This mystic Washington elopement location will make you feel like you are on the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. The best part about it? It seems to be pretty secret and unheard of. I am talking about Deception Pass State Park in Washington State.

The Ireland of the United States.

ELOPING AT DECEPTION PASS STATE PARK

Are you considering a Washington Elopement or Engagement Session and haven’t found the perfect spot yet? Here is everything you need to know if you are considering Deception Pass State Park for your Elopement!

CHOOSING YOUR DATE: THE BEST SEASON IN THE PARK

If you aren’t aware of the Pacific Northwest, let me be the first to tell you that it is known for its excessive rainfall. With Washington being a part of the PNW, it is easy to expect that you will get rain. Luckily, there are heavy rainy months and the rest don’t experience as much.

These months are October – April. However, I will say that sometimes we are lucky and will get just an overcast day without the moisture. This makes for some incredible photos.

The summer, May – September, is the best time to elope at Deception Pass State Park. It is ideal and less rainy.

DECIDE YOUR SCENERY

Deception Pass State Park is known for its epic backdrops. From the cliff and beach side to the lush, green forest, you will feel like you are eloping on the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.

CLIFFSIDE

Cliffs offer eye-catching scenery, the sudden break from land into water is so naturally beautiful it is impossible not to be mesmerized.

BEACHSIDE

The beach offers a unique perspective on the park with gorgeous backdrops of where the ocean meets the cliff faces and the lush greenery.

LUSH FOREST

The Washinton coast is known for its fairytale forests. The lush, thick, trees and undergrowth make for highly memorable photos you’ll love forever.

TRAIL INFORMATION AND WHERE TO PARK

Since this is a bit of a “secret” spot, I’ll let you in on the ins and outs of getting to the best elopement locations at Deception Pass State Park.

To get to the cliffs, once you enter the park, make your way to Rosario Head Trailhead. From here, you will walk 1/4 of a mile and then climb up to the cliffside location. If you are eloping here, I definitely recommend finding a photographer who has scouted the area. Although it is pretty accessible and easy to get to, having someone who knows what they are doing is a definite plus on your elopement day.

If you are wanting to spend your time beachside with the Deception Pass Suspension bridge, you are in luck! The beach is also a short walk from the Deception Pass Parking Lot. When you pull into the park, you’ll want to stay straight and drive as far down as you can. If you think you should stop… KEEP GOING. From there, it’s a quick walk to the sand.

The entire park has forests which means your options are LIMITLESS for the green foliage. Pick a trail, or have your photographer pick one and roll with it!

OBTAIN A PERMIT AND YOUR DISCOVER PASS

All of the Washington State Parks require you to purchase a Discover Pass. You can buy an annual pass that is $30 or a Day Pass for $10. To purchase or register, head HERE.

You’ll need to apply for a special use permit to legally marry in Deception Pass State Park. The application fee is $100. You can find all the info regarding your permit HERE. 

Keep in mind, depending on how many guests will be attending, pricing for your permit varies. 

ELOPING AT DECEPTION PASS STATE PARK: THOUGHTS FROM A WASHINGTON STATE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

The best part about Deception Pass is that it’s not a super popular photography location when it comes to Eloping in Washington. Every time I have visited and taken photos here there have been minimal crowds usually giving us the whole park to ourselves. This location has so much variety and scenery.

INTERESTED IN A DECEPTION PASS STATE PARK ELOPEMENT?