West Coast Elopement
When planning an adventure elopement on the West Coast, there are a plethora of gorgeous locations to choose from! Between the rugged coastlines of Oregon, rainforests in Washington, or deserts in California; there is undoubtedly something for you + your partner.
In brainstorming where you would like your elopement to take place, perhaps you've landed on California, Washington, or Oregon to host your adventure elopement!
Step One: Check. Celebrate that! You two have selected a stunning spot to exchange your vows and commit your love to one another.
But what time of year should you elope?
The Best Time of Year to Elope in Washington
Washington has so much to offer when considering eloping there! The first thing to keep in mind is: where will your Washington elopement take place?
Many roads in Washington that lead to some of the best elopement spots [we are lookin' at you, State Route 20!] have season closures that you two will have to take into account. Washington is no stranger to tempestuous winter weather, so selecting an elopement location in a higher altitude may not work out during late fall-early spring.
That seems like a long time for some iconic places to be inaccessible, right? Sometimes! But trust us when we say that there is nothing like a summer elopement in Mount Rainier National Park, or a late spring North Cascades National Park elopement!
If seeing the Cascades enrobed in snow is your thing, don't let seasonal closures scare you away! There are still many places to access during warmer months where the magic of snowfall rarely escapes. Check out this North Cascades elopement that took place in June!
Clouds hugging evergreens; deep green moss hugging trees. These are some of the images that come to mind when we think of Washington State! For those moody vibes, the seasons of spring and fall would definitely be your best bet. Nothing wrong with some sunshine peeking through, but for maximum PNW, eloping during the rainy seasons makes sense!
This Olympic National Park elopement occurred during springtime, and we were grateful recipients of both gloom + sunlight.
Mount Rainier National Park Elopement
The Best Time of Year to Elope in Oregon
Eloping in Oregon can conjure up so many enchanting ideas! Waterfalls, coastlines...many couples choose to elope in Oregon for its natural beauty. Where are you thinking of having your Oregon elopement?
Mount Hood looms over much of the state, being Oregon's highest peak. Since it is so high up, it hosts snow and glaciers almost year-round. Some trails can become hard to follow and dangerous to navigate during winter, so say hello to your adventurous Mount Hood elopement in the middle of summer! Temperatures near the mountain rarely get extremely hot, which can be another plus if you + your partner are thinking about a Mount Hood elopement.
Oregon Coast elopements are always magic. Just don't forget to look at the weather for surrounding areas! When temperatures soar inland, residents flock to the coast to seek solace: creating traffic and throngs of people. Weather on the Oregon Coast can often be hard to predict, with sunshine making an appearance when least expected, and sudden rain shower surprises! Freezing temps on the Oregon Coast don't come around very often, and neither do boiling temperatures. For this reason, the Oregon Coast can be a wonderful elopement option, no matter the month!
The Columbia River Gorge in Oregon has almost too many waterfalls to count. What a problem to have, right?! Luckily, at its lower elevation, the Columbia River Gorge can accommodate during any season! It just comes down to personal preference. This Oregon waterfall elopement was in November, while this waterfall elopement happened in March!
Oregon Waterfall Elopement
The Best Time of Year to Elope in California
People often like to say that there are no bad weather days in California. This can of course be true, but California is a big state! Dreaming of a California elopement? You have your pick of backdrop! If you + your partner have chosen to elope in California, the location you have decided will help you decide WHEN.
With California being as diverse as it is, temperatures and tourist seasons can vary wildly. Planning an elopement in the Angeles National Forest could be a lot more comfortable for your body + mind [weather + parking stress!] during winter or fall. Less people means more opportunities to soak up your elopement day in intimacy, just you + your partner! And we can't think of anything more romantic than that.
Desert locations like Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park are such exquisite elopement destinations! But visiting these pretty places during hotter months is not advised. Temperatures can reach scorching degrees, and fretting about whether you have enough water is NOT the kind of adventure elopement we recommend! Mild months play much nicer with the desert, like this springtime Joshua Tree National Park elopement.
We mentioned tourism as something to keep in mind while planning your California elopement, and we wanted to circle back to that. If you have your heart set on a Yosemite elopement, go for it! We are here to help you navigate the perfect time of year [and day!] to avoid the headaches of closures and crowds.
There is no right or wrong time of year to elope on the West Coast. Just keeping a few simple things in mind can truly alleviate stress when deciding what time of year is the best to elope in California, Oregon, or Washington!
Joshua Tree Elopement
Whether you're planning an elopement in Oregon, Washington, California, or anywhere around the globe, we couldn't be more elated for you! Drop us a message and let's get planning to make your dream elopement a tangible event!
California Desert Elopement
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