Post Summary: Renowned for its gorgeous alpine scenery, world-class skiing, and the iconic Snoqualmie Falls, Snoqualmie Pass makes for a stunning elopement location in Western Washington—one of my all-time favorites, in fact! In this guide, I’ve pulled together a list of the 10 best places to elope in Snoqualmie Pass, as well as my top tips for what time of year you should elope, cozy places to stay nearby, and adventurous elopement activities that’ll make your day unforgettable.

Where is Snoqualmie Pass?

Even if you’ve never intentionally stopped in Snoqualmie, you’ve probably passed through it plenty of times if you’re a native Washingtonian—I know I’m personally alwaysss checking the weather up on the pass when I’m driving across the state in the winter. It’s a mountain pass that follows I-90 through the Cascade Mountain Range, and is one of just three east-west mountain routes that’s kept open all year long to take you across Washington.  If you’ve ever heard of the world-renowned Pacific Crest Trail, that trail actually crosses through Snoqualmie Pass (along with plenty of other hiking, climbing, and cross-country skiing + snowshoeing trails)! 

To get to Snoqualmie Pass from out of state, you’ll want to fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Driving east to the summit of Snoqualmie Pass from Seattle takes about 50 minutes, and the pass is sort of centrally located between Washington’s best national parks + forests—with Mount Rainier to the south, the Cascades to the east, Mt. Baker to the north, and the Olympic Peninsula northwest. The small town of Snoqualmie, though, is just 30 minutes from Seattle, as is Snoqualmie Falls, so it’s super easily-accessible when the weather is right.

Why Should I Elope in Snoqualmie Pass?

Snoqualmie Pass is ABSOLUTELY worth the visit for anybody, especially eloping couples who are craving an experience out in some of the best wilderness the PNW has to offer! 

One of the reasons I love the Snoqualmie area so much is the amount of diverse landscapes there are to explore—waterfalls, alpine lakes, mountaintops, forests. . . it’s a total dream come true for anybody who thrives around gorgeous landscapes + tons of access to awesome outdoor recreation. Whether you elope in the summer and enjoy the incredible hiking trails on a sunny day, or you opt for a winter adventure filled with skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing instead, this stunning area has SO much to give. And for every ability level, too—the area has quite a few easily accessible and even wheelchair-friendly hikes you can check out.

Need some reccs for ADA-accessible elopement locations in Washington? I got you!

Another reason why I’ll always recommend Snoqualmie Pass to eloping couples is the privacy and seclusion it has to offer. You’re close enough to Seattle that it’s super easy to access, but it still feels remote—with the towering mountain peaks, lush trees, and cascading waterfalls just begging to be explored. You’ll feel far away from the hustle and bustle of the city without actually driving too far, getting all the benefits of a remote location without the effort (and cost) that comes with longer travel days!

The little town of Snoqualmie is also just super cute and charming, and makes for such a cozy place to stay during your elopement. I’ll get into this a bit more later, but for now, just know that there are all sorts of welcoming accommodations available in the area—plus, the dramatic mountain views are to die for.

Permits You Might Need for Your Snoqualmie Pass Elopement

One of the BEST ways we can protect beautiful wilderness areas like this is to get the proper permits we need in order to explore + elope. Depending on the specific location where you’d like to hold your elopement ceremony, you may need one or multiple of the following:

• Parking pass
• Trailhead pass/backcountry permit
• Wedding ceremony permit
• Commercial photography/videography permit

You’ll typically need a permit of some sort if you’re eloping on nationally or state protected land, and in the Snoqualmie Pass area, it’s important to know that certain locations are a part of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Fortunately, though, you don’t need a Special Use Permit unless your wedding involves 75 people or more—which I’m guessing it doesn’t since you’re planning a smaller elopement! You may, however, still need to obtain a Commercial Filming and Photography Authorization, which I’m happy to help you with.

If you plan to hike anywhere in the area that requires a day-use fee (including many of the locations listed in the next section of this guide), you’ll need to have a Northwest Forest Day Pass on hand. This pass costs $5 per day, and is valid at any recreation sites in Washington (and Oregon, actually) where a day-use fee is required! Orrr if you’re an avid visitor you might want to consider the $30 Annual Pass, instead.

