December 25, 2023 / Elopement Pacific Northwest Resources
Your Guide To An Epic PNW Elopement
Your Guide To An Epic PNW Elopement | In The Alpenglow
Friends, I really hope that you (like me) aren’t tired of hearing about the glorious Pacific Northwest and alllll it has to offer. I truly don’t think you can ever really run out of things to say about it. It has the most unique landscape and never-ending beauty to explore. Just a few hours of driving will lead you to majestic mountain ranges, moody and romantic backdrops, deep and lush evergreen forests, warm and vast desert landscapes, epic coastal cliffs, and more. It’s a dream elopement spot for so many reasons!
I love that my day job means helping couples not only learn how to plan a dream PNW elopement, but adventuring alongside them as they witness this amazing corner of the U.S. either for the very first time, or with fresh eyes. There is always something new to behold in the northwest. My goal is to shed some light on the more underrated areas. I love helping you and your loved one build a day that reflects you and your unique love story!
How to Elope in the PNW
Even though it’s one of the top elopement destinations in the country, it can be really hard to know where to begin and find the right resources to plan! It’s a HUGE and incredibly diverse set of states. Logistics can be daunting — especially if you aren’t from the area. This is why I’ve compiled my learnings from the past few years of shooting couples in this area and put together a complete guide on EVERYTHING you need to know to plan a memorable and seamless PNW adventure elopement. Read on to get a general lay of the land, learn my top PNW elopement spots (and a few underrated ones), the best time of year to visit, where to stay, and how to put together a dream vendor team!
+ Lay of the land
+ Top PNW elopement destinations
+ Most underrated PNW elopement destinations
+ Best time of year
+ Where to stay
+ Hiring your PNW elopement vendor dream team
Lay of the land in the PNW
Traditionally, when we think of “PNW” our brains jump straight to Seattle and the surrounding forests. However, it’s a LOT larger than just the Puget Sound! It actually (technically) stretches across Washington, Oregon, and even to parts of Montana and Idaho. Some people even throw in parts of British Columbia!
What this means is that there are so. many. options. for an elopement here and access to any sort of backdrop you could dream up. Picturing a vow exchange among vivid red rocks with a warm breeze and big sky? Eastern Oregon. Towering trees covered in moss with a moody fog? Olympic National Park. Dramatic mountain peaks and wildflowers? North Cascades.
And, those options don’t even begin to scratch the surface of the outdoorsy heaven you’ll encounter in this region! Below, I’ve outlined my top recommendations for a PNW elopement destination, and then a few underrated locations for the individualists out there. 🙂
Top PNW Elopement Destinations
Washington
Olympic National Park, WA: I’m sure you’ve heard of this one. It has ALL the things you typically think of when you picture the northwest. Specifically, super moody pine tree forests, moss covering every surface, epic and rugged coastlines, and sleepy little towns. (Including Forks — the famous Twilight location)
North Cascades National Park: This area is called the “American Alps” and let me tell ya — it’s an accurate description. Here you’ll find the stunning Mt. Baker AND a whole mountain range of snow-capped beauty. Moreover, you’ll witness unreal alpine lakes where the water is almost neon blue. It’s an unforgettable location to exchange vows and just take in all the outdoor beauty with your love.
Mount Rainier National Park: Mt. Rainier is THE tallest mountain in the pacific northwest, and it really is breathtaking. Additionally, this area has the most unreal wildflowers when they’re in season, amazing hikes, alpine lakes, and gorgeous vistas. It can get a little overrun with tourists in the peak seasons. However, there are tons of areas just outside the park that are lesser-known and perfect for your vows!
Oregon
Oregon Coast: You really can’t go wrong with the Oregon Coast. It has beautiful mountains coming straight up to the beaches, lots of picturesque lighthouses, and sweet driftwood homes in fun little beach towns. AND the entire coastline is public, which is super rare for the northwest. This is amazing for a lot of reasons, but one is definitely that we have full access for elopement photos and SO many beautiful locations to choose from.
Montana
Glacier National Park: This insane stretch of land holes some of the country’s most rugged wilderness and is so rich in wildlife and color. For instance, the landscapes are fillled with vibrant wildflowers, GIANT peaks that make you feel so small, and rainbow rock lakes perfect for your elopement. Likewise, I come here often to explore on my own!
Most Underrated PNW Elopement Destinations
While the locations listed above are incredibly popular (and for good reason), I encourage you to not stop there! There are so many incredible, lesser-known spots spread all over the PNW that may just be an even better setting for the adventures you’re dreaming up for your elopement.
Eloping in Washington
The Central Cascades: The Central Cascades have the sweetest little tourist town called Leavenworth. It’s a Bavarian themed village and has a host of fun events, great restaurants, cozy lodging, and gorgeous scenery year-round. I love recommending this spot to couples, because it’s so distinct and memorable. Equally important, you’re so close to stunning vistas. Although a bit harder to get to, I also highly recommend The Enchantments. If you’re hoping to hike here, it’s a bit crowded. Nevertheless, there are some great viewpoints to see the alp-like peaks.
