Guide to Planning a Destination PNW Elopement

I have lived in the Pacific Northwest (the PNW, if you will) my entire life. From Idaho to Washington to Oregon, I’ve resided in every state that makes up this very special region of the USA. So, no one could fault you for thinking I’m a little biased when I say that I believe this to be one of the most magical places in the entire world (and I’ve done my fair share of traveling). The Pacific Northwest is a wonderland full of fairytale forests, dreamy coastlines, epic mountains, incredible waterfalls, and myriad other magnificent landscapes that make for the perfect backdrop to an adventure elopement or wedding. It’s no wonder folks come from all around to not only visit this place, but also to commemorate some significant life moments here, like getting married.

That said, the logistics of getting married in a place that isn’t your home base – or that may even be entirely new to you – can understandably seem intimidating. How do you pick a specific location? What season should you target? What are the requirements to make sure your marriage is legally legit in the place you have your ceremony? How do you find vendors that align with your vision and your values?

There are so many things to consider, but I don’t say any of this to overwhelm you. Quite the contrary: If you’ve hired – or are planning to hire – a PNW photographer who specializes in elopements, they should be able to help you with all of this and more! Still, if you’re thinking of eloping in the PNW, it’s a good idea to have an understanding of some key considerations to help you along the way.

Note: For this guide, I’m focusing on Washington and Oregon, as these are the states that I work in the most and that I’ve helped the most out-of-state couples elope in. Essentially, these are my personal main areas of expertise! However, I (and many others!) also consider Idaho and Northern California to be part of the PNW, and they’re just as worthy of consideration for an elopement. Many of these guidelines apply to Idaho and Northern California as well, but I recommend working in depth with your photographer and/or planner to ensure you’re fully prepared for whichever state/region you end up choosing.

All right, let’s dive into it!

Table of Contents
Why You Should Consider A PNW Elopement PNW Weather + Seasons Locations To Consider For Your PNW Elopement Travel Tips for the PNW Marriage License Info

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Why You Should Consider A PNW Elopement

If you’re reading this, then you may already be convinced that the PNW is an ideal place for a wedding adventure. But in case you’re on the fence – or maybe this is the first time you’ve heard of this region – let’s break down some of the best reasons to consider the PNW for your elopement.

Diversity of Landscapes

The Pacific Northwest is known for its extensive public lands, with more than 30% of Washington and 53% of Oregon managed by the Federal government. This unique region has 16 National Forests, 59 District Offices (e.g. BLM managed areas), a National Scenic Area, and a National Grassland – all of which add up to 24.7 million acres. And these public lands come in a huge range of environments.

Here in the PNW, we’ve got everything from rugged coastlines, temperate rainforests, green river valleys, volcanic mountains, and even expansive desert. And I’d be remiss not to mention our mountain ranges: We’ve got the Coast Mountains (includes the Olympic Range to Siskiyou Mountains), Cascades Range (extends from Southern British Columbia to Northern California, and includes the North Cascades, Mount Rainier, Mount St Helens, Mount Hood, and other notable ranges and peaks), and the Blue Mountains (largely in NE Oregon and into SE Washington, and includes the Ochoco Mountains, Wallowa Mountains, and many other ranges).

All in all, the PNW has almost every kind of landscape you can imagine, all within this one little corner of the United States. So, whether you envision saying your vows at the top of a mountain, at the base of a roaring waterfall, or under the green canopy of a rainforest, you’ll find it here.

Access to the Outdoors

All of these amazing landscapes are wonderful, but how easy are they to access?* Let’s talk about it!

Given the huge amount of public lands in the PNW, there’s quite a lot of options for elopement locations, all with varying levels of difficulty to access.

While there do exist areas that are very remote and hard to get to, there are also tons of areas that are much easier to access, have no or low cost entry requirements, are well-maintained, and still offer incredible views and connection to natural spaces. And while one might assume that the most easily accessed areas are bound to be overrun by other visitors, in my experience, there’s a multitude of locations where you can find some solitude so long as you know where to look (and when to be there).

