How to elope in North Cascades National Park
A step-by-step North Cascades National Park elopement guide
The North Cascades is by far our favorite area to explore in Washington State. It's an magical location with glacier-capped mountains, turquoise alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and the MOST stunning fall colors you’ll ever see! Whether you are looking for an epic hiking trail, a beautiful lake to kayak on, or a drive-up location, the North Cascades has it all. So, let’s dive in and tell you step by step how to elope in North Cascades National Park
1. Choose a date or season
When is the best time of year to plan an elopement in the North Cascades?
Planning an elopement in the North Cascades offers a stunning backdrop of rugged peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. However, the timing of your elopement can significantly impact your experience, due to the region's varied climate and seasonal accessibility. Here's a guide to choosing the best time of year for your elopement in this breathtaking area.
Summer elopements in the North Cascades
Between late July and mid August, the meadows in the North Cascades are exploding with wildflowers. Are you looking for beautiful alpine fields covered in shades of orange, yellow, purple, and blue? Trust us when we say that wildflower season in the mountains is one of our favorite times of the year and that everyone should experience it!
Be mindful to remain on designated hiking trails and avoid trampling through flower fields. It can take years for wildflowers to grow back.
Need more information about how to Leave No Trace? You can read the seven Leave No Trace policies here.
Pro’s
Warm temperatures and the lowest precipitation of the year make for comfortable elopement conditions.
Most trails and access roads are open, offering a wide range of locations from lakeside settings to mountain vistas.
Long daylight hours
Cons
This is peak tourist season, so popular spots may be crowded.
Wildfire season can affect air quality and visibility, potentially impacting your plans. But not to worry, if wildfires do affect your day, we will make sure we are prepared with multiple back-up plans and ideas.
Fall elopements in the North Cascades
The end of summer can sometimes feel depressing, but one look at the North Cascades fall colors will cheer you right up. Seriously, it is GORGEOUS! Unfortunately, the time to get great fall foliage is extremely short. From mid-September to early October (3-4 weeks) you are able to enjoy all those pretty colors before the first snow falls.
Pro’s
Cooler temperatures and changing foliage offer a stunning and colorful backdrop for your ceremony.
The summer crowds have diminished, providing a more intimate setting.
Weather is generally stable, with some days clear and other more moody. The mountain air is also getting crisp.
Cons:
Nights begin to cool significantly, which might affect outdoor evening celebrations.
The window for peak fall colors is relatively short and can vary year to year.
Check out these blogs for fall elopements in the North cascades:
Winter and Spring elopements in the North Cascades
Always wanted to snowshoe on your wedding day? Artist Point is one of the best places in Washington to plan an adventurous snowshoe elopement. However, don’t forget to make a back-up plan, because the weather in the North Cascades can be unpredictable!
Pro’s
Snow-covered landscapes offer a serene and majestic setting for winter-themed elopements.
Fewer visitors result in a more private experience.
During spring there are milder temperatures but still plenty of snow to play in
Cons
Many access roads and trails are closed or impassable due to snow, limiting location options.
Cold temperatures and shorter days require careful planning for comfort and safety.
The risk of avalanches increases in certain areas, requiring additional precautions.
Check out: Snowy Spring Elopement in the North Cascades
2. Pick the best location for your North Cascade elopement
The different areas in the North Cascades
The North Cascades, often referred to as the "American Alps," offer a stunning array of landscapes, ecosystems, and recreational opportunities across the northwestern part of the United States, particularly in Washington State. This region is renowned for its rugged mountain peaks, extensive glacial systems, old-growth forests, and a diversity of flora and fauna. Here, we'll explore some of the distinctive areas within the North Cascades, each offering unique experiences and sights.
1. North Cascades National Park
This vast national park is the centerpiece of the region, characterized by its dramatic mountain scenery, over 300 glaciers, and countless alpine lakes. The park is split into two units by the Skagit River, with the Ross Lake National Recreation Area to the north and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area to the south.
Ross Lake National Recreation Area: This area is known for its recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, and boating on the scenic Ross Lake. It's a gateway to exploring the northern part of the national park.
