How to Plan a Leavenworth Elopement

Whether you’re planning for two or twenty, your comprehensive guide to planning an intimate Leavenworth wedding day.

No longer a local’s secret…

Nestled in the eastern foothills of Washington State’s Cascade Mountains, you’ll find the quaint Bavarian themed town of Leavenworth. While certainly a marketing tactic of the 1960s, don’t let that deter you from the abundance of adventures this region has to offer. Leavenworth is arguably best visited any time of year depending upon the overall aesthetic you’re after.

A Backstory - why i chose leavenworth

What began as childhood summers spent playing on the shores of nearby Lake Wenatchee, turned into winters wandering the crowded snowy streets during the annual Christmas tree lighting. These fond memories of “grandma’s special treat” of booking a cozy cabin family getaway are something I hold close to my heart. Although grandma is no longer with us, our yearly family cabin vacations remain- but are often spent floating the river in 95 degree heat. This is why I so easily find myself in Leavenworth on a monthly basis and just one of the reasons why we chose Leavenworth for our own wedding.

Planning my own leavenworth wedding

I admittedly cancelled my Leavenworth wedding. Yes, you read that right. My partner and I originally planned what would have been the most perfect snowy intimate wedding at a mountain lodge. However, even with keeping the guest list short it all turned into a massive amount of stress that highlighted every shortcoming of anything and everyone involved. So we cancelled it all to elope instead. It was the best decision.

Whether you choose a wedding day shared between just the two of you, or with family and friends, Leavenworth is truly an incredible location with so much to offer.

Getting there…

The closest major airport to Leavenworth is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEATAC). From here you will most certainly need a car as Leavenworth is approximately another 2.5 hour drive. Good news - this drive makes up for it’s length in beauty with many stops along the way. It is easily reached by two major highways (Highway 2 and I-90) crossing the Cascade mountain range. Keep in mind if traveling during the winter, you will have to cross at least one mountain pass if not two depending upon your route. These passes can close intermittently for snow and avalanche control.

Insider’s tip: You can reach Leavenworth via Amtrak train. A single train leaves daily between King Street Station in Seattle and Icicle Station in Leavenworth. However, Leavenworth’s public transportation is very limited and is important to plan around.

The legal details

Plan to arrive at least 3 days in advance of your elopement date. Washington state requires a 3 day waiting period once you obtain your marriage license. No DNA test is required. Although you do not need to obtain your marriage license in the county you plan to marry in, you must return your marriage license to the same county it was obtained from. Marriage licenses are valid for 30 days.

when to elope in leavenworth

As I said before, any time is a good time to elope in Leavenworth. Despite Washington’s rainy reputation, the eastern side of the state sits in a rain shadow. That means Leavenworth sees approximately 300 days of sunshine each year. Every season offers slightly different adventures, none greater than the other. Let’s break down each season:

Spring elopements in Leavenworth:

No matter where you are in Washington, Spring is an incredibly unpredictable time of year. The weather can range from snow flurries to a mild sunny and 75 degrees. We’ve seen it all. It is certainly the one season you can count on rain showers. If you’re looking to explore the surrounding alpine lakes during your elopement, Spring is not your season. Snow will remain in the mountains until around mid-June to early July. However, don’t write the season off just yet. Once April and May roll around, Icicle Ridge comes alive with just about every wildflower imaginable. It’s a sight you just can’t miss.

Summer elopements in Leavenworth:

Whether you’re planning a laidback elopement or something more adventurous, summer is the perfect season. Being situated in eastern Washington means you can count on sunshine and temperatures in the 80s and 90s. The melting snow in the mountain has unveiled this gorgeous alpine lake region. Plan a hike, horseback ride, go zip-lining and then beat the heat one of the nearby lakes and rivers. Looking to float the river? We know a few perfect spots you can drop in. If you’re in town, the line outside Whistlepunk Ice Cream Co. is worth the wait.

