based in Seattle, WA & available worldwide

Washington Adventure Elopement Photographer

For the adventure-seeking couples who want freedom on the trail instead of the confinement of a ballroom

Dreaming of a wild & epic Washington adventure elopement while trying to avoid the stress and expectations of a traditional wedding?

...but your head is still spinning with all the decision-making and logistics?

Any of these sound familiar?
  • Overwhelmed by all the options
  • Unsure of how to structure your elopement
  • Stressed about including friends and family
  • Frustrated by the generic blogs and AI answers

If that struck a nerve, you're more than ready to hand off the stress of planning to your elopement photographer

I help couples plan and photograph their adventure elopements in Washington. Hiking, backpacking, skiing, climbing, let's make it happen together!

Good news! I'm ready to take a load off you as your Washington adventure elopement photographer

And guess what? I meet you exactly where you're at!

Don't know where to elope?
I've got 200+ Washington elopement destinations in my back pocket

Want a quiet location?
You deserve an epic backdrop that's also peaceful. Having hike plenty of trails, I know which spots will be best at what time to say your vows in private.

Love adventuring?
Look no further. I can backpack 10+ miles, backcountry ski down advance terrain, rock climb in the alpine and so much more!

Need help finding a florist or makeup artist?
Let me share with you my favorite vendors to help you shine

Hey, I'm Cherlyn!

It's more than just the photos.

It's about your *freaking* elopement day that celebrates your love (plus epic photos of course)

That's why I'm proud to have been more than just a photographer.

My goal is to help you:

My philosophy

  • Be prepared for your elopement day by taking care of you from the very start when you contact me
  • Enjoy your elopement day and not have it feel like 8 hours of photoshoot
  • Laugh and smile because you are experiencing the joy of being outside in nature
  • Feel at ease because you know how the day will unravel and you can just be yourselves


6+

years photographing adventurous couples

3000+

miles hiked on Washington trails

100%

rate of getting teary-eyed for vows

"Easily the most talented, creative, capable, and humble professional we could have entrusted with our special day, Cherlyn captured every moment with candor and emotion beyond our wildest expectations."
- Claire + Paolo

your elopement experience

"Our photos turned out so beautiful and perfectly captured the essence of the trip. The lighting, the composition, the vibes of each photo - everything just feels right."

-- Meredith & Zack

"From license logistics to travel packing lists to being a one-person planner/ photographer/ officiant, she did it all enthusiastically, thoroughly, and expertly."

-- Daniel & Lauren

Those in-between moments, the laughter as you lean into each other, the cozy sunrise snuggles, the tear you wiped off as you read your vows. You can replay your favorite day over and over as you flip through pages of your elopement album

"Cherlyn is also one of those people that is easy-going and makes you instantly feel comfortable and relaxed, which helps the whole process feel smooth and seamless."

-- Val & Joel

aka the Cherlyn Eliza Photography magic

vast landscape photos

type-A planning for the type-B couple

camera shy?

photographer doubling as adventure buddy

wild, crazy dreams become reality

You're excited to dig into planning because you have the resources and framework to streamline decision-making. Whether it's rain, smoke, or trail closures, you're prepared and we're still getting you hitched on the mountain!

Most of my couples think they're camera-awkward. But with me, they feel so comfortable and truly themselves that I'm able to capture the genuine emotions, whether that's being silly, running around, belly-laughing

So you want to adventure for your elopement: hike in the alpine meadows, summit a peak, rock climb or explore a slot canyon, backcountry ski to a winter hut, you name it. I'm your photographer who can hang alongside your wildest mountain elopement dreams.

Plus I'm Wilderness First Aid certified, follow Leave No Trace principles and always have my 10 essentials!

Want solitude? Want to incorporate your favorite TV show? Want to climb a glacier? Want to have a first ski in lieu of a first dance? Your "crazy" dreams are what makes you unique and I'll be your biggest supporter in making it all happen! 

If you decided to elope in nature, chances are you love beautiful landscapes like me. I think we probably speak the same language! So if you request: small people, big landscape photos, this is my specialty!