For example, on the Olympic Peninsula, you can have a day that starts with epic mountain views at sunrise, then visit a rainforest, hike to a waterfall, and finally watch the sunset from a rugged coastal beach – all with minimal other people around and without driving more than 2-3 hours between locations (and in most cases, an hour or less). There are many other places in the PNW like this, where you can experience quiet and solitude in multiple different landscapes all in the span of a few hours!

This is where working with someone local to the region you’re thinking about getting married in comes in super handy. Folks who specialize in a particular area will be able to help you identify locations that work best for what you’re dreaming of for your own elopement. They’re also likely to be really honest with you about the challenges and realities of some of the locations you’ve maybe seen on social media – and how they may not actually be the best choice for an intimate wedding celebration.

*Important: When I talk about “access” here, I’m mostly talking about infrastructure and the ability to *get to* many trailheads, parks, and other outdoor spaces by car, bicycle, or foot. There are many other things to consider when we talk about accessibility to the outdoors that are not purely about infrastructure and physical access to trailheads (e.g. barriers to the outdoors caused by things like the cost of passes and permits, trail maintenance issues, lack of ADA accessible trail options, and the representation, safety, and inclusion of marginalized groups in the outdoors as a whole), and it’s important to acknowledge that, while there has been some wonderful work done here to address some of these things, the PNW still has a lot of growing to do in many of these areas. A photographer or planner who specializes in the PNW can help you navigate these particular access considerations and help you find the best location(s) so you can focus on enjoying your day and being present with your partner.

Temperate Weather

In general, the PNW has mild weather. The winters here are cold and wet, while summers are warm and dry. Mountain areas see regular snowfall (in fact, the upper mountain elevations receive the highest amount of snow in the continental U.S.), and more western and northern areas of the region (ie western Washington and Oregon) receive the most rainfall in the continental United States. You’ll find that things become warmer and dryer as you move through eastern Washington and Oregon, into Idaho. Overall, the entire area that makes up the PNW is defined as temperate, and extremes in temperatures and precipitation are unusual.

What does this mean for you, if you’re considering a PNW elopement? I’ll cover more of this in the “Weather + Seasons” section, but a quick tl;dr is two main points:

First, it means that we’ve got a pretty extended window when it comes to elopement season in most areas. Technically, you could get married outdoors in the PNW any time of year, depending on the specific area. And realistically, the PNW’s best seasons for an adventure elopement in the outdoors are typically going to be March/April through October/November. This is a huge window of time that provides a lot of possibilities for an outdoor wedding or elopement.

Second, it means that very rarely are you going to be contending with extreme weather conditions. One of the biggest considerations for a PNW elopement is the potential for rain, but even then, it’s not often that folks are having to plan for truly harsh weather.

That said, it’s definitely important to be prepared for the weather here, and aside from rain being a very real possibility throughout the year in many places, there’s also the potential for very hot days in the summer months, snow in mountainous regions, and a pretty regularly occurring fire season. Again, what you need to plan for depends heavily on the specific location and region you’re getting married in, but your elopement photographer or planner should have knowledge of the weather considerations for your particular celebration and help you prepare accordingly.

Inclusive Vendors

One of the best things about getting married in the PNW, I think, is the ability to find inclusive vendors. While I won’t pretend that the PNW is immune from racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism, and other forms of discrimination and prejudice (it’s definitely not; in fact, this area has a very problematic history and arguably, is often not the safe haven for underrepresented groups that it often touts itself to be), I will say that I’ve noticed – in the western part of the PNW in particular – there’s a growing community of inclusivity-minded wedding vendors (for example, the Altared PDX organization) who are trying to not only run their businesses in a more aware and equitable way, but are also trying to work together to change the wedding industry as a whole.

