If you have decided to elope, let us be the first to say, “Congratulations! You and your beloved are about to embark on an exciting, new journey, saying “nope” to the ordinary in favor of an untraditional and meaningful celebration with love as the primary focus. Together you will be creating memories that last forever.
Now, the biggest challenge is deciding where to start the rest of your lives. You could head to the coast and have the beach wedding of your dreams, climb high above the clouds for a panoramic mountaintop wedding or have an elegant event at a beautiful inn. Your options are suddenly limitless. To help you with your decision, our INNSiders gathered some of the most romantic elopement destinations in Washington State to help you find the perfect venue for your special day.
Seattle
Seattle provides a stunning backdrop for eloping in Washington State. With a mix of the picturesque cityscape and vibrant natural beauty, the diversity of the landscape is as comforting as it is exhilarating. One of the most incredible views in the area can be found at the iconic Kerry Park in the historic Queen Anne neighborhood. The small plaza provides access to views of Elliot Bay, the Space Needle and Mount Rainier. At sunset, the glowy reflection of the sun on city windows is something out of a modern fairytale. If you’re looking for a more inconspicuous setting, try one of the many public gardens across the city. Parsons Gardens, Volunteer Park Conservatory and Kubota Garden are just a few of the city’s offerings for luscious gardens and a wide range of flora and plants, making for a romantic and blissful experience.
Our wonderful members Greenlake Guest House and Shafer Baillie Mansion offer elopement and wedding packages respectively. With incredible attention to detail by the staff and elegant venues, your special day will be memorable, stress-free and love-focused when you choose our members to host your elopement or small wedding.
Artist’s Point – Mt. Baker/Bellingham
At the end of Highway 542, past the Mt. Baker Ski Resort lies Artist’s Point, a popular hiking spot with scenic views of the rocky Cascade Mountains. There is no bad view from up here. Hike along a trail to find a serene meadow to host your ceremony, hike a mile or two to one of the glacial lakes, or simply say ‘I Do’ anywhere in the wilderness. You can have your outdoorsy, mountain elopement without having to hike a couple of miles. Simply show up and your backdrop is ready for you! Bonus tip: During autumn, the moss and wildflowers cover the rocky terrain in a kaleidoscope of color. Elope with every color of the rainbow behind you.
Ski Resort Wedding
Dress – check. Suit – check. Rings – check. Ski goggles – check? Eloping in Washington State doesn’t have to be by the ocean. If you want a fun and non-traditional wedding, try gathering your closest friends and family on the ski hill for a winter wedding that will be one for the books. Washington has a collection of Epic Ski Areas where you can elope in style. Imagine exchanging vows in a winter wonderland surrounded by 360-degree views that will make you feel as if you’re on top of the world. If you want a summer elopement, don’t worry! Some of these resorts still run their lifts during the warm season. You can get married at high elevation with some adorable wedding photos at the lodges with spring blooms all around.
Sea Cliff Gardens – Port Angeles
Steeped 130 feet above the ocean on a cliff with panoramic views lies Sea Cliff Gardens B&B, a beloved vacation destination for lovers looking to explore Olympic National Park. Whether you want a personal ceremony with just the two of you or a small wedding with a couple of close friends and family, Sea Cliff Gardens can accommodate you. Tie the knot with the ocean in the background and eagles flying above, in our old-growth cedar forests, amidst our English perennial gardens, or with the Victorian Inn as your backdrop. Pamper yourself before the ceremony with luxurious guest suites including fireplaces, jacuzzis and plush amenities to help you get ready for your special day.
Ruby Beach – Olympic Peninsula
Who doesn’t love a good beach wedding? As far as elopement destinations in Washington State go, the beaches with their salty air and sea breeze, are the perfect romantic settings for tying the knot and celebrating your love – and getting stunning photos while you’re at it. During the summer you’ll be treated to sunny, blue-sky days with colorful sunsets, and during the winter you’ll most likely find gray skies and mist, perfect for a Pacific Northwest elopement. Use one of the moss-covered rocks as your altar and build an aisle out of driftwood logs.
Swantown Inn & Spa – Olympia
From destination elopements to the ultimate fairytale wedding, the Swantown Inn & Spa is a premiere wedding venue in Olympia. Choose from a garden wedding, an intimate candlelit affair, or a Victorian Ballroom ceremony. The elopement package includes the officiant, a small bouquet, a wedding cake and a night in their luxurious Astoria room or Puget Suite. Indulge in a two-person jacuzzi, plush bathrobes, a view of the gardens and Capitol building and start your honeymoon off in style.
Snoqualmie Falls – North Bend
Snoqualmie Falls is a beloved gem and one of the best elopement destinations in Washington State. This enormous, gushing waterfall has large upper and lower obseration decks open year-round. During the day, this waterfall is quite popular, so a sunrise elopement would be ideal. Watch the soft light of the sun light up the trees and waterfall while you have these iconic landmarks all to yourself.
Leavenworth
You don’t have to travel all the way to the German Alps to have a picturesque Bavarian wedding. Nestled into a small valley in the heart of the Cascades lies Leavenworth, a popular destination for skiing, Oktoberfest, holiday celebrations and summer getaways. Host your ceremony in the heart of town at the traditional flower-adorned gazebo and ride away into the sunset in a horse-drawn carriage. If you are an outgoing couple looking for an out-of-the ordinary elopement, plan your day during one of Leavenworth’s annual events and celebrate your new love with the entire town.
Cozy Rose Inn – Grandview/Yakima Valley
Nestled in Yakima Valley’s wine country, the Cozy Rose Luxury Inn Bed & Breakfast is a hidden gem for wedding venues. In colder months or rainy days, host your intimate ceremony by the grand fireplace. During the summer and autumn seasons, use the gazebo as the backdrop to your elopement. Their simple yet elegant ceremony package includes the officiant, a bouquet for the bride and a boutonniere for the groom, 2 keepsake champagne glasses and a cake. After your elopement, kick off your extravagant wine country honeymoon and tour all of the finest wineries, vineyards and cellars around Yakima and Walla Walla.
Winter, spring, summer or fall, no matter which season you decide to host your special day, there’s no shortage of perfect elopement destinations in Washington State. From picturesque Victorian inns to panoramic mountain tops, there is a venue for every couple. Where will you and your significant other begin your “happily ever after”? View our current list of members that offer wedding services at our lodging page.
