The Washington Elopement Experience
With Wilderpines
Elopement Photography, Planning & Officiating from a Queer-Owned Seattle-Based Adventure Team
Experience-first elopements, designed around your pace — not a shot list.
Photos second.
Photographs are meant to serve the experience—to serve the moment. Not the other way around.
Experience First.
OUR APPROACH:
Your wedding day is not a photoshoot.
Yes, we’re photographers. And yes, we care deeply about creating beautiful images. But the heart of what we do is the experience itself. Your elopement is a chance to slow down, be present, and spend intentional time together — not to perform for the camera.
The best photos come from truly great experiences — exploring, connecting, and saying your vows in a way that actually feels like you. Photos that help you remember how it felt — rooted in place, at peace with your love.
Eloping is transformational.
It’s not just a day, or a ceremony. It’s a mindful act of devotion, self-love, intention, and liberation — a chance to step away from the noise and mark an important milestone in a way that feels grounded and meaningful.
Our approach is low-key and supportive, with gentle direction when it’s helpful, and space when it’s not. We capture a mix of natural portraits, landscapes, details, and candid moments that tell the full story of your day.
Not a photoshoot — an adventure worth photographing
What’s Included With Every Package
ADVENTURE
Adventure with us, anywhere in Washington. Mountains, forests, beaches, rivers, lakes, waterfalls—we’ll help you find the perfect spot.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Intentional, beautiful imagery in epic wilderness. Not a photoshoot, but an experience worth photographing.
PLANNING SUPPORT
From day one, we’re your guide—with personalized planning calls, local insight, custom itineraries, plus all our resources and guides including vendor lists, travel tips, timeline ideas, and more.
LOCAL EXPERTISE
From permits and conditions to weather patterns and hidden gems in WA, we’ll help you pick the right place, time it right, and feel totally prepared.
OFFICIATING
Officiant services are included for “just us” elopements, or bring the whole crew and add a second photographer/officiant to your team.
TRADING POST
Borrow instead of buy! From hiking gear to picnic decor, we’ve got what you need to keep things simple.
Meet the Photographers
We’re a close-knit, majority-queer team based in Seattle, WA. Ashton (he/him) is the lead photographer and creative director, guiding couples through planning, storytelling, and the photography of their day from start to finish.
Our associate photographers, Alanna (she/her) and Tessa (she/her), bring their love of wild places, mindfulness, and outdoor adventure to every elopement they capture across Washington.
Together, we’ve photographed 180+ adventures, officiated 80+ ceremonies, and helped couples plan everything from sunrise solo hikes to multi-day mountaintop adventures.
Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate mountaintop ceremony, a quiet lakeside vow exchange, or a two-day hiking elopement in the cascades — or you just decided last week that the mountains are calling! — we’re here to support you every step of the way, and document the experience of a lifetime.
PLANNING SUPPORT & LOGISTICS
Like any great adventure, it all starts with a plan.
Let us be your guide
Elopement planning doesn’t need to be overwhelming—or rigid. Our process is collaborative, flexible, and grounded in real-world experience, with just enough structure to keep things smooth while leaving room for spontaneity.
1. Idea Stage
Before diving into logistics, we start with the big picture. What do you want this to feel like? Where are you? What are you doing, seeing, eating, experiencing?
We’ll help you explore and clarify your ideas using:
Field Guide to Adventure Elopements: 150+ pages of resources, including vendor lists, travel guides, attire guides, and more
Brainstorming Form to get ideas flowing
2. Planning Stage
With your vision in place, we’ll start shaping your elopement trip—both the day itself and the surrounding travel. Where’s the ceremony? Where will you stay? How much driving makes sense? What should the day actually look like hour by hour? We’ll help map it out with:
Personalized planner with tailored location lists, sample timelines, lodgings & vendor suggestions
Permit guidance
Booking tracker & budget sheet template
Vendor communication support
Attire recommendations, plus color/styling guidance
Weather prep and backup plans
Packing checklist and gear recommendations
Complimentary gear & décor rentals from our Trading Post
Cost-saving and DIY tips
Marriage licensing guidance
3. Prep Stage
As your day approaches, we shift focus to personal details and final touches.
Ceremony flow and scripts, vow-writing tips
Officiant resources if a loved one is leading the ceremony
Thoughtful touches to make the day feel like yours
Final checklists and packing lists
Forecast review and timing adjustments
Backup plans if conditions shift
At this point, the planning is done—time to gear up and head out for the adventure of a lifetime!
TRADING POST
Outfitting & Gear Rentals
Don’t sweat the details—borrow from us instead
We believe eloping is about less—less stuff, more meaning. Let the focus stay on your experience, not the gear or logistics.
To keep things simple, we offer complimentary gear and supply rentals through our Trading Post. Whether you’re planning a rugged hike or a romantic picnic, we’ve got what you need — perfect for out-of-town couples or anyone wanting to keep things simple and sustainable.
