want to find an easily-accessible overlook, go on a day hike, or take a backpacking trek, you’ll find what you’re looking for amongst the mountain peaks.
The best places for a PNW elopement in the mountains are the remote North Cascades National Park, the iconic Mount Rainier in Washington, the Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho, and Mount Hood in Oregon.
Forests
In the Pacific Northwest, you can explore pine forests and majestic Redwood trees, and even temperate rainforests! In the Hoh Rainforest in Washington, you’ll find lush ferns, moss-covered trees, and amazing greenery on the trails, and there are waterfalls and mountain views close by. In Del Norte, a county on the Northern coast of California, you can explore the towering Redwood trees, and many of the forest trails will lead you to the coast!
Beaches
The beaches in the PNW aren’t like the sunny surfing beaches of Southern California—they’re wild, rugged, and rocky, with waves that crash against the towering sea stacks and coastal cliffs. For remote beaches, the Washington coast is sparsely populated, with vast, open ocean views.
On the Oregon coast, you’ll find more cute beach towns and seaside getaways, along with hiking trails and spots by the ocean.
Deserts
Though the PNW is best known for its greenery and mountain views, there are also open landscapes and desert scenery! These offer some unique backdrops for your elopement, with rocky formations and neutral tones.
In Oregon’s Smith Rock State Park, you’ll find a landscape made up of rocky spires and deep canyons bordered by sandy cliffs. The Alvord Desert, in the southeast corner of Oregon is another gorgeous spot—a remote, dry lake bed surrounded by mountains, with a hot spring to relax in!
Waterfalls
Washington and Oregon have a few waterfalls, creating gorgeous, dramatic scenes—the perfect adventurous place to say your vows. Sol Duc Falls is an easily accessible spot in Washington that offers a dramatic plunging waterfall, but the most epic falls are found in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge.
With the highest concentration of waterfalls in the country, this incredible river canyon between Washington and Oregon offers both roadside falls and long hikes to remote places.
The Best Places to Elope in the PNW
Your options for the best places to elope in the PNW and what kind of scenery you want to be surrounded by are basically unlimited! With such diverse, varied landscapes, it can be hard to decide, but don’t worry, Lisa can help with that.
Here are a few options for your elopement.
Mountains
The mountains offer some of the most jaw dropping places to elope in the PNW. Whether you want to find an easily-accessible overlook, go on a day hike, or take a backpacking trek, you’ll find what you’re looking for amongst the mountain peaks.
The best places for a PNW elopement in the mountains are the remote North Cascades National Park, the iconic Mount Rainier in Washington, the Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho, and Mount Hood in Oregon.
Forests
In the Pacific Northwest, you can explore pine forests and majestic Redwood trees, and even temperate rainforests! In the Hoh Rainforest in Washington, you’ll find lush ferns, moss-covered trees, and amazing greenery on the trails, and there are waterfalls and mountain views close by. In Del Norte, a county on the Northern coast of California, you can explore the towering Redwood trees, and many of the forest trails will lead you to the coast!
Beaches
The beaches in the PNW aren’t like the sunny surfing beaches of Southern California—they’re wild, rugged, and rocky, with waves that crash against the towering sea stacks and coastal cliffs. For remote beaches, the Washington coast is sparsely populated, with vast, open ocean views. On the Oregon coast, you’ll find more cute beach towns and seaside getaways, along with hiking trails and spots by the ocean.
Deserts
Though the PNW is best known for its greenery and mountain views, there are also open landscapes and desert scenery! These offer some unique backdrops for your elopement, with rocky formations and neutral tones.
In Oregon’s Smith Rock State Park, you’ll find a landscape made up of rocky spires and deep canyons bordered by sandy cliffs. The Alvord Desert, in the southeast corner of Oregon is another gorgeous spot—a remote, dry lake bed surrounded by mountains, with a hot spring to relax in!
Waterfalls
Washington and Oregon have a few waterfalls, creating gorgeous, dramatic scenes—the perfect adventurous place to say your vows. Sol Duc Falls is an easily accessible spot in Washington that offers a dramatic plunging waterfall, but the most epic falls are found in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge. With the highest concentration of waterfalls in the country, this incredible river canyon between Washington and Oregon offers both roadside falls and long hikes to remote places.
