The North Cascades are truly one of the most UNDERRATED elopement locations in Washington State. Any couple looking to elope somewhere in the mountains with countless scenic viewpoints, incredible landscapes, a variety of hikes & opportunities for outdoor activities, & so much more should 100% consider having a North Cascades elopement. Get ready for a complete guide to eloping in the North Cascades in 2023-2024!

Where are the North Cascades?

The North Cascades are part of the Cascade Mountain Range, which actually span along the border between Canada & Washington state! Located less than 3 hours from Seattle (depending on the area of the Cascades you’re visiting), this national park provides some of the most stunning (and underrated!) views in all of Washington.

          

How to get to the North Cascades

Since the North Cascades are a full mountain range on their own, how you get to the North Cascades depends on what area you’re looking to visit. The official national park service complex is made up of three main areas: Ross Lake National Recreation Area, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, & North Cascades National Park. 

By driving along the scenic North Cascades Highway (State Route 20), you can stop anywhere you’d like! From miscellaneous gorgeous viewpoints & information-filled visitor centers, to stunning lakes, to mountaintop views, to the small towns that sit along the highway, there are COUNTLESS spots to explore within this beautiful mountain range. It’s truly my favorite drive of all time. 

Most Popular Areas in the North Cascades

There are a few areas & towns that visitors most often stop at during their time in the North Cascades, including:

• Mt. Baker

• Mazama

• Stehekin/Chelan

Mt. Baker

One of the most popular destinations to visit in the North Cascades area is the absolutely breathtaking Mt. Baker Wilderness, about a 3-hour drive north of Seattle & just under 2 hours east of Bellingham. The wilderness area borders the North Cascades NP on the east, and the Canadian border on the north, so it’s definitely a ways out there – but it is so, so worth the drive. The over 100,000 acres of land is chock-full of mountain ranges, unbeatable scenery, winding roads, lush forests, & alpine lakes galore!

The Mt. Baker Wilderness is also totally worth the extra driving time because not only does it offer plenty of challenging hikes for couples looking for a bigger adventure; it also offers trails that fit ALL accessibility ranges. So whether you’re looking for an overnight backpacking trip or a quick 1-mile walk without too much incline, you’ll still be able to get incredible views!

Mazama

Mazama is a small community located at the upper end of the Methow Valley, around 4.5 hours northeast of Seattle, and is a lovely place to stay during your time in the North Cascades! You’re surrounded by the fresh mountain air and have tons of outdoor activities available to you, including mountain biking, horseback riding, skiing, & plenty of hikes. 

Stehekin/Chelan

Chelan is a little city along the southeast end of Lake Chelan, a super beautiful lake with some of the best hiking trails in the entire state. It’s a little over 3 hours from Seattle, and just north of Chelan is the Stehekin Valley, a gorgeous area that you can only get to by foot, boat, or plane – there are no roads! 

Visiting Stehekin is one of the most unique ways you can experience the North Cascades, because as soon as you arrive you’re surrounded by the snow-capped mountain peaks + massive trees, and can even hear the glacial melt running over rocks in the Stehekin river. If you’re looking for a truly magical, peaceful place to stay on your visit to the Cascades, this is it! Fun fact – you can only get to Stehekin via a boat called The Lady of the Lake that leaves from Lake Chelan. It’s one of the most unique hidden gems in Washington state.

Best Locations + Hikes for Your North Cascades Elopement

Now that you’re familiar with some of the main areas along the North Cascades Highway & mountain range, let’s talk about some of my favorite specific locations & hikes for an adventure elopement in the North Cascades.

• Artist Point
• Heather Meadows
• Thunder Knob Trail
• Ross Lake
• Highway 20 Corridor

1. Artist Point

This has got to be one of my absolute favorite spots in the North Cascades, and one of the most popular for visitors, too. Artist Point is a scenic area in the Mt. Baker Wilderness that offers incredible scenery of the surrounding mountain ranges, alpine lakes, stunning greenery, and wildflowers in the warmer months. It’s one of my favorite locations because of how EASY it is to access for people of any & all accessibility and skill levels, for most of the year at least!

You can drive all the way up to Artist Point in the warmer seasons, and you literally get out of your car & you’re already at a spot with incredible views. From there you can pick whatever level & type of hiking trail you’re looking for, whether you want to keep it simple and walk around a path with minimal incline, or take a more challenging trail further away from the parking lot.

