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How to Elope in Washington State: Everything You Need To Know About Permits, Logistics, And More
Eloping in Washington State can be simpler than organizing a large wedding, but it still requires proper planning and knowledge of local regulations. This blog post covers how to elope in Washington state, including state legal requirements, officiant guidelines, necessary permits, and advice on timing and budgeting. With over 5 years of experience working with couples as an elopement photographer, I hope that this guide is a great first step for couples that are considering Washington State as their elopement destination.
Why Should You Pick Washington State As Your Elopement Destination?
Beautiful and Diverse Landscapes: Washington offers scenic mountains, rugged coastlines, dense forests, and island getaways. Popular locations include Mount Rainier, Olympic National Park, and the Columbia River Gorge. Each of these areas provides unique backdrops suited to elopements.
Lots of Options For Any Type Of Elopement: Small ceremonies often involve lower costs and more freedom to planning your wedding day. Couples who prefer a private or low-key atmosphere often appreciate how Washington’s range of outdoor and indoor venues accommodates different tastes and styles.
Beautiful During Any Season: Depending on what you’re dreaming up, Washington’s climate and terrain allows for year-round elopements. Snow-capped mountains and rushing waterfalls are a popular choice in winter and spring, while warmer temperatures are a big appeal of eloping in summer or fall. Seasonal factors do matter—some parks have limited access in winter, and popular summer dates can get crowded. So be sure to do your research!
Washington Elopement Legal Requirements: The Marriage License
Age & ID: Individuals must be at least 18 and show valid photo identification (drivers license, passport, etc.). Minors need additional legal documentation.
Residency: There is no requirement to live in Washington, but you must hold the ceremony within the state.
Witnesses: At least two witnesses (12 years or older) must be present. Confirm their availability in advance if you plan a remote ceremony location.
Application Process:
- Obtain the license from a county auditor’s office.
- Pay a fee (usually $60-$70, depending on the county).
- Wait three days from the date of application before holding the ceremony.
- The license typically remains valid for 60 days.
Officiant Rules:
- Washington law requires a qualified officiant to solemnize a marriage.
- Authorized officiants include judges, commissioners, and ordained clergy.
- Self-solemnization is not recognized in Washington, so a legally eligible officiant is mandatory.
If you’re planning on having a friend officiate your marriage ceremony, you can do so for very low cost through Universal Life Church – this is where I got ordained!
Planning Your Washington Elopement
You can go about planning you elopement a million different ways. If you’re feeling lost and unsure where exactly to start, this would be the order I would start the planning process. Another route to go is to hire an elopement photographer that specializes in Washington state elopements and includes planning services in addition to photos. Many elopement photographers, myself included, are happy to offer recommendations based on the vision for your day.
Step One: Choosing a Location
- Identify locations such as National Parks, State Parks, Public Lands, etc. based on your personal preferences. Make a list of your “top pick” locations. You may even want to write out a list of pros and cons for each location. For example, National Parks require permits while Public Lands don’t.
- Confirm accessibility if you plan to hold the ceremony in remote or elevated areas. If you plan on having any guests, make sure you take into account their level of adventure and physical activity they’re comfortable with. Also be realistic with yourselves, don’t take on a longer hike to get to a beautiful viewpoint if it’s something you both typically don’t do.
- Review park regulations when selecting a national or state park. Usually the National Parks and State Parks are pretty responsive when inquiring about rules and regulations regarding elopement ceremonies. Every park has different rules, so it’s important to reach out and get the information you need.
Step Two: Securing Permits
- National Parks: Olympic National Park, North Cascades, and Mount Rainier often require special use permits for weddings. They also usually have a max group size (often under 10 people). Fees and conditions vary, so check official park websites for more details.
- State Parks: Washington State Parks also have permit guidelines. I should note that State Parks are usually a little more understanding and less expensive than National Parks, so that may be something to take into account. Contact the specific park office you’re looking into for more details.
- Local Parks: City or county parks may require a permit for organized gatherings. Fees depending on the park can be pretty minimal, especially if it’s a very small gathering (ex: ten people or less). A phone call or website check is usually enough to confirm their rules and regulations.
Step Three: Hiring Officiant and Other Vendors
- Verify an officiant’s legal authority in Washington. Some couples bring their own officiant from out of state, which is allowed if that individual meets Washington’s requirements. If you have a friend or family member planning on getting ordained, it’s actually very easy and low cost.
- Consider hiring an elopement photographer, especially if you want to document the event for friends and family who are not present. Some photographers can also serve as a witness if needed, and some are also ordained!
Step Four: Accommodation & Travel Logistics
- Book accommodations near your chosen site if you want to avoid long drives on the ceremony day. Highly recommend staying nearby! Who wants to spend a bunch of time in the car on their elopement day?
- If you’re visiting from outside the state, research travel times between airports, hotels, and ceremony sites.
- In rural areas, availability of lodging can be limited. Early booking is recommended!
Step Five: Timing & Seasonal Considerations
- Summer months (July through September) typically have less rain, but they can be busy with tourists. Especially the National Parks!
- Winter elopements in the mountains can be picturesque but require extra planning for road closures and weather conditions.
- I highly recommend considering the shoulder seasons! Spring and Fall are both beautiful times of year to elope. There is a risk or rain, but that’s honestly always a gamble in Washington state. National Parks and State Parks wont be nearly as busy in the spring and fall as well.
- No matter what time of year you’re planning to elope, be sure to check sunrise and sunset times to plan the best light for your ceremony and photos.
Advice For Eloping In Specific Washington State Regions
In case you’d like more information on eloping in Washington State, I have a handful of handy guides that go even more in depth about specific locations. In these guides I go over some of my favorite locations to exchange your vows, location specific permit information, places to stay, best nearby hiking trails, and more!
Mount Rainier National Park Elopement Guide
Guide To Eloping In Washington State’s Beautiful Olympic National Park
Guide To Eloping In The Columbia River Gorge
I hope that these guides help you in your journey to planning your dream elopement! I’ve been photographing couples weddings and elopements of all sizes since 2019. Over the years I’ve learned a lot about each of these specific locations. Rules and regulations can change, so be sure to contact the National Park or State Park directly to confirm information regarding permits and group sizes.
Who You Hire As An Elopement Photographer Matters
Not all elopement photographers are the same. A lot of us have different specialties, editing styles, and workflows. No matter where you end up eloping, I highly recommend hiring an elopement photographer that is familiar or specializes in the area you are considering eloping – in this case, Washington state. Especially if you are traveling to Washington state from another part of the country or world. They’ll have all of the insider tips and tricks, as well as expert advice.
If you’re currently on the lookout for a Washington based photographer, feel free to check out my website for more details and reach out!
Check Out My Elopement Packages And Inquire!
Eloping in Washington State doesn’t have to be a difficult process. It involves meeting straightforward marriage license requirements, following officiant rules, and obtaining the right permits for your chosen location. Whether you prefer a mountain overlook, a city park, or a secluded coastal spot, knowing how to elope in Washington state will help you complete the necessary steps with minimal stress. Focus on the essentials, confirm your legal paperwork, and enjoy a streamlined approach to getting married in one of the most scenic regions in the country.