↠ Adventure essentials — packs, poles, headlamps, blankets, umbrellas
↠ Food & drink — picnic setups, JetBoils, cookware, mugs, snacks, tea & coffee
↠ Decor — vases, candles, runners, lanterns
Check out our full gear list:
OFFICIANT SERVICES
“Just Us” Officiating Included
For elopements with no guests, we offer complimentary photographer-led officiating.
We love how intimate our elopements feel when we get to plan your day, document every moment, and make it official. If it’s just the two of you, one of us can legally marry you while photographing your ceremony—seamless, personal, and deeply meaningful.
We’ll walk you through the whole process:
↠ Helping you choose a beautiful, secluded ceremony site
↠ Guidance on how to apply for your WA marriage license
↠ Ceremony flow & personalization
↠ Vow writing tips, handfasting, rituals, symbolic touches
↠ Signing & filing your paperwork afterward
↠ Resources for name changes, legal next steps, and more
Officiant services are optional
Want to bring a friend or family member to officiate? Go for it—we’ll support them with templates, ceremony scripts, and tips to make it easy and heartfelt. You can also hire a pro from our preferred vendor list.
Have guests? Here’s how it works:
If you’re inviting a few loved ones (up to 10 total guests), we’ve got options:
Bring or hire your own officiant, or…
Hire two of us—one can photograph while the other officiates (also a helpful extra set of hands)
Still unsure?
No need to know right now—we’ll help you figure out what you need. Read more here on ceremony logistics & options.
A WILDERPINES ORIGINAL
ELOPEMENT POSTCARDS
Announce your elopement in style—with something no one else is sending.
Inspired by vintage National Park postcards and WPA prints, our custom-designed postcards commemorate your adventure in a timeless, one-of-a-kind way. Each postcard set comes with a custom design, a printed set of cards to send to friends and family, and a fine art print for your wall.
Ready to start planning?
Don’t take it from us…
From past adventurers
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![A smiling woman in a cream dress and a wide-brim hat holding hands with a man in a khaki jacket and brown pants walking on a wooden bridge surrounded by trees.]()
“Ashton went above and beyond to help us plan the whole day when we had NO idea where to begin. For the planning aspect alone, Ashton is worth every penny. He will wildly exceed your expectations and do everything in his power to make the best day of your lives somehow even better. 5 stars is not enough, Ashton deserves all of the stars in the sky! Thank you, Ashton! We love you!!”
— KIKKI & PEYTON
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![A couple embraces and kisses on a wooden dock by a lake, surrounded by mountains and evergreen trees, during autumn.]()
“Ashton & Tess were incredible throughout the planning phase. They were on top of all the nuances of an adventure elopement and kept us up-to-date, including national park rules and requirements, road and weather conditions, leave no trace principles, contingency plans, and more. As adventure elopement planners, Wilderpines is top notch and exceeded our expectations.”
— MONICA & NIC
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![A wedding celebration outdoors with wedding party and guests raising glasses in toast, set against a backdrop of mountains and trees.]()
“Choosing Wilderpines was hands down the best decision we made for our big day! Ashton and Tess were experts when it came down to planning our hike, location, ceremony, and all the really small details a bride and groom may forget! They made the whole process of eloping so much easier and were so great with working to accommodate both of our families in our ceremony. The photos... ABSOLUTELY BLOWN AWAY! I have no words! I was so amazed that they captured our day so beautifully and I am just so in love with all of our photos!!! I cannot recommend Wilderpines enough, 10/10!
— SAMI & JOHN
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![A couple holding hands and smiling at each other in front of a waterfall and lush green forest.]()
“Our dreams came true because of the effort Ashton invested in the lead-up, so all we had to do on the day of our ceremony, was enjoy the day of our ceremony. If I didn't know it were real, I would say that Ashton is too good to be true. But he is. Ashton is the BEST. 1,000,000 out of 5 stars.”
— MICAH & TRISTIN
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![A couple with light skin standing on a rocky and wooded shoreline, the woman leaning down kissing the man's forehead, both smiling. The woman wears a white dress and a denim jacket, the man wears a beige shirt, glasses, and a cap.]()
“I cannot recommend Wilderpines enough! It can be overwhelming to think about where to even begin planning an elopement, and daunting to think about then spending that much time in front of a camera. But Ashton helped to make the entire experience fun and easy and comfortable, and we could not have asked for a better guide through this whole thing.”
— KATE & RYAN
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![Two women kiss in a snowy mountain landscape with a lake and snow-covered mountains in the background.]()
“The two biggest things we wanted to convey to anyone thinking about Wilderpines: 1. The video is 1000% worth it. 2. Having both Ashton and Tess there will be the best decision you ever make. Our photos and video are absolutely stunning and something we will love forever. The experience and environment Ashton and Tess created for us was far more meaningful and impactful than any captured moment.”
