based in Seattle, WA & available worldwide

Washington Adventure Elopement Photography

For couples who want a stress-free, guided elopement experience -- without the overwhelm

So you want a wild & epic Washington adventure elopement that *feels* like you

Maybe you're early birds who want to watch the sun rise as you say "I do" under the glaciers of Mount Rainier.

Or you want to spend the day with no distractions so you can celebrate your love while hiking to an epic peak and cutting your cake on a picnic blanket.

As the evening unfolds, you'll dance the night away to the sound of ocean waves on the Olympic Coast, creaking glaciers in the North Cascade, or the gentle rustling of the Leavenworth wild flowers.

...but you have no idea where to start?

Most couples don’t know where they’ll elope before they meet me—and that’s completely normal.

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...


That's where I come in

Hey, I'm Cherlyn!

It's more than just the photos.

It's about creating an intentional day that you can reflect on for years to come.

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

  • I've guided couples on trails they've never set foot on
  • I've scouted new locations for couples looking to say their vows in private, away from crowds
  • I've figured out plan Bs when the weather changes
  • I've been the expert planner to figure out the nitty gritty details all down to the timeline
  • I've even skied down all kinds of terrain for the perfect experience


Let me take a load off you and make elopement planning stress-free

"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."

- C+P

what it's like to elope with me

Your day starts slow—with coffee at your cozy Airbnb and zero pressure

You know exactly what the day holds because we planned it together.
The timeline makes sense.
The location is stunning.
The permits are handled.

You hike to a secluded spot I’ve already scouted, exchange vows among the forest, and celebrate in a way that feels natural and uniquely you.

Meanwhile, I’m there capturing the in-between moments—the laughter, the stillness, the “holy shit, we just got married” feeling—without ever making it feel like a photoshoot.

"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."
- D+J

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.

public lands permit guidance

what all package includes

personalized elopement location suggestions

stress-free, personalized timelines

unlimited planning consultations

officiant services

custom vendor recommendations

48 hour sneak peeks

"We were so lucky to get in touch with Cherlyn, who helped turn our wild idea into a reality and supported us through the whole process. From license logistics to travel packing lists to being a one-person planner/photographer/officiant, she did it all enthusiastically, thoroughly, and expertly."
-D+L

Washington Elopement Packages

What's Included

4+ hours of photography coverage by Cherlyn as your local Washington hiking guide (half day/full day/multiday available)
Your custom dream adventure elopement
  • A tailored timeline that fits your needs
  • Activities that feel like you (hiking, skiing, paddling...)
Unlimited planning assistance
  • Vendor recommendations that are local and vetted by Cherlyn
  • Local expertise on travel, lodging, dining
  • Logistics and permit guidance
Timeless photography
  • Photos that feel like you and tell your story
  • Sneak peeks
  • Complimentary album design
Photographer travel fees included

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

CONTACT ME

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!

-J+D

Elopement Resources

Check out some of my top free resources to start planning your Washington elopement!

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