based in Seattle, WA & available worldwide
For the fun-loving couples who want a smooth, adventurous elopement experience -- without the overwhelm
Are you dreaming of a wild & epic Washington adventure elopement that *feels* like you?
...but your head is spinning with all the planning logistics?
If that sounds familiar, you might be 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!
And guess what? I meet you exactly where you're at!
If you don't know where to elope? I've got 200+ Washington elopement destinations in my back pocket
Confused about what trails are quiet? 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.
Are you looking for a photographer who can adventure just as hard as you do? Look no further. I can backpack 10+ miles, backcountry ski down advance terrain, rock climb in the alpine and so much more!
Stuck finding a florist or makeup artist? Let me share with you my favorite vendors to help you shine
Hey, I'm Cherlyn!
My philosophy
6+
years photographing adventurous couples
3000+
miles hiked on Washington trails
100%
rate of getting teary-eyed for vows
what it's like to elope with me
Your day starts slow with coffee at your cozy Airbnb. You're excited for the day ahead because we've carefully planned it out together
Your timeline flows. It's not just a checklist of poses. It's a strategic method to reduce the chaos and maximize the fun
You're inspired by the scenery. Your jaw drops with the weather and beauty that nature provides
It's your elopement day and you can't get enough of it!
Meanwhile, I’m your lil third wheel capturing all the in-between moments. The laughter and silliness, the quiet and reflective, the “holy shit" we just got married” feeling. The shared joy that fully embodies your love for each other.
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.
local guidance
what every package includes
personalized epic elopement location short-list
stress-free, custom timelines
unlimited planning consultations
epic, adventurous photography
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
A well-managed day leads to the fullest enjoyment. I'll handle the best timing for lighting & minimal crowds
Having an expert planning friend is absolutely essential to creating the most "you" elopement. Think of me as your personal soundboard whenever you need
Every adventure elopement deserves timeless photos that captures both the emotional moments and the vast landscapes
You deserve the best vendor recommendations and local insight on where to stay and where to eat
a laughter-filled, thoughtful elopement experience
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!
Washington Elopements starting at $5400
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!
- Jess + David
We're ready to start dreaming!!
Read about real elopement experiences other couples have had!
If you're itching to plan, check out some of my top free resources to get a head start!
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 2026. Open to start discussions for 2027 too!
So what are you waiting for?
Let's be friends! Follow me on Instagram
@CherlynElizaPhoto