Epic Two-Day Washington Adventure Elopement

Big, important truth: Elopements not only deserve just as much time as a more traditional style wedding…sometimes, they need even more time.

When Connor + Kathryn first started planning their elopement, they knew they wanted a truly full day experience. For them, this included both a ceremony with a small group of loved ones, as well as a hike for just the two of them, during which they’d exchange private vows and explore a beautiful location. They also wanted to see some iconic Pacific Northwest mountain views, but had to take accessibility for their guests into account.

At some point along the way, C+K realized they were trying to pack too many things into a single day. So, they asked, “Could we possibly extend our celebration over two days, instead of just one?” The answer to this is always a resounding, “Hell, yes!”

Here’s the thing: When I say there’s no rules when it comes to how you can elope, the amount of time you spend doing it is part of that. If you’ve got your heart set on exploring multiple locations, or hiking dozens of miles, or doing multiple activities that simply can’t all fit into one day – a multi-day elopement could be perfect for you. It’s a wonderful way to ensure you get to have the full experience you’re dreaming of, without feeling like you’re rushing from one thing to the next just to fit it all into a single day.

And so, a two-day elopement ended up being perfect for C+K. We spent the first day prioritizing their time with their family members including a group ceremony at a beautiful and easily accessible lake location, along with a celebratory dinner in the evening. On the second day, it was all about C+K and them finally getting to explore Mount Rainier – a spot they’d been dreaming of for months. They did a medium-sized hike of ~4 miles, stopping along the way for snacks and to read letters from loved ones and then ended the evening by exchanging private vows as the sun set.

Along with some photos from this couple’s whole elopement experience, I’ll share a high level example of the timeline for each day to give you an idea of how this all came together…and perhaps inspire your own multi-day elopement.

Oh, and I would remiss not to mention – When I reached out to Connor + Kathryn while writing this post, and I asked them for things they’d love to have included in this recap, Connor very enthusiastically requested that I also mention that “Kathryn is the most beautiful human on planet earth; it’s important you include that”. I couldn’t agree more!

Y’all, I love these two and their love for each other. Please fully enjoy their story ❤️

Table of Contents
Day 1 (Lake) Overview Day 1 Timeline – Day 2 (Mount Rainier) Overview Day 2 Timeline – Is a multi-day elopement right for you?

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Day 1: Lakeside ceremony with family and dinner celebration at a local restaurant

Some of my favorite things from Day 1 with Connor + Kathryn:

• Kathryn’s bouquet, which included beautiful crocheted flowers from one of her students (amazing!)
• When Kathryn revealed that the tie she found for Connor (that PERFECTLY matched her veil) had a sweet message embroidered on the back
• The hidden gorgeous forested area next to a stream behind their Airbnb, where they had their first look
• A stunning golden hour while they explored the lake where they’d have their ceremony with family
• Their hand-fasting, during which each member of their family added one of the cords while sharing sweet words
• A delicious dinner at a local restaurant, including wine pairings, and ending with Connor + Kathryn making their marriage official by signing their license

Day 1 Timeline

1:00 PM – 2:15 PM – Getting ready (detail photos, last touches, getting dressed, etc)

2:30-3:00 PM – Couple’s first look

3:15-3:30 PM – First look w/ family

3:40 PM – Depart for lake location

4:30-5:00 PM – Couple’s portraits around lake

5:15-5:45 PM – Ceremony

6:00-6:30 PM – Group photos

6:45-7:10 PM – Drive to restaurant

7:20-8:30 PM – Dinner + celebration!

Day 2: “Just us” hike at Mount Rainier with private vows

Some of my favorite things from Day 2 with Connor + Kathryn:

• Connor bringing his 35mm film camera and taking pictures of Kathryn all day
• Connor’s face when we rounded the corner and got our first full view of Mount Rainier
• Snacking on homemade cookies, courtesy Connor’s paternal grandmother
• Kathryn being stoked to get her Mount Rainier cancellation in her National Park Passport, and while I was taking detail photos with it, a ladybug landing perfectly atop it. And then learning that ladybugs have been considered a symbol of/for Connor’s maternal grandmother 🥹
• Kathryn eyeing some switchbacks we had to climb and deciding that taking off her dress and hauling it up the mountain like a backpack was the best bet. And then they both tackled those switchbacks like badasses.
• Their custom socks that included pictures of their cat’s faces!
• The chipmunk who decided to hang out with us while C+K read letters from loved ones
• The tiny avalanche near the top of the mountain (VERY far away from us; we were safe!) that rumbled like thunder
• Connor playing Bon Iver’s “Woods” (quietly + respectfully – no one else was on the trail at this time) as we neared their private vow location, during the most peaceful and magical sunset into blue hour

Day 2 Timeline

2:15 PM – Meet at trailhead

2:30 PM – Start hiking; ~0.9 miles to first stopping point

3:15-3:45 PM – Arrive at first stop; portraits here, then continue hiking

4:15-4:45 PM – Rest for picnic (homemade cookies from Grandma!)

5:30-6:00 PM – Third stopping point; rest and read letters from loved ones

6:15-6:45 PM – Sunset and blue hour at spot with Rainier in the background; private vows

7:15 PM – Arrive back at cars; you did it!

Is a multi-day elopement right for you?

If you’re dreaming of an elopement day full of activities, time enough for you to spend with loved ones as well as alone, long miles hiking, and/or multiple locations, then a two (or more!) day elopement might be perfect for you. It’s a great way to ensure you never feel rushed through any part of your experience, while also not having to compromise on what you want to include in your celebration.

And if you’re feeling unsure where to even start with planning something like this, check out my Guide to Planning a Destination PNW Elopement, and reach out for a free consultation call!