Nestled just beneath the Canadian border lies the Mount Baker wilderness, a region renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Among its treasures is Artist Point, a destination that consistently captivates visitors with its breathtaking vistas. Renowned as one of the most searched locations on the internet, Artist Point boasts scenery that never fails to awe and inspire. What sets it apart is not just its beauty, but also its accessibility, making it an ideal choice for couples seeking epic views without extensive hiking or for those hosting guests who may have mobility considerations. But don't just take our word for it – let Amy & Patrick's photos speak for themselves if you're considering planning an elopement at Artist Point!

Meet the couple that planned an Artist Point elopement

From our very first Zoom call, Amy and Patrick were adamant about tying the knot amidst the breathtaking beauty of the North Cascades. With a shared passion for travel, it was no surprise; Patrick had explored 48 states, while Amy had ventured across six continents. Yet, the allure of the North Cascades remained, firmly entrenched in their bucket list.

Their wedding day kicked off in serene fashion at a forested Airbnb, enveloped by moss-covered trees and lush ferns. Over coffee and breakfast, they regaled us with tales of their adventures, setting the tone for a day filled with shared memories and new beginnings.

Post-breakfast, it was time for the transformation into wedding attire, a collaborative effort that highlighted their bond and shared excitement.

Ascending the mountain, our first stop at Bagley Lakes unveiled the awe-inspiring majesty of the North Cascades to Amy and Patrick for the first time. Each twist and turn evoked gasps of wonder, reminding us of the joy of introducing like-minded couples to nature's splendor.

Following a refreshing hike, a lakeside picnic provided a moment of reprieve, allowing them to savor the tranquility before the next chapter unfolded.

Atop Artist Point, amidst panoramic views, Amy and Patrick exchanged vows, punctuated by a champagne toast. Yet, it was the unexpected brilliance of the sunset, casting Mount Shuksan in hues of gold and orange, that truly encapsulated the magic of their day. In those fleeting moments, surrounded by nature's grandeur, Amy and Patrick shared intimate memories, forever etched in their hearts. Truly, a day never to be forgotten.

Best time to elope at Artist point, Washington?

Serving as a gateway to various trails, Artist Point offers unparalleled vistas of the surrounding wilderness. However, accessing this scenic spot is a seasonal affair, as the 2.7-mile road ascends over 5,000 feet above sea level. Typically blanketed by snow, the road remains closed from October through June. Come July, though, the gates to Artist Point swing open, welcoming visitors until the arrival of the first significant snowfall, usually in early to mid-October.

While there might still be a blanket of snow in July, Artist Point will be accessible by car and serves as a perfect location for a beautiful elopement with some family and friends. If you're seeking a snow-free day, we highly recommend waiting until the beginning of August when all the snow will be gone.

Do I need a permit to get married at Artist Point?

Yes and no. A bit confusing right?! Although there is no permit fee associated with the Artist Point location, you do still require to let the rangers know that there will be an event taking place. But not to worry. Here at Running Wild we take care of all the stuffy permit emails, so you can relax and enjoy the process.

Other things to think about when planning an elopement at Artist Point

How many guests am I allowed to invite to my elopement at Artist Point?

As of 2023, you are only allowed to have 12 guests (including the couple and any other vendors) present on the trails during your ceremony. Do you have a few more guests? No problem, there are two extra locations in the area that work perfectly for bigger group sizes, but you’ll have to sacrifice some of the epic mountain views and exchange them for a turquoise-colored river or a forestry picnic area. 

Can I elope at Artist Point in winter or spring?

Yes, you can! But planning a winter elopement comes with a few extra backup plans. Winter elopements can be absolutely magical, but be prepared to change plans last minute because unfortunately nature sometimes has other plans. Want snow without the extreme cold? The month of June is perfect for a snowy elopement in the Mountains.

Check out: Shelby and Hugo’s snowy spring elopement at Artist Point

Do you reschedule when with bad weather?

Unfortunately, we can’t control the weather. But not to worry, we always have multiple backup plans in place when the weather doesn't cooperate. When the fog covers the mountain tops, it's the perfect opportunity to walk around and take cover underneath the evergreen trees surrounding the alpine lakes.

More Artist Point Inspiration

Kind words from Amy & Patrick

We were first interested in Brooke and Sanne after seeing their work on Instagram -- just the mix of landscape, portrait, colorful, and double exposure photography we wanted. Since the moment we started working with them, they were easy to work with, friendly, communicative, and sought to best understand what look we were going for. They helped us find a place to stay and planned out the whole day for us. When the day came, we got to work with them in person, and they were as easy and enjoyable to work with as we'd hoped. They put a ton of energy and passion into all their shots, and had many moments where you could see the excitement as they found their perfect shot. We're thrilled with the preview shots we've already seen, and excited to see all of that photos when they're done. They helped make our day perfect!

Ready to start planning your elopement at Artist Point, Washington?

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