Weather in Washington

On the western side of the Cascade Mountains, where all of my recommended elopement locations are, the weather is generally mild. Temperatures in the summer can reach up to the high 70s with winter temperatures usually staying in the mid-40s during the day. Although this region gets quite a bit of rain during the year, July and August are the driest months of the year with January and February being the wettest.

Weather in spring can be unpredictable but temperatures are typically mild. Rainy season carries through the spring, but there’s usually less rain compared to the winter months. It may even still be snowy in some areas. Summer is generally warm and sunny with very little rain. By June, temperatures will reach the high 60s and increase to the 70s during the rest of summer. However, there’s still a chance of cooler temperatures, so I always advise packing a light jacket or sweater even in the summer. The days are generally dry in September, but rain chances begin to increase as the months pass and really start to pick up in November. Weather this time of year is usually wet and cold. Rain chances are at their highest and the temperatures drop to the 40s with some days dipping into the 30s. The mountainous areas will see snowfall starting in late November but much of the western side of the state will see rain.

Getting To Washington

Fortunately, many of the best elopement locations in Washington are within just an hour or two of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). While flying into Seattle is probably your best bet, you can also fly into Portland International Airport (PDX), which is only a couple hours from destinations like Mt. Rainier National Park.

Where to Elope in Washington

The best adventure elopement locations in Washington State

Mount Rainier National Park

What’s better than a majestic mountain backdrop for an epic adventure elopement? I don’t know about you, but it sounds pretty dreamy to me! Standing tall at over 14,000 ft, Mt. Rainier is unlike any mountain you’ve ever seen before. On a clear day, it can be seen from miles and miles away (even all the way from Seattle!), and when you do see it, it will most definitely take your breath away. Its beauty is almost indescribable. Mt. Rainier was deemed America’s fifth National Park all the way back in 1899. Aside from the infamous mountain, the park boasts old-growth forests, alpine meadows, endless glaciers, gushing waterfalls, and meandering river valleys.

North Cascades National Park

Known as the “American Alps,” North Cascades National Park is full of icy blue lakes, jagged mountain peaks, and forested valleys. Just a two hour drive from Seattle, this national park is actually totally free! Yup, that’s right, no entrance fee required. It also happens to be one of the least visited national parks, but trust me when I say, that doesn’t mean it’s any less magical than the others! Despite it being one of the more underrated parks, the North Cascades are truly a match made in heaven for an adventure elopement.

Olympic National Park

One of the three Washington National Parks, Olympic is an amazing place to elope. Not only is it conveniently located near Seattle, but unlike the other parks, you truly get a little bit of everything here. From rocky shorelines to snow-capped mountains to rainforests, it really is one of the most diverse parks in Washington. So if you can’t quite make your mind up between a moody beach elopement or an epic mountain peak elopement, it’s totally ok. Because in Olympic, you can have both!

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Practically on the doorsteps of Seattle, the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is a treasure trove for some of the best elopement locations in the state. With old-growth forests, sprawling alpine meadows, and endless mountain vistas, it’s no wonder this area is so well-loved by Washingtonians. Covering a total of 1.5 million acres of wilderness, there’s no shortage of options.