Lake Chelan National Recreation Area: Accessible by boat or plane, this remote area offers stunning wilderness experiences around the deep, fjord-like Lake Chelan, including access to the historic Stehekin Valley.
2. Mount Baker area
To the west, the Mount Baker area is famous for the Mount Baker Ski Area and the adjacent Mount Baker Wilderness. The wilderness area surrounds the glacier-clad volcano, Mount Baker, which dominates the skyline. This area is a hotspot for elopements and mountain weddings because of its variety of activities like backcountry skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering, as well as summer hiking to see wildflowers and panoramic views.
3. The Pasayten Wilderness
Bordering Canada, the Pasayten Wilderness stands out as one of the largest wilderness areas in the state, encompassing over 530,000 acres. It captivates with its diverse landscapes that range from dense forests to expansive high alpine environments. The area is interlaced with an extensive network of trails, among which includes a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, securing its status as a beloved destination for backpackers and horseback riders. While many trails in this vast wilderness stretch over 9 miles, there exists a lesser-known drive-up location that offers a glimpse into the breathtaking beauty of the Pasayten Wilderness.
How to pick the best location?
With so much space to choose from, picking the perfect spot for your elopement can be a bit of a puzzle. Think about a few things: How much hiking am I up for? Does my spot need to be easy to get to? How many folks am I inviting to the ceremony? And what kind of views am I dreaming of?
Even though there's tons of room out here, not every place is cut out for cozy weddings. But hey, there are definitely some gems that work great for intimate vows and can even handle a bigger crowd. No worries, though—we've got your back and are all set to help sort through the options as we dive into planning your big (small) day!
Best easily accessible ceremony locations in the North Cascades:
Artist Point | Group size 12 people | Mountain Views
Bagley Lakes | 12 People | Mountain Views, Lakes, Forest, Fall Colors
Diablo Lake Beach | 25 people | Alpine Lake, Mountains, Forest
Washington Pass Overlook | 20 People | Mountain Views, Forest
Shuksan Picnic Area | 20 people | Forest, Blue River
Best hiking trails in the North Cascades:
Best hikes inside the National Park:
Best hikes outside the National Park:
3. Get your wedding permits and other passes
Do I need a permit to get married in the North Cascades?
For each area in the North Cascade, a different permit is required for a wedding ceremony. These permits range anywhere from $0 to $300 depending on your location and group size. In addition to your ceremony permit, you are also required to have a Northwest Forest Pass, Discovery Pass, or an America the Beautiful pass, again depending on the location. But if you are an avid Washington hiker, you probably already have one of these passes in your car.
Does the sound of permits and passes make you sweat a little? No stress! We will help you figure all this stuff out when we are planning your elopement.
4. Book your accommodation
Best places to stay in the North Cascades
There are countless beautiful places to choose from, but we've listed a few of our favorite Airbnbs, hotels, and campgrounds below.
Best places to stay in the Mount Baker Area
Rustic Industrail Mt Bakere Hideaway
Architect Designed Round Cabin
Best places to stay in North Cascade National Park
North Cascades Haven at the River
Base Camp 49 (suitable for events)
5. Hire North Cascade elopement vendors
Like a traditional wedding, selecting vendors for your elopement is essential, though the choices hinge on your budget and specific desires. Many couples embrace a do-it-yourself ethos, taking joy in crafting their own bouquets or baking their wedding cake. Conversely, some prefer the ease of engaging professionals for services to ensure a worry-free experience on their special day. Ultimately, there's no correct or incorrect approach; it's all about what best aligns with your vision and allows you to fully enjoy your celebration.
Below are some examples of vendors we’ve seen other couples hire for their elopements and adventure weddings:
Hair & Makeup Specialist
Florist
videographer
Private Chef, Catering, or Charcuterie Boards
Baker (Cakes or any other type of deserts)
Rental Companies for Chairs, tables, and decorations
Activities Guides for hot air balloons, offroading, helicopters, and seaplanes
Get inspired by other couples who eloped in the North Cascades
Do you have more questions about how to get married in the North Cascades?
