Bree & Rynel
There’s something so magical about a winter elopement in Washington state. Maybe it’s the way the snow transforms familiar landscapes into something completely different. Or maybe it’s the way it muffles all the noise and creates this intimate cocoon around your ceremony. Whatever it is, it’s a completely magical time of year and one that Bree and Rynel got to experience with their loved ones who had flown all the way from Texas to celebrate with them.
The Couple and Their Decision to Plan a Snowy Washington Winter Elopement
Bree and Rynel had originally planned a traditional wedding back home in Texas. But after moving to Washington, they realized they wanted something more intimate here in their new home state.
What made their decision to elope even more meaningful was how they chose to invite their closest family and friends. Not going to lie – this was such a brave decision since they were planning a snowy winter elopement and most of their loved ones were used to warmer weather in Texas. But Bree and Rynel really wanted to showcase the incredible beauty of Washington’s winter landscape, even if it meant bundling up and embracing whatever weather the day brought.
Bree and Rynel’s Winter Elopement in Washington State
An Intimate Father/Daughter First Look
Bree and Rynel’s Snoqualmie winter elopement started in the early morning at the couple’s Airbnb. Each of them got ready in separate parts of the cabin before coming together for their first look. While the couple’s first look was incredibly sweet, it was Bree’s first look with her dad that felt really special. He was trying so hard not to show emotion, but when he saw his daughter in her wedding dress, he couldn’t help the tears. It was such an intimate moment and is just one of the reasons we remind couples that your first look doesn’t have to just be with your partner – it can be with anyone you want to share the moment with.
A Snowy Winter Wonderland Elopement Ceremony
Bree and Rynel truly got to experience a winter wonderland elopement ceremony with snow falling and everything. By the time Bree walked down the outdoor wedding aisle, the rain had turned to snow and we were surrounded by a complete winter wonderland.
One of the things that made the couple’s ceremony so unique and personalized was how they included traditions in a way that was personalized to them. A lot of people think that in order to elope, you need to ditch all the traditions and do things differently. But that’s not how we view elopements.
The couple’s faith played a huge role in their relationship and in their winter elopement celebration. For their midday ceremony, they incorporated a few faith traditions such as praying together, sharing communion with bread and wine, and singing songs that grounded everyone in the moment. Watching their entire group pray and sing together in the wind while the snow fell around them made it more than just a ceremony and a whole grounding experience that everyone got to share together.
For more ideas on how to make your elopement special and personalized, check out our planning tips here.
More Snowy Adventures in Snoqualmie
After a cake and champagne celebration, Bree and Rynel headed out for their snowy adventure session. We hiked to Gold Creek Pond, where we were met with the most beautiful lake and mountain views.
The couple laughed together, ate sandwiches with their friends to stay warm, and danced in the snow all the way up until blue hour, when we brought out the lanterns because none of us were quite ready for the magic to end.
Thinking of Planning a Winter Elopement in Washington State? Here are 4 Things to Keep in Mind
1. Packing for Your Winter Elopement
This one probably goes without saying, but the winter months in Washington can get quite cold. This is why it’s so important to prepare and pack well for your PNW winter elopement. During the planning process, we’ll provide you with detailed packing lists, and we always bring extra gear with us on the day of as backup. Some of the items we always have on hand are umbrellas, hand warmers, blankets, and emergency supplies. However, we also recommend that you pack extra layers that can be easily added or removed so you can stay comfortable and warm throughout the day.
2. Winter Wedding Attire
Speaking of layers, if you are eloping in cold weather and snow, you will want to choose the right attire. When looking for a dress or suit for your winter elopement, think about choosing fabrics that photograph beautifully but also provide warmth. These can include velvet, wool, tweed, or heavy satin. Another way to incorporate warmth into your wedding attire is through layers. Adding a cape or shawl like Bree did not only helps keep you warm, but it can also look beautiful against the snow.
3. Winter Elopement Activities
The winter months here in the PNW offer some fun and unique activity opportunities that the other seasons don’t offer. Like snowshoeing to your ceremony location, having a cozy hot chocolate celebration after your vows, or incorporating winter sports you both love.
For more ideas on what to do during your elopement, check out our list of 32 epic elopement activities that are more than just your ceremony.
4. Seasonal Location Considerations
The last thing to keep in mind if you are considering a winter elopement is, of course, your location. Many mountain roads and trails that are popular for summer elopements close during the winter months due to snow and weather conditions. However, some locations actually become more accessible in winter – like frozen lakes that create new ceremony spots or snow-covered areas that are only open during certain months of the year. As your elopement photographers, we’ll share ideas for where to elope in the winter months and tips to help you make the most out of your Washington winter elopement.
Important Information About Gold Creek Pond:
Speaking of seasonal accessibility, Gold Creek Pond is one of the best places to elope in Washington, but there are some important things to know about the timing.
Earlier this year (2025), Gold Creek Pond (the location where Bree and Rynel took their sunset adventure portraits) announced that they are closing indefinitely for summer and spring access over the next 3-10 years. However, it will reopen and be accessible from November through April for winter recreation, making it still available for winter elopements and snowshoeing adventures.
I felt so confident with Henry as a part of our team to help everything go smoothly!!
My husband and I were planning a traditional wedding and realized we wanted something that felt more like US. We searched on Instagram, “Seattle Elopements” and found Henry’s page and just KNEW that’s what we wanted to do! We jumped on a call that next evening with Henry and he was so kind and helpful in dreaming up what we wanted our day to look like. Henry guided us throughout our process to decide on a location in WA. Then our day came – and Henry was incredible! I felt so confident with Henry as a part of our team to help everything go smoothly!! Even with winter weather and 20 guests to coordinate with, everything turned out so organized and beautiful. My husband and I had so much fun and are so grateful to know Henry and the beautiful art he creates!!
Meet the couple of this Snoqualmie winter elopement!!!
Meet The Best Winter Elopement Vendors:
Photographer: Henry Tieu Photography
Cake: Raised Doughnuts
Wedding Suit: Suit Supply
Officiant: Carrie Bonk
Ready to Plan Your Own Winter Elopement?
Winter elopements in the PNW require a little bit of special planning, but they also offer some of the most magical settings that truly can’t be matched.
Check out our complete Washington State elopement planning guide for more location ideas and seasonal considerations, or contact us to start planning your winter adventure.
Meet Your Intimate Wedding & Elopement Photographers
We’re Henry, Sergio, and Nick, the faces behind these honest, meaningful, and artful photographs of couples eloping in the most beautiful places. Since 2018, we’ve photographed more than 200+ intimate weddings and elopements all over the world and on 6 different continents. Our work has been published on Junebug Weddings, Green Wedding Shoes, Brides, Dancing With Her, etc…We’ve won international awards for best wedding photos but what’s most important to us is actually winning our clients’ hearts with our art.
With 15 years of combined photography experience, we’ve learned that the only way to a beautiful wedding experience & photos is through intentionality.
We’re here for you and with you from “let’s do this” to “I do”, one step at a time, each step of the way. We’re in this together
