North Cascades Elopement Photographer
Adventure-filled weddings – Your love story artfully captured in the wildest landscapes
For the couples that are wild at heart and are looking for a personalized and adventurous elopement experience in the North Cascades...
HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT...We are looking for a stress-free in the moment wedding experience where we get to focus on each other.
We want to plan intentional and meaningful activities and create a day that is totally unique to us and our relationship.
We want to get married in a place that feels true to us (AKA nature). No stuffy wedding venues!
What if we told you, you can have all that and so much more!
Why have an Elopement or Micro Wedding?
Over the years we have been told by society what we need to buy or do to have a successful wedding…. But…when you take away all the outdated expectations of how a wedding is supposed to be, you get endless possibilities to create something that is unique and meaningful to you.
Now, picture this: elopements and micro weddings are your ticket to a day that's all about you and the great outdoors. You call the shots – from the guest list to the fun activities, it's your show. And yes, you can totally have your cake and devour it too!
Close your eyes and imagine what your adventurous wedding day(s) in the North Cascades could look like…
Plan a multi-day wedding experience where you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Day 1 could focus on hiking to breathtaking spots like Artist Point or exploring the stunning landscapes of Mt Baker, whether through an adventurous trek or simply soaking in the views together.
Day 2 can be dedicated to celebrating with your loved ones in a picturesque setting. It’s the perfect option for couples who can’t choose between intimacy and partying with friends and family!
Always loved camping? Let’s set up your tent or park your favorite backcountry ride at a stunning campsite, share a romantic camp-cooked dinner for two, and hike to a mountaintop for your ceremony and watching the sun set.
Make your elopement day as unique as you are by including your favorite hobby! We've seen couples fly fish in crystal-clear streams, go off-roading to jaw-dropping overlooks, paddle across the stunning turquoise waters of Diablo Lake, play board games under the stars, camp out in style, and so much more. What adventure fits your love story?
Why Elope in the North Cascades
5 things that we love about the North Cascades
Mountain Layers
The North Cascades boast breathtaking mountain views characterized by rugged peaks, deep valleys, and pristine alpine lakes. This majestic landscape offers unparalleled opportunities for hiking, photography, and wilderness exploration amidst some of the most dramatic scenery in the Pacific Northwest.
2. Romantic Cabins
In the valleys nestled between the North Cascades mountains lie a variety of charming and romantic cabins, offering an idyllic setting for your elopement. These cozy retreats provide an extra touch of intimacy and serenity amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of the region, creating unforgettable memories for you and your partner.
3. Winter Activities
If you're seeking a magical winter destination, look no further than the Mount Baker Wilderness, where you'll find a ski resort and ample opportunities for backcountry snow activities to make your day unforgettable.
4. Different Areas
The North Cascades region offers a multitude of distinct areas to explore, with highlights ranging from the renowned Mount Baker Wilderness to the iconic North Cascades National Park. Each area boasts its unique attractions, including untouched wilderness, and abundant opportunities for outdoor adventure, including hiking, camping, or kayaking.
5. Fall Colors & Larches
In the fall, the North Cascades come alive with a breathtaking array of vibrant colors as the foliage of deciduous trees transforms the landscape. Additionally, the sight of golden larches amidst the evergreen forests creates a stunning contrast, drawing hikers to witness this seasonal spectacle.
Convinced that the North Cascades is the perfect location for your elopement?
Learn more about How to Elope in The North Cascades!
Not ready to dive into planning just yet? No problem! Explore our North Cascades elopement resources and read stories from other couples who tied the knot in Washington State.
North Cascades Elopement Inspiration
Frequently Asked Questions about Eloping in the North Cascades
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The cost of hiring a North Cascades elopement photographer typically ranges from $5,500 to $10,000, depending on the amount of coverage you book. Unlike traditional wedding photographers, elopement photographers do much more than just take photos—they help plan and guide your entire experience to ensure a seamless, stress-free adventure.
Running Wild’s Elopement Packages & Pricing
Why Do Elopement Photographers Cost More Than Traditional Wedding Photographers?
Elopement photography isn’t just about capturing beautiful images; it’s about crafting an unforgettable experience. Here’s what sets an elopement photographer apart:
Customized Location Research – We help you find the perfect, secluded spot in Mount Rainier that aligns with your vision, crowd levels, and accessibility needs.
Permits & Park Regulations Assistance – We guide you through the permit process to ensure everything is legally compliant, saving you time and stress.
Expert Planning & Timeline Creation – From choosing the best lighting to mapping out your day, we help design a timeline that maximizes your experience.
