Top Places to Elope in Leavenworth, WA

May 11

Previously, I published a post about planning your Leavenworth elopement. This time, I want to share my recommended list of places, including great accommodations, restaurants, and locations to elope. Feel free to add to this list in the comments below and share it on social media.

Best Season to Elope in Leavenworth

This charming town, which looks like a village from a fairy tale, is accessible year-round. Unlike other places, it offers elopement options in every season. The town maintains a lively atmosphere throughout the year, with seasonal decorations and events adding to its charm. However, during peak seasons and festivals, it can get crowded. In winter, highways may be closed due to avalanche threats, ice, or severe blizzards. You need to consider this factor and check the highway status on a daily basis. If you have a tight schedule, I recommend having a backup plan.

Leavenworth's appearance changes with the seasons due to its varying elevations and vegetation. Keep in mind that your elopement will look different depending on when you visit.

Summer (June to August)

Summer is the best time to elope in Leavenworth. Wildflowers bloom fully between August and early September, surrounding forests are lush green, and mountain peaks may still have snow. Couples love this time of year for its stunning scenery.

You'll find plenty to do in summer. If you want a relaxing special day, you can go walking or hiking, enjoy a hotel spa, or attend a cultural event.

Fall (September to early October)

Fall elopements are popular when trees change their colors from green to yellow, orange, and even red. This creates a stunning display of vibrant fall colors, which is rare in the Evergreen State.

Fall is harvest season. You can try new wines, buy fresh vegetables at the local market, and enjoy seasonal dishes. For active couples, horseback riding and rock climbing are still available, along with some hiking trails.

Winter (November to March)

The summers and falls in Leavenworth are lovely, but the winters are the most magical. During the winter, Leavenworth is one of the best places to visit in the US, thanks to the dreamy "Village of Lights" and how beautiful the town looks in the snow. However weather can be unpredictable and the town can get crowded before Christmas, and heavy snow might cause road closures. However, Leavenworth is still worth visiting during this time.

Before Christmas, the town sparkles with decorative lights creating a magical atmosphere. The Nutcracker Museum becomes a major attraction, carolers sing in the gazebo, and street vendors sell mulled wine. The sloping roofs of Alpine chalets and half-timbered houses look particularly authentic. There are plenty of trails for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. You can go sledding, have snowball fights, or relax in a hot tub.

Spring (April to May)

Spring is the only season when I strongly recommend avoiding the mountains. The melting snow is dirty and unattractive as it covers the ground. However, Leavenworth still offers many options for people who want to elope during this season. For spectacular pictures with blooming wildflowers in the background, head to Chelan. Just an hour's drive from Leavenworth in late April to early May, you'll find what you're looking for.

You can enjoy peaceful walks or light hiking without crowds, sample local food, visit museums and shops, or treat yourself to a hotel spa day.

Where to Stay When Eloping in Leavenworth

Leavenworth was designed as a tourist destination, offering a variety of accommodations to suit any budget or group size. For couples eloping in Leavenworth, I recommend cozy lodges and Airbnbs that provide the perfect backdrop for your getting-ready moments. Here are some great options:

Cozy Hotels

Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort

This versatile resort offers both indoor and outdoor venues for special events, including elopements, along with spacious family accommodations. The property features extensive amenities including a spa, yoga space, gift shop, kids' barn, and two bars, making it an ideal destination for both intimate celebrations and family getaways.

Mountain Home Lodge

Nestled in the mountains on a secluded 20-acre meadow, this beautiful hotel offers stunning views and cozy cabins away from the town's hustle and bustle. Perfect for intimate weddings and elopements, the property features numerous outdoor activities including hiking and mountain biking, plus a heated pool for year-round relaxation.

Posthotel

This Bavarian-style hotel offers luxury accommodations, a quality restaurant, and a wellness club, along with seasonal activities like golf, cycling, and skiing. While the hotel doesn't host wedding events directly, guests can access event facilities at the nearby Enzian Inn.

Enzian Inn

This charming hotel showcases exquisite craftsmanship and old-world character throughout, featuring breathtaking views and comprehensive amenities including indoor and outdoor pools and a spa. The property offers various spaces for special events and elopements, allowing guests to celebrate while immersed in its distinctive atmosphere.

Solstice Suites

Designed for ultimate relaxation, this hotel features guest rooms equipped with hydrotherapy bathtubs, while suites include private steam rooms. The property's restaurant specializes in traditional German cuisine, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking both comfort and authentic dining experiences.

