Rattlesnake Lake Elopement

Emily & Ariel are the sweetest, most down-to-earth couple I’ve had the pleasure of photographing, and their elopement at Rattlesnake Lake was incredibly special.

Their elopement is the perfect example of how blending wedding traditions with modern touches is always a good idea. 

An intimate ceremony at Rattlesnake Lake

Every detail about their day was incredibly intentional. Emily and Ariel wanted to incorporate the popular wedding tradition of writing their own vows into their day. They had an intimate ceremony and exchanged their vows. Their one-eyed dog (that sees into the future), a few geese, and I were there as their witnesses. It was perfect.

Timeless Tradition – The Time Capsule

After they promised their love to each other, they built a time capsule together! This is a unique idea for couples who want to include some sort of unity ceremony in their day. The perfect modern-day touch mixed with a timeless tradition.

Eloping at Rattlesnake Lake

If you’re on the hunt for a picturesque lakeside Washington elopement location that is easily accessible, look no further than Rattlesnake Lake.

Rattlesnake Lake is at the base of the Rattlesnake Ridge, with the trailhead conveniently located a couple of hundred feet from the lake.

The lake itself is a short minute or two away from the parking lot. This means you could have an intimate (and accessible) ceremony at the lake, followed by an adventure to the ridge for some epic sunset photos!

Pro Tip: In the winter and spring, it’s not uncommon for the lake to flood. However, from the end of summer to mid-fall, the bed of the lake dries up. The result? Otherworldly Mars-like scenery, it’s dope.

If you plan to elope at Rattlesnake Lake, please keep the following in mind:

1. You’ll need to apply for your wedding (special use permit), you can apply for that here!
2. Dogs are welcome! The Forest Service states, “National forest guidelines require that dogs be on a six-foot leash at all times when it developed recreational areas and on interpretive trails. There are no leash requirements for most of the forest.”
3. Practice Leave No Trace (LNT) Principles! Let’s all do our part to respect the wildlife, pack out what we pack in, and preserve the wild experience. Learn more about LNT Guidelines

Want to elope somewhere else in Washington State?

I’m here to help! Check out my other Washington State elopement guides!

The Ultimate Guide to Planning an Olympic National Park Elopement

North Cascades Elopement Guide 

Mount Rainier Elopement – The Ultimate Guide

Midday lunch at the Diner

When you choose to elope, you make the rules! So, halfway through the day, we took a break and grabbed lunch at this adorable diner. Afterward, we returned to their hotel so they could change into something more traditional. Their sweet pup came too.

Three Forks Natural Area

After we refueled and Emily and Ariel changed into their traditional áo dài, we ventured into a peaceful meadow in Snoqualmie Pass.

Incorporating traditions into your day

Remember, just because you decide to elope doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate classic wedding traditions into your big day. Eloping means celebrating your love in a meaningful way; however that looks for YOU! You can have an intimate wedding with just the two of you (and your dog) or include your friends and family in some way. Deciding to elope means you can do whatever the heck you want! Embrace that, my friends!

Interested in learning more about eloping with family and friends?

Lucky for you, I wrote an entire blog on the topic, you can check it out here.

Emily & Ariel’s elopement was a truly special day that reflected who they are as a couple.

I hope they have inspired you to dare to be different – to be fearless and authentic!

Do what feels right for you and have the kind of wedding day you’ve always envisioned.

Thank you, Emily & Ariel, and couples just like you – for being a grounding and hopeful force in my life.

You are deeply appreciated.

Ready to start planning your Washington State elopement?

Check out my detailed guide on How To Elope in Washington State in 2022