Before your elopement

During your elopement

joyful adventures

You decided to elope because you want a meaningful experience for the both of you and say your vows in private all surrounded by beautiful mountains. Let's make it happen together!

After your elopement

photos that show your quiet & goofiness

imagine if this was...

"Cherlyn made our elopement an absolute dream. From the very start, she made everything so easy and stress-free. She guided us through every detail with so much care and experience."
- Daniel + Jazmin

Elopement planning should be simple. That's why everything I include in my Washington elopement photography packages is a no-brainer. You get the best advice and hands-on guidance to craft your intimate elopement. 

Washington Elopement Packages

location scouting

vendor recommendations

unlimited planning consultations

epic, adventurous photography

Yep, you don't need a venue to book me! I hiked over 200 Washington trails so I can help you find the location that matches your dream landscape

Goodbye, decision paralysis. Hello, clear direction and detailed planning. I help turn ideas into reality with personalized location and vendor guide

Let me be your planning friend who's only a phone call away to creating an elopement that feels most "you". I'll be your personal soundboard whenever you need

Every adventure elopement deserves timeless photos that captures both the candid emotions and the vast landscapes

local expertise

Weather, timing for the best light, trail conditions, and backup options. As a local Washingtonian,  I provide you the best advice to navigate your elopement day

stress-free, custom timelines

I'll create a realistic timeline with plenty of time to explore and enjoy your elopement without feeling rushed

And, of course, the photography essentials are always included: 
  • Sneak peeks within 2 business days
  • High-resolution full digital gallery
  • Integrated print shop directly from the digital gallery
  • Photographer travel fees

Custom packages available for half-day, full day, multi-day, destination and unique elopements!

CONTACT ME

Washington Elopements starting at $5400

4+ hours of photo coverage

Half-day, full day, and multi-day coverage available to fully capture your elopement day whether you want to see both a sunrise or sunset or just golden hour

Now, let's dig into the nitty gritty:

public lands permit guidance

I make the permit process a breeze! Every park has a different application and I've got you covered on what to do so you can focus on the important things of eloping

marriage license & officiant

No guests? No worries! I can help make your elopement legal in Washington as an officiant and guide you through exactly how to apply for the license

physical album

For all coverage at least full-day, you'll receive a complimentary physical album so your photos can live in real life instead of on the cloud

"Cherlyn was amazing from start to finish. Coming from Ohio and never having been to Washington state, she truly helped us figure out everything from location to hiking routes. She gave extremely helpful and detailed lists of places to stay and things to do when we remained the rest of the week for our honeymoon as well. "
- Megan + Brandon

Real Washington Elopements

We're ready to start dreaming!!

Epic 2-Day Mount Hood Summer Ski Elopement

Snoqualmie Valley Winter Elopement

Summer Sunset Mount Rainier Elopement

CONTACT ME

Read about real elopement experiences other couples have had!

Elopement Resources for Washington Elopements

If you're itching to plan, check out some of my top free resources to get a head start!

Let's get planning!

When to elope in Washington

How to legally elope in Washington

Where to elope in Washington

CONTACT ME

If you're ready for a stress-free, epic elopement in Washington and local resources at your finger tips, let's chat!

Like Podcasts?

Get all the deets, tips, and tibits from me, an elopement photographer, in audio form!

Follow on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and anywhere that hosts podcasts

So, how does this actually work?

I'm glad you asked! When you book me as your Washington elopement photographer, not only will you get incredible photos to document your elopement day, but you also get yourselves a right-hand gal, a go-to soundboard, a local guide all in one!

Next step, this is what the booking process with me looks like:



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You'll receive custom recommendations including vendors, locations, and timelines. I'll be your elopement guide and you'll get full access to my expertise and resources.

Hey! I'm Cherlyn and I'm stoked to be your elopement photographer!

Book me as your destination elopement photographer

After you inquire through the contact form, we'll hop on a call to brainstorm and walk through your dream elopement day! 

Start planning your dream adventure elopement

Your big day!! You get to enjoy your epic dream elopement with zero stress and all the fun. Thanks to our great prep-work, your day will run effortlessly and I will be taking timeless photos of your unforgettable experience.

Grab your travel documents and get married in the wild!

Honestly as many as you want, but usually, for the most intimate elopements, couples tend to invite about 25 guests or fewer. Your elopement could just be the two of you (and duh, me photographing everything). It totally depends on what vibe you’re going for and in some ways, the goal of your wedding. If you want the focus on you as a couple and less drama, usually that means inviting fewer people and letting others understand why you’ve chosen this path (there can be drama in other ways). Some ways to honor and include people is having them write you notes or record a message for you to play at your ceremony if they can’t make it!

Logistically, within most National Forest or National Parks, on trail you’re only allowed 12 people. Some allow for more with specific permits outlining where you can hold the ceremony. And yes, I can help with permits!

CONTACT ME

I can 100% help you through the permit process and how to contact the rangers for wedding permits. Basically, they just want to keep track of events and make sure people still adhere to wilderness guidelines, such as no confetti, respecting other visitors, no obnoxious and loud music etc… It is a shared public space, after all! But my best recommendation is to go on a weekday for the fewer crowds wherever you decide to elope.

CONTACT ME

I am open to a limited number of traditional weddings with more guests. So please reach out if you think we would be a great fit together! And if you’re interested in nature wedding or engagement portraits, we definitely incorporate that as a package with your traditional wedding.

CONTACT ME

Personally, I’d love to have your dog come join your elopement! But depending on where we are, the local land regulations might not permit it. Primarily, pets are not allowed in National Parks, unless it’s paved roads and campgrounds. Certain wilderness areas like the Enchantments also prohibits dogs and pets. So, the short of it, it depends, but if you’re open to different locations, we can make sure to include your favorite furry friends!

CONTACT ME

Anywhere! Well, like anywhere you can legally have access to! Like your backyard, your family home, a local wedding venue, public park, the forest, the desert, sooooo many different places and wherever speaks to you. Sometimes couples like choosing a place that means something special to them, like where they got engaged or their first date location or a place they visit often. Other times, they prefer something unique and different so they can make it their own special place! Are you looking for epic, rugged mountains? Or a moody forest? Or a scenic sunset beach? I can help you find your elopement destination!

CONTACT ME

To me, this is combining your favorite outdoor activity and making it special with your ceremony as part of it. It can range anywhere from lounging on a beach to climbing a peak! It’s anything out of the ordinary sort of wedding (not that those aren’t cool) but it’s adding a bit of that adventurous spirit. It could be exploring a new trail with your boo or hiking the same one you do every year. It could be finding red and golden fall colors or wildflowers fields or snowy alpenglow. It can be canoeing on a lake, a picnic with a view, biking through a winery vineyard, a sunrise hike. What makes both your souls sing? I think that’s what it should be about!

CONTACT ME

Elopements can essentially look as much or as little as a traditional wedding. You can add and remove whatever elements you wish!

Legally, there’s signing paperwork, depending on which state (or country) you get married in. Usually, you can apply through an online application. For your official wedding, you’ll need an officiant. And by the way, ya girl here can officiate! Depending on the state, you may also need a witness or two.

But for the fun part, you can basically do whatever you want! If you want bridesmaids and groomsmen, you can! If you want to sing and dance, you can! If you want none of that, you can also do that! In terms of planning, it’s most important to figure out the big things, such as deciding what key people you want there. Maybe it’s a best friend or your parents. Or maybe it’s a specific vendor, like a photographer or caterer. Then you’ll also want to think about what season you want to get married in. Are you into winter sports and want a snowy scene? Or do you dream of having flowers in your hair like a summer bohemian bride? Or a Halloween-inspired wedding? From there, start to pick location and dates with your key people. Yes, it might be a little hectic and a lot to organize but once you’re done with that, the big pieces are set and it’s the little details left, like what specific look do you want it to have?

CONTACT ME

Currently booking for 2026. Open to start discussions for 2027 too!

CONTACT ME

Frequently Asked Questions

How many guests can I have at my elopement?