Privately-owned locations such as the Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater & Family Park may require additional permits—the theater, for example, only allows members and their guests to access the property for wedding ceremonies. Because every location is so different, it’s important to do your research ahead of time to ensure you know what to expect + how to prepare—and as somebody who’s very experienced with this, I’ll be totally happy to guide you through the process if need be!

For a deeper dive into getting the correct permits for your Washington elopement, check out this guide.

10 Best Places to Elope in Snoqualmie Pass

I know this is what you came here for, so let’s just get right into it: here are the ultimate best Snoqualmie Pass elopement locations!

1. Rattlesnake Lake / Rattlesnake Ledge

Rattlesnake is the prettiest lake that’s suuuper easy to access, or you can head up to Rattlesnake Ledge for a 5.3 mile out-and-back trek through the scenic recreation area.

2. Gold Creek Pond

Gold Creek Pond is temporarily unavailable due to restoration, but when it’s open, it’s a GORGEOUS sight to see. Follow an ADA-accessible paved loop around the pond for dreamy mountain views—the perfect spot for a romantic waterfront picnic!

3. Franklin Falls

Requiring only a 2-mile round trip hike, Franklin Falls is an incredible elopement destination for couples who want a little adventure, but would prefer to keep it a bit more low-effort.

4. Snoqualmie Falls

Duh! Snoqualmie Falls is absolutely iconic, and is a must-visit for first-timers in the area. The two-acre park is super picturesque, and I 10/10 recommend staying at the Salish Lodge for easy access!

5. Middle Fork Road

Middle Fork is a long trek along the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River, at about 12 miles round trip, but you can also simply explore the Middle Fork Road and the beautiful green foliage it winds through.

6. Twin Falls

“Twin Falls” is a bit of a misnomer, as there are actually three separate waterfalls here—and they’re all beautiful! Located in North Bend, this 2.4 mile round trip hike isn’t too difficult, making it perfect for couples who want a lower-effort adventure or want to bring guests/families along for the fun.

7. Mount Si Overlook

The 8-mile round trip hike to the summit of Mount Si is for sure one of the most popular in the area (if not the entire state of Washington), famed for its insane views of Snoqualmie Valley and the surrounding Cascades. The panoramic views from the top are worth every mile you trek and every foot you climb!

8. Alpental Valley

The word “Alpental” is German for “alpine valley,” so it only makes sense where this stunning valley running northwest from Snoqualmie Pass got its name. The Alpental Road begins at exit 52 on I-90, and becomes super popular in the summer and winter for its epic outdoor recreation—hiking, climbing, skiing, and snowboarding specifically.

9. Snoqualmie Pass area

Honestly, just driving around the Snoqualmie Pass area can lead to some really beautiful spots + hidden gems! I love building time into my couples’ timelines to simply explore and check out little corners we find spontaneously, always leaving room to explore.

10. Hidden gems only locals know

Finally, there are plenty of other hidden gems I’ve got up my sleeve as a local Washingtonian (many away from the more crowded hotspots of Snoqualmie)—and my couples get access to ‘em all when they hire me 🙂

When is the Best Time of Year to Elope in Snoqualmie Pass? 

Choosing the right time of year for your elopement is just as important as choosing the right location, so let’s dive into what the weather looks like in Snoqualmie Pass—and which season might be best for your unique adventure.

There are a few main factors to take into consideration when deciding when to elope in Snoqualmie Pass:

• Rain
• Snow
• Fog
• Sun
• Water flow
• Foliage
• Wildflowers
• Crowds

While there’s no single “best” time of year, as it completely depends on what you want your elopement to look like, spring and summer are typically the most beautiful and all-around accessible seasons to elope in Snoqualmie Pass! It’s also going to really depend on what location you’re eloping at—Snoqualmie Pass, for example, gets a ton of snowfall, but just 30 miles away, Snoqualmie Falls barely gets any.

