Elope 253-Tacoma’s Charming Wedding Chapel for Awesome Couples
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Why I Love Photographing Elopements at Elope 253 in Downtown Tacoma
The very first time I photographed a wedding at Elope 253, I knew that I was meant to be there.
Right after the ceremony ended, I looked straight at the owner, Rochelle, and very seriously said, “We should get matching outfits.” It was half a joke, half a declaration. I just knew I wanted to be part of the magic she was creating.
A Tiny Chapel With Big Personality
The first thing anyone notices about Elope 253 is the chartreuse doors. They’re bright. They’re cheerful. They’re iconic. They practically shout celebration and I love photographing couples and their guests right out front, glowing with that Just Married feeling.
One of the most special details about Elope 253 doesn’t show up in photos at all, the scent. Rochelle created a custom candle called Just Eloped in collaboration with local Tacoma candle maker Wax and Wool, and the moment you step inside, it sets the tone. It’s warm and romantic just like the ceremonies that happen there.
Couples Who Are There for the Right Reasons
The couples who choose to get married at Elope 253 want the day to feel special without feeling overwhelming. They want to wear outfits they feel amazing in. They want an intimate, meaningful ceremony that focuses on why they’re there, not on tradition for tradition’s sake. With a guest capacity of just 16 people, this tiny downtown Tacoma chapel feels a bit like a Vegas wedding chapel… but cuter, more intentional and thankfully, no Elvis impersonators in sight.
“Don’t You Get Bored Shooting the Same Venue?”
I get asked this all the time, especially since I’ve photographed over 700 weddings at Elope 253. And my answer is always the same, “No, I find comfort in it!”
There’s something incredibly comforting about working in a familiar space. I know the light and the flow of the ceremony. I love the fact that there are fantastic photo spots just steps away, like the Spanish Steps, Opera Alley and the 11th Street Bridge.
Most importantly though, every couple is DIFFERENT!
Here are some examples of how couples have brought their own unique flavor:
I’ve watched a groom sing to his bride in Korean. I’ve photographed a Halloween-themed wedding where even the guests came in Beetle Juice costumes. I’ve seen a bride in cowgirl boots and a groom in a cowboy hat. I’ve witnessed a groom lovingly learn and deliver his vows in Japanese to his Japanese husband. I’ve been dazzled by spectacular vintage cars that have made their way to the venue and into the photos. I’ve seen a couple wear colorful traditional Nigerian attire. I’ve photographed a Lego boutonniere. I’ve taken photos of a couple with their fencing swords while the bride wears an orange dress she made herself. The list goes on and on!
Each couple’s love story is unique and we celebrate that!
Why Elope 253 Means So Much to Me
Working at Elope 253 is truly one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Rochelle is an absolute joy to work with. She cares deeply about her couples and is intentional about creating a thoughtful and inclusive experience for them.
We ooh and aah over rings. We admire dresses. We get excited about processional songs, flowers and personal details.
We celebrate the little things and we just really, really love love.
For couples who want to say goodbye to stress, expensive extras and overwhelming wedding planning, Elope 253 offers simple, modern elopement packages in a cheerful downtown Tacoma space. It’s proof that getting married doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful.
And I feel incredibly lucky to document so many beautiful beginnings there.
