So, you’ve decided on eloping in the PNW…finally it’s time to get specific! Where in the Pacific Northwest do you want to get married? The PNW is home to countless incredible spots to hold your special day, from mountains to beaches to rainforests (and everything in between!). I’ve pulled together a list of my top 10 favorite spots in Washington and Oregon to help you decide The best Places to Elope in the PNW!
The Best Places to Elope in WASHINGTON LOCATIONS:
- Rialto Beach (Olympic National Park)
- Hoh Rainforest (Olympic National Park)
- Madison Falls (Olympic National Park)
- Mt. Rainier National Park
- Honorable Mention: Hurricane Ridge (Olympic National Park)
The Best Places to Elope in OREGON LOCATIONS:
- Cannon Beach
- Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
- God’s Thumb
- Painted Hills Elopement
- Crater Lake National Park
WASHINGTON
Rialto Beach – Olympic National Park
The dark rocky beach makes Rialto Beach one of the best places to elope in the PNW for those wanting a moody Pacific Northwest elopement. Rialto Beach is famous for its towering sea stacks, tidepools teaming with marine life, and giant pieces of driftwood scattered across the shore. A bonus for any Twilight fans – this beach is in La Push!! (La Push, baby. It’s La Push)
Nearest Town: Port Angeles, Washington
Distance from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: 98 miles
Permit(s) Needed: Entrance Pass $30-55, Special Use Permit
Best Time to Elope: June through August have the lowest average rainfall and most mild temperatures
Pet-Friendly: Yes, if leashed
Hoh Rainforest – Olympic National Park
The Hoh Rainforest is a popular elopement spot in Olympic National Park…and for good reason! Walking into the Hoh Rainforest feels like stepping into a fairytale with giant trees, bright green moss, and ferns as far as the eye can see. As the name says, this is a rainforest, so don’t be surprised if there’s some rain on your special day.
Nearest Town: Port Angeles, Washington
Distance from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: 98 miles
Permit(s) Needed: Entrance Pass $30-55, Special Use Permit
Best Time to Elope: June through August have the lowest average rainfall and most mild temperatures. The Hoh Rainforest is most busy during sunset, thus eloping earlier in the day will help you beat the crowds.
Pet-Friendly: No
Madison Falls – Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is home to multiple waterfalls, but my favorite is Madison Falls. A short walk on a paved path takes you to the base of this waterfall, which means it’s ADA accessible and ideal for those unable to walk too far. The lush green woods and 50 foot waterfall are the perfect backdrop for your PNW elopement.
Nearest Town: Port Angeles, Washington
Distance from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: 98 miles
Permit(s) Needed: Entrance Pass $30-55, Special Use Permit
Best Time to Elope: June through August have the lowest average rainfall and most mild temperatures. Madison Falls can get busy during the day, so I recommend an early morning ceremony.
Pet-Friendly: Yes, if leashed
Mount Rainier National Park
Another incredible option for a Pacific Northwest elopement is Mount Rainier National Park. This park surrounds Mt. Rainier, the tallest mountain in Washington. In addition to the gorgeous snowy peaks, this park has lakes, wildflower-filled meadows, and forests that feel like you stepped into another world, making it one of the best places to elope in the PNW.
Nearby Towns: Ashford, Washington and Packwood, Washington
Distance from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: 69 miles
Permit(s) Needed: Entrance Pass ($15-55), Special Use Permit
Best Time to Elope: Summer (June through August) is your safest bet for mild temperatures and a smaller chance of rain. Mt. Rainier’s has an incredible wildflower season from the end of July through the beginning of August, however, this is when the park is most busy. If you’re dying to elope among the wildflowers of Mt. Rainier, I would recommend an early morning ceremony.
Pet-Friendly: No
Honorable Mention: Hurricane Ridge – Olympic National Park
I couldn’t write a blog about the best places to elope in the Pacific Northwest without including Hurricane Ridge. It is extremely easy to access by car (which makes it perfect for elopements including little kids, pets, and guests with disabilities) and has one of the most stunning views of the mountains. However, this spot is currently closed due to a fire. Check the Olympic National Park website for updates on when this gorgeous spot is reopening.
