Washington State is one of the most beautiful and diverse places to elope, offering an abundance of options for couples looking to celebrate their love in nature. If you’re an adventurous couple who loves the outdoors, a hiking elopement in Washington is an unforgettable way to say “I do.” From majestic mountains to lush mossy forests, pristine alpine lakes, and dramatic coastlines, there’s a trail perfect for every elopement. Here’s how to plan a hiking elopement in Washington, step by step, for the perfect adventure wedding.

Hi, I’m Cherlyn, a Washington Adventure Elopement Photographer who’s hiked thousands of miles for you! I specialize in hiking elopements, so read on ahead to find out tips from a Washington hiking elopement who’s seen it all!

Step 1: Choose the Perfect Hiking Trail

You probably chose to elope in Washington because the state has a huge variety of landscapes from epic mountains to alpine lakes and meadows to beaches and prairie land. We’ve got waterfalls, snowy landscapes and fall foliage. The first step to planning your hiking elopement is deciding your elopement style, which will help you pick where you’re going to go and when.

• Mount Rainier National Park: Imagine a 14411 ft volcano in the backdrop of your elopement. That’s what you get in this iconic park! Trails by Paradise and Sunrise offer easy access to stunning views and is great if you have guests to host too.

• North Cascades National Park: For something more rugged, check out the North Cascades, my personal favorite. While there’s few short trails, there’s plenty of epic trails of various length to elope with the American Alps in your background. Consider eloping by Mount Baker, Washington Pass, or Lake Diablo.

• Olympic National Park: If you love coastal views, Olympic National Park offers diverse terrain where you can visit rainforests and sandy beaches all in one day. The Hoh River and Sol Duc Falls are fantastic options for a combination of lush greenery and waterfall views.

• San Juan Islands: For the island-lovers, eloping on the San Juan Islands is the perfect getawawy with activities like biking and kayaking in addition to hiking. The ferry ride itself is a fun, low-effort adventure!

• Mountain Loop Highway: Couples who love hiking will enjoy the Mountain Loop Highway hikes where trails are less crowded and views are just as epic as the North Cascades National Park. There’s a variety of trails between a short hike to an ice cave or moderate trails to alpine lakes. This is perfect for those who like to summit peaks too!

 

Step 2: Understand the Terrain and Difficulty Level

Make sure to select a trail that aligns with your physical ability and your vision for the day. Some couples prefer a challenging, multi-day hike while others opt for a shorter, more accessible trail with a dramatic view. Be honest with yourselves about what level of difficulty you’re comfortable with. There’s no wrong choice!

• Short hikes: Hikes that are flat and are 2-4 miles round trip are a great option for those who want to hike in their wedding clothes and experience a few different locations and more varied activity
• Moderate hikes: For the effort you put in, you’ll be more than rewarded with the views! Hikes with more substantial gain and 4-7 miles are great full day experiences where you’ll change at the top of the hike and say your vows in a remote location
• Strenuous hikes: These are not for the faint of heart! When you’re eloping, you’ll be carrying more gear than your typical hike, so keep that in mind. But if you’re the type of adventure couple that loves long hikes that last all day, let’s get to it! Let’s find the most epic hike for you and adventure all day long from sunrise to sunset because your wedding day should be a whole day of fun

Don’t forget to take into account weather and daylight. Summer days are warm and long, allowing time for longer hikes. In the winter months, you’ll need to be prepared for icy or snowy trails.

Step 3: Obtain Permits and Learn About Regulations

Some of the public lands in Washington require special use permits for ceremonies, whether categorized as a wedding or elopement. Make sure to check all the regulations and permit requirements well in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises. The goal is to respect the land and follow rules, such as Leave No Trace principles so that everyone can continue to recreate in this beautiful land.

• National Parks: All of Washington’s national parks require a special use permit that your photographer should be able to walk you through
• National Forests: No permits are required for national forests, but a recreation (parking) fee is usually required year-round
• State Parks: Permits are required for ceremonies.

Read more about how to legally elope in Washington.

Step 4: Plan Your Wedding Attire

Depending on the trail you chose, the outfit you plan might look quite different! For longer hikes, you’ll probably change at the destinations, but for shorter hikes, you might be hiking in your wedding outfit. Here’s a few more tips when selecting your hiking wedding outfit:

• Dress: If you’re planning to adventure in your dress, make sure you have enough mobility. Choose something lightweight, comfortable, and easy to move in. Usually tight-fitting dresses around the legs are more difficult to move in, such as mermaid or trumpet style. Consider a two-piece dress for ease to put on and zippers instead of buttons. Lace might snag on some trails, so keep that in mind when choosing your dress. A dirty ombre hem on a dress is a signal that the dress has been on an adventure, so lean into that!

• Suit: If you’re planning to hike in your suit, make sure you can move around in the arms and legs. You’ll likely need to carry a backpack, which can feel tight if your suit is tailored correctly. Also consider the fabric or layers you’ll be wearing and the time of year. Will you hike in summer heat and should you have an option to change into in case of sweating? You can also consider active wear that is sweat-wicking, but still has a formal look to it.

• Footwear: This is essential! Opt for sturdy hiking boots or shoes that will keep you steady on rocky or muddy terrain. If you want to bring a second pair of shoes for the ceremony, consider having something stylish but comfortable to change into once you reach your destination. I personally love the hiking boots and wedding outfit look!

• Accessories: Keep accessories simple and functional. A flower crown or a more rustic bouquet made from locally-sourced flowers adds a natural touch without weighing you down. Don’t forget about a veil if you want that classic wedding look—just make sure it’s easily manageable in the wind.

 

Step 5: Hire a Professional Elopement Photographer

Debatable when this step should be, I might even argue this as your first step. Part of my services is helping couples decide what trail to elope. Think of me as your hiking boots on the ground, your personal scout, especially for couples traveling to Washington.

Hiring an elopement photographer who specializes in adventure and hiking elopements is important! You want someone who knows the trail so you don’t have to stress about it. They’ll know all the secret spots and unique angles to best capture both you and the landscape. If they’re already hikers, they’ll have a wealth of experience photographing different landscapes and lighting conditions and will be able to guide you to timing for the best photos. They’ll also be capable enough to carry their camera gear (very heavy packs on top of normal hiking gear) and keep up with you. A professional adventure elopement photographer is your key to the most epic elopement photos! Need I say more??

Step 6: Finalize the Details

While hiking elopements can vary greatly from traditional weddings, they can still have many of the same elements.

• Officiant: To make your marriage in Washington official, you’ll need an officiant. Some couples appoint a friend to help officiate and others hire a professional officiant. Make sure that they are also willing to hike with you! And if you’re planning to elope just the two of you, you’re in luck because I can also officiate and step in for a few moments while I photograph your elopement.

• Florals: Many florists offer hiking-friendly bouquets and arrangements that won’t wilt in the outdoor elements. Consider including local wildflowers or a bouquet that matches the colors of the landscape you’re eloping in.

• Post-Hike Celebration: You’ve just gotten married on a trail—celebrate your new adventure with a picnic, a bottle of champagne, or a small feast at the summit. Many couples also like to bring a portable speaker to play their favorite song after the ceremony.

Step 7: Have the Best Day Ever!!

Alright, you’ve reached the point where you planned out your hiking elopement. Location? Check. Outfit? Check. Photographer? Check. Let’s get this party started!!

Your photographer will help you throughout your day to make sure you have the most epic day for your elopement, knowing when to fall onto backup plans and when to be flexible on the timeline so you don’t have to worry a single second. All you have to do is enjoy getting married!

Are you ready to get started planning your Washington hiking elopement? Well, I’m ready for it!