Washington Elopement Photography

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!

I mean, how amazing is that???

I'm so proud of you for making this big decision! You are saying yes to adventures and outdoors. You want your day to be uniquely yours.

This means...

You can now choose to elope on top of a mountain in the Olympic National Park AND cut your cake along the Pacific Coast at sunset. You can say your vows under a North Cascades glacier AND take a scenic view above the peaks by helicopter. You can tie the knot while paddling on a crystal clear alpine lake AND go rock climbing by Leavenworth in your wedding attire.

And, my friends, whatever you're dreaming of, I've got your back!

Let me be the first to say...

But maybe you're feeling overwhelmed by all the options ahead.

Well, breathe in a sigh of relief cause you're in good hands! I'm your go-to gal for all things Washington as your elopement photographer! I'm here to help keep things fun, stress-free, and romantic so you can focus on each other. Oh yeah, and I'll take some kick-ass photos of your unforgettable elopement day!


Hi, I'm Cherlyn!

Washington elopement guide. Type-A planner. Hiking specialist. Professional snack and knick-knack supplier.

And I'm stoked to be your...

Let me tell you a quick story.

The day began with L&I sipping coffee and watching the sunrise in their woodland AirBnB. They then climbed into their retrofitted 4x4 truck, belly laughing from the thrill of each bumpy pothole and jaws dropping at the crimson-painted hillsides. After a short hike, we reached the historic fire lookout, where L&I shared private vows and heartfelt tears beneath the rugged North Cascade peaks. Embraced by the warm autumn sun, the newlyweds skipped their way down the trail and savored the last moments of their unforgettable elopement in Washington.

This feeling is exactly what I love to capture and what brings me joy as your Washington elopement photographer.

This feeling is exactly what I love to capture and what brings me joy as your Washington elopement photographer.

Hiking, backpacking, kayaking, you name it, let's get planning on your elopement!!

All Inclusive Packages

Travel fees.
They're just always included within my travel schedule. No worries if our backup location is on the opposite side of the state. Ask if there's a location not on the list -- destination travel fees waived for dream destinations for me!


Customized checklists.
Every elopement is different and I want to make sure that you'll have everything in order and everything you'll want during your adventure elopement


Personalized timeline.
I help create your dream elopement timeline from start to end with all the detailed logistics


Professionally curated album.
Every full or multi-day elopement includes a 20 page, flat-lay album designed by me with your input so you have something tangible to remember your elopement 


Photo delivery.
Professionally hand-edited photos delivered in an easy-to-use private, online gallery. Ready to print in high-resolution quality

Stress-free planning and unlimited consultation.
I'm your go-to resource and I'm here for ya whenever you need me to bounce off ideas or have questions about any thing big or small


Location scouting.
With over 200 hikes in my repertoire, I'll help you find the destination that best fits your dream. We'll create a backup plan together.


Local vendor recommendations.
I'll provide you a shortlist that fits your tastes and needs to make your elopement uniquely yours. Everything from outdoor guide to florist to day-of-coordinator


Officiant.
If you need an officiant, I can step in briefly for the official bits of the ceremony and be your photographer again for your vows


Permit and marriage license guidance.
I've got you covered on how to get the permits and licenses needed for your elopement, whether it's in state or out of state, at a state park or national park or elsewhere

Washington Elopement Packages

Starting at $3500 for 4+ hours

Full Day

Half Day

Multi-Day

Best for: Couples who want an epic adventure of a lifetime and have every bit documented

Why cram everything into one day when you can maximize your adventures over 2 days without any rush? With a multi-day package, you have time for a thoughtful ceremony and a full day adventure together.

Perfect for backpacking to an alpine lake, helicopter to a glacier, catching both sunrise and sunset, or elopements with multiple locations

All inclusions listed above.

Album and photography travel fees within Washington included.

Best for: Couples who want to watch sunrise or sunset as their love story gets document through my photography

For a full day coverage, we can take advantage of the best light, hike to an amazing vista, and include friends and family in your reception.

Perfect for shorter hikes, but we can still fit in a few locations

All inclusions listed above.

Album and photography travel fees within Washington included.




Best for: Couples who want a short and sweet wedding without compromising great views

Great for pictures of a simple ceremony and vows.

All inclusions listed above except an album.

Photographer travel fees within 2.5 hours of Seattle included.




Let's chat

Coverage: 12+ hours over 2 days

Coverage: 8+ hours

Coverage: 4+ hours

*MY MOST POPULAR PACKAGE*

*MY MOST POPULAR PACKAGE*

Starting at $6500 + Album

Starting at $4500 + Album

Starting at $3500

Recent Reviews

We are truly grateful to Cherlyn! She captured our elopement in a way that we can revisit every memory from her Photographs. Cherlyn's talent and attention to detail does speak for itself but to further emphasise; she was not only very professional but also to her character a very sweet soul inside and out. Thank you! so much! For these beautiful memories to cherish forever.

-M+J

We are so grateful for Cherlyn and her beautiful photography! She is an EXCELLENT professional photographer and a kind, sweet person who makes photo shoots fun and meaningful! Photo shoots with her have never been awkward, always fun and easy. I cannot recommend Cherlyn highly enough for any and all of your photography needs!

-A+B

Resources

CONTACT ME

When to elope in Washington

How to legally elope in Washington

Where to elope in Washington

Check out some of these nifty 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!

So, how does this 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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Fill out the contact form so I can get to know you both a little and your vision for your elopement day!

We'll schedule a video call to walk through your dream elopement and how I can make that happen. It'll be fun and informal and I'll bring some ideas to the table to get the brainstorming juices flowing!

Once we get this elopement officially started(!!!), the planning begins! 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.

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.

Lastly, you get your photos back!! You'll be able to share your adventure elopement with friends and family through a private-accessed online gallery. And if you decided to add on an album, we'll work together to create the most beautiful physical book to document your elopement! 

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

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 2024. Open to start discussions for 2025 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 2025! Inquire for the rest of 2024.

So what are you waiting for?

Let's get your dream Washington elopement started!

Contact Me

let's be friends!
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@CherlynElizaphoto