Anna Hotel Pension

This distinctive downtown hotel offers a truly unique experience, featuring both modern luxury rooms and exclusive suites housed in a converted chapel. Conveniently located in the heart of Leavenworth, the property includes a restaurant serving authentic Bavarian cuisine.

Hotel Leavenworth

This newly remodeled hotel offers modern rooms equipped with electric fireplaces and private jacuzzis, ensuring a cozy and luxurious stay. Perfect for a relaxing getaway, it’s also pet-friendly, making it ideal for those eloping with their furry companions.

Airbnb Chalets and Flats

Chalet in Leavenworth
Located just 1.5 miles from the heart of the Bavarian Village, this charming chalet sits nestled on a hillside, showcasing the owner’s pride and craftsmanship. The stunning, fully-equipped kitchen features hand-cut stone and woodwork, making it a perfect spot for a cozy getaway.

Camp Howard
Built in 2018, this modern luxury home blends beautifully into the expansive nature of Nason Ridge. Located 2000 feet above sea level on five acres of ponderosa forest in the foothills of Cashmere Mountain, it’s a peaceful escape with breathtaking views.

Stollerheart B&B (A Room)
Just 25 minutes from Leavenworth, this charming B&B is close to the best places for skiing, hiking, or rafting, as well as wineries. Explore the nearby town of Cashmere, known for its famous candy, Applets & Cotlets. The ranch offers four guest rooms, along with scenic views of the canyon and plenty of animals, including goats, horses, chickens, and cats.

The Chalet
Inspired by traditional Bavarian architecture, this cozy chalet unit is located just two blocks from downtown Leavenworth in a peaceful three-unit building. It's within walking distance of shops and dining but offers a quiet retreat with a small patio area.

Leavenworth Cabin with Treehouse Gazebo
This charming 2-bedroom, 3-bathroom cabin is a tranquil retreat in the woods, only 30 minutes from Leavenworth and 10 minutes from lakes and rivers. Hike or snowmobile directly from the cabin, and relax in the hot tub located in a unique treehouse gazebo.

Wild West Lodging
Located in a quiet, private forest setting, this entire house is just a five-minute walk from downtown Leavenworth. It’s close to amenities, offering beautiful views, fruit trees, and plenty of space to explore and unwind.

Best Places for Foodies to Elope in Leavenworth

Leavenworth offers an incredible food scene, especially for those who love meat, wine, and beer. Most local restaurants are styled after Bavarian or German traditions, offering a combination of delicious cuisine and live music. Here are the best spots for food lovers:

Andreas Keller Restaurant
Founded by David Forchemer in 1989, Andreas Keller Restaurant brings together a passion for Bavaria and great food. Now run by his daughter Heidi and head chef Anita from Germany, this restaurant serves traditional homemade Bavarian dishes, imported draft beers, and live music almost every night. Their extensive gluten-free menu and some of the best desserts in town are not to be missed.

Yodelin
This restaurant offers a delicious menu featuring local Pacific Northwest cuisine, with a focus on fresh fish and seasonal vegetables. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with occasional live music nights, perfect for a cozy dining experience.

Rhein Haus
Located in Leavenworth’s town square, Rhein Haus is a Bavarian-inspired, independent restaurant with a spacious 6,700 square-foot area. It boasts three bars, multiple levels, and the largest Biergarten on Front Street. Enjoy Haus-made brats, giant pretzels, and schnitzels while sipping on local and German beers, all with stunning mountain views from the heated patio.

Mana
Focusing on organic, wild-foraged, and locally sourced ingredients, Mana offers a truly unique dining experience. With advance notice, they can cater to specific dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone enjoys a delicious and sustainable meal.

Visconti
Known for its authentic Italian cuisine, Visconti combines fresh, local ingredients with traditional Italian recipes. This restaurant opened alongside the Leavenworth Brewery pub, offering a perfect pairing of beers and hearty Italian dishes.

Sulla Vita
Sulla Vita offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu with dishes crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Whether you're enjoying a meal in their dining room or at the beer and wine bar, their exceptional beer and wine pairings make for a memorable dining experience.

Best Places to Elope in Leavenworth

As an elopement photographer, my job is to find the best spots for your unforgettable photos. But together, we can choose a place where you'll love spending your special day – whether it's hiking or having a picnic. I'll be a quiet, unobtrusive guest, capturing your moments as they unfold.

Elopement is all about the experience, not a staged photoshoot. I’ll suggest beautiful locations, but ultimately, the choice of where to elope is yours.

