Where are the Best Places to Elope in the Pacific Northwest?
With the average wedding cost coming in around $30,000, it’s no wonder the popularity of elopements has also skyrocketed. More and more couples are realizing that a big wedding is not for them. They’d prefer to commit themselves to one another in a more intimate (and cost efficient!) manner. The answer: an elopement!
But where to do it… Here in the Pacific Northwest, the options are literally infinite. We have filmed countless elopements over the past few years and the destinations have varied so much. Whether it is in the snow-covered mountains, the peaceful forest, or right in someone’s backyard – the PNW literally has it all! Elopements have a genuine intimacy that gets overshadowed during a larger wedding – it’s no wonder they’re trending these days!
If you’re searching for the perfect spot for your upcoming elopement, check out some of our favorite spots below:
1. TreeHouse Point
This past year we had the opportunity to film a ton of intimate elopements at TreeHouse Point in Fall City, WA. If you are planning your elopement and you haven’t yet heard of this venue, you should definitely take a look. Made famous from the popular Animal Planet show, TreeHouse Masters, this venue consists of a number of elegant TreeHouses made by Pete Nelson (the master himself!). Tucked away in a serene forest setting, this location cannot be beat. It is located in the heart of Snoqualmie Valley with tons of surrounding trees and a flowing river along one side of the property. The scenery is straight out of a fairy tale and perfect for a nature-themed elopement or wedding.
2. Olympic National Park
If you’ve ever had the opportunity to venture out to the Olympic Peninsula and visit the Olympic National Park, then you’ll understand the beauty that surrounds this place. There are so many different scenes to choose from. The mountain peaks of Hurricane Ridge create a setting that is literally right out of Sound of Music. Or, the serenity of Lake Crescent makes for a moody/intimate feel. Going more south, the greenness of the Hoh Rainforest simply cannot be beat. There is a backdrop for everyone at Olympic National Park. It’s a bit of a drive from the city, but completely worth it!
3. Suncadia Resort / Swiftwater Cellars
Along I-90 as you make your way east through the Snoqualmie National Forest towards Ellensburg, Washington, you’ll pass through the city of Cle Elum. While it may seem like just another scenic stop along the freeway, if you travel a few miles up the hill you’ll see the Suncadia Resort. This place is, in a word, majestic. The views cannot be beat, and whether it is winter or summer, you are sure to be blown away (yes, it’s super windy too) by the stunning setting.
4. Snoqualmie Point Park
Snoqualmie Point Park is one of those places that is simple, easy to get to, but still provides an incredible backdrop for any wedding or elopement ceremony. On a clear day, you can see one of the best views of Mount Si. This grand view, combined with ample trees and an vast meadow, make this spot one of couples’ most popular choices to elope.
5. Washington Park Arboretum
When it comes to Seattle parks, you really can’t go wrong for an elopement setting. Golden Gardens, Gasworks, Discovery Park… They’re all incredible and have their own specialties. However, when it comes down to it, the Washington Park Arboretum probably takes first place. It has just about every backdrop from waterfront to forest to meadow. The springtime flowers make this a top elopement spot for Seattle brides and grooms. They also have a clubhouse/outdoor covered area that can be rented out for receptions at a fairly low cost – so the party doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down!