Honestly as many as you want, but usually, for the most intimate elopements, couples tend to invite about 25 guests or fewer. Your elopement could just be the two of you (and duh, me photographing everything). It totally depends on what vibe you’re going for and in some ways, the goal of your wedding. If you want the focus on you as a couple and less drama, usually that means inviting fewer people and letting others understand why you’ve chosen this path (there can be drama in other ways). Some ways to honor and include people is having them write you notes or record a message for you to play at your ceremony if they can’t make it!

Logistically, within most National Forest or National Parks, on trail you’re only allowed 12 people. Some allow for more with specific permits outlining where you can hold the ceremony. And yes, I can help with permits!

Permits are required??

I can 100% help you through the permit process and how to contact the rangers for wedding permits. Basically, they just want to keep track of events and make sure people still adhere to wilderness guidelines, such as no confetti, respecting other visitors, no obnoxious and loud music etc… It is a shared public space, after all! But my best recommendation is to go on a weekday for the fewer crowds wherever you decide to elope.

Will you photograph a larger wedding?

I am open to a limited number of traditional weddings with more guests. So please reach out if you think we would be a great fit together! And if you’re interested in nature wedding or engagement portraits, we definitely incorporate that as a package with your traditional wedding.

Can I bring my dog (or other pet)?

Personally, I’d love to have your dog come join your elopement! But depending on where we are, the local land regulations might not permit it. Primarily, pets are not allowed in National Parks, unless it’s paved roads and campgrounds. Certain wilderness areas like the Enchantments also prohibits dogs and pets. So, the short of it, it depends, but if you’re open to different locations, we can make sure to include your favorite furry friends!

Where can I elope?

Anywhere! Well, like anywhere you can legally have access to! Like your backyard, your family home, a local wedding venue, public park, the forest, the desert, sooooo many different places and wherever speaks to you. Sometimes couples like choosing a place that means something special to them, like where they got engaged or their first date location or a place they visit often. Other times, they prefer something unique and different so they can make it their own special place! Are you looking for epic, rugged mountains? Or a moody forest? Or a scenic sunset beach? I can help you find your elopement destination!

What is an adventure elopement?

To me, this is combining your favorite outdoor activity and making it special with your ceremony as part of it. It can range anywhere from lounging on a beach to climbing a peak! It’s anything out of the ordinary sort of wedding (not that those aren’t cool) but it’s adding a bit of that adventurous spirit. It could be exploring a new trail with your boo or hiking the same one you do every year. It could be finding red and golden fall colors or wildflowers fields or snowy alpenglow. It can be canoeing on a lake, a picnic with a view, biking through a winery vineyard, a sunrise hike. What makes both your souls sing? I think that’s what it should be about!

What’s the process of eloping?

Elopements can essentially look as much or as little as a traditional wedding. You can add and remove whatever elements you wish!

Legally, there’s signing paperwork, depending on which state (or country) you get married in. Usually, you can apply through an online application. For your official wedding, you’ll need an officiant. And by the way, ya girl here can officiate! Depending on the state, you may also need a witness or two.

But for the fun part, you can basically do whatever you want! If you want bridesmaids and groomsmen, you can! If you want to sing and dance, you can! If you want none of that, you can also do that! In terms of planning, it’s most important to figure out the big things, such as deciding what key people you want there. Maybe it’s a best friend or your parents. Or maybe it’s a specific vendor, like a photographer or caterer. Then you’ll also want to think about what season you want to get married in. Are you into winter sports and want a snowy scene? Or do you dream of having flowers in your hair like a summer bohemian bride? Or a Halloween-inspired wedding? From there, start to pick location and dates with your key people. Yes, it might be a little hectic and a lot to organize but once you’re done with that, the big pieces are set and it’s the little details left, like what specific look do you want it to have?

How far out do you book?

Currently booking for 2026. Open to start discussions for 2027 too!

So what are you waiting for?

CONTACT ME

Let's get your dream Washington elopement started!

Let's be friends! Follow me on Instagram 
@CherlynElizaPhoto