Adventure & Weather Preparation – Mount Rainier’s weather can be unpredictable, but with our expertise, you’ll know exactly what to expect and pack.
Photography That Tells Your Story – With our deep knowledge of outdoor lighting, landscapes, and natural elements, we ensure your photos are stunning, authentic, and full of emotion.
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Eloping in the Nroth Cascades is an unforgettable experience, but to make it legally official, you’ll need to follow a few key steps. Here’s everything you need to know to legally get married in the North Cascades:
1. Obtain a Washington State Marriage License
To get legally married at Mount Rainier, you must first obtain a Washington State marriage license. Here's how:
Where to Apply: You can obtain a license from any county clerk’s office in Washington State—it doesn’t have to be in the county where you’re getting married. Popular choices for Mount Rainier elopements include Pierce County or King County.
Waiting Period: Washington has a three-day waiting period, meaning you must get your license at least three full days before your ceremony.
Expiration: The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue.
Cost: Fees vary by county but typically range from $60 to $80.
No Residency Requirement: You don’t have to be a Washington resident to apply.
ID Requirements: Both partners must provide valid government-issued photo IDs.
Application Process: Some counties allow you to apply online, but you’ll usually need to pick up the license in person.
2. Secure a Special Use Permit
This really depends on the area where you get married. The Mt. Baker Wilderness requires a permit but has no fee, whereas North Cascades National Park requires both a permit and a fee.
3. Choose an Officiant
Washington State requires a licensed officiant to perform the ceremony. You have a few options:
Hire a professional officiant who is legally recognized in Washington.
Have a friend or family member officiate if they are ordained online (Washington recognizes online ordinations).
If you’re planning a private vow exchange without an officiant, you’ll still need to sign the legal paperwork separately with an officiant to make it official.
4. Have at Least Two Witnesses
Washington State requires two witnesses to sign your marriage license.
If you’re eloping alone, don’t worry! Many elopement photographers (including us) or even friendly hikers you meet on the trail can serve as witnesses.
5. File Your Marriage License
After your ceremony, your officiant must sign and return the completed marriage license to the county where you obtained it. Once filed, you can request certified copies for your records.
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The best time to elope in Mount Rainier National Park depends on the experience you want!
Wildflower Season (Late July – Early August) – This is the most popular time for elopements, with stunning meadows filled with vibrant lupines, paintbrush, and avalanche lilies. Expect warmer weather and clear mountain views.
Fall Colors (Mid-September – Early October) – red huckleberry bushes, and crisp airmake fall a magical time to elope, with fewer crowds and stunning autumn landscapes.
Winter (November – May) – The park becomes a snow-covered wonderland, but accessibility is limited. Many roads, including those to popular spots like Paradise and Sunrise, close due to heavy snowfall.
For the best balance of accessibility, mild weather, and breathtaking scenery, late summer and early fall are ideal times to elope in Mount Rainier! For more info about eloping in Mount Rainier, check our Mount Rainier Elopement Guide
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We've put together a super helpful blog featuring all the best North Cascades locations for your elopement or micro wedding! Whether you're dreaming of a scenic overlook, a secluded forest, or an epic alpine lake backdrop, our North Cascades Elopement Guide has everything you need to plan the perfect day. Check it out for expert tips, stunning locations, and all the details to make your adventure unforgettable!
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Choosing the right place to stay for your North Cascades elopement depends on your elopement location and the experience you want. Here are two great options based on the area:
For a Mount Baker Elopement: Stay in Glacier, WA, a small mountain town close to stunning trails and scenic overlooks. Glacier offers cozy cabins, lodges, and vacation rentals, making it a perfect base for exploring the Mt. Baker Wilderness.
For a Diablo Lake Elopement: Stay in Mazama, WA, a charming, remote town near the eastern entrance of North Cascades National Park. Mazama offers rustic lodges and mountain retreats, with easy access to Diablo Lake’s breathtaking turquoise waters and surrounding peaks.
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1. Getting to Mount Baker:
Mount Baker is located in the northeastern part of Washington state. Here’s how to get there:From Seattle:
Take I-5 North for about 2 hours until you reach the exit for Highway 542 (exit 255).
Follow Highway 542 East all the way to the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest entrance, where you can access trails and climbing routes near the mountain. This drive is especially scenic and gives you incredible views of Mount Baker as you approach.
From Bellingham:
Take Highway 542 East directly toward Mount Baker, which takes about 1 hour from Bellingham. The road leads you to the ski area and various hiking options with views of the mountain.