Once late fall hits, the final 1.8-mile stretch of road up to Artist Point DOES close due to snow. So you’ll need to be prepared to hike that distance on foot if you’re set on a winter elopement, or even a late fall/early spring elopement since you can never be sure when the road will close off & open up again. I’d recommend having a couple backup locations in mind if you ARE eloping in the late fall or early spring, just in case the road isn’t open – luckily, there are other spots that are just as beautiful a little lower down the mountain, like Heather Meadows!

2. Heather Meadows

The Heather Meadows area is a perfect elopement location because it’s super easy to get to, and is below that final 1.8-mile stretch of road up to Artist Point. Yes, Artist Point has amazing views, but so does Heather Meadows! So don’t get discouraged if you end up having to switch plans at the last minute due to snow & you switch to Heather Meadows for your elopement – you’ll still experience gorgeous hiking trails, a super beautiful blue alpine lake, lush greenery, and even a visitor’s center you can go in to learn more about the area. There are multiple lots to park in at Heather Meadows, as well as restrooms & a variety of hiking trails you can choose from!

4. Thunder Knob Trail

Thunder Knob Trail is a moderate 3.6-mile round trip trail that starts at the campground at the base of Diablo Lake. It’ll take you to a beautiful viewpoint that gets you just as amazing views of Diablo Lake, without breaking any rules put in place by the park office!

5. Ross Lake

Finally, you can visit Ross Lake, one of the three lakes encompassed by the Ross Lake National Recreation Area alongside Diablo Lake & Gorge Lake. Ross Lake is another beautiful lake right by Diablo Lake that has plenty of awesome hikes & scenery to offer!

*Diablo Lake – a Disclaimer

Diablo Lake is another uber popular Washington mountain elopement destination, and for good reason. The views of this vibrant turquoise lake are truly something you’d see in a fairytale – sometimes it honestly looks fake because of how bright & beautiful it is! The highly-visited Diablo Lake Vista Point/overlook is a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle and 2 hours from Bellingham. Simply park in the vista point lot and bam, you’re there & can see the incredible scenery!

A *big* disclaimer about the popular Diablo Lake overlook, pictured below: it’s no longer available to couples as an elopement location. 

Unfortunately due to overcrowding and visitors, photographers, & couples not following rules, the overlook is now closed off to elopements, weddings, and all types of photoshoots – EVEN if you have a permit for North Cascades NP. 

If you look up Diablo Lake elopement you’ll likely see one spot in all the photos, a dirt cliff with a perfect view of the lake, and a grassy area behind it – shown in the photo above. This is the spot behind the restrooms that’s blocked off now – you would have to climb over a clearly-placed rope to get to it. This is something I keep in mind while leading couples on their elopements – because we do not want this to happen to any more of our treasured locations! Going over Leave No Trace guidelines will be in our contract together.

Even though this popular spot is NOT available anymore for your elopement, you can still walk down to the base of the lake for a gorgeous lakeside ceremony, with the hills in the background! Or, you can take a different hike in the area that will take you to similar views of the lake, such as Thunder Knob Trail.

It’s also still a great place to just stop by while you are visiting the North Cascades for your elopement. The views will blow your mind!

If you look up Diablo Lake elopement you’ll likely see one spot in all the photos, a dirt cliff with a perfect view of the lake, and a grassy area behind it – shown in the photo above. This is the spot behind the restrooms that’s blocked off now – you would have to climb over a clearly-placed rope to get to it.

Even though this popular spot is NOT available anymore for your elopement, you can still walk down to the base of the lake for a gorgeous lakeside ceremony, with the hills in the background! Or, you can take a different hike in the area that will take you to similar views of the lake, such as Thunder Knob Trail.

How Do You Legally Elope in the North Cascades?

Once you’ve decided on your top 2-3 favorite locations (always have backups in place!), it’s time to get to the legal stuff: obtaining your North Cascades elopement permit & your Washington State marriage license.

1. Get your North Cascades Wedding Permit

Like most other national parks, you’ll need to get a Special Use Permit in order to legally have an elopement or wedding ceremony in North Cascades National Park.

To get your permit, you’ll need to email the North Cascades park office and ask for a permit application for your desired elopement location & date.

They’ll send you the application to fill out, and you’ll email the completed application back to them & pay the $50 non-refundable application fee online via pay.gov. The staff at the North Cascades park office is typically really awesome about responding in a timely manner, so you should be able to get answers to any questions you have fairly quickly! 

Once you’ve submitted your application & paid the fee, your park contact will help you through the rest of the process, including paying any additional fees, agreeing to permit conditions, and receiving your permit to sign & return for final approval.