TIPS FOR ELOPING IN THE PNW
There are some logistics and challenges with an elopement that aren’t there with a traditional wedding – so as you plan your PNW elopement, here are some things to think about!
Leave No Trace in the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is full of gorgeous outdoor spaces, and it’s important to keep these places beautiful! Our impact as humans can be more harmful than we realize, so as you explore on your elopement day, remember Leave No Trace. LNT is a set of 7 principles that guides how we adventure outdoors, and helps us make sure that we aren’t causing harm to the places we love. Keep them in mind to protect the outdoors!
These are the 7 principles of Leave No Trace (LNT)
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Plan Ahead & Prepare
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Respect Wildlife
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
Avoiding Crowds When You Elope in the PNW
Especially in the summer, there are often tons of visitors out and about, exploring the Pacific Northwest. For your elopement, you probably want more privacy, as one of the main reasons couples choose to elope is to avoid an audience! Luckily, there are a few things you can do to avoid the crowds and get some solitude.
Eloping in the off season can help, and if you want to have the best shot at good weather, late spring or early fall are good options. There will be fewer crowds than in the summer, but the weather isn’t as harsh and gloomy as it is in the winter.
You can also plan your ceremony for sunrise, and elope on a weekday! These are times when there are always less people around.
The best way to avoid crowds is to hire an elopement photographer to help you find an off the beaten path, less traveled location! The popular spots are definitely beautiful, but for the best elopement experience, you’ll want something more private.
Tips for Eloping in the PNW
There are some logistics and challenges with an elopement that aren’t there with a traditional wedding – so as you plan your PNW elopement, here are some things to think about!
Leave No Trace in the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is full of gorgeous outdoor spaces, and it’s important to keep these places beautiful! Our impact as humans can be more harmful than we realize, so as you explore on your elopement day, remember Leave No Trace. LNT is a set of 7 principles that guides how we adventure outdoors, and helps us make sure that we aren’t causing harm to the places we love. Keep them in mind to protect the outdoors!
These are the 7 principles of Leave No Trace (LNT)
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Plan Ahead & Prepare
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Respect Wildlife
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
Avoiding Crowds When You Elope in the PNW
Especially in the summer, there are often tons of visitors out and about, exploring the Pacific Northwest. For your elopement, you probably want more privacy, as one of the main reasons couples choose to elope is to avoid an audience! Luckily, there are a few things you can do to avoid the crowds and get some solitude.
Eloping in the off season can help, and if you want to have the best shot at good weather, late spring or early fall are good options. There will be fewer crowds than in the summer, but the weather isn’t as harsh and gloomy as it is in the winter.
You can also plan your ceremony for sunrise, and elope on a weekday! These are times when there are always less people around.
The best way to avoid crowds is to hire an elopement photographer to help you find an off the beaten path, less traveled location! The popular spots are definitely beautiful, but for the best elopement experience, you’ll want something more private.
PNW ELOPEMENT PACKAGES
As someone who eloped, and now dedicates her time helping couples like you do the same, I know the feeling! You might feel like you don’t know where to start, or how to deal with the unique position of planning a wedding day that’s not like any other.
We’ll work together to create the perfect elopement—one that’s stress free and customized to reflect the two of you. I’ll help you find the best place to say your vows, recommend PNW vendors and places to stay, and give you tips and advice throughout the planning process.
Contact Lisa to learn more about PNW elopement packages!
PNW Elopement Packages
As someone who eloped, and now dedicates her time helping couples like you do the same, I know the feeling! You might feel like you don’t know where to start, or how to deal with the unique position of planning a wedding day that’s not like any other.
We’ll work together to create the perfect elopement—one that’s stress free and customized to reflect the two of you. I’ll help you find the best place to say your vows, recommend PNW vendors and places to stay, and give you tips and advice throughout the planning process.
Contact Lisa to learn more about PNW elopement packages!
check me out on instagram!
Pretty/Bold Photography captures unforgettable, adventurous elopements set against stunning backdrops in destinations worldwide.
All love is celebrated here!
Contact Lisa
Practicing Leave No Trace in California Colorado New England Oregon Washington + Beyond
check me out on instagram!
Contact Lisa
Practicing Leave No Trace in California Colorado New England Oregon Washington + Beyond
Pretty/Bold Photography captures unforgettable, adventurous elopements set against stunning backdrops in destinations worldwide.
All love is celebrated here!