FAQs
Question
Are you eloping?
Answer
Yes, in a way. The pandemic turned how we think of weddings on its head. It’s now more common place to have a tiny or private wedding, without it being “running away” or secret. Our decision to forgo a big, traditional wedding, was made for financial, personal, and practical reasons. Our elopement will not only save us a lot of money, but will allow us to have a really unique and special experience.
Question
Why Washington State?
Answer
Having an elopement opens up all sorts of possibilities for where we could get married! We didn’t have to be constrained by somewhere close to family, or somewhere big enough to seat everyone. There are several states that make it easy to get married. We considered staying in our home state of Wisconsin, traveling to Boston, or getting married at the iconic San Francisco courthouse. But ultimately, it was the breathtaking scenery of the Pacific Northwest that drew us in! We will be able to very easily legally marry in Washington, and spend the rest of the time there for our honeymoon.
Question
Where are you getting married?
Answer
We are getting married at a private residence, we’ve rented an AirBnB at the edge of a temperate rainforest in Olympia, WA, about an hour from Seattle. We will be tying the knot outside (weather permitting), surrounded by pine trees and tranquility.
Question
Who is marrying you?
Answer
We’ve hired an amazing local ordained officiant, named Hillary! She is a non-denominational minister, ordained through both the Universal Life Church and American Marriage Ministries. What we loved about Hillary, is that 10% of our fee will be donated to a cause of our choice!
Question
Will you have a traditional ceremony?
Answer
Yes! We will be having the traditional exchanging of vows, as well as a unity ceremony. The only thing that is different, is that the whole ceremony will be a lot shorter, with no guests.
Question
Will there be pictures?
Answer
Absolutely! We will be hiring a professional wedding photographer, to document our big day.
Question
How long will you be in Washington?
Answer
We will get to Washington on Sunday, September 17th. We will get married on Monday, September 18th, and go back home Thursday, September 21st.
Question
What will you do while you’re there?
Answer
We’re planning on seeing all the touristy spots in Seattle, including Pike Place Market and the Space Needle. Our AirBnB has an indoor and outdoor spa, so we’ll be doing plenty of relaxing! We also plan to hike in the rainforest that borders our AirBnB. Beyond that, there are tons of shops, museums, and other cool attractions for us to visit in the state capital of Olympia, and neighboring Tacoma.
Question
What are you most excited for?
Answer
Beyond the obvious - getting married! - we’re both excited for the hot tub, and outdoor shower and clawfoot tub at our AirBnB, surrounded by privacy and nature.