How to Elope in Washington
STEP BY STEP
Have you been dreaming of eloping in Washington but gotten too overwhelmed?
If no one's told you yet, wedding planning doesn't have to be stressful. It doesn't have to be "a full time job." Colour me biased, but they way I do things...it's kinda fun.
This guide will cover the basics and then point you to more in-depth info, so you can dive into each topic when you're ready.
Your ultimate guide to the evergreen state
Let's get started.
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we'll get into more detail later, but this is the gist:
5 Easy Steps to Planning Your Washington Elopement
5 Easy Steps to Planning Your Washington Elopement
Washington state has a fairly temperate climate, despite its rainy reputation. It's kind of a local secret that Washington is beautiful all year round, but we do have real seasons here! Each has its own magic, depending on what kind of elopement experience you're looking for, flowing from winter wonderland to bright green to wildflowers to gorgeous autumn colours.
When is the best time to elope in Washington?
the rainy elephant in the room
Short version: Everywhere.
1. National Parks (Olympic, North Cascades, Rainier)
2. National Forests (Olympic, Gifford-Pinchot, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie, Okanogan-Wenatchee, Colville)
3. State Parks (so many)
4. "Bonus" locations outside of the norm. Click over to the blog to read a much more thorough guide on where to elope!
Where are the best places to elope in Washington?
wHERE TO GO AND HOW TO CHOOSE?
Short version: Everywhere.
1. National Parks (Olympic, North Cascades, Rainier)
2. National Forests (Olympic, Gifford-Pinchot, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie, Okanogan-Wenatchee, Colville)
3. State Parks (so many)
4. "Bonus" locations outside of the norm. Click over to the blog to read a much more thorough guide on where to elope!
This document legally proves that you're married, and every state has different rules about it. In Washington, there's a 3-day waiting period between acquiring your license and using it, and it's only "good" for 60 days after picking it up, so keep that timeline in mind when you're applying for the license.
As far as all the details, your best bet is to check out your county's website and go by their guidelines. kingcounty.gov has some helpful information.
This is the person who performs your marriage ceremony and signs the license. Not every state requires an officiant, but Washington does, so add this to your list!
How do you legally elope in Washington?
Get a marriage license
Find an officiant
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Paperwork is paperwork. It's important from a legal perspective, it "officially" makes you family, and yes, it's a big deal for a lot of people.
I'll happily talk more about this, but the long and the short of it is: do whatever you want. If the paperwork is an issue or it's stressing you out or things aren't lining up...deal with it later. It's ok (:
My philosophy
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Again, different states have different laws. In Washington, you need two witnesses to sign your marriage license to make it legal. Witnesses can be anyone: friends, family, random people we meet on the trail (people love it when they get to be surprise witnesses), or me! The only people who can't sign as witnesses are you, your partner, and your officiant.
Find two witnesses
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make it official
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: eloping grants you the freedom to make your wedding day an experience.
Getting ready is part of your elopement day.
Celebrating afterward is part of your elopement day.
Why not revel in them both and find somewhere a wee bit more exciting that a hotel room?
Where to stay when you elope in Washington?
There are so many cute cabins and vacation rentals around Washington! Especially near the mountains. (Make sure you talk to the host before booking to make sure they're ok with me taking photos, how many people are allowed if you're having a wee reception, the parking situation, local noise ordinances, bathroom situation, etc.)
family property
Staying at your own or a family member's home adds a sweet element of familiarity.
camping
Washington has a plethora of campsites to choose from (in varying degrees of fanciness), often with some amazing views.
airbnb
Want to work with me?
Contact me! All you have to do is click that button below, type out some info about you and your partner, and click send.
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Jump on a quick phone or zoom call with me so we can get to know each other. Help me help you.
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Contract, retainer, done.
I am all yours, your very own elopement photographer / planner / consultant
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here's how
Follow a more traditional timeline
Traditional isn't code for "bad." What I mean by traditional timeline is this: you can do the things people do at big weddings. You get ready, have a ceremony, exchange vows, take portraits, and celebrate with your people. Just a wee bit differently.
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What can you do during your Washington elopement?
Do some of your favourite things
Don't think about this in a "wedding" context for a minute: off the top of your head, what are some of your favourite activities? Do you like snowshoeing? Cooking? Soaking in hot springs? Wine tasting?
Adding those things to your elopement day enhances the experience. If both of you already love music and playing instruments, or paddleboarding, or ice skating, why not do that during your elopement?
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Have an out-of-the-ordinary experience
Ever wanted to take a trip to a glacier in a helicopter? Go whale watching? Travel via float plane or hot air balloon? What better day than your elopement?!
Seriously, why the hell not? What an amazing memory! What an incredible experience to share together on the day you get married. I'm all about it; I think it's rad when couples check an item off their bucket lists on their elopement day.
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The main reason you hire me is to document your elopement day with photos you'll have for the rest of your lives. But to get the best photos, I help you with "all of the things" beforehand. Locations, timelines, other vendors, planning tips, the "How to Elope" guide... All while getting to know you both so your day is tailor-made for you.
What I do: going beyond photography to create an affirming, stress-free elopement experience
I'm your person. I've got you.
I've got a list of ADA-accessible locations, and I'm committed to finding places that will work for you and your loved ones. All of my couples' location lists include information on trail length/condition, elevation change, etc. Where I can, I include info on parking, benches, and spoon rating. Very big thank you to DisabledHikers.com for so much useful information.
accessibility
Some people in this gorgeous state of mine just can't handle being an ally. To the LGBTQ+ community, the Black community, to any humans who aren't straight, cis, white, neurotypical, able-bodied, and Christian.
Their minds and hearts aren't open.
Mine totally are though, so I've got you.
inclusivity + safety
Special considerations for your Washington elopement
"If you're on board, I'm on board."
— ME, right now
Meet your elopement photographer
Hello, love, I'm Rachel (they/them). And I'm here for you.
No, really, for you. And not just in the general, amorphous sense. In the real, actual sense where I listen to what you and your partner really want and help make it happen.
And then I photograph the whole thing.
My couples have said I've made them feel chill, relaxed, less stressed, calm, seen. And their elopement locations?
Those make them feel alive.
