Eloping has become much more popular as the years go on. Running away together and skipping the big wedding to elope at your dream destination- truly how can you beat that? I believe that there’s no better place than Washington to plan a unique, one of a kind, elopement.
But why follow the popular location on Instagram when you can totally customize your elopement to what feels like you? The beauty of an elopement is that there are no rules. You get to design a day that reflects your relationship and your comfort levels. If you’re planning an elopement but want to be different, unique, and one of a kind, here is my guide on how to elope in Washington.
Choose a location that’s special to you
Yes, mountain views are gorgeous, and maybe that’s where you want to elope – and that’s totally okay- but, maybe that doesn’t feel like you. Take a second and think about somewhere that actually connects to your story.
- A place you’ve explored together
- Your first date spot- followed by your favorite place to grab a drink
- A destination you’ve always dreamed of
- A landscape that reflects your personalities (ocean, mountains, forests, city rooftops)
- An airbnb where you spend the weekend enjoying coffee together and relaxing in the hot tub
The truth is, the options are unlimited, and I’m here to give you so many ideas- because unique elopements are the best ones!
Rent a cozy airbnb
Picture this: You wake up together at a cozy airbnb on the outskirts of Seattle. You enjoy a coffee on the porch while you exchange your private vows together, taking your time and soaking up every moment. You then get ready together and take the ferry over to Bainbridge Island- or whatever your favorite activity is! You spend the day exploring the island and soaking up every moment together. You then head back to the airbnb to get ready to go to your favorite dinner spot. We take epic flash photos in the bar, and then you celebrate with your friends and family, or maybe it’s just the two of you!
Elope in the city and book a fun hotel for the night
One of my favorite type of elopements is a city elopement. There is so much freedom to a city elopement. Treat yourself to a fancy hotel, take sick photos in the hallways, then go out on the town for drinks and a nice dinner. Still not convinced? Let me break it down for you!
Find a nice hotel in Seattle. Need help with that? Here are a few recommendations to get you started!
Get Ready in separate rooms. Whether you are with family and friends or just alone, take your time getting ready and vibing out to music while sipping on a mimosa or two.
Share a private first look with the two of you in the lobby or fancy staircase, followed by some luxury style portraits of the two of you.
Have a small ceremony either in the hotel or at a nearby viewpoint.
Celebrate by running around the city like little kids again. Go to a fun bar in the city where we can take sick flash portraits of you guys playing pool and sharing a drink. Followed by night time flash photos in the city with the city lights shining in the back.
And, if you’re really feeling wild, maybe jump in the hotel pool to end the night…
Whatever your elopement idea may be, I’m here to capture your vision and be by your side for every step of the way.
Celebrate with your favorite food
Instead of the big reception with food that you don’t love:
- Grab pizza on the beach
- Do a picnic with your favorite snacks
- Champagne and cake after your vows
- A dinner at your favorite local restaurant
- Grab takeout and watch the sunset
Food is such an underrated way to make the day scream personality. Everyone thinks that you have to choose a food option that everyone will love, when in reality, you don’t! It’s your day, so why not choose your favorite place to get takeout?
If it were me, I would finish the day grabbing a cider at https://www.drinkmillhaus.com/ – aka, my favorite spot to grab lunch in Eatonville (a town next to the beautiful Mount Rainier).
Bring your pets
If your animals are your babies like mine are, bring them! Bring them to the beach with you to run into the sunset. Bring them to your weekend getaway at your airbnb. Ride your horses to your ceremony spot. Including them adds joy, personality, and of course adorable moments to your day, and I would love it too!
Here’s my fur baby Stormy. She’s a German Shepherd/Australian Shepherd mix and is full of energy! Even if you aren’t planning on bringing your animal, I still want to see all of the photos!
Bring personal details into the styling
Every elopement is different, but how can you make it feel like you? Is there a small detail that you can add to highlight a special part of your love story? Make your wardrobe reflect your personality. Maybe it’s:
- A non traditional dress or colored suit
- Personalized vow books
- Unique jewelry
- Sneakers instead of heels
- A bouquet with all your favorite flowers
Details are huge for elopements and weddings, why not make them scream you?
Vanessa and Paul chose matching sneakers for their shoes instead of fancy heels and dress shoes, because why not?
If you’re craving a romantic yet unique elopement, let’s chat!
