Leslie + Andy —- welp, just about anything that could go “wrong” did for these sweet Texans who flew up to elope in the Washington mountains! From a snowstorm the night before, to getting their minivan rental stuck in the snow, to all the freezing rain and foggy views we had – all I can say is it was WORTH IT.

These two allowed the day to flow as it may, and were ready for whatever came at us. Their great attitude & ability to roll with it was what made all the difference!

The Forest Elopement Ceremony Location

Before their ceremony, we adventured to an incredible spot in the forest for the most precious first look, surrounded by pine trees & the quietest atmosphere. After Leslie & Andy had some time to themselves to take it all in, we headed to their ceremony location – another beautiful spot in the forest, this time with snow-capped trees! 

They brought along Leslie’s brother & two of their friends to witness their vows, and I was technically the officiant! (yes, you can have me officiate your ceremony 😉 ) How they braved the snow & said their vows while their feet were covered in powder, I have no idea. But it was an incredibly special ceremony in the most peaceful atmosphere, joined by only the people they love most.

All in all, I am BEYOND grateful that I get to work with such kind, easy-going, lovely humans that trust me to handle things with them no matter what happens on their elopement day. It’s a freaking honor. Eeeeep!

Washington Winter Elopement + Wedding Tips

Traveling to the PNW for an elopement in the late fall, winter, or early spring can def be risky for allll the reasons I mentioned above. I actually wouldn’t recommend doing a winter elopement in the North Cascades after how crazyyyy this one was!😅

Plus, if you’re not used to this kind of weather, it can hit you harder than you expect! But this elopement just goes to show how important it is to stay flexible + know your backup options on your elopement day, no matter what the weather or conditions are around you. And you’ve gotta remember the real reason you’re there in the first place – to get marrrried and have an adventure! It’s called an adventure for a reason 😉

If you really want to get married in Washington in the winter, I’d recommend choosing a location further from the mountains! Not only do the mountains get super cold during the winter (obvi), but the roads heading into the mountains typically close up for the season once bad weather hits. The last thing we’d want is to get stuck on our way to your elopement location because of road/trail closures – and I’d rather us stay safe!

 

Pro tip: keep an eye on the NPS website for your specific elopement location to monitor the weather/road/trail conditions! Here’s where you can see the current conditions in the North Cascades 🙂

Their Washington Elopement Vendors

PSA: your vendors are the people who will bring your wildest elopement dreams to life! If you’re coming in from out of town like Leslie & Andy did, make sure you ask me for reccs – I’ll give you my best people that I trust to take care of you and bring your day to life! 

Hair & Makeup: Amanda Dang | @hidangggg

Florals: Olive & Fig Florals | @oliveandfigflorals

Dress: Lulu’s | @lulus

How to Have a North Cascades National Park Wedding

North Cascades National Park Wedding Permits

To get married inside of North Cascades National Park, you’ll need what’s called a Special Use Permit! This is a permit the park grants to visitors participating in special events like weddings, or the scattering of ashes. Basically, it’s required for any activity that provides a benefit to a group rather than the public.

Here’s how to obtain your North Cascades Special Use Permit:

1. Send an email to the park office to get specific details + instructions based on your elopement date, party size, and location! They will send you your permit application from there.
2. Once you’ve completed & sent your permit application back to the park office, pay your $50 non-refundable application fee here.
3. Wait for the park office to approve your permit application!
4. Once it’s been approved, they’ll send you your permit to sign & return back to them before you can officially use it.

North Cascades National Park Entrance Fee

Fun fact – there’s actually ZERO entrance fee to get into North Cascades National Park!🥳 There goes one task off your to-do list!

Where Can I Get Married in the North Cascades?

Unfortunately, there’s no specific list out there on the NPS website of locations you can get married at within the park. Lucky for you, you’ve got me by your side – and I’m an expert at location-scouting + finding beautiful locations you’re allowed to elope at 😉

You’ll have to email to the park office once you’ve gotten suggestions from me and have a preferred location. They’ll make sure that you’re allowed to use that specific location based on your party size & elopement plans!

Weather in the North Cascades

As you can see from this wild winter elopement in the North Cascades, there is definitely a time & place that’ll allow for the absolute best elopement experience😅 As much as these two LOVED the craziness of their super snowy elopement, that type of unpredictable weather can definitely hinder your elopement plans. From closed roads to dangerous icy conditions to just being damn COLD, it may be best to opt for another season for your North Cascades adventure elopement!

Spring in the North Cascades

Visiting the PNW mountains can be difficult, because you’d think that spring would be a beautiful time to visit – except that it’s hard to predict what the weather will be like and when it’ll warm up. Because of the high elevations, it stays cold much longer than lower locations (duh) and there’s much more snow for a longer amount of time. Typically the snow is off everywhere except the highest trails by July!

If you want to elope in the North Cascades in the spring, make sure you’re prepared for heavy rain, possible snow, still cold temperatures, and have backup plans in place! Opt for a lower location, and have a higher location in mind in case the weather turns out beautifully for you!

Summer in the North Cascades

The best months to visit the North Cascades are usually between mid-June & late September! Temperatures are milder (especially on the east side of the Cascades, where it gets much warmer & drier), and rain is less likely. Summer is a great time to aim for an elopement at a higher elevation!

Fall in the North Cascades

Fall is also an absolutely stunning time for a North Cascades wedding. The valleys offer incredible colors that you could only dream of, making it perfect for any autumn-lovers out there. Just make sure you’re prepared for rain and plan early enough that you hopefully won’t be hit with too much snow! And as always, have backup plans in place just in case 🙂

Meet Your North Cascades Elopement Photographer

If you’ve fallen in love with the North Cascades like I have & are looking to elope there, you’ve found your North Cascades elopement photographer! 😉 I’d be STOKED to help you plan the mountain elopement of your dreams in one of Washington’s breathtaking national parks – inquire with me here for 2022 and let’s get planning!!