Let’s pick the season that feels like you
So you’ve fallen in love with the idea of eloping in Washington (same). Whether it’s in the mountains, the forest, or on the coast, you might be wondering:
“What’s the best time of year to elope here?”
Short answer: It depends on where you’re going.
Longer answer: I got you. Below, I’ll break down the best seasons for some of my favorite elopement locations and give you a general idea of what to expect weather-wise, crowd-wise, and vibe-wise throughout the year.
Let’s find your perfect season!
🌲 Olympic National Park
Best Time: May – October
Olympic is like three national parks in one—with rainforests, alpine views, and rugged coastlines. Spring through early fall is your best bet for accessibility and dreamy conditions.
- Summer (June–August) : Best weather, but more tourists—especially in places like Hurricane Ridge and Ruby Beach.
- Fall (September–early October) : Fewer crowds, golden light, and still-accessible trails. A total gem.
- Winter : Rainy, moody, and many mountain roads close—but coastal spots like Ruby Beach still totally doable for the brave (and we love a misty PNW elopement!).
🏔 North Cascades (Lake 22, Artist Point, Diablo Lake)
Best Time: July – September
The North Cascades are absolutely breathtaking but also super seasonal. Snow sticks around well into early summer, so late July through September is the golden window.
- July–September : Trails are open, weather is warm, and wildflowers are popping. You’ll have epic views with the most accessibility.
- Fall : Gorgeous foliage, especially in early October, but keep an eye on snow—Artist Point often closes by mid to late October.
- Winter–Spring : Most trails closed due to snow, unless you’re up for a snowshoe elopement!
🌄 Mount Rainier National Park
Best Time: Late July – Early October
Rainier is the crown jewel of the PNW, but she plays hard to get. Snow sticks around well into July, and many of the park’s best locations (like Sunrise and Paradise) aren’t fully accessible until late summer.
- Late July–August : Wildflowers are in full bloom, and the weather is peak perfection. This is the most popular time, so weekday elopements = your best friend.
- September–October : Still beautiful, with golden hues and way fewer crowds.
- Winter–Spring : Mount Rainier turns into a snow globe. You can still elope here, but it’s limited to lower elevation areas and requires winter travel prep.
🌊 Ruby Beach & Washington Coast
Best Time: Year-Round (with a soft spot for fall & spring)
Ruby Beach is stunning no matter the season—misty mornings, moody sunsets, crashing waves—it’s pure PNW magic.
- Summer : Most popular (and driest) time, but also busiest. Weekdays are your best bet for privacy.
- Fall (Sept–Nov) : Still beautiful, a little more dramatic, and way less crowded.
- Winter–Spring : Expect overcast skies, cooler temps, and the occasional storm—but that wild, windswept coastal vibe? Chef’s kiss.
🌿 General Season Breakdown for Washington Elopements
Here’s a quick at-a-glance if you’re not totally set on a location yet:
| Season | Vibe | Weather | Crowds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March–June) | Fresh, green, rainy | Variable | Moderate | Waterfalls, coast, lower elevations |
| Summer (July–Sept) | Sunny, wildflowers | Warm, clear | High | Mountains, lakes, peak views |
| Fall (Sept–Oct) | Golden, cozy | Crisp, clear | Low–moderate | Forests, mountain foliage |
| Winter (Nov–Feb) | Moody, magical | Rainy/snowy | Low | Coastal, snowy elopements, intimate vibes |
👋 My Pro Tips (a.k.a. Elopement Wisdom from the Field)
- Weekdays always win. Less traffic, fewer hikers, and more privacy for your vows.
- Sunrise > Sunset in popular spots. It’s worth the early wake-up for that peaceful, golden magic.
- Have a backup plan. Washington weather is a wild card—embracing it is part of the charm, but I always help craft a Plan B just in case.
- Trust the timing. There’s truly no “bad” season here—just different flavors of beautiful.
Ready to Choose Your Season and Start Planning?
When we work together, I’ll help you pick the best time and place for your vision—whether that means running barefoot down Ruby Beach or hiking up to an alpine lake in peak wildflower season.
The moment you book with me, I become your:
- Photographer
- Adventure guide
- Permit wrangler
- Timeline planner
- Hype squad
All you have to do is show up, be in love, and let nature (and me) handle the rest.
Let’s find your season and make it official.