Winter Elopements in Washington


There’s something undeniably enchanting about a winter elopement in Washington state. Yes, the season brings its fair share of rain or snow, chilly winds, and overcast skies, but these very elements create a backdrop that feels straight out of a storybook. Towering evergreen forests woven with low lying clouds, moody coastlines that whisper dark secrets, and snow-dusted mountain peaks set the stage for a truly unforgettable experience.


So, when a couple comes to me with an elopement date between mid October and early April, here are some of the areas we look at first.



Bellingham, Washington


🌦 Weather
  • Average temperatures for late November: 40-46 degrees
  • Average number of rainy days in November: 20 days



🗺 Specific locations to check out in Bellingham:
  • The Chuckanut Mountains
  • Larrabee State Park
  • Locust Beach
  • Downtown Bellingham
  • The Waterfront
  • Whatcom Falls
  • Boulevard Park
  • Teddybear Cove
  • Zuanich Point Park


🏠 Cool place to stay:
  • Selah Steading - very pretty property that can be used for photos and ceremony. The rental is located in the midst of the forest, fall colors, and a laid back country vibe. Plus, this place has a huge bonus.. alpacas! 😍) 
  • Rental on Lake Whatcom (right on the water with tons of open space to use!)



The Olympic Peninsula


🌦 Weather
  • Average temperatures for late November: 38-50 degrees
  • Average number of rainy days in November: 20


🗺 Why The Peninsula?


The Olympic Peninsula has it all. The dramatic coastline, crystal clear lakes, the mountains and otherworldly rainforests.

Lake Crescent and Ruby Beach are probably the most popular places to elope on the peninsula. But also check out Lake Cushman and Lake Quinalt, and then the beaches - Ruby, Shishi, Rialto, Kalaloch, La Push, and Cape Flattery! This article from Outbound has some great information on some of the most beautiful lakes on the peninsula.


🏠 where to stay:
  • Port Angeles
  • Sequin
  • Forks
  • Hood Canal



The San Juan Islands


🌦 Weather
  • Average temperatures for late November: 40-48 degrees
  • Average number of rainy days in November: 14


🗺 Best Islands For An Elopement


  • San Juan
  • Orcas Island (Check out Moran State Park on Orcas Island. Not into hiking? You can drive to the top of Mt Constitution for rad views that don't require any hiking at all.)


🗺 How Do You Get There?


  • Take the ferry from Anacortes or a Seaplane from Seattle (Kenmore Air is my recommendation if you want to charter a seaplane!) 


🏠 Where To Stay



🚲 Cool Things To Do In The San Juans



Leavenworth


Leavenworth is a charming Bavarian-themed town nestled in the mountains, complete with chalets, breweries, charming little shops in the middle of a stunning valley filled with lakes, rivers and towering granite peaks.


🌦 Weather
  • Average temperatures for late November: 40-48 degrees
  • Average number of rainy days in November: 14


🗺 Great Places For An Elopement


  • Colchuck lake - straight out of a fairytale. Turquoise water, insane views of Dragontail and Colchuck peaks in the background. (Requires a full day hike) From WTA, "The first time you round the corner and come out of the trees at Colchuck Lake is something of a religious experience. Suddenly, laid out beneath your feet are the icy waters of the lake — deep blue in the shade, bright aquamarine in sunlight — while high above you at the far end of the lake, the twin spires of Dragontail and Colchuck Peaks seem to crowd out the very sky."
  • Lake Wenatchee - gorgeous crystal clear lake only 15 minutes from the middle of Leavenworth (Changes to a Sno-park on Dec 1.)
  • The iconic Emerald Island - Take a kayak out to this tiny island on Lake Wenatchee for your ceremony.


🏠 Where To Stay



🚲 Cool Things To Do In/NEAR Leavenworth


  1. Explore in town - Leavenworth in the winter is like a tiny German town encapsulated in a snow globe! There are shops, restaurants, breweries etc.  November can either be very fall like, or early winter. Either way, it’s beautiful!
  2. Favorite brewery: https://iciclebrewing.com/
  3. Wine Tastings: Tsillan Cellars, Icicle Ridge Winery, Silvara Wine, Wedge Mountain Winery, Eagle Creek Winery and Chateau Faire Le Pont
  4. Get out on the water at Lake Wenatchee
  5. Hike to Colchuck Lake
  6. Explore the Wenatchee river
  7. Go on a Sleigh Ride 
  8. Visit a reindeer farm!


Deception Pass / Whidbey Island


Deception Pass is the state’s most-visited park for a reason. An idyllic scene for an elopement with cliffs and coves, beautiful sunsets and incredible hikes. It's also open year-round. The park is located on Fidalgo island (north) and Whidbey (south). When you look up Deception Pass online, you'll usually find photos of the iconic bridges that connect the park to the two islands.


🌦 Weather
  • Average temperatures for late November: 40-51 degrees
  • Average number of rainy days in November: 15


🏠 Where To Stay
  • Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, or Anacortes
  • Here or here or here or if this is more your vibe... wowsa! 


Mt Baker-Snoqualmie Area 


47° / 36°  15 days of precip (2 snow)


The Mt Baker area is indescribable. If you're planning a winter elopement here, you'll definitely want to plan for snow. Snowfall usually begins in late November, but can be earlier or later of course.



🌦 Weather
  • Average temperatures for late November: 36-47 degrees
  • Average number of rainy days in November: 13 (+ 2 days of snow)


🏠 Where To Stay
  • Deming, Glacier, or Maple Falls
  • Here or here or here or if this is more your vibe... wowsa! 


🗺 Great spot for an elopement
  • Heather Meadows and Artists Point (Click to see beautiful photos of this hike in all seasons! This is a snowshoe hike in winter. )


Things to consider


Weather. November is the rainiest month in WA so be ready to go with it! Some areas are more likely to have snow than rain (like Leavenworth), but nothing is guaranteed. We’ll always have a plan B (and maybe a plan C!) so we can pivot if necessary. But being flexible and embracing the weather is key in the Pacific Northwest ANY time of the year.


Pass closures. Some passes close in the winter, and some stay open but can be affected by sudden heavy snowfall. I'll help you with all of this so there are no surprises! (Always check current conditions at https://wsdot.wa.gov/ or using the WSDOT app!)


Getting your Marriage License


Getting your marriage license in Washington is easy, but you do have to make a note of when you need to apply. If you're a local, you can pick up your marriage license at any clerk office in the state, but if your'e coming from another part of the country, you can get it online here! There is a three day waiting period which means you have to get your license at least 3 days before your elopement date, but no more than 60 days before. I provide the specific dates to every couple I work with, so there's no confusion!


What to bring for a winter elopement in Washington:


  • Water-resistant boots
  • Skin-colored fleece-lined leggings for under your dress
  • A Backpack
  • First Aid Kit
  • Hand warmers
  • 2 Clear Umbrellas
  • A warm coat, mittens or gloves, a scarf or hat..
  • A thermos with hot chocolate or cider
  • Water and snacks
  • Firewood and a lighter for a cozy campfire picnic