Leavenworth Downtown

Downtown of the Bavarian-style town is a great choice for an elopement year-round. Especially in winter, with seasonal decorations, events, and authentic German cuisine. Explore unique shops, enjoy local brews, and soak in the festive atmosphere.

Lake Wenatchee

A stunning Northwest icon, this crystal-clear lake is surrounded by mountains and is open year-round. Enjoy sandy beaches in summer and a magical winter wonderland when it snows.

Lake Chelan

This deep, fjord-like lake has a unique climate and glacial soil, making it perfect for growing some of the Pacific Northwest’s best fruit. The blue surface of the lake reflects the hills covered with coniferous trees and walking here you can stumble upon a vineyard.

Lake Colchuck

This high alpine lake resembles those in Germany. Splitting your elopement between downtown and the lakeshore can make it feel like you're in the heart of the Alps.

Lake Valhalla

Tucked under Lichtenberg Mountain, this hidden gem is perfect for a summer or fall hike and accessible by snowshoe in winter. Expect wildflowers in early summer, berries in late summer, and vibrant fall colors.

Snow Lakes Trailhead

A challenging but rewarding trail leading to pristine alpine lakes. Wildflowers bloom in early summer, and you might spot mountain goats along the way.

Icicle Ridge Trailhead

An early-season favorite, this hike offers sweeping views of Leavenworth, the Wenatchee and Icicle Rivers, and Tumwater Canyon. Expect lush forests, wildflowers, and a breathtaking ridge-top lookout.

Icicle Gorge Trailhead

This easy loop follows both banks of the Icicle River, offering a mix of sunny, dry terrain and lush forest. A mid-trail bridge provides a perfect spot to pause and take in the roaring creek.

Old Pipeline Bed Trailhead

A short, scenic walk along the Tumwater Canyon, is great in any season. Enjoy spring blooms, fall colors, or a peaceful snowshoe trek in winter.

Best Venues to Elope in Leavenworth

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, many outdoor locations can serve as your elopement venue for free (except those requiring a permit). We can discuss your options during our initial call.

Another great choice – whether you're eloping alone or with guests – is renting a beautiful Airbnb with a backyard or event space. Some of my favorites are listed above.

Below is a list of venues perfect for elopements with guests. Please note that I specialize in intimate elopements with up to 12 people, including the couple.

Mountain Spring Lodge

Leavenworth Elopement Packages

As an elopement photographer, I offer 4 options. These packages vary based on time — 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, or two-day elopements.

All my packages include:

Planning assistance: location scouting, vendor recommendations, guidance with permits, building of a timeline
Coverage ranges from four hours to two full days
Edited, full-resolution photos
Password-protected online gallery with unlimited downloads
A sneak peek within one week of your elopement day
Personal printing rights
Complimentary ordination service

A pleasant surprise: travel fees are included! I'll meet you in Leavenworth at no extra cost to you.

You'll also receive my Ultimate Elopement Guide (100+ pages covering everything you need to know about planning an elopement). I'll help you plan your perfect elopement and advise you on what permits you and your guests will need.

Based on your vision, I'll create your unique elopement timeline.

To learn more about my photography style, read about my approach and visit my portfolio page.

Leavenworth Elopement Photographer

If you've read this far, you're probably ready to start planning your Leavenworth elopement. So it's time to meet me — the girl behind the camera.

Here are a few facts about me that will help you make your choice:

My name is Valerie Lisuk, but you can call me Val. I'm a local photographer based in Seattle, shooting elopements throughout the Pacific Northwest. I know this region well, not just from years of professional experience, but because my husband and I love to hike and travel. We spend the year visiting locations for scouting, and we're experienced with Leavenworth elopements. So you can count on me to find the perfect spots to capture your special day.
Being local means I can recommend the best service options based on your needs and budget. I know the top elopement vendors and good hotels, and can help you create your ideal elopement — even if you're planning last minute.
My husband Pasha assists me with photo sessions and is also ordained. His officiant service is free for my clients. So when you book me, you also get an officiant for your elopement or intimate wedding.
There's no travel fee for Leavenworth elopements.
Since unexpected things can happen, I always create a backup plan for all my clients. If weather, road conditions, or forest fires prevent us from following our original plan, I'll help you have an amazing experience anyway.

The last step toward your ideal Leavenworth elopement is booking an initial call with me. Click the button below, fill out the form, and I'll contact you within 48 business hours.

Book a Call

Adventure Elopement Guide