How to Plan Your Adventure Elopement in North Cascades National Park | The Ultimate Guide 2024
I was born in a city far from the sea. The turquoise water was a vivid memory, a summer fairy tale I could only experience on vacations. The sea has always been my favorite part of nature. If my younger self had been asked about the perfect place for an intimate wedding, I’d have immediately said a seaside beach.
As I began traveling the world, visiting 45 countries and numerous famous places, I fell in love with the mountains. Yes, the mountains lacked that turquoise sea with its fresh breeze, but in every other way, the mountains are magnificent. There are some mountains where you can find mountain lakes with crystal clear blue water similar to the sea. When there is no wind, you can see a reflection of the mountains. They’re majestic, and their views are breathtaking. Especially in the spring, when everything is in bloom, they create the perfect backdrop for romantic couple photoshoots.
North Cascades National Park reconciles my love for both the sea and the mountains. Just three hours from Seattle, this natural treasure features stunning turquoise mountain lakes that look like the sea near the shores of Cyprus. Additionally, it has alpine meadows, waterfalls, and 300 glaciers—more than any other U.S. park outside of Alaska.
In this guide for those wanting to elope in the North Cascades National Park, I’ve gathered all the details on how to plan and prepare for your adventure elopement to ensure it goes perfectly.
But first, let me tell you why North Cascades is an ideal place for your intimate wedding or adventure elopement.
Why Eloping in North Cascades Is a Good Idea
North Cascades is often called the American Alps. It's a highly underrated national park and one of the least visited in Washington, although I would say it's one of the most beautiful places in the state.
Here are 5 reasons why this park is the perfect place for an elopement:
1. Amazing views. Have you ever seen Diablo Lake and Artist Point in pictures? What a beautiful sight they are! Sometimes I can't believe they are real. No matter where you choose to elope in North Cascades, you'll always have mountains in the background, making for stunning scenery throughout the park.
2. Intimacy. The park is less popular than the other two national parks in Washington (Olympic NP and Mt. Rainier NP), so you can experience amazing views with fewer people around. This means your elopement will be more secluded and intimate.
3. Flexibility. North Cascades National Park is approximately 100 miles (160 km) northeast of Seattle. This makes it feasible for a one-day elopement. And since there are places to stay nearby, you can extend your elopement to a two-day event.
4. Activities. There are plenty of things to enjoy here: hiking, fishing, horseback riding, or boating. If you want to turn your intimate wedding into a true adventure, you'll find plenty to do.
5. Safety. There are no grizzly bears like in California, and most animals stay off the tourist trails, making it quite safe.
However, there are a couple of "downsides" to consider:
1. It lacks many of the man-made amenities found in some other popular parks. There are fewer developed areas for rest and relaxation.
2. There aren't many places that are suitable for lots of guests, seniors and kids.
If these reasons make North Cascades unsuitable for your elopement, I have a great article about Olympic National Park. It's more accessible and has family-friendly areas.
What You Should Know to Elope in North Cascades
There are few things to consider before planning your elopement in this park.
Marriage License
My assistant and hubby Pasha is ordained and he would be delighted to officiate your ceremony as a complimentary service. However, you’ll need to obtain a Washington marriage license if you plan to marry in North Cascades National Park. You can get a marriage license from any county in Washington State. Keep in mind that there is a 3-day waiting period, so plan your elopement to be at least three days after you obtain your license. The license remains valid for 60 days after issuance.
I suggest applying for a marriage license in King County, as they provide an online application and can mail the license to you (though it’s best to confirm this directly with them).
Here’s how to get it:
1.Online: Start the process via the King County Online Marriage Kiosk.
2. By Mail: Fill out the necessary form and send the original notarized application along with a check or money order for $69 to:
King County Recorder's Office,
201 S. Jackson St., Ste. 204,
Seattle, WA 98104.
3. In Person: Visit the King County Recorder's Office at the address above.
For more details, check their website.
According to Washington state law, you need two witnesses to sign your marriage certificate. Don’t worry, I’ll be your first witness, and we can easily find someone on the trail to be the second. People are generally enthusiastic about signing the marriage certificate.
Permits
To elope in North Cascades National Park, you need to complete an application form for a special use permit. You can contact the park’s Commercial Service Office here to get the application form. Fill out the Special Use Permit Application and email it back.
This permit requires a non-refundable $50 application fee, which you can pay here. After processing (usually within 4-6 weeks), you’ll receive your official copy via email. Make sure to print and bring the signed special use permit on your special day.
For eloping in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (Artist Point), a special use permit is required if there are more than two people. To get the application materials, you need to email the forest office.
Entrance fee
There is no entrance fee for North Cascades National Park. However, for visiting Mt Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest (Artist Point), it’s $5 a day and can be purchased online here.
Vendors
Here is a list of vendors I can recommend for those who plan their adventure elopement in North Cascades National Park.
HMUA:
Florists:
Cakes and desserts:
Road Time
North Cascades National Park is located 3-4 hours from Seattle, depending on your exact destination. The nearest airports are Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Bellingham International Airport. Bellingham is closer (only 1.5-2 hours away), but it's a smaller airport with fewer flight options, which tend to be more expensive than flying into Seattle.
