So, you want to elope in Washington State!

Whether you live in Washington or are driving or flying in to get married, our beautiful Northwest State offers a wide variety of venues and locations for a small and intimate wedding ceremony.

As you think about where you'd like to elope, here are 13 amazing locations to consider for your small ceremony.

On a Washington State Ferry

There is nothing more quintessential "Washington" than to exchange vows on a Washington State Ferry. Some of the most popular routes for this are downtown Seattle - Bremerton, downtown Seattle - Bainbridge Island, downtown Seattle - Clinton and Anacortes - Orcas Island.

You do need to contact the Washington State Ferry System and get permission to be married on the ferry crossing. The staff at the Ferry office are very accommodating and it's easy to make your booking. They do require advance notice of at least a few days and prefer to book a wedding on a non-peak day/time.

Hurricane Ridge on the Olympic Peninsula (Port Angeles, WA)

On the Olympic Peninsula and several hours by car from downtown Seattle is the seaside town of Port Angeles and neighboring Olympic National Park.

From Port Angeles, it takes about 30 minutes to drive through the mountain pass on a twisting road to Hurricane Ridge, a most scenic mountain vista and launch pad for many hiking adventures.

There is a Visitor's Center at Hurricane Ridge, coffee/tea cafe and facilities. And just a short walk from the parking lot, there are sweet and hidden mountain view spots to get you hitched!

At the Base of Snoqualmie Falls (Snoqualmie, WA)

Like Hurricane Ridge, this location is also for an adventurous couple. However, instead of hiking up, you are hiking down. Located in the small town of Snoqualmie, which is about a 30-minute drive from Seattle, you'll find the popular Snoqualmie Falls.

Each year, couples choose to elope to Snoqualmie Falls because of the spectacular waterfall back drop. It's about a 10-15 minute walk down to the bottom of the Falls and this little spot is a once-in-a-lifetime memory. And for a marvelous celebration meal afterwards, check out the neighboring Salish Lodge which offers dining overlooking the Falls.

Alki Beach (Seattle, WA)

Each year, couples take off their shoes or sandals and get married in the sand at Alki Beach, located in West Seattle. Alki Beach is very popular during the summer months with locals and offers an informal beach experience for your wedding ceremony.

Union, Washington

Union Washington is a tiny town in Jefferson County, Washington. It boasts miles and miles of scenic beach spots along the Hood Canal.

Couples love to travel to the Union area and pick their spot on the water along Hood Canal because this area is little known for tiny weddings and offers a quiet and peaceful spot for a ceremony. For a celebration lunch or dinner, treat yourselves to Alderbrook Resort in Union!

Leavenworth, Washington

A two-hour ride from Seattle, Leavenworth is a sweet little German town that welcomes weddings of all sizes in a big way.

Here, you can find quaint inns and bed and breakfast places offering elopement packages at affordable rates, especially during off-season.

While in Leavenworth, you can get married, enjoy a great overnight or two at a special place and perhaps celebrate your wedding bliss by taking advantage of many of the guided outdoor adventures - cross-country skiing, white water rafting or hiking.

Ruby Beach and the Washington State Coast

The Coast of Washington is a big place and little known Ruby Beach is a beautiful and mesmerizing place to exchange wedding vows.

Ruby Beach is located just south of Forks, Washington. Once you reach Ruby Beach, you and your Officiant and witnesses can take a short hike down to the ocean and get married waterside.

Consult the tide schedule to insure a best time for your ceremony and also take a peek at the map and Washington State ferry schedule as you plan your journey to the Washington Coast. For instance, if you are traveling to Ruby Beach from Seattle, it will take you 4-6 hours to get there, depending on what route you take.

Ashford, Washington (Mount Rainier)

If you and your Sweetheart are outdoor enthusiasts, consider getting married near or at the base of Mount Rainier. Eloping to the Ashford area and Mt. Rainier is best in the Spring and Summer season and the surrounding area offers luxurious as well as rustic accommodations for your wedding night.  Plan to stay the night at Alexander’s Country Inn in Ashford – ask for Bernadette to make your day extra special!

Tulalip Resort & Casino

Believe it or not, the popular Tulalip Casino & Resort hosts a number of small and intimate wedding ceremonies each year. Located one hour North of Seattle, this plush resort not offers a fabulous casino but a wonderful resort where you can snuggle in and relish in your new married status!

The San Juan Islands (on the ferry or Island)

There is nothing more fun than getting married on a Washington State Ferry and/or hitching a ride on ferry and getting married on a Puget Sound island. Orcas Island and San Juan Island are two of the most popular "marrying islands" in Washington and offers a wide variety of locations and venues. Contact the Chamber of Commerce on both Islands for venue information.

Port Townsend, Washington

This seaside town is a favorite for couples in Washington State who want to elope but don't want to travel too far. Port Townsend offers waterside locations as well as city parks for your wedding ceremony. And if you want to be married in a historic castle, check out Port Townsend's Manresa Castle!

Bainbridge Island

From downtown Seattle, you can catch a Washington State ferry and 35 minutes later, you are on Bainbridge Island. This sweet Island is a bedroom community of Seattle and is home to 25,000 people.  It boasts a bustling little downtown area, magnificent water vistas, and beautiful bed and breakfast choices.

You could either be married (i.e., elope!) on the deck of the Washington State Ferry or you can find an Officiant or Minister to marry you once you are on Bainbridge Island.

After your elopement ceremony on Bainbridge Island, celebrate with a lovely meal at one of the several celebrations restaurants that line the downtown "strip" of this gorgeous island.

Tip: To be married on the Washington State Ferry, you will need to contact the Washington State Ferry System for permission.

Hamilton Viewpoint Park, Seattle

In West Seattle, there is a little neighborhood park called Hamilton Viewpoint Park. Known by many of the locals, this park is on a high bluff and overlooks downtown Seattle, The Space Needle and the Puget Sound. If there ever was a truly "Washington State place" to get married with a killer view, this is it.

Tip: Contact the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department for a permit.

Orcas Island, WA

If you are up for a drive and an extended ferry ride, check out Orcas Island. The Island sleeps during the Winter months and is crazy busy during the popular Summer season. This is a big Island with a wide variety of hotels, inns and bed and breakfasts.

There are a lot of very cool and fun places to be married - waterside, bluff and bed and breakfasts. Contact the Orcas Chamber of Commerce in Eastsound for specific information as they love to give out free advice to engaged couples!