Elope in Washington

volcanic peaks, temperate rainforests, and Pacific coastline

Washington's elopement landscape is split between volcanic peaks and temperate rainforest. Mount Rainier is the most active permit market in the Pacific Northwest. The Skyline Trail corridor and Reflection Lakes book out early each season. Olympic National Park covers three completely different ecosystems: glacier peaks, the Hoh Rainforest, and the Pacific Coast. The coast section requires no permit for small ceremonies and is often overlooked by couples who come for the mountains. North Cascades rounds out the state with some of the most dramatic ridgeline access in the lower 48.

Elopement Locations in Washington

11 location guides covering volcanic peaks, temperate rainforests, and Pacific coastline.

  • Olympic National Park: National Park · Year round (varies by area) · Permit: Yes · Fee: Groups of 5 or fewer: free (no permit required). 6+ people: $50 application fee
  • Mount Rainier National Park: National Park · July through September · Permit: Yes · Fee: $25 application fee + $250 management fee = $275 total
  • North Cascades National Park: National Park · Mid July through September · Permit: Yes · Fee: $50 non refundable application fee
  • Columbia River Gorge National Recreation Area: National Recreation Area · Spring Fall (waterfalls peak in spring) · Permit: Varies · Fee: Free for groups under 75 guests. Special Use Permit fees apply for 75 or more guests (contact the Scenic Area office for current rates).
  • Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest: National Forest · Summer Fall · Permit: Varies · Fee: Free for groups of 8 or fewer · Special Use Permit fees apply for 9+
  • Deception Pass State Park: State Park · Year round · Permit: Yes · Fee: $45 non refundable application fee for the Special Activities Permit, plus a $30 per vehicle day use entry fee (or Discover Pass). Some locations may have additional use fees.
  • Palouse Falls State Park: State Park · Spring Summer · Permit: Yes · Fee: $45 non refundable application fee for the Special Activities Permit, plus a $30 per vehicle day use entry fee (or Discover Pass).
  • Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest: National Forest · Summer Fall · Permit: Varies · Fee: Free for groups of 8 or fewer on general forest land · Enchantments Core Zone lottery permit separate
  • Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument: National Monument · July through September · Permit: Varies · Fee: Non summit areas: free for groups under 75 · Summit climbing permit $22/person
  • Gifford Pinchot National Forest: National Forest · June through October · Permit: No · Fee: Free for noncommercial groups under 75 · Special Use Permit fees apply for 75+
  • Cape Flattery: Tribal · May through September · Permit: Yes

Permit Guides for Washington

Washington Marriage License

3-day waiting period (strictly enforced) and one of the highest fees in the country. Two witnesses required. HB 1498 added a flat $100 statutory surcharge statewide (effective July 27, 2025), so totals now run $142 to $172 depending on county base fee. Apply before arriving at your elopement location.

  • License fee: $142 to $172
  • Wait period: 3 days
  • Witnesses required: 2
  • License valid for: 60 days