Omg I’m so glad you decided to elope in Washington! If you’re wondering how to legally get married in the wild, I’m here to help you out!

Hi, I’m Cherlyn and I’m ready to photograph and hash out the details your elopement. Consider planning my secondary role! I’ve seen a handful (or more) elopements as a photographer and I’ve got your back when it comes down to figuring out all the backend stuff for your wedding.

The 2 primary things you’ll need are: 

1. Getting a marriage license and 
2. The permits for your outdoor elopement. 

Although the process sounds daunting, it’s super easy. As an elopement photographer, I help couples elope legally and I’m excited to guide you through this. Here’s the rundown:

Getting Married in Washington

Whether you’re getting married traditionally or adventure eloping, you’ll go through the same process of getting a marriage license. There’s a couple things you’ll need: a marriage license, an officiant, and 2 other people to be witnesses. Bonus: I can be either an officiant or witness and I’ll explain how you can get another witness if you’re planning an elopement that’s just the two of you and no guests!

And guess what? You don’t need to be a resident of Washington and you don’t need to invite guests to be your witnesses. However, if you’re traveling here, you’ll need a Washington marriage license instead of your home state. Legally, in the US, you’re required to have a license where you get married (by state, and sometimes, by county). 

Let’s get into the details!

Step 1: Obtaining a license

You can pick up your license from any county within Washington, which can be different from where the elopement happens. Apply for the license within 60 days of your elopement and at least 3 days before it happens. When we work together, I’ll give you a timeline to make sure everything is in order well in advance so we avoid any hiccups. In King County, there is a $69 application fee haha. For most, applications can be made online or in person. Every county has a different application and fee involved, but it’s otherwise all the same, so pick your favorite! Here’s some links to the bigger counties:

• $69 fee for King County (Seattle)
• $70 fee for Snohomish County (Everett)
• $64 fee (plus $3 certified copy) for Skagit County (Mount Vernon)
• $62 fee for Whatcom County (Bellingham)
• $72 fee for Pierce County (Tacoma)
• $72 fee for Thurston County (Olympia)
• $57 fee (plus $3 certified copy) for Chelan County (Leavenworth)
• $59 fee for Okanogan County (Mazama) – request for virtual application

Step 2: Having the ceremony

All elopements and weddings require an officiant. Many of my couples choose to have a friend officiate their ceremony. They just need to be ordained, which is a 5 minute process and can be done online, often through the Universal Life Church.

And if you want your elopement to be more private and just the two of you, you’re in luck! I’m also an ordained officiant so I can sign off on your license. 

All Washington marriage licenses require 2 additional witnesses. If you decided to invite a couple guests to your elopement, then great! You can pick who gets the honor of signing as a witness. Otherwise, it’s not difficult to find 2 hikers nearby to help sign off. They don’t have to be present for the ceremony, just when we all sign the document.

Step 3: Process the license

Woohoo you’re now married but to seal the deal, the officiant (likely either your friend or me) will drop off or mail the license to the county where it was picked up. It must be done within 30 days, so make sure it’s not put off too late.

 

Phew, that was a lot! But as your elopement photographer, I’m here to make things run smoothly!

 

Public Land Permits

When recreating on public lands, sometimes permits are required for certain activities, such as backcountry camping and having a wedding. Permits are a great thing because it will ensure a more private time for you. Permits are for very specific locations, so it’s not hard to find a spot that is free on your elopement day! Generally, special use permits are required for weddings and occasionally an additional photography permit is required for me (which is already included in costs when you book me as your photographer). Depending on the park, an additional entrance fee is required. The Annual America the Beautiful pass works on all national lands including national parks and national forests. For the national forests in Washington and Oregon specifically, if you don’t have the America the Beautiful Pass, the Northwest Forest Pass is cheaper. The state park pass is the Discover Pass. Here’s some key info for locations in Washington:

Mount Rainier National Park

A permit is required for a ceremony, but not for portrait photography. It is $250 for the application fee (which is honestly a steal compared to any other venue!!). Ideally, we get the permits 4 weeks prior to your elopement date. There’s dozens of locations that are pre-approved for wedding ceremonies and I am more than happy to recommend the best places for you! More information is on the park website here.

For the recreating fee, you can either get a $30 entrance pass valid for 7 days, an annual Olympic National Park pass for $55 or the annual America the Beautiful Pass for $80 valid for all National Parks and Lands. The Special Use Permit will cover the timed entry fee, which is normally required.

For overnight backcountry permits, fees are $26/permit. Campground permits range from free to $20.

Ready for a Mount Rainier elopement? Let’s start planning

 

North Cascades National Park

If you choose to elope in the North Cascades, a special use permit is required for the ceremony. There’s a $50 application fee and more information is found here.

There’s no fee to recreate in the National Park! Some trailheads, however, require a parking pass. You can use either the NW Forest Pass ($5/day or $30/year) or the America the Beautiful Pass ($80/year).

For backcountry permits, fees are $10/person plus $6/permit. Campground permits range from free to $24.

Olympic National Park

Apply for a special use permit at least 3-4 weeks before your elopement in the Olympic National Park. They state the fee as $50-100. More information is found here.

For the recreating fee, you can either get a $30 entrance pass valid for 7 days, an annual Olympic National Park pass for $55 or the annual America the Beautiful Pass for $80 valid for all National Parks and Lands.

For overnight backcountry permits, fees are $8/person/night plus $6/permit. Campground permits range from $15-24.

National Forests

Hooray, no permits required in a National Forest including the Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. That is, unless you have a gathering of 75 people or more, which really, do you want 75 people in the same place on a trail??? Some locations can accommodate that, but I’m assuming if you’re eloping, you’re probably wanting your wedding to be more intimate.

For the recreating fee, you can use either the NW Forest Pass ($5/day or $30/year) or the America the Beautiful Pass ($80/year).

Washington State Parks

Like the National Parks, the Washington State Parks require a special activity permit for weddings. Apply at least 60 days in advance. The application fee is $45. More information is found here.

For the recreating fee, you a Discover Pass is required. Choose either the single day for $10 or annual pass for $30.

There you have it, the major permits and fees involved for having your elopement on public lands. This about covers all that you need to legally have your wedding in a Washington outdoor location. I can totally help you out with any applications. Park rangers are super nice and friendly, and they’re always very responsive by email. If you have more questions, let’s chat and get the ball rolling on planning your dream elopement!

Looking for next steps? Let’s start planning your elopement!