Spring is incredible for couples looking to elope at Snoqualmie Falls, as the water is most powerful due to the runoff from snowmelt in the mountains—but you can get a similar effect after a big rain storm, as well. If you’re craving a hiking or biking adventure further into the mountains, though, I’d recommend eloping in the summer months, as this is when the snow melts and you’ll have easier access to hikes at any elevation. You’ll also find beautiful wildflowers and meadows, bright blue alpine lakes, and much more pleasant weather than in the spring! Peak wildflower bloom around Snoqualmie Pass typically lasts from early June to mid-August.

If gorgeous views are your main priority and you don’t necessarily need the warmer temperatures, I definitely consider a fall elopement because of the stunning fall foliage the Snoqualmie area gets. Early October is when you’ll usually find peak fall colors and foliage at higher elevations, and it’s honestly such a great time to enjoy that crisp mountain air—without nearly as many visitors as the trails get in the summer.

Speaking of visitors, don’t forget to think about crowds at certain times of year. Because May-August is by far the best season for hiking, Snoqualmie draws a ton of visitors and it’s much harder to find privacy on the trails. If your main goal is to find peace, quiet, and privacy for your elopement ceremony in the mountains, you may want to opt for a late spring or early fall elopement, instead. Just know that the weather can be a bit more unpredictable at these times of year!

No matter what time of year you decide to elope, I’m a big believer that bad weather does NOT have to mean a bad elopement day—in fact, it honestly just adds to the sense of adventure and the lifelong memories you create together. That’s why I always like to educate my couples on how to prepare for and handle bad weather on their elopement day, especially when it comes to eloping in the often rainy, moody, and cloudy PNW. Make sure to read this guide to help you prepare for whatever Mother Nature might throw your way!

What Should I Know About Eloping in Snoqualmie Pass?

Before your elopement day arrives (eek!), there are a few important things you’ll want to know about eloping in Snoqualmie Pass to ensure a super stress-free day.

1. Trail conditions are always changing

Being so high up in the mountains means that you truly never know what the weather will look like, as well as the road and trail conditions around the area. Even though snow usually doesn’t fall in Snoqualmie until late October or November, sometimes you’ll get a random snowstorm in early October, orrr maybe the snow won’t melt until early June instead of late May. This is why it’s important to keep an eye on the trails + roads you’re planning to access in case of last-minute closures or unpredictable conditions. There are a couple of places you can monitor conditions online, including the Forest Service website for Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, the Summit at Snoqualmie mountain report, and WSDOT for updates along I-90.

It’s also important to keep accessibility in mind, as some of the more accessible (and even wheelchair-friendly) trails may be affected by changes in weather, especially snow and icy conditions. Check out this guide for a list of my favorite ADA-accessible elopement locations in Washington!

2. Leaving No Trace is key

If you’re not familiar with Leave No Trace principles, now’s the time to get familiar! Even when we don’t intend to harm wildlife or nature as we explore, we still have a significant impact on the world around us—and it’s our job to minimize that impact as much as possible through our own individual actions. I’ve got an in-depth guide to Leaving No Trace for Eloping Couples that I highly suggest reading when you get the chance, where I apply each of the 7 principles to the logistics and practicalities of an adventure elopement. 

3. Safety is always the #1 priority

Just as we want to keep the beautiful land we explore safe and protected, we also need to keep ourselves safe! Here are a few tips for eloping safely in wilderness areas (such as the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest):

• Always stay hydrated
• Pack a first aid kit
• Keep a map and/or compass handy (and always download offline maps)
• Bring a flashlight or headlamp
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Know what wildlife is in the area, and keep your distance
• Check avalanche conditions beforehand
• Have winter tires and chains on hand
• Wear secure footwear (safety > style)

4. Backup plans are your BFF’s

Finally, you should neverrrr go into any outdoor adventure without a backup plan—including your elopement. I actually had way too much to say for this section that I wrote a separate blog about it, featuring my best advice for creating backup plans and being ready for any scenario that might come up. Give it a read here!

What Should I Wear for My Snoqualmie Pass Elopement?

What you wear for your elopement totallyyyy depends on your personal style, the weather, what you’re comfortable in, and what’s in your budget. 

The main things you’ll want to pay attention to when shopping (whether for a dress, suit, or any other piece) are material, style, and movement. Safety and comfort should always be your ultimate priority, ensuring that whatever you choose to wear keeps you feeling like your best self and allows you to move around freely all day. Especially if you’ll be hiking and potentially walking over uneven terrain, sitting on rocks/logs, etc! Sturdy footwear is also gonna be your best friend, because exploring is WAY more safe + comfortable when you’re not worried about slipping on muddy trails, or near waterfalls.

