the pacific northwest is a breathtakingly diverse region renowned for its stunning landscapes, from majestic mountains to serene coastlines, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking an unforgettable elopement experience. with its lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque waterfronts, the pnw offers a perfect backdrop for love stories to unfold in a variety of enchanting settings. 

in this blog post, we’ll explore 10 epic places to elope in the pacific northwest, each with its unique charm and beauty. whether you’re dreaming of a cozy forest ceremony, a beachside sunset, or a mountaintop exchange of vows, this guide will serve as a valuable resource to help you plan your own unforgettable elopement, ensuring your special day is as magical as the surroundings. read on to discover the perfect location for your love story!

Table of Contents

• where is the pnw
• 10 epic places to elope in the pnw
  • redwood national and state parks
  • samuel h boardman state park
  • oregon coast
  • central oregon
  • mt hood
  • columbia river gorge
  • mount rainier national park
  • mt baker and snoqualmie national forest
  • olympic national park
  • north cascades national park
• activities to do at your pnw elopement
• pnw elopement photographer
• pnw elopement packages

Where is the PNW?

there are many different definitions of what the pacific northwest encompasses. for the sake of this guide, the pnw includes: washington, oregon and parts of northern california. the locations in this guide will be listed from furthest south to furthest north geographically.

10 Epic Places to Elope in the PNW

Redwood National and State Parks

if you’re on the hunt for moody vibes, lush greenery and stunning coastal views, the redwoods provide a breathtaking backdrop for your special day. from enchanting forest ceremonies to exploring towering sequoia’s, the redwoods offer a variety of stunning locations for your elopement. the parks are remote and offer countless hidden gems and private locations.

Best elopement locations in redwood national and state parks

• organ donor’s grove
• river trail
• jedediah smith redwood state park
• prairie creek redwood state park

Best time of year for a redwood national and state park elopement

while the parks are open year round the weather can change season to season. the best time is usually late spring and summer months with a less likely chance of rain! if you’re hoping to skip the crowds, early spring and late fall are also great times to visit! (just a higher chance of rain)

Permit information for eloping at redwood national and state parks

to legally get married in the redwood national and state parks, you’ll need a special use permit. it costs $100 to apply for and allows you to get married at any of the pre-approved park locations. if you are wanting to get married outside of those locations, it’ll be a $200 application fee. you will also need to pay the regular national park entrance fee (or let me ride along and I’ll bring my national parks pass.)

Places to stay around redwood national and state parks

• ocean road
• bungalow in the redwoods
• home with ocean views
• private cabin in the woods
• cozy airstream

Samuel H Boardman State Park

next up, my absolute favorite on this list, samuel h boardman state park. located in coastal southern oregon in a small town called brookings. from breathtaking cliff sides to moody beaches and lush forests, samuel h. boardman offers a variety of unique spots for eloping couples. it’s also close enough to jedediah smith redwoods state park that you can visit both locations on the same day.

Best elopement locations in samuel h boardman state park

• natural bridges
• secret beach
• indian sands trail
• whaleshead beach

Best time of year for a samuel h boardman state park elopement

spring and fall are the best times to visit as some of the more popular spots can get a bit crowded in the summer. winter is still beautiful, just comes with some rain. summer can be do-able, however, i highly recommend going early in the week (monday-wednesday) and not around any major holidays.

Permit information for eloping at samuel h boardman state park

no special use permits are required for elopements

Places to stay around samuel h boardman state park

• coastal home in brookings
• stay in a lighthouse
• cozy coastal cabin
• cabin in crescent city
• oceanside views in crescent city

Oregon Coast

another one of my favorite spots for pnw elopements is the oregon coast. from sandy dunes, to dramatic cliffs to beautiful beaches the coast offers a variety of landscapes to choose from. if you are dreaming of picturesque sunsets and envision the soft sounds of crashing waves as you way your vows, the oregon coast could be the perfect spot for you.

Best elopement locations along the oregon coast

• cape kiwanda
• elk flats trailhead
• cannon beach
• ecola state park

Best time of year for an oregon coast elopement

the oregon coast can get pretty crowded during the tourist season. the best time of year to elope is either spring or fall if you’re looking for a more private elopement experience. if you’re all about the moody vibes, winter can also be stunning as usually the weather is fairly good year round. if your heart is set on a summer elopement on the oregon coast, it’s do-able, although i would highly recommend going early in the morning and early in the week for less crowds.

Permit information for eloping on the oregon coast

A special use permit is generally not needed.

Places to stay on the oregon coast

• cottage at cannon beach
• condo at arch cape
• cabin at arch cape
• mid-century riverfront cabin
• oceanside hideaway

Central Oregon

if you’re looking for diverse backdrops that offer mountains, deserts and lakes, central oregon is the place for you. this region features iconic locations like smith rock state park, crater lake and the painted hills, offering unique venues for couples seeking adventure and beauty. charming towns like bend and sisters offer cozy accommodations and local dining options, making your experience even more memorable.

Best elopement locations in central oregon

• smith rock state park
• painted hills national monument
• sparks lake
• crater lake

Best time of year for a central oregon elopement

with it’s mild weather, you are usually able to elope in central oregon any time of year. if you’re looking at places like sparks lakes, you may want to consider going in the summer months for green meadows.

Permit information for eloping in central oregon

no permits are needed for a majority of central oregon elopement locations. however, you’ll need a special use permit if you decide to elope at painted hills national monuments and you have more than 20 people attending (including vendors.) it’ll cost you $50 to apply for the permit

Places to stay in central oregon

• guesthouse in bend
• dome sweet dome
• condo in bend
• cozy a-frame cabin
• private cottage

Mt Hood

elope at mt. hood for an unforgettable experience amid stunning alpine scenery. this iconic oregon destination features majestic peaks, lush forest, and beautiful lakes, providing a breathtaking backdrop for your adventure elopement.

Best elopement locations at mt. hood

• trillium lake
• mirror lake
• lolo pass
• umbrella and sahale falls loop

Best time of year for a mt hood elopement

for the best weather and least amount of snow, choose to elope from july to september. this time of year gets the least amount of rain and the warmest temperatures, plus you’ll be able to find wildflowers! if you’re up for a snowy adventure elope at mt hood in january or february and head up to mt hood meadows to ski or snowboard.

Permit information for eloping at mt hood

you do not need a special use permit to elope at mt hood. make sure to double check as it is part of a national forest and could require a permit in the future.

Places to stay near mt hood

• retro cabin
• mountain air cabin
• dog friendly cabin
• klickitat treehouse
• woodland hideout

Columbia River Gorge

are you looking for waterfalls? i have the perfect place, elope at columbia river gorge. this iconic oregon destination features over 90 waterfalls, including the famous multnomah falls. with hundreds of hiking trails, viewpoints and waterfalls to explore, you can customize your elopement any way you’d like.

Best elopement locations in columbia river gorge

• latourell falls
• government cove
• bridal veil falls
• panther creeks falls

Best time of year to elope at columbia river gorge

the weather is typically mild all year round. i suggest eloping in the late summer/fall for the best weather. if you are going for moody vibes, the winter and early spring can be great as well.

Permit information for eloping at columbia river gorge

a special use permit is not needed

Places to stay near columbia river gorge

• fort dalles farmhouse
• tranquil forest hideaway
• chalet in cascade locks
• cabin with river views
• lakeside home

Mount Rainier National Park

elope at mount rainier national park for a stunning elopement experience amidst breathtaking natural beauty. as one of the most visited national parks in the u.s. it features iconic washington landmarks, lush meadows and vibrant wildflowers. mount rainier caters to both adventurous and romantic couples offering many accessible as well as longer hiking locations for you to choose from.

Best elopement locations in mount rainier national park

• paradise
• tipsoo lake
• myrtle falls
• mount fremont lookout

Best time of year for a mount rainier national park elopement

due to its high elevation, mount rainier experiences a lot of snowfall during the winter season, causing most of the park to be shut down. be cautious of eloping in the spring as it can take a while for the snowpack to melt and for the park to open back up. for less crowds, i’d recommend eloping in the late summer and fall.

Permit information for eloping at mount rainier national park

you will need a to get a special use permit to elope here. the permit is for any wedding ceremony within the park and you must apply at least four weeks in advance of your desired date. there is also a nonrefundable $175 online application fee. you will also need to pay the regular national park entrance fee (or let me ride along and I’ll bring my national parks pass.)

Places to stay near mount rainier national park

• cozy river cabin
• iron & vine treehouse
• cool a-frame
• alpine cabin
• luxury cabin

Mt Baker & Snoqualmie National Forest

located near seattle, mt Baker and snoqualmie national forest is an ideal choice for couples looking for mountain views, waterfalls, lakes and more. with locations like snoqualmie falls and the scenic trails of the forest, couples can choose from a range of breathtaking backdrops that reflect their unique love story. the intimate atmosphere of the forest provides a peaceful setting for your vows, while the diverse scenery allows for some epic photos.

