Krissa and Alexis traveled from Arizona to Washington for an intimate Pacific Northwest elopement surrounded by blue skies, calm water, and the kind of landscape that makes the PNW feel so special.
Their day started with portraits at Rattlesnake Lake, where we spent time documenting just the two of them before meeting their families later in the day. The lake was quiet and still, with soft foliage, open views, and that grand mountain-and-water backdrop that makes Rattlesnake Lake such a beautiful location for elopement photos in Washington.
Rattlesnake Lake Elopement Photos
Rattlesnake Lake was the perfect setting for the first part of Krissa and Alexis’s elopement day.
With clear blue skies and calm water, the whole morning felt relaxed and easy. We focused on portraits that felt natural, scenic, and true to the two of them. Just the lake, the surrounding landscape, and a little space to slow down before the courthouse ceremony.
The combination of rich greens, still water, and wide-open views made their photos feel both intimate and expansive. I also photographed part of their day on film, which brought out the color of the foliage around the lake in such a beautiful way.
For couples planning a Washington elopement, Rattlesnake Lake is a stunning option if you want a location that feels outdoorsy and scenic without needing a complicated hiking timeline.
Bellevue Courthouse Civil Ceremony
After portraits at the lake, we headed to the Bellevue courthouse for Krissa and Alexis’s civil ceremony.
This part of the day brought everyone together. Their kids and families joined us at the courthouse, making the ceremony feel personal, grounded, and full of meaning.
I love when couples combine a private portrait location with a simple courthouse ceremony. It gives the day structure while still leaving room for the experience to feel relaxed and personal.
Family Photos at Bellevue Botanical Garden
After their civil ceremony, we continued with family photos at Bellevue Botanical Garden.
The gardens added a completely different texture to their gallery, with colorful florals, soft greenery, and a more intimate setting for portraits with their kids and family. The film photos from this part of the day were especially beautiful, with rich color from the flowers and garden foliage.
It was such a sweet way to end their elopement coverage: a little bit of landscape, a meaningful ceremony, and time with the people closest to them.
Favorites from the day…
Film Photos
Planning a Washington Elopement
Krissa and Alexis’s day is such a good example of how flexible an elopement can be.
You do not have to choose between a scenic location and a courthouse ceremony. You can do both. Their day included quiet portraits at Rattlesnake Lake, a civil ceremony in Bellevue, and family photos at Bellevue Botanical Garden, creating a full story without the pressure of a traditional wedding day.
For couples traveling to Washington for an elopement, locations like Rattlesnake Lake, Bellevue, Seattle, and the surrounding mountains offer so many ways to create a day that feels beautiful, intentional, and easy to personalize.
Washington Elopement Photographer
Photographing Krissa and Alexis’s elopement was such a beautiful reminder that a wedding day does not have to be complicated to be meaningful.
Whether you are planning a courthouse wedding, a Rattlesnake Lake elopement, a Seattle elopement, or an intimate wedding somewhere in the Pacific Northwest, your day can be simple, scenic, and completely true to you.
If you are dreaming of elopement photos in Washington, I would love to help you plan a day that feels relaxed, beautiful, and personal.