Minimony, elopement, or micro wedding
Regarding the size of your elopement, you’ll need to check with the park rangers for each specific location, as the park is vast and there are no universal rules for the number of people allowed. I wouldn't recommend more than 15-20 people, though some spots may only accommodate two. Keep in mind that the smaller your guest list, the more location options you’ll have. You can contact the park’s Commercial Service Office to find out which locations are suitable for your group size.
Pets
In North Cascades National Park, pets are prohibited, so you can't bring your dogs. The exception is that pets are allowed on a leash within the Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. However, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, where Artist Point is located, is dog-friendly. You can bring your dogs there, but they must be on a leash at all times.
Leave no Trace
No matter what activity you participate in, Leave No Trace principles remain important, Throwing of rice, confetti, balloons, birdseed or any other material is prohibited.
The Best Season for an Adventure Elopement in North Cascades
The park is accessible all year round, but not every month is suitable for elopement. The park's appearance varies with the seasons due to its diverse elevations and vegetation. Keep in mind that your photo session will be different depending on the season.
Summer
The best time to visit the North Cascades is mid-July to early October (it doesn't vary from year to year, but that's the average). Snow melts very slowly in the mountains (depending also on the level of precipitation in winter), so many roads are closed until mid-July. Wildflowers are in full bloom between August and the beginning of September, and couples love this time of year for its stunning scenery.
Fall
Eloping in the fall is popular, especially from mid-September to early October, when the larches change their needles from green to yellow and orange. This creates a stunning display of vibrant fall colors, which is rare in the Evergreen State. The North Cascades is one of the few places in Washington where you can find larches.
Winter
Due to snow, there are very few places to elope during winter. You can snowshoe or ski at Mount Baker Ski Area. It's located in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest out of the North Cascades National Park. During the winter, the weather in the North Cascades can be very unpredictable, and when there is a lot of snow, the highways can suddenly close, and there is no other way to get to the mountains. For a winter elopement in the North Cascades, you must think very carefully about Plan B and even Plan C.
Spring
The only season I strongly recommend avoiding the mountains is spring. The melting snow is dirty and unattractive, still covering the ground. The roads leading to the summer beauty spots are not yet open, so you can't hike or ski. Therefore, there's not much to do in the mountains during spring.
Use this link to track road closures and snow levels in the mountains.
Best Places to Elope in North Cascades
The season is important when choosing a park location for your elopement, as the time of year will greatly influence the beauty of your photoshoot.
Artist Point and Heather Meadows at Mt. Baker
Best Time: Late July to early October. December to February for skiing.
Closest Towns: Glacier, Deming.
Picture Lake
Best Time: Late July to early October. December to February for skiing.
Closest Towns: Glacier, Deming.
Diablo Lake
Best Time: April to October. Commonly searched as "Diablo Lake Wedding."
Ross Lake
Best Time: April to early October. Accessible by seaplane, boat, or a long hike (not by car).
Maple Pass
Best Time: July to October. It’s a long and challenging hike but incredibly beautiful, especially in September and October. During this time, the maples turn red and the larches turn orange, creating stunning colors. The most magical time is the second half of October, when the first light snowfall dusts the vibrant colors, making the hike still manageable without deep snow.
Washington Pass Overlook
Best Time: Late June to early October.
Closest Towns: Winthrop, Mazama.
Fire Lookout Elopements
Best Time: July to early October. There are several lookouts in this area; my favorite is the Winchester Mountain Lookout Tower. Most are first-come, first-serve, but some can be reserved a year in advance. Besides the breathtaking views, you can use the lookout for getting ready, changing after the hike, and even spending the night.
Methow Valley
Best Time: Late June to early October.
Closest Towns: Winthrop, Mazama.
Other Notable Locations:
Blue Lake
Rainy Lake
Stehekin Valley
Best Places to Stay Nearby North Cascades
Depending on which part of the park you choose for your elopement, you can stay in one of the nearby towns: Glacier, Deming, Concrete, Winthrop, Mazama, Rockport, or Bellingham. It's best to decide on your photo session location first, as the park is very large, and you don't want to spend several hours driving between your ceremony spot and your stay.
Lodges
Here are some places that have a pleasant atmosphere and are proven to be good.
Ross Lake Resort: Cozy cabins built from old-growth red cedar in the '30s, open seasonally from mid-June through October. Accessible by foot, water taxi, or boat, and close to Ross Lake and Lake Diablo. Dogs are not allowed for overnight guests at the resort but are welcome on a leash for day-users and campers.
North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin: North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin is located at the north end of Lake Chelan. There are no roads to Stehekin; the most common way to reach it is by taking the Lady of the Lake passenger boat or the Stehekin Ferry from Chelan, WA. It's a simple forest lodge and a perfect place for those who enjoy being close to nature. It welcomes well-behaved dogs.
Mountain Springs Lodge: Located near the charming German-inspired town of Leavenworth, this lodge provides easy access to scenic trails and offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities in the nearby town.