2. Get your Washington State marriage license

Make sure you don’t forget to get your Washington State marriage license, too! You’ll apply for your marriage license through the auditor’s office of the county you’re getting married in, which you can find further info about here.

A few things to note about getting married in Washington State:

• You don’t have to be a U.S. citizen

• There’s a 3-day waiting period from the day you get your WA marriage license to the day you can get married, and no way to waive it

• Your marriage license will expire 60 days after the 3-day waiting period

• You must be 18 or older

• To get your marriage license, you must bring a current photo ID & your social security number (card not required). You don’t need to bring your birth certificate unless you’re under 18 years old. 

The Best Time of Year for a North Cascades Elopement

The season you choose for your North Cascades National Park elopement depends on the weather, the scenery, and most importantly, the road & trail conditions.

If you want to see more wildflowers for your elopement, opt for July or August.

If you want the best chance of avoiding snow, your best bet will be July or August as well.

If you want to explore berry bushes, choose September.

If you want to experience the beautiful golden larches of the North Cascades, then elope in October!

Be aware that if you choose to elope in the fall, I’d recommend staying within the first 2 weeks of October. We want to be cautious of potential snowfall as the North Cascades & Mt. Baker area can get more snow than anywhere in the country, and quickly!

Make sure to monitor the weather conditions in the weeks & days leading up to your elopement so you can plan accordingly, and have a couple of backup locations + plans on hand just in case!

Best Places to Stay in the North Cascades

It’s important to find a super cozy place to stay for your North Cascades elopement – somewhere you’ll be able to relax and spend quality time with each other (and your guests, if you want to host them)! Below are some of the best places to stay in different areas of the North Cascades, including Airbnb’s, lodges, & campgrounds.

Airbnb’s, Cabins, Hotels, & Lodges in the North Cascades

Mazama

• Adventure Outpost

• Cozy Yurts

• Mazama Haven
• Chechaquo Ranch Cabin

Glacier/Deming

• Cedar Point Cabin

• Rustic 70’s A-Frame Cabin

• The Greybird Retreat

• Mt. Baker Twin Tree House

Bellingham

• The Hotel Leo

• Hotel Bellwether

• Sunnyland Modern Loft

Rockport

• Ross Lake Resort

• North Cascades Institute

• Secluded Mountain Cabin

• Skagit Steelhead House

Stehekin/Chelan

• North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin

• Stehekin Cedar Cabin

• Stehekin Rainbow Cabin

North Cascades National Park Campgrounds

• Newhalem Creek Campground

• Gorge Lake Campground

• Colonial Creek Campground

• Goodell Creek Campground

How to Hire Your North Cascades Elopement Photographer

Now that you’ve nailed down ALL the important details to start planning your dream elopement day, it’s time to hire your North Cascades adventure elopement photographer! Allow me to introduce myself 😉

I’m Emma, a North Cascades elopement photographer based out of Seattle, Washington! My goals are to help you craft a day that is so uniquely YOU, be your ultimate hype gal, and be your guide every step of the way. 

I’ve photographed some pretty incredible couples in North Cascades National Park, including Leslie + Andy for their winter mountain elopement, and Francesca + Josh for their super fun engagement session at Mt. Baker.

It’s no secret that the North Cascades are my favorite place in Washington, and I’ve got dozens upon dozens of trails up my sleeve that I’d love to share with you to experience on your elopement 😌

North Cascades Elopement Packages + Pricing

Every elopement package I offer for elopements in the North Cascades include:

• My 100-page ultimate elopement planning guide

• Expert location research & suggestions personalized to you

• A custom timeline for your elopement

• Unlimited phone calls, consultations, & support

Head to my pricing page to check out what I’m currently offering, and when you’re ready to find out more, reach out here so we can find a time to chat, no strings attached!

Planning Your North Cascades Elopement Timeline

Creating a timeline for your elopement can be kind of daunting – you’ve probably never eloped before, so how are you supposed to know what to do?! Luckily, I’ve got you covered. I’ve created countless timelines for couples, completely personalized to them, their vision, and their big day.

Here are a few basic sample timelines to get an idea of what your North Cascades elopement timeline could look like!

8-Hour Sample Timeline

1:15 – Brunch at your Airbnb in the woods nearby (mimosas, french toast, sandwiches, etc.)

