Move to Tacoma Podcast
Eloping in Tacoma with Rochelle Bergstrom of Elope 253
Thinking about eloping in Tacoma, Washington? Move to Tacoma Podcast Host Marguerite Martin talks with Elope 253 Founder Rochelle Bergstrom about how much it actually costs to elope in Pierce County, what Washington State requires, and why 1,293 couples from Tacoma and beyond have gotten married in her downtown Tacoma chapel. Rochelle was first on the podcast in October 2017 when she’d officiated 11 weddings. She shared that she started her business after hearing about the Spaceworks Incubator on the Move to Tacoma Podcast. Nine years later she’s still in the same storefront downtown and she has some great insights to share with us about running a small business in a city that’s still figuring itself out. In this episode: How much it costs to elope in Tacoma at Rochelle’s chapel Elope 253 ($595 to $2,295 packages) Washington State’s three day waiting period for a marriage license The two witness requirement, and what to do if you don’t have two people How Rochelle started Elope 253 as a weekend side hustle through Tacoma’s Space Works incubator program Why she gives downtown Tacoma four and a half stars as a business location Hiring your first assistant when it terrifies you The average Pierce County wedding now runs $33,000 to $35,000 Where Tacoma couples are actually meeting in 2026 (spoiler: it’s mostly online) The number one thing people say makes them feel loved Elope 253 is located in downtown Tacoma. Learn more at elope253.com . Move to Tacoma is a neighborhood guide, blog, and podcast helping people find their place in Tacoma, Pierce County, and beyond. If you want help finding a real estate agent who knows your neighborhood, that’s what we do at movetotacoma.com. Your agent pays the finder’s fee out of their commission. The post Eloping in Tacoma with Rochelle Bergstrom of Elope 253 appeared first on Move to Tacoma .