Fall elopements in Leavenworth:

Forget Oktoberfest, “Larch Madness” will have crowds flocking to this region - and rightfully so. While the nights are chilly, early Fall is often mild with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. If you’re lucky enough to score an overnight permit for the Enchantment region, you’re in for the experience of lifetime. Due to popularity and in an effort to reduce impact, permits are awarded on a lottery system running each year in February. Should your luck run short or you’re not up to the hike, Leavenworth is full of fall color. You can still reach the Enchantment region perimeter to see the larches, or stay low within the valley surrounded by colorful aspens.

Winter elopements in Leavenworth:

As the temperatures drop and the snow begins to fall, December transforms Leavenworth into one of the most magical Christmas towns. Although it’s Christmas appeal brings people from all over during the holidays, the Christmas lights remain on through the end of February. For the best snow and fewer crowds, January-February is the perfect time for a snowy winter elopement in Leavenworth. Not to mention, winter is still full of activities from skiing/snowboarding, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling… you can even visit Santa’s reindeer.

Where to stay

Leavenworth is full of endless beautiful AirBnb’s and venue’s perfectly organized to accommodate intimate gatherings for your ceremony. For easy access to all this little Bavarian themed town has to offer, numerous AirBnB’s and hotels are nestled amongst the alpine village. This makes for an easy walk to all the restaurants, shops and breweries. However if you’re looking for a solitude amongst the pines and mountains, we recommend staying near Plain or Lake Wenatchee just 30 minutes away. Cascadian Exposures can recommend numerous locations personalized for your elopement that we’ve actually stayed at! In the meantime, check out a small handful of our favorites below.

 

For those eloping with a small handful of friends and family:

• Mountain Springs Lodge: While Mountain Springs is well equipped to host large traditional weddings, they also offer all-inclusive packages for elopements and intimate weddings. Choose to have your ceremony in the Beaver Creek Lodge or in the field with the valley as your backdrop. A number of onsite cabins, some which house close to 30 people, makes lodging easy for friends and family. You’ll also find an array of activities offered on the property with everything from zip-lines, horseback rides, sleigh rides, snowmobile tours and more.

• Sleeping Lady Resort: A rich history lies behind this resort now rooted in sustainability. With 67 acres full of trails tucked back into this canyon behind Leavenworth, the Sleeping Lady resembles a luxury campground- one where you can also enjoy a spa day after your elopement. Both cabins and guests rooms are available for friends and family. The resort is quite accustomed to hosting weddings of all sizes.

• Grand River Lodge: Looking for some more privacy for your wedding day? Check out this 9000 square foot log cabin ready to host up to 20 guests and enjoy 3 acres along an orchard to yourselves. You’ll have plenty of space to be as active or as chill as you want. Bring in your own catering or private chef, and you have yourself a perfect venue for any time of year. Need help decorating? We know some people who can help.

• Na-Mu Lodge: This modern lodge just minutes from downtown Leavenworth offers spacious accommodations for up to 12 guests currently. It definitely has a vibe- check it out for yourself. You’ll find ample seating to enjoy a post-ceremony celebration with a few close loved ones in the shadows of the nearby mountains. Numerous trailheads await you just a short drive away .

For those planning an elopement shared between just the two of you

• Post Hotel: Situated downtown, this adult only hotel is certainly Leavenworth’s most luxurious offering. Amongst the European spa lounge, you’ll find an array of soothing saltwater pools overlooking Blackbird Island and the surrounding mountains. An espresso bar and European breakfast accompanied by Austrian dishes awaits you each morning while a seasonal selection of bites is available mid-day; all these amenities are complimentary with your stay.

• LOGE: Created by outdoor enthusiasts, for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you choose the downtown, or riverside location you’ll experience vibes drawn from 1970s camping and road trip culture. Good news: both locations are dog friendly! Our pup especially appreciated jumping in the river, while we enjoyed the gear and bike rentals. So grab your cup of coffee from the onsite cafe and warm up by the fire.

