get freaking excited.
the complete guide to planning your north cascades elopement
my exclusive client elopement guide *after booking*will help you step by step!
So you're ready to plan your North Cascades Elopement but are feeling a little overwhelmed about where to start. Totally get it. From Mount Baker and Artist Point to Diablo Lake, the entire region is overwhelmingly beautiful. As an elopement guide, I don't just show up and capture your day. I help you plan and craft your day from the start to make it more unforgettable than you can possibly imagine. In addition, we have an exclusive 93 page clients guide designed to provide information and get you started prior to our face-time planning date.
Dream Big: Dream up what the best North Cascades elopement looks like to you! Don't consider logistics - just how you feel, what your environment is like and what are you doing?
Hire your photographer: you can literally come to me with nothing other than a vision. I'll help you from there!
Make the Big Decisions: Where, Who + For How Long
Plan out Details: north cascades Travel logistics, activities, wedding attire + gear
Create a Timeline
Getting Ready to Go!
Have the Best washington north cascades elopement Ever!
north cascades Elopement Photography Locations and Resources
the best places to elope
in the north cascades
- Heather Maple Pass Loop
- Thunder Knob
- Artist Point
- Picture Lake
- Bagley Lakes
- Diablo Lake
- Ross Lake
- Ptarmigan Ridge
- Winchester Mountain Lookout
- Cutthroat Lake
- Blue Lake
- Washington Pass Overlook
Imagine standing on the precipice of an untouched wilderness near Artist Point, where majestic mountains pierce the sky and emerald lakes shimmer below. In the North Cascades, nature's symphony unfolds before your eyes, inviting you to embark on an intimate adventure that transcends tradition. Elope amidst the untamed beauty of Ross Lake that sweeps across this rugged paradise. Here, you will find solace in the simplicity of nature, where every breath carries the untainted purity of the wilderness, and every step taken in this untamed expanse binds your hearts in an indelible bond. In the North Cascades, your love story unfolds against a backdrop of awe-inspiring grandeur, forever etching memories that defy ordinary conventions and embrace the extraordinary.
Best North Cascades Elopement Locations
Negin + Jeff
Diablo Lake north cascades
erin + ryland
mount baker elopement
christina + noah
artist point north cascades elopement
featured north cascades elopement galleries
wander through...
considerations before beginning
- A rad BNB: One location that you walk out the back door to an adventure.
- One Stop Shop: One general area outside of where you get ready to explore around.
- Driving Adventure: Hitting different key locations for an epic-photo adventure.
- Hiking Adventure: Getting to a gorgeous spot on foot while taking in and enjoying locations along the way.
- And of course, all the above / any combo.
1. Timeframe: How long are we hanging?
2. where Are we starting at & where you're staying?
3. What adventure below sounds like your dream:
How to plan your North Cascades or Mount Baker Elopement...start with an Airbnb! Hear me out. If you don't have a set location in mind or a specific viewpoint and/or hike, choosing a place to stay is a great place to start. Treehouse? Check. A-Frames? Check.
If you're main priority is Mount Baker or Artist point, there are great airbnbs from Maple Falls though Glacier off of Mt. Baker Highway.
If you're wanting to visit Diablo lake, You'll want to stay between Rockport, Marblemount and Newhalem off Hwy 20.
Darrington is the last town with a few food options before then. All of those locations are VERY remote with minimal grocery and food options. Plan to buy groceries / pack food on the way out and have a full tank of gas.
If you want a location that's a bit further out but that you can day trip from to the Artist point area, I'd recommend Bellingham. It's my favorite little town in the state with lots of great breweries.
where to stay for
your north cascades wedding
choosing
Love is meant to be an adventure!
- Gordon B. Hinckley
Washington has a 3 day waiting period but you can apply online and have the license mailed to your home address. You can apply within 60 days of your wedding date.
1. Hire an officiant to perform a ceremony in the North Cascades or Mount Baker Area.
2. Have a family member or friend get ordained and perform the ceremony.
3. Have a friend or family member perform a ceremony OR privately read vows and I can legalize your paperwork.
ceremony details
Let's get married
BONUS:
The importance of your vows is even more so with an intimate ceremony. Check out a vow writing workshop that my fellow industry friend created below:
TAPESTRY VOW WRITING WORKSHOP
Seattle Area Application
Tacoma Area Application
Choose one of 3 options:
Marriage License:
A Special Use Permit Is Required for The North Cascades
PERMITS
North Cascades National Park
We recommend submitting for permits at least 4 weeks prior to your event.