Campgrounds
For an adventurous elopement, you can bring your camper van, RV, trailer, tent, or even boat and choose from five serviced campgrounds, four of which can be reserved in advance.
There are also several boat-in campgrounds within the park, offering a fun alternative to traditional camping. Keep in mind that backcountry or dock permits may be required.
Colonial Creek Campground: Nestled in old-growth forest near Thunder Knob and Fourth of July Pass trails, this campground has a water taxi to Ross Lake Resort. Reservations accepted.
Newhalem Creek Campground: Walking distance to the North Cascades Visitor Center and you can get to Newhalem, Washington, within a short hike from the campground. Reservations accepted.
Mineral Park Campground: Open seasonally with stunning views of Mt. Baker on clear days. Campers seeking a more secluded, rustic setting will find this site ideal.
Goodell Campground: Surrounded by forests, this place is suitable for tent camping and small RVs. First come, first served.
Douglas Fir Campground: On the banks of North Fork Nooksack River in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, it provides stunning scenery and a range of recreation options.
Silver Fir Campground: It’s located far from the highway and there are many Silver fir, western red cedar, and western hemlock trees that provide shade.
Cabins Near North Cascades National Park:
Closest towns around the park: Bellingham, La Connor, Lynden, and Newhalem.
There are plenty of good airbnbs to choose from.
Staying outside the National Park, you’re more flexible since you can pick a cabin based on what they offer, capacity, and amenities. Also, you have fewer restrictions on what you can do with your wedding.
North Cascades Elopement Activities
Couples from all over the country come to North Cascades for its stunning mountain views, alpine meadows, and lakes. The most popular choice for elopements is classic backpack hiking. Most trails pass through the most scenic spots. The trails are safe, uncrowded, and suitable for all fitness levels. During our complimentary introductory call, I can provide detailed information on the trails in the park and help you choose the best ones for your elopement. Beyond hiking, there are plenty of activities to enjoy here.
At the mountain lakes—Gorge Lake, Diablo Lake, Ross Lake, or Lake Chelan—you can go kayaking, canoeing, and motor boating. In certain areas, you can also swim and fish.
For a unique ceremony, you can rent a seaplane and fly from Seattle to Ross Lake.
For a peaceful and intimate event, consider organizing a picnic, relaxing in a hammock, or enjoying a hot tub with champagne at an Airbnb.
Animal lovers will appreciate the opportunity to go horseback riding, and some lodges even allow staying with dogs.
In the winter, you can enjoy skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
For a culinary delight, you can hire a private chef for your celebration.
Elopement Budget. How Much Does It Cost to Elope in North Cascades
Here’s an estimated budget for your elopement:
Plane Tickets to Washington
Expect to pay between $600 to $1000 for two tickets, depending on the season and how early you book.
Car Rental
Costs range from $250 to $500, depending on the duration and type of vehicle (2WD, SUV, 4WD, etc.).
Cabin Rental
Prices typically range from $400 to $2000, depending on the length of stay, number of guests, and level of luxury.
Photographer
Prices vary from $4000 to $7500, depending on the amount of coverage. Options range from 4 hours to 2 full days.
Officiant
Free. My assistant is ordained and can officiate your ceremony at no extra cost, or you can have one of your guests do it.
Hair and Makeup (HMUA)
Free to $800. You can do it yourself or hire a professional, with prices for professional services typically ranging from $600 to $800.
Florals
$50 to $800. DIY bouquets from Etsy cost around $50, while professional florist services range from $500 to $800.
Cake
$50 to $500. DIY costs around $30-$50, while professional cakes range from $300 to $500.
Catering
$30 to $800 for two people. A DIY picnic costs about $30-$50, while hiring a private chef ranges from $500 to $800.
Marriage License
$69 in King County.
What to Learn Choosing a North Cascades Elopement Photographer
Selecting an adventure elopement photographer can be challenging, but here are some tips from my experience:
1. Choose a Local Photographer
A local photographer knows the best scenic spots for photo shoots in North Cascades and can guide you to them. Plus, you won't have to pay for their transportation, saving you money.
2. Make Sure They Have a Business License and General Liability Insurance
Asking for these documents helps ensure that the business is legitimate and prepared for potential risks.
3. Look for Planning Assistance
Hire a vendor who can help with planning and recommend local vendors.
4. Match Their Style to Your Vibe
Ensure the photographer's style aligns with your expectations and captures your desired vibe.
5. Review the Contract Carefully
Check for any hidden fees and understand the total cost of the elopement before making any payments.
Elopement packages
I offer several packages for couples eloping in North Cascades, all of which include complimentary officiating services.
You'll receive beautiful, heartfelt photographs to treasure for a lifetime. Here’s what each package includes:
Coverage ranging from four hours to two full days
Edited, full-resolution photos
A password-protected online gallery with unlimited downloads
A sneak peek within one week of your elopement day
Personal printing rights
A pleasant surprise: travel fees are included!
Prices vary from $4,000 to $7,500, depending on the duration of your elopement photo session. Fill out the form to learn more about the pricing details.
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