If you’re not sure where to start in identifying and connecting with vendors that match your values and needs, check with your elopement photographer or planner. Many folks (myself included) have a referral list of people they’ve personally worked with and can point you in the direction of other vendors who will validate and celebrate you and your partner.

There’s also a number of resources online where you can easily find inclusive vendors, both here in the PNW and elsewhere. Just to name a few:

• Equally Wed
• Everywhere is Queer
• Vendors of Color
• PDX Gay Pages

Now that we’ve covered the “why” of having a destination PNW elopement, let’s talk more about the when, where, and how.

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PNW Weather + Seasons

Let’s dive into the details of PNW seasons to give you a feel for what to expect and start brainstorming which months you might want to elope.

Keep in mind that there are many different regions within the PNW, and they don’t all experience the same weather during each season. Additionally, I’ll be sharing some averages in regards to rainfall and temperatures for certain regions, but of course, those can vary from year to year as well. It’s really important that you do some research into the specific location you’re thinking of getting married to ensure you understand what to expect and can have the best experience possible.

Spring

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Months:

March, April, May

Average precipitation for the season:

• Western Washington + Oregon – 7 to 10 inches
• Eastern Washington + Oregon – 2 to 5 inches

Pros of eloping during the spring season in the PNW:

• Mild temperatures – You typically won’t see extreme heat or cold during these months in most areas, though keep in mind that mountainous regions will likely still have snow and may be inaccessible into mid-summer.
• Low fire danger – Most areas aren’t yet at high risk of fires during these months.
• Spring blooms and wildflowers – Some lower-lying areas have beautiful blooms during these months, like cherry blossoms and magnolias. You can also catch wildflowers in places like the Columbia River Gorge, which sees lupine, shooting star, buttercup, and many other beautiful flowers during the spring season.
• Slower-ish season for hiking – While wildflowers can often bring bigger crowds to certain spots, trails aren’t typically at their busiest quite yet, especially in early spring (March to early April).
• Full falls and green meadows – Many of the waterfalls in the PNW are fullest during the spring, when snow starts to melt and before hotter temperatures begin. Additionally, spring (and early summer) can be the greenest season in some places.

Cons of eloping during the spring season in the PNW:

• Heavier rainfall – Spring can be one of the wettest seasons in the PNW.
• Unpredictable weather – In addition to the chances of rain being higher, weather during spring months can be a bit more variable than summer or even fall. Conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly in some areas.
• Trail conditions and accessibility – Some areas are either hard to access or completely inaccessible during spring months (e.g. mountain areas). Additionally, some trails can suffer damage during the winter months, and it can take a while for crews to get out and cleanup blowdown, fix bridges, and do other trail maintenance.
• Crowds – Though spring isn’t the busiest season in the PNW, it certainly isn’t the quietest either. As mentioned above, wildflower season can attract tourists, and especially once you start getting into late spring as the weather improves, the crowds do start to increase.

Places to consider eloping in the PNW during spring:

• Columbia River Gorge – The Gorge can be beautiful in spring, with abundant wildflowers, dramatic waterfalls, and ever-present sweeping views. Weather can be unpredictable in this region, though, and trails can be busy during peak wildflower season. Be sure to plan accordingly with your photographer/planner.
• Snoqualmie Falls – One of my personal favorite falls in the PNW, this spot is a gem. It’s a great location in the spring, because the falls are typically very full, and it’s not nearly as busy as during summer months.
• Olympic National Park – ONP is a diverse park where you can experience rainforests, mountain views, waterfalls, and beaches. It tends to be a bit less busy during spring months than in summer. It also benefits from a rain shadow caused by the Olympic Mountains, which means the eastern side of the park sees a lot less rain than the western side. This provides wonderful backup location options if the weather at your chosen elopement spot on the western side of the park turns too wet or miserable leading up to your elopement day.