Nearest Town: Port Angeles, Washington
Distance from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: 98 miles
Permit(s) Needed: Entrance Pass $30-55, Special Use Permit
Best Time to Elope: June through August have the lowest average rainfall and most mild temperatures.
Pet-Friendly: No
OREGON
Cannon Beach
This Beach had to be my first recommendation for where to elope in Oregon. Cannon Beach is one of the most stunning beaches in the Pacific Northwest and was even in National Geographic’s list of the 100 Most Beautiful Places in the WORLD! While there are many spots in Cannon Beach to say “I do”, none are more recognizable than Haystack Rock, a 235 ft. monolith overlooking the shore.
Nearest Town: Cannon Beach, Oregon
Distance from Portland International Airport: 88 miles
Permit(s) Needed: Most elopements won’t need a special use permit, however check out the regulations for special permits on Oregon’s State Park website to see if your event may need one.
Best Time to Elope: Cannon Beach is a popular spot, especially during the summer. To beat the crowds, I recommend eloping on a weekday. July through September are the driest months of the year, this being said if you’re hoping to avoid some rain on your wedding day, these months are your best bet! Since this is a beach, it’s also important to be aware of the tides. You don’t want your dream elopement spot out of reach or underwater!
Pet-Friendly: Yes
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is a 12 mile stretch of land that runs along Oregon’s coastline. There are countless secluded beaches perfect for a more private elopement as well as viewpoints overlooking the gorgeous offshore rock formations. The corridor is also home to over 18 miles of trails, which is perfect if you’re looking for a more wooded spot to elope.
Nearest Town: Brookings, Oregon
Distance from Portland International Airport: 327 miles (There are a few smaller airports closer to Samuel H. Boardman, like Crescent City Airport and Medford Airport)
Permit(s) Needed: No permit is needed for groups under 50 which makes it one of the best places to elope in the PNW
Best Time to Elope: Oregon’s “dry months” are July through September, but there is a chance of rain year round
Pet-Friendly: Yes, if leashed
God’s Thumb
God’s Thumb is a lush cliffside that offers a panoramic view of the Oregon coastline. The cliff is shaped like a giant thumb reaching out over the ocean, which is where the name “God’s Thumb” came from. In addition to the amazing views, many consider God’s Thumb as the perfect “dupe” for eloping in Ireland.
Nearest Town: Lincoln City, Oregon
Distance from Portland International Airport: 110 miles
Permit(s) Needed: No permit is needed for groups of less than 50 people, therefore making it one of the best places to elope in the PNW
Best Time to Elope: Oregon’s “dry months” are July through September, but there is a chance of rain year round
Pet-Friendly: Yes, if leashed
Painted Hills
The Painted Hills have been deemed one of the seven wonders of Oregon and for good reason! They are a part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and are perfect for a couple wanting a unique, desert feel on their big day!
Nearest Town: Mitchell, Oregon
Distance from Portland International Airport: 195 miles
Permit(s) Needed: You don’t need a permit if your elopement is under 20 people (including you and your fiance, guests, and vendors). If you’re having anything over 20, you’ll need to pay for an application for a special use permit.
Best Time to Elope: While the Painted Hills are absolutely INCREDIBLE year round, however I’d recommend anytime from May to September. Since these months get less rain, you’ll have a better chance of experiencing a blue sky against the rolling orange hills.
Pet-Friendly: Yes
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park is in Southern Oregon and is named after the deep, intensely blue lake that was formed by a collapsed volcano. This national park features lush forests, towering cliffs, and plenty of picturesque spots to elope.
Nearest Town: Chiloquin, Oregon
Distance from Portland International Airport: 310 miles (The closest airport is Medford Airport)
Permit(s) Needed: Entrance fee ($15-55), Special Use Permit ($50-100)
Best Time to Elope: To avoid snow restricting your access to the park, I recommend eloping from mid-June until September.
Pet-Friendly: Yes, with some restrictions
Have any questions about eloping in the Pacific Northwest? Feel free to contact me here.
