epic and adventurous
So, you decided to make a u-turn down the big wedding road.
Your elopement is still your wedding day, but you get to decide what you want!
You're dreaming of the ultimate Washington adventure elopement for just the two of you.
Maybe you're early birds who want to watch the sun rise as you say "I do" under the glaciers of Mount Rainier. You spend the day with no distractions so you can celebrate your love while hiking to an epic peak and cut your cake. And as the evening unfolds, you dance the night away to the sound of ocean waves crashing along the Olympic Coast.
Maybe you're early birds who want to watch the sun rise as you say "I do" under the glaciers of Mount Rainier. You spend the day with no distractions so you can celebrate your love while hiking to an epic peak and cut your cake. And as the evening unfolds, you dance the night away to the sound of ocean waves crashing along the Olympic Coast.
You're dreaming of the ultimate Washington adventure elopement for just the two of you.
But Washington has so many destinations to choose from and maybe...
you're feeling overwhelmed with figuring this out
And yes, I'll take epic photos but I do so much more than that. Hiking, backpacking, skiing, climbing, you name it, let's make it happen!!
I'm your go-to gal for all things on Washington elopements...
Well, you don't have to do this alone because that's where I come in!
I'll be your elopement guide, type-A planner, hiking specialist, professional snack and knick-knack supplier, and hype woman.
Looking to ditch the crowds and elope somewhere totally unique and intimate? Let me find the perfect spot that matches your dreams and adventures that'll make your day unforgettable!
Your stress-free planning process includes consult calls, regular check-ins and a custom elopement planning questionnaire so I can get to know you both. Then I'll help plan your epic adventure start-to-finish that is customized to your preferences. These are just some of the goodies you'll get from me...
public lands permit guidance
every package includes
discovering your dream elopement location
stress-free, personalized timelines
unlimited planning consultations
epic, adventurous photography
because researching a new place is difficult and time-consuming, but with over 200 Washington hikes under my repertoire, I'll help you find the destination that best fits your dream
because building out timelines shouldn't be your priority and that way, you can focus on the more important tasks while I handle when the best lighting or least crowded times will be
because having a planning friend is absolutely essential to creating the most "you" elopement, think of me as your personal soundboard that you can ask any questions on anything
because every adventure elopement deserves timeless photos that can last generations to come that captures both the emotional moments and the vast landscapes
because whether you're local or traveling to Washington, you probably aren't familiar with the guidelines, but lucky for you, I've got you covered
a laughter-filled, thoughtful elopement experience
because at the end of the day, your elopement is about your experience as a couple who deeply loves each other and creating those memories that last a lifetime
What's Included
Custom packages available for multi-day, destination and unique elopements!
Starting at $5000
My couples invest an average of $6000
My partner and I had such an incredible experience [...] with Cherlyn. I am a bit camera shy and was a little nervous but Cherlyn gave the perfect amount of direction I needed, and the photos all look so natural! She captured the experience perfectly. As my partner and I scrolled through our gallery, we couldn’t believe that each photo kept getting better! Neither of us could choose a favorite. I would highly recommend Cherlyn for your special day. Not only is she a fantastic photographer, but she also knows allllll the good spots to help you achieve the experience of your dreams!
-J+D
Check out some of my top free resources to start planning your Washington elopement!
Let's get planning!
If you're ready for a stress-free, epic elopement in Washington and local resources at your finger tips, let's chat!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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 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 2025. Open to start discussions for 2026 too!
So what are you waiting for?
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@CherlynElizaPhoto