• Natapoc Lodging: Remember when I said we often return in the summers to float the river? This little gem is typically our go-to when available. Natapoc offers a range of cabins (many are dog friendly) sitting along the river in Plain, just 30min north of Leavenworth. If you’re looking for solitude, Plain is where it’s at. Plus, we’re happy to share our favorite drop-in points to float the river right back to your cabin. End your float by jumping in the hot tub to warm up.

Endless Activities to do…

There truly is something for everyone, although we think Leavenworth is an excellent town full of outdoor adventures. So much so, you might only plan to spend a single day in town and spend the rest of your time exploring the area. Start brainstorming your day by checking out the list below. When you’re ready, we have a few recommended vendors for these activities up our sleeves.

• Hiking or backpacking

• Camping

• Kayaking, paddle boarding, or white water rafting

• Swimming or float the river

• Skiing or Snowboarding

• Cross country skiing or snowshoeing

• Catch a snowmobile tour

• Sleigh ride or horse drawn carriage through town

• Ziplining

• Rock climbing

• Horseback riding

• Tour the reindeer farm

• Explore a fire lookout

• Go agate hunting

• Explore Downtown Leavenworth

• Visit the local breweries and/or wineries

Cascadian Exposure’s FOODIE favorites

Over the years we’ve seen a lot of amazing places come and go in Leavenworth. Below you’ll find a few current foodie favorites in town. We skipped the regulars like Munchen Haus brats, we trust you’ll find the line. We like GOOD FOOD. This doesn’t mean it has to be plated and decorated with ingredients you’d never even find at a specialty grocery store. If you like flavor and cool ambiance… we got you.

• Best Tacos: La Javelina & Pavz

• Best Pizza: Blewett Brewery & Tumwater Bakery

• Best Cocktails: Blue Spirits Distilling & Pika Provisions

• Best Dinner: Larch & Mana 

• Brews & Cider: Icicle Brewery, Bushel & Bee, & Stein

• Coffee: Argonaut Espresso Bar & J5 Coffee

build a team to support you every step of the way

Ultimately, even if you and your partner choose to elope solo, you shouldn’t have to go about your day alone. Surround yourself with a team that will allow you to let go of the stress and embrace the excitement of your Leavenworth elopement. Check out a few of our favorite local vendors:

• Planning & Coordination: Gather Leavenworth

• Caterer: Salt & Honey LLC & A Taste of Plain

• Events & Rentals: HRJ-Events

• Florals: Full Bloom Florals & Loves Me Flowers

• Cake: Cupcake Blues & Sagebrush Sweets 

• Photographer: Cascadian Exposures - (we admit there might be some bias here, but only with good reason)

Leavenworth elopement packages

While we might be biased that Cascadian Exposures is the best Leavenworth elopement photographer out there… we also might be right. We believe in the importance of choosing a photographer that is best suited to you- that fits your style and personality. After all, leading up to your wedding day and beyond, we’ll be spending a lot of time together. Start by checking out our elopement packages below to see how we can help you with your Leavenworth wedding. Then head over to our contact page to start the conversation, and schedule a call to see if we’re a good match.

meet your leavenworth elopement photographer

Hey there! I’m Heather McDaniel, and yes, I’m the one that cancelled my traditional Leavenworth wedding to elope instead. Being Pacific Northwest born and raised, I love sharing my innate knowledge of Washington and Oregon so that you can not only experience the states like a local yourself, but also be prepared for anything that comes your way- even our crazy weather.

Here at Cascadian Exposures, I’m also incredibly passionate about leading a more eco-friendly lifestyle and help likeminded couples translate this into their wedding day. We’ll make it easy to navigate the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace and create an elopement rooted sustainability.

Explore more of Emily + Pete’s adventure

A special thank you to the local Leavenworth vendors who helped style this elopement day: Evergreen Picnics, Loves Me Flowers, and Cupcake Blues.

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