— TORI & MADDY
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![A couple in wedding attire dancing on a rocky trail in a mountainous landscape with snow-capped peaks and tall trees.]()
Working with Ashton was an absolute pleasure. Planning our elopement was seamless thanks to his attentive approach—he truly listened to our ideas and was open to incorporating them into the vision for our special day. Ashton went above and beyond, even venturing into some challenging areas to capture the perfect shots. His dedication and passion for his craft really shone through, and it made all the difference in our experience. Overall, the entire process was stress-free and enjoyable. Ashton made us feel comfortable and confident every step of the way. We couldn’t have asked for a better photographer to document such a special moment in our lives. Highly recommend!
— JAMES & JESSICA
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![A couple embraces in a foggy forest with tall pine trees, standing on a narrow dirt trail surrounded by autumn-colored bushes.]()
We had an absolutely amazing experience working with Ashton and Wilderpines! From the very beginning we were well taken care of and valued as people. Their communication is stellar and every single detail was planned and thought through for our special day. On the day of our elopement Ashton went above and beyond to make things comfortable and magical for us. It was just like having a friend spend the day with us and take our photos. I would 10/10 recommend Wilderpines to anyone I know looking for an easy, intimate, magical, stress-free elopement/wedding day. Thank you Wilderpines!
— KAYLEY & JOE
ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PACKAGES
Anywhere in Washington State
Elopement packages start at $5600
Most couples spend between $6,000–$10,000 for their full-day experience
WHAT’S NEXT
How to get started
Step 1
CHECK OUR DATES
Have a date or timeframe in mind? Check our current availability and travel schedule. Flexible? Even better — we’re happy to help you narrow things down.
Step 2
REACH OUT
Get in touch via the form below and tell us what you’re dreaming up — even if it’s just a rough sketch. You don’t need every detail figured out.
After you reach out, we’ll confirm availability and send over our full pricing guide so you can review everything before moving forward.
Step 3
LET’S MEET + GET YOU BOOKED
Next we’ll set up a time to chat! We can get to know each other a bit, talk through location ideas, timing, and next steps.
From there, if it feels like a good fit, we’ll lock in your date and start planning!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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We recommend booking 6–12 months in advance, especially for popular summer and fall dates. Planning ahead gives us the best options for permits, travel, and locations. Some couples book even earlier (9–16 months) for July–October dates.
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We’re not traditional wedding planners. Think of us as your guides, co-creators, and logistics support crew. We’re part travel guide, local expert, idea-generator, and day-of support—all here to help you shape an intentional day you’ll love.
What we don’t do: We don’t book travel, lodging, or vendors. We don’t make decisions for you. What we do is give you the tools, guidance, and recommendations to plan your day, your way—with expert help at every step.
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Many public lands do require a permit—especially national parks and state-managed wilderness. We’ll handle the research and walk you through the process. Permit fees are usually $50–300. We’ll always steer you toward legal, ethical locations.
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Absolutely. We specialize in helping couples pick the perfect location based on scenery, accessibility, privacy, logistics, and travel needs. Whether you're dreaming of the North Cascades, Olympic beaches, or a cozy cabin, we’ve got you covered.
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Yes! Not every elopement has to be a trek. We know lots of beautiful spots that are accessible by car or short trail, perfect for limited mobility or if you just want to keep it simple. No need to compromise the view.
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This is the Pacific Northwest—we’re ready for it. Rain, fog, snow, sun: we embrace it all. That said, if weather becomes unsafe or inaccessible, we’ll pivot with a solid backup plan. Contingency planning is built into what we do.
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Not at all. Hiking is optional. Around half our elopements include hiking—but others feature scenic drives, cozy cabins, boat rides, picnics, or barefoot beach ceremonies. We’ll shape the day to fit your vibe.
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Yes—with some limits. We specialize in intimate elopements with 0–10 guests max, and we’ll help manage logistics if you do.
Pet rules vary by location; we’ll help you figure out what’s allowed and what’s safe for your furry companion.
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Yes! We do offer complimentary officiant services for no-guest elopements, but you’re more than welcome to bring a loved one or hire a pro. (Your officiant will not count toward your guest count.)
We can also sign as legal officiant while a friend leads the ceremony symbolically—no ordination needed.
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Yes—you need two witnesses to sign your marriage license. No guests? No problem. We’ll find friendly strangers on the trail or pop into the visitor center before we file.
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We deliver sneak peeks within 2 weeks (usually closer to 1-3 days) and your edited, high-res gallery within 90 days. You'll get unlimited downloads and the option to order prints or albums.
Ready to get started?
Let’s start planning your adventure!
If you’re still early in the process, that’s totally okay — we help couples figure out dates, locations, and logistics every step of the way. Share what you know so far (even if it’s just a season or a vibe), and we’ll take it from there.