North Cascades Elopement

If you’re considering eloping and love the look and feel of the grandeur of the Alps but don’t want to travel that far, then having a North Cascades elopement is the way to go! About 3 hours from Seattle, the North Cascades are epic, quiet, and booming with mountain peaks, wildlife, and wild alpine lakes. Follow along with me on this North Cascades elopement that quite literally took our breaths away!

Home In The Mountains: North Cascades Elopement

This elopement was part of an amazing workshop I got to attend hosted by the incredible Marcella Laine. If you’re a photographer looking for an opportunity to grow and learn from the best, I highly recommend attending her workshop: Home in the Mountains! We met at a cute Airbnb in Deming, WA and started the day with the couple getting ready and finishing their vows.

We then headed up to the Mt Baker area where couple exchanged vows overlooking some alpine lakes as the fog sank in, making truly the best backdrop for their North Cascades Elopement. We started close to the parking lot for their ceremony, then wandered down the trail to the lakes as the fog started to lift! The only thing missing was mountain goats and marmots, though they were around to be sure.

North Cascades elopements are some of my favorite to photograph, ever! While the North Cascades are a little far out there from cities, it’s worth every bit of the drive. Rent an Airbnb or VRBO, either for yourselves or your closest friends and family, then spend a long weekend exploring the National Park after you exchange vows during your North Cascades elopement! This location is not only dog friendly, but it doesn’t require a ton of hiking to find epic views. If you are wanting something a little more out there that guarantees few people, check out this North Cascades Surprise Proposal I photographed in 2023! The North Cascades is one of the least visited national parks in the United States, so checking it off your bucket list is something not many people do!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is a permit required? It depends on where in the park you choose to elope! Some trails are actually on the border of the park so one isn’t required, others are in the heart of the park where it’s more populated so one is required. If you choose a location where a permit is needed, it starts at $50.
• When is the best time to elope here? If you want to your North Cascades elopement at a higher elevation like featured in these photos, July through October is going to be the best time! The snow pack lasts well into summer so ultimately when the road opens is going to determine when you can exchange vows here. In the fall, the foliage becomes vibrant colors of autumn that are hard to beat. Have you heard of the golden larches? Do I have to say more?
• Are dogs allowed? This will ultimately depend on where you’re planning on eloping, much like if a permit is required. Some areas it is a hard no, often when in back country areas, other places they’re welcome! It will just take a little research when determining your ceremony location to answer that question, but that’s what I’m here for!

Host: Marcella Laine

Florals: Petals by Piper

If you’re ready to start planning your own North Cascades elopement, contact me here! Interested in where I’ve been going lately? Follow along on Instagram and Pinterest!