There are several locations within the park that have been identified as suitable and appropriate for group gatherings and associated activities. Specific conditions apply to the various locations and include recommendations for group size capacity.
For non-filming Special Use Permits, the following is required prior to permit approval:
1. Completion and Submission of the Special Park Uses Application
2. Payment of $50 for non-refundable Application Fee
Sunrise? Sunset? Or somewhere in between? Let me start off by saying the best decision is the one that best fits the experience you’re looking to have on your wedding day. There’s no exact formula for how a day will turn out but there are different pros and cons to choosing a time of day for your elopement and each location, weather forecast and season will render images in a different way. Don't worry, we'll work together to figure out the best time for you! MMP Clients receive a custom timeline as part of our joint planning process! Your coverage includes time for the in-between, pause, guidance and more. An 8 hour day looks different for each couple but here’s a quick example of what a North Cascades elopement could look like:
your north cascades elopement Timeline
Slow morning getting ready together while enjoying coffee soaking in the atmosphere
I arrive at the Airbnb + take photos of environmental + bridal details and ya'll getting ready
First look and photos outside the cabin in the evergreen forest and along the riverside
We hop in the car + travel to our trailhead. Quiet time enjoyed together before you say I do
Arrive at trailhead + casually hike while taking some time to enjoy capture along the way
Private picnic along the wildflowers overlooking the view
An intimate ceremony overlooking the mountains and changing colors in the sky
Pop the champagne and sunset portraits begin along the peak
Actual sunset | First dance as a married couple + hike down with headlamp photos
We part ways and you have the evening to enjoy quietly together by the campfire
8-12 am
12:00 pm
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
3:00 pm
5:00 pm
6:00 pm
6:30 pm
7:00 pm
8:00 pm
Slow morning getting ready together while enjoying coffee soaking in the atmosphere
I arrive at the Airbnb + take photos of environmental + bridal details and ya'll getting ready
First look and photos outside the cabin in the evergreen forest and along the riverside
We hop in the car + travel to our trailhead. Quiet time enjoyed together before you say I do
Arrive at trailhead + casually hike while taking some time to enjoy capture along the way
Private picnic along the wildflowers overlooking the view
An intimate ceremony overlooking the mountains and changing colors in the sky
Pop the champagne and sunset portraits begin along the peak
Actual sunset | First dance as a married couple + hike down with headlamp photos
We part ways and you have the evening to enjoy quietly together by the campfire
8-12 am
12:00 pm
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
3:00 pm
5:00 pm
6:00 pm
7:00 pm
8:00 pm
Diablo Lake
Darrington
Artist Point / Mt. Baker
Bellingham
quick links to washington weather for your pnw elopement
All the details
And I'm not just talking about hiking shoes with your dress or suite.
- If we're starting at your airbnb, wedding attire is on.
- If we're photographing at an easy to access location but it requires some driving to get to, arrive casual and change nearby.
- If we're hiking and elevation is involved, hike in casual clothes and change at the top of your destination. Attire can easily be carried by keeping in a gown/suite bag, folded over once and hung on the back of a backpack. Backpacks are also great for carrying flowers and other miscellaneous items for your ceremony.
What to wear for your north cascades elopement
The Complete Guide to Planning Your North Cascades Elopement
READ THE GUIDE
10 Best places to elope in the north cascades
READ THE GUIDE
north cascades Elopement Resources
helpful guides
personalized recommendations are shared with each mmp client
VENDOR Recommendations
Partnering with a few high-quality, amazing vendors who can help bring your dream wedding to reality can absolutely elevate your experience and showcase your unique style. Hiring vendors isn’t necessarily about turning your North Cascades elopement into a big production, but about getting some help so you don’t have to do everything yourself.
The most common vendors that couples hire for elopements & intimate weddings are florists, hair & makeup artists, officiants, chefs & caterers, and videographers.