Washington Pass, WA: While it may be sUPER underrated and forgotten, it is truly one of my favorite places to spend time in. This area has some of the most rugged mountains in all of Washington. In addition, it’s much less populated and touristy than the national parks. Highly recommend if you want that evergreen forest and snowy mountain peak look of the northwest without the crowds!
Montana Elopement Locations
Bozeman, Montana: This is such a fun city on its own. Plus, you get gorgeous mountain range views on all sides! It’s a perfect home base for exploring Yellowstone National Park– such a distinct and picturesque landscape.
Spots for your Idaho Elopement
The Sawtooths, Idaho: Despite its reputation, Idaho is NOT just boring plains and potatoes. It actually has beautiful mountain ranges, natural hot springs, beautiful forests, and some great outdoorsy towns. For example, Stanley and Sun Valley are the perfect jumping-off point to this underrated area!
Oregon Elopement Location Recs
Painted Hills, Oregon: I looooove taking photos here. It’s one of THE most unique landscapes in the PNW. For instnace, true to their name– these hills look like you took a brush to them with the most vivid oranges and reds! It feels so otherworldly and is a really memorable place to exchange vows.
Smith Rock State Park, Oregon: Similarly, this is another super unique, feels-like-you’re-on-another-planet spot. 🙂 This area in eastern Oregon has both desert and some smaller spire-like mountains, with rich colors and a warmer climate than other areas in the northwest!
Best Time of Year to Elope in the PNW
Based on the climate in the majority of the U.S, it’s easy to assume that June through July is automatically the best time to explore the PNW. However, if you’re hoping to do some real mountain exploring, a lot of the higher elevation locations throughout this region don’t lost their snow till the end of July or beginning of August. Hence, the prime time to visit throughout the northwest (and still have amazing weather) would be starting at the beginning of August.
Futhermore, I highly recommend the shoulder months of September through October to see the fall color and encounter less crowds! But at the same time, you’ll definitely want to keep an eye out for possible late-summer fires or even the first bits of snow! (I know, unpredictable — but that’s nature for ya).
Where to Stay for your PNW Elopement
Truly one of the most fun parts of planning an elopement in any of these locations is being able to find a perfect home-base for your adventures! There are so many quaint towns with lots of cozy options that will take your experience to a whole other level. I definitely recommend taking your time to find a spot that feels like YOU and will give you a space to feel at peace during your elopement. There’s nothing like a perfect home-away-from-home feeling and having some extra privacy with your loved one.
Moreover, for specific lodging recommendations, check out the “where to stay” sections in the elopement guides I’ve created for each state in the PNW:
Top Washington Elopement Spots
Hiring your PNW Elopement Vendor Team
Ok, I promise this is NOT just a plug for me and my work…but hiring the right people to make your day special is such an important part of the planning process and bringing your dream to life. I can’t stress enough how crucial it is to take your time to find people that align with your values, understand your vision, and support you as you dream about what the perfect day(s) would look like. Besides, this is such a significant moment in your love story, and it deserves deep care and intention. YOU deserve people on your team that have your back!
Specifically, there are a few vendors that I’ve worked with over the years who bring a level of passion and kindness to their work that is unparalleled, and I love passing them along to others! Truly, you really can’t go wrong with these incredible humans on your team, and I promise your dream day will not just stay a dream if ya check them out:
Washington Elopement Vendors
Video: Abby Bostian
Planning: Greatest Adventure Wed
Florals: Blooms In The Alpenglow (joint photo and floral package) or New Leaf Floral
Hair & Makeup: Anne Timss
Cake: Sift & Gather
Caterer: Miere Catering
Oregon Elopement Vendors
Video: Abby Bostian
Planning: Hosted By
Florals: Blooms In The Alpenglow (joint photo and floral package) or Noble Floral Co
Hair & Makeup: The Wildeflower Co
Cake: Dream Cakes PDX
Caterer: Niblack Events
Idaho Elopement Vendors
Video: Bailey Reese Visuals
Planning: Emily Aitken Events
Florals: Blooms In The Alpenglow (joint photo and floral package) or Two Hands Floral
Hair & Makeup: Makeup by Aileena
Cake: Honey Bakes Cakery
Caterer: Horse Wood Catering
This blog could have easily been pages and pages longer — but I think I’ll save the rest of my gushing over the PNW glory for an in-person chat. 🙂 I hope this guide was helpful as you either dream of where to adventure on your elopement, or as you logistically plan out your ideal day in the amazing Pacific Northwest. My dream is to help people make this significant time of their life memorable. In fact, it’s an absolute privilege when a couple trusts me help them do that. If you’re looking for a photographer to create an intimate, authentic space for you and loved one to be together in a beautiful place — I’d love to be your gal! Click on the link below to start a conversation:
