Despite what social media would have you believe, an adventure elopement doesn’t need to be in some remote natural location. Perhaps my algorithms are skewed, but it seems like all the adventure elopements I see are on some epic hiking or canoeing escapade. And while I am partial to adventures in nature because of my ecology degree, an adventure elopement is anything that YOU find fun and adventurous.

And, honestly, what is more adventurous than a boat ride? Even if it is a big ferry that takes the same route every day, multiple times a day… embarking with the goal of getting married and just having a great time instantly levels it up.

If you’re more of a city lover, Seattle is a particularly good city to seek adventure in. Not only is it a beautiful city, surrounded by natural beauty, it has a cornucopia of nooks and crannies to explore. Seattle is an awesome destination for an elopement if you’re coming from out of state, but also a great spot if it is your home turf. There is so much to do and see that you can easily build an adventure elopement itinerary there.

Choosing an Elopement Bouquet at Pike Place Market

While Pike Place is certainly not a hidden, unknown nook of Seattle, I love it for an elopement. Simply navigating through the throngs of people picking out their daily fish haul is an adventure.

Obviously, we had to hit up the extensive flower vendor table to find a bouquet. I always recommend that people visit the market in the morning in order to 1. Avoid crowds and 2. Find the best flowers.

With fewer people there in the earlier hours, we were able to run around and play a bit more in the brick laid streets in front of the famous Public market sign.

And speaking of nooks and crannies, there are hidden alcoves and niches galore within the market. I love going on a hunt for the best little bookstore, searching for the perfect knick knack, or…

…finding a secluded spot to take in the view… like this one.

Ferry Elopement – Exchanging Vows on the Water

Having been slightly distracted by the views of the sound in that beautiful secret garden, we missed our 10:40 ferry… haha!

That is the advantage of a regular, predictable ferry schedule– you can just wait for the next one!

So we hopped on the next boat and found some peace watching Tahoma (Mount Rainier) go by in the distance before heading out to have a look around the boat. We took some portraits with the city in the background.

Short on time, we immediately caught the same ferry on its way back from Bainbridge Island. Deciding to exchange vows on the return journey, we found a spot on the back deck for a little more privacy and a little less wind. Plus, bonus Olympic Mountain Range in the back!

PNW Elopement Photographer

As previously stated, Seattle is an excellent option for an adventure elopement. But the Pacific Northwest is positively littered with amazing spots. The Columbia River Gorge, thousands of alpine lakes, the Oregon Coast, countless waterfalls, epic strata volcanoes, underrated desert landscapes– it can be a little overwhelming.

When the time comes for you to plan an adventure elopement, I’d be honored to be considered to help you plan it! My background in outdoor education and nature guiding gives me a unique take on adventure elopement photography.

I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have, so feel free to get in touch about anything!