13 Steps to Elope in Washington State

Friends, what in the hell happened to 2020? I swear we were all just sitting around a few months ago talking about how amazing this year was going to be. Next thing you know, 2020 has adjusted it’s man-bun, passed off it’s craft beer and said “Watch this”. Locusts, Plague, Killer bees… yeah, we’re all done with you 2020. Couple’s are transitioning from traditional weddings and choosing to elope faster than you can say supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

How to elope in Washington State

Take a deep breath friend. Maybe eloping was never in your plans, or maybe you wanted to elope all along. Sometimes it’s fun to get the best of both worlds, and elope with just your love then have a big party later. (Not that I’d know or anything. *wink wink*). No matter your reasons for eloping, I’m here to make your life easier. The following 13 steps are all you’ll need for the elopement of your dreams! 

Pick a date

While it’s true you should always start your day with the hardest thing, I like to think picking your date is probably the easiest thing you’ll do when you elope. The goal is to be flexible though, in case your choice vendors aren’t available on that date. A couple things to keep in mind: Weekdays are going to be less crowded in most areas as people will be at work. This makes them prime for eloping. If you’re set on a weekend during wedding season (May-September) consider a friday or sunday, rather than Saturday. Many vendors won’t book a prime Saturday for an elopement more than 4 weeks in advance. 

Pick a location

The PNW is full of prime elopement realestate from tiny house airbnbs to beautiful forests and beaches. You can pretty much pick anywhere and find a beautiful backdrop for your elopement. While you will want to work with your elopement team to nail down the location details, it’s good to have a few general ideas in mind. A few spots that I’ve found to be mind blowing are King Street Station and the HOH Rainforest (which I haven’t had the pleasure of shooting just yet!). 

Pick your photographer

Technically, steps 1-3 are pretty interchangeable. If you have a photographer you really love, check with them before setting a date or picking a location. We have some pretty amazing ideas if you’re willing to trust us and pick our brains for a bit! However, if you’ve already picked your date and location, it’s natural to choose your photographer next. Many of us travel to wherever you are, but be sure to let the photographer know what location you’re dreaming of. 

Hire Hair & Makeup

This is the ultimate chance to get yourself pampered. I don’t just mean getting your nails did. Go all out friend and hire your favorite HMUA team! With professional hair and makeup, you won’t have to worry during your elopement if the wind picks up, or a little rain dampens your day. Your makeup artist will ensure your makeup stays in place (and be able to tell you what’s needed for touch ups), while your hair artist makes sure your locks are touchable but sturdy. It’s well worth the expense! 

Hire a florist

Another overlooked elopement necessity is the florist. It may seem silly to hire someone for just a bout and bouquet, but it’s a great piece to creating the perfect elopement look. Work with your florist to select the best florals for the feel of your wedding day. Want bohemian? Talk about adding some grasses. Looking for more romance? Ivy and pale pink roses may be a great bet. 

Hire your officiant

The perfect officiant will go where you want, and still be able to help you plan a meaningful vow exchange for the two of you. Be sure to discuss all your plans with your officiant of choice. It would really suck to hire someone you love, but find out later they aren’t able to make the 7 mile round trip hike. 

Find your dress

Keeping in mind your wedding plans, pick your wedding dress! Obviously, most elopement wedding dresses are easily rolled in a hiking pack (if you’re planning an adventure elopement) or lightweight enough to make the trek in (best if you’re hiking/walking under a mile to your destination). The princess ball gowns aren’t the most reasonable for adventure elopements. But if you’re eloping in the city, where you won’t need to make a long trek, feel free to go all out and buy the big beautiful princess dress! 

Book your Wedding Night

I highly recommend booking your honeymoon suite 6-8 weeks in advance, however I’ve had couples who decided to wing it and showed up to the city, booking an awesome deal on arrival! Consider where you’re getting married and choose a place you might not normally stay. There are tons of beautiful cabins in the forests, and swanky hotels in the city! Check with your vendors to find out about the hidden gems near your elopement location

Apply for your permit

Some locations (like the National or State Parks) may require permits to elope there. Be sure to check out your locations website, or ask your vendors if they’re aware of any requirements. Other ways to find out about permit requirements is to check with local ordinances and visitor centers. 

Apply for your marriage license

If you’re eloping in Washington from another state, you can mail in your marriage license application. Otherwise, you can go down to your local auditor’s office and apply in person. Applying in person will allow you to walk away with your license that day. Don’t forget the 3-day waiting period between the time you pick up your marriage license and are able to get married. However, don’t get it too early either because they’re only good for 60 days. Picking it up 2-3 weeks in advance is sufficient. 

Arrange transportation

Be sure to make transportation arrangements, especially if you and your partner are driving separate cars to the meeting location before your elopement. Since most newlyweds want to drive to their wedding night hotel together, having one of your witnesses take your vehicle home is a great option. But if you’d prefer something more swanky, check into a local transportation company (like Butler) to escort you to your wedding night digs. 

Pack your bags

I wouldn’t wait until the night before to pack those bags! Snag yourself some just married luggage tags, or couple’s lounge pants for your honeymoon. Make sure to check your list of needs (shoes, jewelry, dress, rings, etc) so you can rest easy knowing that you have everything with you. 

Get MARRIED

Enough Said.