Venue Series: Elopements
Elopements have always been a romantic, intimate, and low-key option for couples, but the first couple years of the COVID-19 pandemic definitely popularized these minimal ceremonies like never before. Today’s venue series installment is a little different from my others as it includes some of my favorite elopement spots in the Seattle area rather than traditional venues. Keep in mind these suggestions are specifically for true elopements, not for full ceremonies or micro weddings with actual guest lists. If you’d like to consider some of these spots for more traditional ceremonies with guests beyond your witnesses, make sure you’re checking on the necessary permits/payments. You can also view a full map of all my suggestions here.
Seattle Elopements
The vast majority of these locations fall under the jurisdiction of Seattle Parks and Recreation. While you won’t need a permit for a true elopement (defined as an “informal” event - small number of people, limited amount of time, etc.), I strongly recommend confirming that your elopement date does not overlap with any of the approved events listed at the “Permitted Events List” link on this page. For a more formal ceremony in a Seattle City Park, check out Outdoor Ceremony Reservations and the Event Planning Guide.
Washington Park Arboretum: lots of options! Many involve a walk from parking lots but it’s mostly flat. Highlights include Azalea Way and Pacific Connections Garden.
Alki Beach/Point favorite include: near the Lighthouse (it’s an active Coast Guard lighthouse so I generally recommend the small stretch of beach between the lighthouse and Constellation Park), near/in the Statue of Liberty Plaza, and Luna Park
Sunset Hill (Ballard)
Hamilton Viewpoint Park (this one has a beautiful view of the city across the bay!)
Golden Gardens Park (at the Grove or along the beach)
Discovery Park (check out my map for some specific recommendations. You can’t go wrong anywhere here but it is massive with lots of long walks between parking lots and pretty spots!)
Gas Works Park (Kite Hill and the lakefront viewpoint offer the most iconic views but you can easily find a quiet spot anywhere!)
Carl S. English Botanical Gardens at the Ballard Locks
Volunteer Park: the Black Sun sculpture and the lily ponds are great options.
Seattle City Parks put together a nice album of photos from good ceremony spots you can check out as well!
Eastside Elopements
Carillon Point (Kirkland): there’s even a beautiful arch ready-made for your elopement!
Marymoor Park (Redmond): this park is massive with lots of beautiful spots but my personal favorite is along the Sammamish River in the off-leash dog area!
Idylwood Park (Redmond): a beautiful little spot right on Lake Sammamish. Keep in mind it gets crowded during the summer so plan accordingly!
Lewis Creek Park (Bellevue): one of my personal favorites. Some beautiful spots along the trails!
Timberlake Park (Issaquah): recommend walking the ½ mile trail to the Lake Sammamish shoreline.
Luther Burbank Park (Mercer Island): lots of great spots along Lake Washington!
Everett Elopements
Lowell Riverfront Trail: there’s a lovely spot right at the pin on my map overlooking the Snohomish River. Beautiful and calm!
Howarth Park: a few options pinned on the map!
Legion Memorial Park: another beautiful view overlooking the Snohomish River.
Lowell Riverfront Trail