You already know I am obsessed with Washington State, especially in the fall season because of the beautiful colors we get. So, for those of you who are also fall lovers and are planning a fall elopement or will be planning one soon, I am going to talk all about how to elope in Washington with this ultimate fall elopement guide.
If you want real autumn elopement inspiration, check back soon for a look at my upcoming real wedding features in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest!
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
- Why a Fall Elopement in Washington?
- The Benefits of a Fall Elopement in Washington
- How to Prep and Pack for Your Fall Elopement
- Washington State Elopement Photographer
Why a Fall Elopement in Washington?
Location Diversity
There is so much diverse terrain across Washington State. If you have ever visited the Pacific Northwest, you probably know that this region has so much to offer! We have got almost every type of location you could ever dream of: dramatic oceanside cliffs, mossy rainforests, rocky beaches, massive jagged mountains, and cute mountain towns. (Well, don’t expect tropical palm trees, but if you are visiting Washington, you probably aren’t looking for that anyway!) Even though the Puget Sound and the Pacific Coast are tidal saltwater, the vast expanses look like an endless ocean. Washington offers completely different ecosystems within just a few hours’ drive.
The Beauty Everywhere
When you drive on Highway 20 through the North Cascades or wind along the Cascade Loop, at every single turn you take, I promise you will see a breathtaking view filled with colorful leaves and changing alpine ridges. It is unbeatable. No matter where you are, there are beautiful colors and textures to see—the Pacific waves crashing against sea stacks, the dark moody sand on the coast, the towering green evergreens in the forest, and the low-level clouds covering the jagged mountain peaks. The list goes on and on.
Incredible Local Tourism
Washington is world-famous for its outdoor tourism. Everyone travels out here to experience the mountains and the coastline. When you elope in Washington, no matter which region you choose, you will find incredibly fun things to do. The small mountain and coastal towns—like Packwood, Leavenworth, or Port Angeles—are adorable, full of local coffee shops, local markets, and great Pacific Northwest eateries to visit.
The Cozy Vibe
Imagine you and your partner sitting on wooden chairs by the campfire at a cozy A-frame cabin tucked in the Mt. Baker or Mt. Rainier woods, roasting marshmallows. Preparing the graham crackers with Hershey’s chocolate bars for s’mores. You wrap yourself in a warm blanket, cuddle with your partner with hot cocoa in a mug, and get ready to stargaze at the crisp night sky. This sounds so cozy and heavenly, right? You can easily have this for your fall elopement night activity or make a whole honeymoon out of it!
I am currently putting together a whole resource filled with the best PNW A-Frame Cabins for Elopements—I highly recommend keeping an eye out for it if you’re considering eloping here!
The Benefits of a Fall Elopement in Washington
Way Fewer Bugs
During the fall, the mountain mosquitoes drop off drastically compared to the peak summer season, along with other annoying flies. It is awesome to not get bug bites while enjoying your vows surrounded by beautiful colors, right?!
Cooler Hiking Weather
The best thing about fall is having cooler weather—not freezing cold yet, but no longer blazing hot. While it can get quite chilly overnight, the average daytime temperature down on the trails ranges from the 50s to the 70s. If you choose an adventure elopement with lots of hiking and activities, you will love the cooler weather because nobody wants to get sweaty in their wedding gear!
The Best Lighting
Yes, the daylight gets shorter in the autumn, but it is still much longer than wintertime. We get gorgeous, warm golden sunsets right around 6 p.m. in early October. It is the absolute perfect timing to have a celebratory dinner right after your sunset photoshoot (wink wink). The angles of the sun in the fall mean you get incredible glowing light casting shadows on the mountain peaks that you can’t always catch in the harsh high-summer afternoon sun.
And of course, the Colors!
Probably the most obvious reason you want to elope in Washington in the fall in the first place! We get the most beautiful fall colors across the state in September and October. Late September through mid-October is when the autumn leaves and the legendary high-alpine golden larches hit their peak bloom.
You can keep an eye on the Washington Trails Association (WTA) Signpost Blog or the interactive Explore Fall Map to see exactly when the Cascades hit their golden peak.
How to Prep and Pack for Your Fall Elopement
Be Ready for Any Weather
Pacific Northwest mountain weather can be super unpredictable, so you’ve got to prepare yourselves for any kind of weather. Even if the forecast says it’s supposed to be clear and sunny with barely any chance of rain… the last thing we want is for you to be freezing cold and wet because we didn’t prepare for it. Don’t you worry, though—I am here to help you problem-solve and brainstorm the perfect gear lists!
Have a Backup Plan
I would hate to have you plan your dream day only to feel stressed out because we were underprepared for a sudden weather shift. I will make sure that we have Plans A, B, C, and sometimes D ready to roll. Creating a backup plan ahead of time will give you so much peace of mind in case something happens to your original trail or mountain pass. I will help you with this from the very beginning of our planning process.
Do Your Research
And finally, while this is something I heavily help you with, I love when you do a bit of your own research to get familiar with the areas you love. Make sure you look into what trail we are going to hike on, where the parking lots are, the trail passes needed (like a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass), if your pups are allowed on that specific trail, and any wedding permits you might need. I want us to be prepared ahead of time for absolutely everything so it can go smoothly AF when your day arrives!
Washington State Elopement Photographer
Ooof, that was a ton of information, but I hope this helps you feel super confident and no longer wondering how to elope in Washington State in the fall!
Reach out to me if you need a new hiking buddy, a permit guide, and a fun storyteller to tag along on your autumn adventure. I can’t wait to help you visual-learners plan your special day!
Keep up with my latest Pacific Northwest adventures over on Instagram (@paytonrademacherphoto).