Summer

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Months:

June, July, August

Average precipitation for the season:

• Western Washington + Oregon – 1 to 3 inches
• Eastern Washington + Oregon – 0 to 1 inch

Pros of eloping during the summer season in the PNW:

• Lower chances of rain – While it does still rain in many areas of the PNW during the summer months, the frequency and amount is much lower than the other three seasons. Chances of a rain-free day are highest during summer, especially July-August.
• Warmer temperatures – Summer temperatures in the PNW tend to be pretty mild and pleasant. We do sometimes see very high temperatures (above 90 degrees F), but overall, the average temperature during summer months sees lows from 50-60 degrees F and highs from 65-90 degrees F.
• Access to mountains – Many mountain areas in the PNW have scheduled and weather-dependent road closures during winter and into spring. By July-August, many of these roads have been re-opened and some beautiful areas become accessible again.
• Summer blooms and wildflowers – Wildflower season in many mountain areas doesn’t start until July or August. So, catching the best blooms in mountainous locations typically means waiting until summer months.
• More daylight – The days get longer during these months, which means you have more daylight to work with! This is great for ensuring you’re not rushing through your day just to keep up with the sun, especially if you have multiple places you want to explore.

Cons of eloping during the summer season in the PNW:

• Fire season – In recent years, there’s become a more pronounced fire season in the PNW, and it usually occurs during late spring, summer, and sometimes extends into early fall. There’s many factors that contribute to it, but dryer conditions, hotter temperatures, and more human activity (campfires, discarded cigarettes, etc) during these months are some of the bigger reasons that summer is often the season we worry about it most.
• Potential for higher temperatures – While warmer temperatures can be a pro to eloping in the summer in the PNW, it’s also potentially a con during some of those much hotter days. While it’s impossible to predict exactly when those days will occur, it’s generally good to keep in mind that they can occur, and especially during summer months.
• Busy trails and parks – As you might expect, the summer is the busiest season for outdoor recreation in the PNW. Popular and well-known trails take the brunt of this, so if you’re planning on eloping in the summer in the PNW, take advantage of working with an experienced photographer or planner who can help you find locations that are less-frequented and guide you on the best days and times to visit certain locations to avoid the worst of the crowds.
• Permit availability – Related to the fact that there’s an increase in crowds during the summer months, permits can be harder to come by, depending on the location and day you’re targeting. Some spots even have resorted to lottery systems to issue permits to deal with the ever-increasing demand. Check with your photographer/planner for help navigating permits, as it’s one of the most important parts of the elopement planning process.

Places to consider eloping in the PNW during summer:

• Mountains – This is purposely broad, because there are many mountain locations that can be absolutely wonderful for a summer elopement. Whether you’re looking at the North Cascades, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood, or any of the other amazingly beautiful mountain areas we’ve got here, many of them become most accessible during summer months. And wildflower season in the mountains can be stunning!
• Redwoods – Southern Oregon and Northern California have a multitude of redwood forests that are breathtaking in the summer. The Oregon Redwoods in particular have the benefit of also being close to gorgeous areas on the Southern Oregon Coast, so you can get two iconic locations in one day.
• Crater Lake – Crater Lake is an unforgettable and unique location. It’s got interesting, and sometimes unpredictable, weather all year round, and summer is your best bet if you want warmer temperatures. Of course, it’s also when it’s busiest. Work with your photographer or planner to help you identify strategic days and times to elope at this location.

Fall

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Months:

September, October, November

Average precipitation for the season:

• Western Washington + Oregon – 5 to 12 inches
• Eastern Washington + Oregon – 1 to 4 inches

Pros of eloping during the fall season in the PNW:

• Mild weather – While the chances for and amounts of rain during fall are higher than summer, there still tends to be many dry days. The temperatures also tend to stay pretty mild, especially in early fall. Average highs typically sit between 60-70 degrees F, and lows average around 40-50 degrees F.
• Fall foliage – The colors of autumn in the PNW can be stunning. Especially in areas like the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon wine country, Mount Rainier, and others, you can experience some really magical displays.
• Fewer crowds – Crowds start to dissipate a bit during the fall months, and significantly in late fall. This is wonderful, because typically the weather is still nice for exploring the outdoors, but you don’t have to worry quite so much about places being overrun with bunches of other people!
• Seasonal activities – This may not be specific to the PNW, but the fall season comes with fun and cozy activities. There’s things like apple picking, pumpkin patches, ciders, brew and food festivals, and so much more. There’s opportunities to incorporate these activities into your elopement day, or simply enjoy them while you’re visiting the area.
• Light – The light really is different in the fall here! In autumn, the angle of the sun changes in such a way that we get softer, golden light for longer periods, especially during morning and late afternoon. Fall is my personal favorite season for a number of reasons, and as a photographer, the changes in light are definitely part of that!

Cons of eloping during the fall season in the PNW:

• Increase in rain – Fall isn’t the rainiest season in the PNW, but it also isn’t the driest. You will see an increase in rainfall from summer to fall, so just keep this in mind and plan accordingly.
• Shorter days – As you probably know, days start getting shorter in the fall. While this can be nice for more easily catching sunrise and sunset, it also mean you have fewer daylight hours to work with.
• Fire season – Fire season can extend into early fall, and it should be a factor you consider when choosing the time of year you get married in the PNW. Smoky skies aren’t unheard of in early fall, and in rare cases, wildfires can sometimes make certain locations inaccessible. Chat with your photographer and/or planner about backup plans if a nearby fire ends up impacting your elopement.
• Snow begins in some areas – Mostly in higher elevation mountain areas, snowfall begins in the fall months. This can occur as early as October, and it’s never guaranteed that mountain roads that typically close during the winter will be open into the fall season. Chat with your photographer/planner about the potential for your chosen location to become inaccessible due to snowfall and always be sure to have a backup plan.

Places to consider eloping in the PNW during fall:

• Columbia River Gorge – Talk about amazing fall foliage, the Gorge is breathtaking during autumn. Many of the trails in the area have incredible viewpoints where you can see all the hills covered in stunning golden hues. An absolutely worthy consideration for a fall elopement.
• Oregon Coast – The Oregon Coast is a wonderful place that not only has tons of beautiful beaches, but is also covered in forests. Many of these forests turn beautiful colors in the fall. Add on to that the fact that the beaches typically become less crowded during autumn, and you’ve got a recipe for a perfect elopement location.
• Lower elevation mountain areas – If you want to experience dream-like fall colors, consider a mountain location. Places like Mount Rainier light up in almost surreal colors during the fall. You can even try to catch larch trees turning brilliant yellow in places like the North Cascades during early fall. Just remember that snowfall can start early in these regions, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.
• San Juan Islands – The San Juan Islands in Washington state are an absolute gem of a place to visit any time of year, but I think fall is a particularly special time. The bulk of the tourists have left after the summer rush, and the trails are much less busy. Orcas Island is a personal favorite, and the light at spots like Mount Constitution during the fall is truly remarkable.

Winter

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Months:

December, January, February

Average precipitation for the season:

• Western Washington + Oregon – 10 to 20 inches
• Eastern Washington + Oregon – 1 to 5 inches

Pros of eloping during the winter season in the PNW:

• Little to no crowds – Winter is typically the slowest season for outdoor tourism in the PNW due to our wet and cold temperatures, reduced accessibility to certain locations, and shorter days during these months. So if avoiding crowds during your elopement is a high priority, winter could be a great season to consider.
• Snow activities – While some mountain areas may become inaccessible due to seasonal road closures during the winter, there are tons of areas that remain open and provide a multitude of outdoor activity options like skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, and more. Places like Mount Hood even have fun things like cosmic tubing and other special events that allow folks an opportunity to fully enjoy the winter weather.
• Cozy vibes – Along with fun winter outdoor activities, the PNW takes on a cozy, romantic vibe during winter months. We have no shortage of warm and intimate coffee shops, restaurants, and other local businesses where you can grab something hot to eat or drink any time. There’s numerous cozy cabins and lodges where you can cuddle up together after getting married in some moody PNW winter outdoor settings.
• Location availability – There’s a lot less competition for lodging, permits, and location access during winter months. So, it’s much more likely there will be availability for reservations and bookings.

Cons of eloping during the winter season in the PNW:

• Cold + wet weather – PNW winters can be not only cold, but also wet. It’s also much more likely that you’ll get rained or snowed on during the winter months when spending time outdoors.
• Limited access to some trails – Some mountain roads have scheduled or weather-dependent closures during the winter, which means some locations have limited access or no access at all. This narrows the options you have to work with when looking for an elopement spot. However, most non-mountain areas remain open year-round.
• Trail conditions – Even if trails are open, they can still be affected by the winter weather. Many trails become more muddy and in some cases, treacherous (if you’re looking at cliffside locations or particularly technical trails). Keep this in mind, and be sure to have candid conversations with your photographer/planner about the conditions you should expect at your location(s).
• Short days – There’s the least amount of daylight during the winter months, which means needing to plan carefully so you don’t unintentionally get caught in the dark while outdoors. That said, this can also be a positive. If you’re planning a shorter elopement day and really want to catch sunrise and sunset, the time between the two gets compacted, making it easier to experience both.

Places to consider eloping in the PNW during winter:

• Olympic National Park – ONP is a versatile park, and it can be a beautiful location in the winter (if you’re prepared for a potentially wet day!). There’s far fewer crowds at ONP in the winter. And while some of the mountain locations in the park may be harder to get to or have road closures, because much of the park sits well below typical snow levels, most of it remains accessible during winter months.
• Central Oregon – Bend, Sunriver, and surrounding areas in Central Oregon typically see snow in the winter but can be wonderful places to enjoy winter sports and activities during your elopement.
• Mount Hood National Forest – If you want to purposely integrate snow into your elopement, Mount Hood is a great choice. Many of the roads stay open through the winter, and there’s some stunning trails for snowshoeing, skiing, and other activities. There’s also beautiful little cabins and other lodging in close proximity to the mountain.

All right! Now that you’ve got a general idea of the weather and seasons in the PNW, let’s chat more about locations.

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Locations to Consider for Your PNW Elopement

As you probably have gathered by now, there’s a huge number of locations in the PNW that can serve as gorgeous backdrops for an intimate wedding celebration. And the variety here is immense!

No matter if you’re planning a “just us” day, or looking forward to celebrating with your closest loved ones…

No matter if you want to explore multiple types of scenery and engage in lots of different activities, or you’d rather have a low key experience in one location with a focus on relaxation and being present together…

No matter if you want to get down in the dirt and go on a hiking/kayaking/climbing/some other outdoorsy adventure, or if you’d rather be able to drive or ride to your location(s) while still having an experience that’ll get your heart rate up in a totally different way (like with breathtaking views)…

The point is, no matter what you’re planning for your elopement experience, it’s highly likely the PNW has got the perfect location to serve as the setting for your one-of-a-kind wedding adventure (in whatever “adventure” means to you!).

Here are a handful of my own favorite better-known locations for a PNW elopement. Keep in mind that many photographers and planners who specialize in elopements (like myself) will also have “hidden gem” spots to share with you once we get to know you more, understand better who you are, and can then make personalized suggestions for elopement locations that are truly matched to the experience you’re dreaming of.

Let’s dive in!

Washington Elopement Locations

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Oregon Elopement Locations

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Now that you have a feel for when and where you might want to elope in the PNW, what about the how? Let’s talk about some of the all-important logistics of eloping, and go over some travel tips for getting to and around the PNW.

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Travel Tips for the PNW

There’s a number of logistics a person has to consider when traveling anywhere, and when you add in the extra consideration of also getting married while traveling, it can start to feel a little overwhelming. A lot of elopement photographers and planners will help you through some of this, but here’s a few general things to keep in mind when planning to travel to the PNW for your intimate wedding.

Major Airports

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Washington

Seatac

The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is about 30 minutes from downtown Seattle and is one of the most connected airports in the PNW. It’s very easy to fly in and out of from multiple locations, with lots of non-stop options to/from locations all over the U.S. It’s location is pretty wonderful for a lot of ideal elopement spots in Washington, including:

• Olympic National Park: <4 hours from Forks, WA and <3 hours from Port Angeles, WA (both great homebases for exploring ONP)
• Mount Rainier: <2 hours from Ashford, WA (closest town and a good homebase for the west side of Rainier)
• Snoqualmie: 30 minutes from Snoqualmie/North Bend (which is home to the beautiful Snoqualmie Falls and other incredible trails and sites)
• San Juan Islands: ~2 hours or less from Anacortes (one of the main ferry terminals to get to the San Juans)
• North Cascades: ~2.5 hours to Leavenworth, and ~4 hours to Winthrop (both great homebases for lots of scenic spots in the North Cascades area)
• Mount Baker: <2 hours to Bellingham (great homebase for trails around Mount Baker and the North Cascades)

Oregon

PDX

The Portland International Airport is about 30 minutes (depending on traffic) from downtown Portland. It, like SeaTac, has many options for non-stop flights to and from dozens of domestic and international locations. It also is ideally located for accessing many wonderful elopement spots in Oregon, including:

• Oregon Coast: <2 hours to Astoria, Cannon Beach, Tillamook, and many other beautiful northern Oregon coast locations that are home to numerous popular – as well as hidden gem – elopement locations.
• Columbia River Gorge: <1 hour to Cascade Locks, Hood River, and other fantastic Gorge towns that can serve as the perfect home base for exploring the region and eloping under some waterfalls!
• Mount Hood: <1 hour to the west side of Mount Hood, where you can find amazing mountain trails for an epic elopement backdrop.
• Oregon Wine Country: <1 hour from Newberg, McMinnville, and other towns where you can stay to enjoy the over 700(!) wineries – and some gorgeous elopement location options – that currently exist in the Willamette Valley.
• Central Oregon: ~3 hours to Bend and Sunriver, which are both magnificent options for an adventurous, outdoors-focused elopement. It’s the high desert, so a totally different vibe than the more western part of the state, too!
• Crater Lake: <5 hours to the lake itself (similar driving distance to the closest nearby towns with hotel options, like Shady Cove or Prospect, which are typically at least ~40 minutes from the lake, due to the fact that Crater Lake sits in the middle of the National Forest).
  

Transportation Options + Getting Around

The PNW is very driveable in general, so grabbing a rental car is always a great option – especially if you’re planning to explore any of the national and state parks. Truly, a car is your best bet for getting around here if you’re traveling to a spot that’s further away from a larger town or city. That said, there’s definitely other options for getting around out here, for both long and short distance ventures. Keep in mind, this is a very short and general list. There’s definitely options beyond this, so be sure to do your research and ask for help from your planner/photographer for your particular elopement plans.

Amtrak

Amtrak is a great option for both scenic train rides and also getting from one place to another across longer distances. That said, this is not the sort of train system you should rely on for regular day-to-day commuting. Routes are limited and specific, so I’d recommend checking the route maps and reserving tickets ahead of time.

Ridesharing Apps

Both Uber and Lyft have decent presences in both Washington and Oregon. Though, like most other places in the U.S., you’ll have best luck with this transportation option closer to cities and larger towns. I wouldn’t recommend relying on a rideshare app in more rural towns near some of the national parks, and again, a rental car will serve you better if you’re planning to adventure in the outdoors.

