If you’re the kind of couple that values adventure, freedom, and unique experiences over traditional weddings, a backpacking elopement in Washington State might be the perfect choice for you. From stunning mountain ranges to peaceful alpine lakes, and secluded beaches, Washington offers a diverse range of landscapes that make it an ideal location for an unforgettable, intimate elopement. As a backpacker myself, I’m here to offer you tips and guidance to help you plan your perfect backpacking wedding in the wild.

Why Choose Washington for Your Elopement?

Washington State is an adventurer’s dream. We’ve got mountains as rugged as the alps and alpine meadows that rival Montana. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) runs through some of the most beautiful spots in Washington, plus we have 5 incredible volcanoes that grace our landscape. We have basalt columns and waterfalls that’ll remind you of Iceland and glaciers that could be in Alaska. So what will be your choice?

Step 1: The Perfect Location

With so many beautiful options, narrowing down your ideal elopement location might be the hardest part of the process. This is where I come in as your photographer-slash-planner, who’s just casually hiked nearly any trail you can think of in Washington. Depending on your goals and comfort, I’ll help you figure out the exact trails where you should have your backpacking elopement. Here are just a few spots in Washington to consider for your backpacking elopement:

• Mount Rainier National Park The most iconic national park in Washington also features our tallest mountain! The Wonderland Trail runs 90+ miles around Mount Rainier and its side trails offer so many locations to choose from, whether in the old growth trees or in the high alpine meadows. Consider the Northern Loop Trail or the Tatoosh Range.

• North Cascades National Park If you want rugged, remote beauty, the North Cascades are hard to beat. You can have both alpine lakes and wildflower fields in the foreground and the gorgeous peaks in the background. This is a great park to choose for more privacy and solitude. Some of my favorite places to backpack to for stunning views are summits and alpine lakes such as Hidden Lake Lookout or Sahale Glacier.

• Olympic National Park From misty rainforests to dramatic beaches and alpine ridges, Olympic National Park offers a variety of landscapes perfect for eloping. Beach camping is a bucket-list experience or climbing to the top of the High Divide ridge to see Mount Olympus.

• Goat Rocks Wilderness For a more remote location, head to the Goat Rocks where the PCT runs. The long drive from Seattle wards many local hikers, offering more solitude for you to say your vows.

PS Check out my outdoor blog Alpine Wanderlust for more ideas, but be sure to come back here for more elopement specific guidance!

Step 2: When to Elope

Backpacking is unique in Washington because you have a small time frame if you are constrained by snow-free trails, bug-free, and warm weather. My personal favorite time of year is late August to early September when the mosquitos have died and weather is cooler again. However, if you’re pining for wildflowers, definitely elope in July when it’s peak season! To avoid the mosquitos, try to head to higher alpine and away from marshes or lakes. Or don on head-to-toe bug spray. From late September to early October, while the weather gets chillier at night, we have some of the best colors in the mountains as fall foliage covers the landscape.

Snow camping might be a stretch for most people, but if that’s your jam, I’m here for it too! The best time for snow camping is May when days are longer and warmer. You can still get the snow landscapes but have less work to get there. Snow camping allows for the most incredible alpenglow in the mountains as the sunlight reflects off gorgeous pinks on the snow.

Ready to find your perfect trail?

 

Step 3: Plan Your Gear

A backpacking elopement requires some careful planning when it comes to gear. While you’ll want to keep it simple, you also need to make sure you have everything you need for both the ceremony and the hike. Here’s a breakdown of essentials:

• Backpacks: Opt for lightweight, well-fitting packs that can carry everything you’ll need for the hike and ceremony. You might want a slightly bigger pack than you normally use.

• Wedding Gear: Choose something easy to move in and light to carry. Choose fabrics that are easy to roll up and won’t crinkle. A lightweight bouquet or even a small piece of decor for the ceremony could be a nice touch.

• Camping Gear: Make sure you have a reliable, lightweight tent, sleeping bags, and a stove for cooking. Plan for all weather conditions, especially in the mountains. Summer time allows you to bring lighter layers, saving space

• Food and Water: Bring lightweight, easy-to-prepare meals, and don’t forget a water filtration system or purification tablets if you’ll be near a stream or lake. Don’t forget a fun treat like a small cake or pie to bring to celebrate with.

• Clothing: Layering is key. Make sure you have moisture-wicking clothes, a waterproof jacket, and warm layers for chilly evenings. If you’re bringing a dress, consider wearing leggings under to stay warm in the cool evenings.

• Footwear: Good hiking boots are essential for any trek, especially if you’re going over rocky or wet terrain. I love when couples use their hiking boots as their wedding shoes! It adds to the adventure vibes.

Step 4: Plan the Ceremony

Now that your location and gear are sorted, it’s time to think about the ceremony itself. This is an intimate moment between you and your partner, and while it doesn’t have to be elaborate, it should still feel meaningful and special.

• Officiant You’ll need someone to legally marry you, so you can either hire an officiant or ask a friend. And by the way, I’m also ordained if you need just a simple service.

• Personalized Vows Take time to write your own vows. Many couples end up finishing their vows the day before or day-of, but definitely start thinking about what you want to say ahead of time. Your personal vows will be the essence of your ceremony as you express your love for each other in nature.

• Photographer While it might be tempting to go without a photographer, you’ll want to capture the magic of your adventure. Hiring a photographer who specializes in elopements or outdoor weddings is a great idea. They’ll know how to work with the unique challenges of outdoor settings, including changing lighting, weather, and terrain. It’s a bonus if they’ve already hiked the trail you want to hike and know of all the perfect spots to have your portraits and quiet ceremony on your big day.

• Music and Extras You might want a small speaker to play a song during the ceremony or for your first dance. Consider bringing “we eloped” signs for your backpack or even string lights for your tent. All these little things add up to make your elopement backpacking trip meaningful and memorable.

Step 5: Legal Considerations

Even though you’re in the backcountry, you’ll still need a marriage license. Don’t stress about this – your photographer will help you through the process. Read more about applying for a Washington marriage license.

Depending on where you decide to elope, you might need a special use permit that is specific to the public land you are having your ceremony. It’s often a simple process but it varies from park to park, so reach out to your photographer and ask for guidance!

Step 5: Have the Best Backpacking Elopement Experience Ever!

Okay, so now everything’s set in motion. You’ve got a permit, a destination, a photographer at hand to capture all the details and you’re ready to hike your way to say “I do”. Well, I can’t wait for your epic adventure and see your elopement dreams come true!

Ready to pack your bags and start your adventure? Washington is waiting.