Best elopement locations in mt baker and snoqualmie national forest

• artist point
• picture lake
• chain lakes loop
• gold creek pond

Best time of year for a mt baker and snoqualmie national forest elopement

with its elevation, i highly recommend eloping in the summer or very early fall. the less snowpack the better with mt baker and snoqualmie national forest.

Permit information for eloping at mt baker and snoqualmie national forest

a special use permit isn’t required for this area

Places to stay near mt baker and snoqualmie national forest

• cabin with hot tub
• glacier hideout
• luxury cabin
• charming cabin
• wanderer a-frame

Olympic National Park

are you dreaming of a twilight themed elopement? what about eloping in one of the most secluded national parks? olympic national park provides a diverse setting perfect for intimate vows and breathtaking photos. this stunning park features lush rainforests, rugged coastlines and majestic mountains, a perfect backdrop to marry the love of your life.

Best elopement locations in olympic national park

• la push
• hoh rain forest
• lake crescent
• hurricane ridge

Best time of year for an olympic national park elopement

the best times of year to visit are during the milder months of spring (march-may) or fall (september-november). however, since this national park is so big it’s not too crowded to elope at in the summer- especially if you choose a weekday to get married. if you’re wanting moody, rainy vibes, i’d recommend eloping during the winter months.

Permit information for eloping at olympic national park

if you are eloping in olympic national park you are required to apply for a special use permit. it’s $50 and must be applied for at least four weeks in advance. you will also need to pay the regular national park entrance fee (or let me ride along and I’ll bring my national parks pass.)

Places to stay near olympic national park

• quaint a-frame
• glamping at hurricane ridge
• cabin in forks
• lopez island cottage
• riverside retreat in forks

North Cascades National Park

if you’re looking for a memorable and intimate elopement experience, north cascades national park may be the place for you. this stunning national park features breathtaking mountains, lush forests, and clear lakes, providing the perfect backdrop for your special day. whether you want to hike in the mountains or enjoy a quiet picnic by the lake, north cascades national park is the perfect place to make your wedding day unforgettable.

Best elopement locations in north cascades national park

• artist point
• diablo lake
• blue lake
• rainy lake

Best time of year for a north cascades national park elopement

majority of the park is closed during the colder months, due to its high elevation. the best time of year to elope in north cascades is between june and september. however, make sure to monitor weather and snow conditions as sometimes the parks can take longer to open depending on the weather conditions.

Permit information for eloping at north cascades national park

you will need to obtain a special use permit to have your elopement in north cascades national park. there is a $50 non-refundable fee to apply.

Places to stay near north cascades national park

• riverside retreat with hot tub
• cozy a-frame
• glacier hideout
• charming cabin getaway
• farmhouse in the mountains

Activities to do at your PNW Elopement

now that you’ve found the perfect place to elope, here are some activity ideas to make your pnw elopement even more unique, adventurous and meaningful!

• hiking
• rappelling
• skiing
• horsebackriding
• having a picnic
• kayaking
• surfing
• stargazing
• making s-mores

PNW Elopement Photographer

Hey! I’m Katie, your PNW elopement photographer

whether you choose the pacific northwest, or still on the hunt for the perfect adventure elopement destination, i’d be honored to be a part of your special day and be able to document every single moment.

as a pacific northwest elopement photographer, i have spent countless hours planning and photographing epic adventure elopements for the most wonderful couples. from crafting your elopement timeline, helping you pick out the perfect location(s), to providing a 90+ page “how to elope guide” and of course- documenting your special day, i’ll be there every step of the way to make sure you have the elopement experience of a lifetime.

you can find out more about the katie jo photo elopement experience here, and if you’re wanting to get in touch, contact me here. 

i absolutely can’t wait to help you create the perfect adventure to get married to the love of your life!

PNW Elopement Packages

an elopement shouldn’t just be an hour long photoshoot. although you’ll receive epic photos, i offer much more than just that. you’ll be embarking on an incredible experience filled with guidance, step-by-step actionable advice, effective communication, my knowledge & expertise, all the travel tips, and so much more.

if you’re ready to start your adventure, my pacific northwest elopement packages start at $3800. reach out and let’s start planning the perfect day.