Shuttles

This is a more broad recommendation and has a very specific use case, but know that there are often shuttling options (and in some places, requirements) for accessing certain trails and scenic areas. Using shuttles can help ensure you don’t have to contend with parking at busier trailheads. It also helps stem the flow of traffic into the more heavily used areas, which can be nice for limiting crowds (again, this is situational, and some parks are just always more likely to be crowded, especially during warmer months). If you’re thinking of eloping in a more popular area of the PNW, check into shuttles, and ask your planner/photographer for help if you think you may need to utilize this option for transportation. They’ll likely have recommendations for timing and other logistics to make the process as easy as possible.

City Transit

Both Seattle and Portland have great bus and train systems for getting around the city. These are pretty limited to the cities themselves, but can still be helpful if you’re planning on eloping somewhere in the metro area. Both cities actually do have some beautiful outdoor parks within city limits that are accessible by transit! This is also a good option for justgetting around beyond your elopement day while you’re visiting the PNW.

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Marriage License Info

I’ll start this section by saying it’s really important that you do your own research and make sure you understand the requirements for getting legally married, no matter the location you choose. What I share below is based on information I’ve pulled from official county websites, but rules and regulations can change over time. It’s vital that you check what is required for your particular celebration, location, and timing. I recommend calling or emailing the county you plan to get married in, just to make sure you understand exactly what you need to do ahead of your wedding day so that you can officially, and legally, be married after your elopement.

Washington State Guidelines

In general, Washington State has some pretty simple guidelines for getting married. A couple key things to know:

• You can purchase a marriage license from any county in Washington, and you do not have to get married in the same county you get your license from (though that license will only be valid for a marriage ceremony in the state of Washington).
• There’s a 3 day waiting period after you get your license before you can officially get married, and the license is valid for 60 days after the 3 day waiting period.
• You’re required to have a registered officiant and two witnesses (the officiant cannot also serve as a witness).
• Your official certificate of marriage must be returned to the county from which you purchased it within 30 days of your ceremony. Most can be mailed, and many officiants will handle this for you, though you can also do it yourself.

A reminder to always check the guidelines and requirements for your specific location that you plan to get married. For reference, King County has put together a wonderful step-by-step resource that lays everything out in a very easy to follow format!

Oregon State Guidelines

Oregon also has pretty simple guidelines for getting married, and they are very similar to Washington:

• You can get your marriage license from any county in Oregon. You do not need to have your ceremony in the county in which you obtain your license, but you do need to get married in Oregon with that license (ie you cannot get married in Washington with an Oregon marriage license).
• There’s a 3 day waiting period after you purchase your license, though you can waive that waiting period for an additional fee. After the waiting period, the license is valid for 60 days.
• You’re required to have a registered officiant and two witnesses (the officiant cannot also serve as a witness).
• Your official certificate of marriage must be returned to the county no later than 5 business days after your ceremony. Your officiant will often handle this for you.

A reminder to always check the guidelines and requirements for your specific location that you plan to get married. For reference, the Oregon State website has some info on Marriages in Oregon, and Multnomah County has a decent guide on marriage licenses (though be sure to check the specific county from which you plan to get your license).

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Summary

The Pacific Northwest is a dazzling, one-of-a-kind region worthy of consideration for your destination elopement if you want a scenic, nature-connected, magical setting for your once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Whether you’re looking for forests, waterfalls, ocean, mountains, desert, or almost anything in between, you’ll probably find it here.

While this guide can serve as a great reference for planning a PNW destination elopement, I highly recommend checking out my location-specific guides for more detailed information on particular locations and regions.

With that, I wish you happy elopement planning!

P.S. Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry; you don’t have to do this all alone! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re looking for someone to help you plan your destination PNW elopement from afar, while also ensuring you get experience-focused documentation of your intimate wedding day. I’ve helped couples from all over the country elope in Washington and Oregon, and I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming!

Sources

• USDA PNW Region Almanac 2017
• NPS “Weather Patterns of the Pacific Coast”
• Travel Portland: Portland International Airport (PDX)
• King County Marriage Licensing Guide
• Oregon.gov “Information on Marriages in Oregon”