So you decided to elope in Washington, but not sure how to spice up your elopement day? There’s so many different activities you can include to make your day uniquely yours. And I’ve consolidated a list of fun Washington activities for adventurous couples!

Hi, I’m Cherlyn, a Washington elopement photographer who is also a local Washingtonian! I grew up exploring the state and have traveled to nearly every corner you could imagine. There’s so much more to adventures than simply hiking and I’m excited to share with you all the fun possibilities for the most memorable elopement.

In the Mountains

The classic thing to do in the mountains is possibly most obvious — hiking. But along with hiking, you could consider visiting many different vistas within your elopement day, from a morning in the moody forest to an incredible lookout for sunset. You could wander through golden larches or a carpet of red blueberry bushes. Imagine being surrounded by wildflowers or if you’re lucky, wildlife like marmots, goats, and pikas! If you’re brave, take a dip in an alpine lake, wedding attire and all!

Okay, then if hiking is too mainstream, maybe you’re into backpacking (or its similar activities of bike packing or packrafting). Spend a night or two in the backcountry of the North Cascades to really soak in getting married while being unplugged from your phone and the internet. Or maybe you are climbers, then let’s make rock climbing a focus on your wedding day! Say your vows on top of a spire or at the base of your favorite climb. And for the mountaineers, let’s find a glacier for you to get married on safely! 

Or if hiking seems like too much work, well guess what? There’s so many viewpoints and short walks that bring you to the coolest destinations. You could also take a gondola ride up to see Rainier for a secluded ceremony. I’d recommend eloping on a weekday for these destinations though because they could get crowded on a summer weekend!

And don’t forget about car camping! Group campsites are great for extra space and solitude for your elopement. And while you’re at it, let’s go stargazing.

Ready to start planning your elopement? I’m here to help brainstorm and photograph your special day! Check out my Washington elopement photography page

On Snow

Perhaps you two live for the winter and fresh powder. In that case, consider incorporating your snow sport, such as downhill skiing or even backcountry skiing (yes, I’m AIARE 1 certified and have years of experience). Or for a more casual activity, go classic cross country skiing out in the Methow or snowshoeing by Snoqualmie. And if you’re looking for a simple winter wonderland, there’s plenty of short winter hikes for the perfect vibes, especially near cute A-frame airbnb’s. 

Oh so you like the snow? Well I do too! Let’s get started on planning your snowy elopement!

 

On Water

For the aquatic couple, you can choose both low-intensity and high-intensity activities. Float in a canoe or on paddle boards in a calm lake as you spend quality time with your partner. Go fishing or crabbing (licenses are super easy to get in Washington). Or go tide-pooling along the Pacific Coast and scout for the cutest marine wildlife. Take a walk along the beach and have a picnic at sunset.

In the Air

For those who seek adrenaline in flight, there’s so many things you can do! From technical sports such as paragliding and hang gliding to scenic tours, there’s something for everyone. Imagine taking a helicopter tour above the wildest peaks in Washington just as the sun sets and pink light hits the snowy slopes. Or taking off with the Seattle skyline as you fly away on a seaplane to a quiet island in the Puget Sound. Or maybe take it slow and fly on a hot air balloon with your hot date, ahem, your new spouse!

Ready for an adventure of a lifetime to celebrate your marriage? Let’s plan this!

 

 

Other Meaningful Activities

Spending time with the person you love can look like so many things. It could be all the activities listed above, but could also mean sharing a meal together, cooking together, making brunch in an Airbnb. Try a picnic in an epic location or get a private chef to cater a meal on the beach.

Go birdwatching together or use your creative skills and watercolor the landscape or each other. Read a book or go hammocking, or why not both? Go wine tasting in Chelan county.

Have a first dance just you and the mountains. Say your vows over the edge of the cliffs. Have a first look in private in the woods. Read letters from your loved ones or ones you’ve written to each other. Pop champagne, cut a cake, have a unity ceremony.

Have a staycation – rent out a treehouse or a cute Airbnb. Or rent an airstream or a campervan.

Grab a meal at your favorite restaurant, or maybe it’s a beer at a brewery or your favorite donuts. Let’s make it you!

 

Can’t wait to get planning? Well me too! I’m here to photograph and help you plan your dream elopement!

 

Note: I am not a guide but I will work with you to find certified guides for activities you choose, if they are not within your skillset. I am highly competent in many mountain sports, but safety comes first, so I’ll make sure we have the right people to help make your elopement dream come true!