2. Getting to North Cascades National Park:
North Cascades National Park is located south of Mount Baker, offering spectacular mountainous terrain, glaciers, and pristine wilderness. Here’s how to get there:From Seattle:
Take I-5 North toward Bellingham for about 2 hours.
Take exit 230 for Highway 20 East, and continue on Highway 20 to access different points of the National Park, including Diablo Lake, Washington Pass, and Cascade Pass.
From Bellingham:
Drive east on Highway 20 for about 1 hour to enter the park. Highway 20 offers direct access to popular areas like Diablo Lake and Rainy Pass.
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Yes, whether you need a permit for an elopement in the North Cascades depends on the specific area where you're planning to shoot. For example, Mount Baker only requires an approval permit, which is usually a simpler process, but North Cascades National Park has a more formal permitting process that includes a fee.
For any locations within North Cascades National Park, you'll need to apply for a Special Use Permit, which is required for any organized event, including elopements. The fee structure can vary depending on the location and the size of your group, so it's important to plan ahead and ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork submitted. It’s a good idea to reach out to the park service for detailed information specific to your elopement location to avoid any surprises.
Hi! We are Sanne, Brooke, Janelle, Alanna & Kristi
So, what do we exactly do? It’s very simple! We specialize in helping couples with a shared love for nature celebrate their union in the great outdoors! No obligations, no cookie-cutter wedding templates—just you two, your love for each other, and the beauty of nature. Maybe throw in a few friends and family members too!
Of course we do a lot more than just that! We are your wedding planners, coordinators, photographers, and trail friends!
MEET YOURNorth Cascades Elopement Photographers
Awards & Features
We are honored to have won a few awards and to be recognized for the artistry and thoughtfulness that go into creating our photographs. Each image we capture reflects our passion for storytelling and our commitment to preserving the most meaningful moments in our clients' lives.
Best of the Best Destination Wedding Photos 2024
International Wedding Photographer of the Year
Elopement Legend Award for outstanding storytelling
We don’t just take award winning photos—we curate experiences and capture the heartfelt moments that make your wedding day unforgettable and your photos timeless!
Blake & Devan
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Our experience has been nothing short of seamless. We had the most incredible wedding day, thanks to Sanne's guidance throughout the process. My husband and I were immediately drawn to the stunning photos on Running Wild Studio's website and Instagram, and we knew Brooke and Sanne were the perfect choice to document our day. We traveled from Texas to Washington state for our wedding, and it was absolutely worth it. Just two days after our elopement, we received our Sneak Peek photos and were blown away.
The details Sanne captured—from our getting ready moments to the ceremony and the beautiful blue light hour—were simply breathtaking. Today, we received our full wedding album and are in awe of Sanne's ability to capture every moment of our special day. We initially expected a longer wait, but we got the photos back well ahead of schedule, and all we can say is WOW.
The entire experience was amazing, and we couldn't be more grateful to Sanne and the Running Wild team for making our day so special. We will cherish these photos forever and can hardly express our gratitude for everything Sanne has done for us. Thank you so much!
Nicole & James
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My husband and I had the absolute pleasure of eloping with Running Wild Studio. Sanne and Janelle's artistic vision and the quality of their work are truly exceptional – our photos are beyond compare. All I knew I wanted was the North Cascades; all of our two day adventure was planned to the minute by the Running Wild Team.
But beyond the stunning scenery, what truly set them apart was their incredible warmth and genuine connection. Sanne and Janelle were not just photographers; they felt like dear friends celebrating our love with us! They made us feel incredibly comfortable and relaxed throughout the entire two days, ensuring that our elopement remained joyful and authentic.
We highly recommend Sanne, Janelle, and Brooke to any couple seeking not just beautiful photos, but an unforgettable and cherished experience. Their talent, professionalism, and genuine care made our elopement an absolute dream come true!
Alex & Ryan
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We cannot recommend Running Wild Studio enough! We prioritized photography for our wedding, and we’re so glad we did. The photos turned out absolutely stunning, capturing every special moment with such creativity and attention to detail.
Their value is just unreal! They gave us other great vendor recommendations, created the timeline for our day, and most importantly, captured the most beautiful pictures possible. Additionally, they proposed multiple location options based on our wants, group mobility, and group size. We had guests that could not do any long or inclined walks, and they helped us plan perfectly. They made having a destination wedding so much easier than we previously had thought!
Ready to Plan an Elopement in the North Cascades?
We’re excited to hear more about your vision and help you plan an adventure of a lifetime!