5 Great Places To Elope In Tacoma
Venue: Elope 253 in Downtown Tacoma, WA
If you’re local to the Tacoma, Washington area, you know there’s no shortage of AMAZING options for locations to hold a wedding, especially within a 3 hour drive. Here are 5 of my favorite spots right here in the city!
Elope 253
I’ve got to give a huge shout out to my friends at Elope 253. Rochelle created something really special with this little chapel and filled a much needed gap in teh wedding industry - all in one elopement service. She’s invested SO MUCH thoughtfulness and soul into the space. It’s beautifully curated, the entire experience is well thought out, and they make it so easy to get married here.
If you have kids, staff are quick to support your family with toys, an occasional snack, and the flexibility of working with their needs. Hold your baby while you say your vows, have a family member walk them around the entry space (within easy view of your ceremony)… Your kids are celebrated here too.
Bonus points: it’s very close to many stunning parks and restaurants, so it’s easy to sneak in more couples portraits at a gorgeous spot or plan a mini reception after your ceremony!
Elopement at Wright Park in Tacoma, WA
Wright Park - W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory
In the heart of Wright Park is a stunning conservatory filled to the brim with tropical plants. It’s a reliably warm and dry place to land during winter months and a stunning backdrop to exchange vows!
Couple outside of Courthouse Square
Courthouse Square
This gem has several different options for rentals - all filled to the brim with historical charm. The Ballroom has not just stunning architectural details but also a lovely view of the city.
Bicycle elopement at Point Defiance, Tacoma Washington
Point Defiance
Point Defiance is a very large park that covers the north western point of the city, and it offers a LOT of variety in backdrops. There are rentable structures around the Rose Garden, or you can plan a more unconventional celebration at one of the picnic sites.
Some of my favorite spots around the park are:
- The rose garden
- Five Mile Drive
- Owen Beach
- Ft. Nisqually Picnic Area
- Point Defiance Aquarium
Eloping at a city park is a VERY economical option too. If you have less than 20 guests in your party and do not need to secure a rentable area, it’s free - no permits needed!*
One note I always have to add when using a public park - please keep Leave No Trace values at the forefront of your plans. Pick up any trash you bring with (even biodegradable things like rose petals - these take a long time to compost, and it’s up to us to keep our parks safe for wildlife + beautiful for fellow visitors), and make plans that stay on trails at all times + avoid leaving a mark.
*Always, always double check to see if permitting requirements have been updated.
Honorable Mentions
Ok this is a little bit cheating on giving you a fifth suggestion, but… if you know how many incredible spots we have nearby, you can’t really blame me.
Museum of Glass
Tacoma Art Museum
Foss Waterway Seaport (and the Waterfront Venue in University Place)
The Realm
The Press Room
One of many stunning natural light studios in historical buildings such as GRLS
Titlow Park and Titlow Park Lodge
Wild Hearts Farm (elopements/microweddings only)
If you’re looking for a specific vibe, send me an email at hello@heatherleacy.com so we can chat through the dozens of options and brainstorm which would be a great fit for you!