The Best National Parks in Washington for Elopements
There are so many great National Parks in Washington for elopements, it’s helpful to know which are the best of the best and why.
Washington is one of the main states I photograph elopements in. Therefore, I’ve gotten to know its wilderness areas and weather patterns very well over the years. The Pacific Northwest is a notoriously rainy and unpredictable climate area. The high peaks and changing altitudes across the mountain ranges make it that much harder to predict.
Through years of hiking and photographing here, this is what I can tell you about the best National parks in Washington for elopements.
4. GREAT BUT NOT PERFECT, IS MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
Let me clarify, Mt. Rainier is incredible. When the weather is clear, it’s one of the most stunning locations in the United States. But that is the problem - the weather is not always clear. It’s a high risk, high reward elopement location.
The geography of the area makes last minute weather changes tough to work with. Because Mt. Rainier is so singular and high, when clouds shroud the summit (and they often do), it can be a bummer when that is the main thing you came to see! This leaves very few suitable backup locations when the weather shifts, and can be a huge bummer in all but clear skies.
Although Mt. Rainier is definitely one of the best locations in Washington for an elopement, you just really have to be in the right mindset that you will still have a great day, even if you can’t see Rainier!
Ideal months to visit Mt. Rainier:
Late July through early September.
Pros of eloping near Mt. Rainier:
Lots of cool Airbnbs and cabins for getting ready
Many entrances and a large area
Summer wildflowers
Cons of eloping near Mt. Rainier:
Low clouds or rain cover the summit quickly
High risk, high reward regarding weather
Mt. Rainier is ideal for couples who:
Are staying in the area longer, or book a multi-day elopement where you have better chances for clear weather. If you’re familiar with the area and know Mt. Rainier is perfect for you, then go for it! Just be aware there are not many great backup options.
You’ll also like: What Rainier is like on a rainy elopement day
3. THE NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK: immersive hikes and untouched backcountry
First, it’s helpful to break down “the North Cascades” and the area it covers. It’s a massive area that spans across northern Washington State and into British Columbia, Canada. It has an endless network of glaciers, deep valleys and backwoods wilderness areas ripe for exploring. I really recommend the broader North Cascades hiking areas for longer, more immersive hikes into pristine backcountry.
Ideal months to visit:
Mid July through September, depending on location.
Pros of eloping in the North Cascades:
Fewer people, unspoiled backcountry, lots of lakes
Cons of eloping in the North Cascades:
Not as accessible as other areas
The North Cascades National Park is ideal for couples who:
Have no guests, love hiking, and crave wilderness. There are far fewer people out this way, making it ideal for the experienced trekker. 6-10+ mile hikes here are the norm and take you to unspoiled portions of the Pacific Northwest.
2. MT. BAKER RECREATION AREA: a little bit of everything
Although Mt. Baker is part of the North Cascade range, the area between Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan deserves its own breakdown. I categorize this specific area as its own for a number of reasons. One, this area is on the northern side of the park. There is a three hour drive between the Mt. Baker area and the southern edge of the park. Second, there is a convenient concentration of accessible trails and viewpoints in the Mt. Baker area specifically. Third, there are tons of suitable backup locations for bad weather, and trails accessible to lower mobility guests.
Finally, the nearby towns of Maple Falls and Glacier also provide a range of great accommodation. Whether it’s just the two of you or a few guests, you can choose between private cabins and larger vacation homes.
Even during bad weather, the surrounding mountains are “small,” so you get mountain views even with light cloud cover. Some of my favorite hikes in the world are here.
Ideal month to visit Mt. Baker:
August. Nothing better than August at Mt. Baker! It can still be fairly snow covered in July and by early September, the risk of cold and snowy weather begins to increase.
Pros of eloping near Mt. Baker:
360 views, accessible trails, lots of great accommodation, great for guests and family elopements
Cons of eloping near Mt. Baker:
Crowded trails
Mt. Baker is ideal for couples:
Looking for views similar to Rainier but with much more accessibility. Perfect for couples who are inviting guests, or may want to continue hiking without family after their ceremony.
You’ll also like: 9 lake trails near Mt. Baker for your elopement
1. BEST NATIONAL PARK IN WASHINGTON FOR AN ELOPEMENT: Olympic National Park
Of all my favorite places in the world to photograph elopements, Olympic national park is in my top 3. It is so incredibly diverse and rewarding. The Ho rainforest is a mossy, green wonderland. Then there is Hurricane ridge, the raspberry blue waters of Crescent Lake, and the moody Pacific coastline. The beaches are scattered with sea stacks, like abstract statues, and sunsets over the water are the perfect way to end an exhilarating day.
It’s one beautiful place on steroids after the next. Although the weather can be wet, it’s the vibe for the area. A bit of rain here is no damper ;)
There is simply so much to see and do no matter what you’re into. For that reason, it’s the best of the national parks in Washington for elopements.
Ideal months to visit:
June through October
Pros of eloping in Olympic National Park:
Rainforests, mountains and beaches all in one place, fairy forest vibes, tons of accessible trails
Cons of eloping in Olympic National Park:
Touristy, crowded, long drives, finicky weather, not much accommodation (book very early)
Olympic National Park is ideal for:
Just about anyone! Especially if you want a big mix of scenery for your elopement day.
Planning an elopement in one of these Washington National Parks? I can help!
Check out these other Pacific Northwest elopement blogs:
This blog was written, curated and researched by Mariah Arianna, copywriter for photographers and creatives.