2:00 – Get ready together in the Airbnb

3:30 – Head out for a moderate 2-mile hike, stopping at viewpoints along the way

4:45-5:45 – Private vow exchange at the top of the hike, charcuterie board picnic with beautiful views

6:00 – Explore the area, sunset portraits & pop champagne

7:00 – Hike down

8:00 – Dinner made by a private chef at your Airbnb

8:45 – S’mores, drinks, & nighttime portraits at the campfire

9:15 – Say goodbye

12-Hour Sample Timeline

9:00 – Breakfast, coffee, a slow morning at your cabin in the forest

10:00 – Get ready in separate rooms 

11:15 – First look & portraits outside of your cabin, under the trees

12:00 – Head out for a moderate 3-mile hike with your closest family & friends, stopping at viewpoints along the way

1:30-2:30 – Intimate ceremony in front of a beautiful backdrop with your loved ones there to watch

2:45 – Picnic with finger foods & champagne on blankets, candid portraits with your guests

3:45 – Hike down

4:15 – Head to nearby lake for sunset

4:45 – Lakeside sunset portraits & time to explore as the sun goes down behind the mountains

6:00 – Head to a local restaurant for dinner with your guests

8:00 – Head back to your cabin to soak in the cedar hot tub & sit around the fire with your guests

9:00 – Say goodbye

Multi-Day North Cascades Adventure Elopement Sample Timeline

Day 1: Intimate Vineyard Wedding at Lake Chelan

Best Vineyard Wedding Venues at Lake Chelan:

• Siren Song Vineyard Estate & Winery
• Tsillan Cellars Winery

12:00 – Get ready separately at your Airbnb/hotel

1:30 – Private first look & portraits at Lake Chelan

2:15 – Portraits with your closest family members & friends

3:30 – Casual cocktail hour to eat snacks & mingle with your loved ones

4:30 – Intimate wedding ceremony in the vineyard

5:30 – Sunset portraits in the vineyard & at the lake

Day 2: Adventure Bridal Session & Private Celebration at Stehekin

12:00 – Get back in your elopement attire & pack up to head to Stehekin

1:30 – Head out on a moderate 3-mile hike to a gorgeous viewpoint

3:00-4:00 – Mountain portraits in your elopement attire & explore the area

4:15 – Mountainside picnic

5:00 – Hike down

6:15 – Sunset portraits by the water

Stay the night at the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin

FAQ’s About Eloping in the North Cascades

1. Is North Cascades National Park pet-friendly?

For the most part, no, unfortunately! Dogs are allowed on a leash only on the Pacific Crest Trail, within the Ross Lake & Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas, and within 50 feet of roads. But I do have a few trails up my sleeve that allow them – I’d be happy to share when we work together!

If you’re eloping at a spot that does allow dogs, please remember to clean up after them, train them well so they don’t disturb other visitors, and pack food, snacks, & water for them!

2. How many guests can I have at my North Cascades elopement?

The number of guests you can have for your elopement really depends! First, you’ll need to make sure you think through the ability levels of all your guests, and what activity they’ll realistically be able to do. There are plenty of ADA-accessible trails and areas in the park, so you won’t have trouble finding a location that can accommodate all of your guests.

Typically, adventure elopements on smaller trails and at smaller viewpoints can accommodate 5-15 guests (also depending on the setup of your ceremony), and larger viewpoints/visitor areas can accommodate close to 30. This is something you’ll want to ask your park contact about when you start the process of applying for your Special Use Permit.

3. Can you drive through the North Cascades?

Yes! That’s one of the best ways to experience the gorgeous mountain range besides hiking. Just drive along State Route 20 and you’ll be able to pull over at countless incredible scenic viewpoints!

Final North Cascade Elopement Tips + Tricks

Before I finish off this blog post, I wanted to give you a few final tips + tricks for your elopement in the North Cascades!

1. Make sure your car has a high clearance if you’ll be traveling on roads with a lot of potholes
2. Bring tons of bug spray, especially for late summer elopements – do NOT hold back! The bugs sure won’t!
3. Be sure to monitor road conditions/statuses through the WSDOT website, as snow will affect the roads in winter & wildfires can cause closures in the summer.
4. Be sure to also monitor trail conditions through the NPS website for weather & potential closures. 
5. There are a lot of spots in the mountain range that don’t have cell service, so make sure you’re prepared with offline/downloaded maps, printed maps, and/or a GPS!
6. Don’t leave anything valuable in your car wherever you park, especially if you park at a trailhead.

Hopefully by now you’re feeling JUST as excited about your North Cascades elopement as I am. Inquire with me for your elopement here – I’m stoked to help you create the elopement of your dreams!