Here are a few of my favorite dress designers that I will always recommend for elopements:

• Rue de Seine
• Daci Gowns
• BHLDN
• Grace Loves Lace

Don’t forget to take the weather into consideration, too—adding an extra layer (such as a stylish coat or shawl) or rain jacket is always a good idea to make sure you stay warm. 

If you want more in-depth help and additional brand recommendations, you’ll def want to check out these two blog posts I put together: A Complete Guide to Picking Your Hiking Elopement Dress, and the Top 10 Best Elopement Wedding Dresses & Designers!

Best Accommodations + Lodging for Your Elopement in Snoqualmie Pass

When you’re ready to make your travel plans + book lodging for your stay in Snoqualmie Pass, I’ve got a list of some of the best spots in the area to make your search a little bit easier!

Snoqualmie Airbnb’s

• Ansel’s Cabin
• Red Cedar Cabin
• Rivertooth Cabin Retreat
• Mountain View Tiny House
• Lakefront Log Cabin

Snoqualmie Campgrounds

• Middle Fork Campground
• Tinkham Campground
• Denny Creek Campground

Snoqualmie Hotels + Resorts

• Salish Lodge & Spa
• Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel

Snoqualmie Marriage License + Laws

To get legally married in Snoqualmie Pass, you’ll need to get your marriage license through King County. Below, I’ve answered a few important FAQ’s about marriage laws and licenses in Washington so that you can feel confident going into the process when the time comes!

Is there a waiting period to get married in Washington State?

Yep, there’s a mandatory 3-day waiting period in Washington—meaning that once you get your final marriage license, you have to wait three days to use it (aka have your ceremony). As an example, if you were to be issued your marriage license on May 1st, it would be valid for use starting May 4th. Once the waiting period is over, your license will be valid for another 60 days before it expires. 

The King County website actually has a super handy calculator that tells you exactly when you should obtain your marriage license, according to your ceremony date!

What documents are required to get married in Washington State?

All you need to apply for a Washington State marriage license is a valid photo ID (for both of you), as well as any divorce/death records that are applicable. Once you’re ready to apply, you can start the application process for your marriage license online here, and finalize it by visiting the King County Customer Service Center in person.

Can you self-solemnize in Washington State?

Unfortunately no! You need to have a licensed officiant to get legally married in Washington State, unlike some states (like Colorado) where you can legally be your own officiant. 

How much does it cost to get married in Washington State?

Fees may vary by county, but in King County, there’s a $69 application fee when you apply for your marriage license. Additional costs will apply if you need any extra copies!

7 Snoqualmie Pass Adventure Elopement Activities

With SO many incredible activities and excursions available in the Snoqualmie Pass area, it can be crazyyy difficult to choose what to add to your itinerary. No matter what level of adventure you’re looking for, there’s something for everyone, from lavish spa services to snowy days hitting the slopes. Get your ideas flowin’ with the 7 amazing Snoqualmie elopement ideas I’ve included below!

1. Have a spa day at Salish Lodge & Spa

2. Visit a local winery or brewery

3. Go paddleboarding on the Snoqualmie River

4. Go skiing, snowshoeing, or snowboarding

5. Have a lakeside or riverside picnic

6. Book a luxury campsite like this

7. Go stargazing outside of your Airbnb

Need a little more help brainstorming? Browse through this massive list I put together of 100 unique elopement ideas + activities for an epic celebration.

Meet Your Snoqualmie Elopement Photographer

Mkay sooo are you ready to get to planning your Snoqualmie Pass elopement? If so, I’m Katie—your friendly neighborhood Snoqualmie elopement photographer who cannot WAIT to show you all the beauty this area has to offer. You can learn more about me and my approach to documenting adventure elopements here, and take a look at my Snoqualmie elopement packages + pricing below to see if we’d be a good fit. Get in touch here, and don’t forget to tell me all about your special day + which location you’re dreaming of tying the knot at!

Snoqualmie Pass Elopement Packages and Pricing