How to Elope in North Cascades National Park
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How to IGet to North Cascades National Park
Best Places to Elope in North Cascades National Park
The Best Time of Year to Elope in North Cascades National Park
How to Get an Elopement Permit for Your North Cascades National Park Elopement
How to Get a Washington Marriage License
Where to Stay for Your North Cascades National Park Elopement
Ahhh the “Swiss Alps” of America! North Cascades truly offers some stunning mountain views and it is one of the least visited national parks in the United States, making it a total hidden gem! It is home to some of my most recommended elopement locations for couples looking to elope amongst the mountains, glaciers, and lakes.
Fortunately for you, I know my way around this hidden gem, and I’m here to share all the crucial information if you’re considering eloping in North Cascades National Park. Ready to learn why this is a personal favorite, and why my gut tells me you’ll love it, too? Read on.
How To Get To North Cascades National Park
By Plane:
The best way to get to North Cascades National Park would be to fly into the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The airport is located about 3 hours from the park. You can also fly into the Bellingham International Airport which is a bit closer at 1 hour 30 minutes away. However, the airport is much smaller than Seattle so airfare can be more pricey.
By Car:
No matter which airport you choose to fly to, the best way to get around North Cascades National Park is by renting a car. A standard sedan will be good for most locations. However, there are remote locations that require a 4WD high clearance vehicle to access, to avoid damage. I would recommend choosing your elopement location before booking your rental vehicle.
Pro Tip: Download offline Google Maps directions on your phone so that even when you lose service as you get closer to the park, you can still receive navigation.
The Best Time Of Year To Elope In The North Cascades
Spring
Spring is very unpredictable weather-wise in the North Cascades and most locations will be completely inaccessible due to snowfall. While there does seem to be some snow melt by late spring, most locations that will be accessible will be very muddy with lots of puddles. Due to the magnitude of the occasion and level of risk, it’s best to avoid the spring in the North Cascades.
Summer
Summer in the North Cascades really doesn’t start until mid-July. BUT once it arrives, what was once inaccessible becomes a playground of beauty! The trails are finally snow-free, the wildflowers flourish, the weather is the warmest, and everything is so green! Of course, that makes it by far the busiest season as well, so I recommend some strategic planning, such as weekdays, sunrise or sunset, to avoid the crowds.
Fall
September and early October are good alternatives to peak summer time. The trails are still snow-free, but crowds have slimmed. Green scenery starts to fade and is replaced by the vibrant fall colors that have a trippy effect. For only a precious few weeks, the larches' needles turn their prime golden color. If you are planning in an area with larches, I would highly recommend a weekday around sunrise for the most secluded experience (there’s a reason locals use the term “Larch Madness”!).
Winter
Winter brings TONS of snow, causing many locations to become inaccessible. Winter is also extremely long in this area, with the first snowfall occurring around mid-October and snow melt usually does not finish until mid-July. Due to the road closures and the sheer danger of driving the windy roads in the snow, I don’t recommend eloping in the Cascades during this time of year, making both Spring and Winter out of bounds. Still, the beauty of the rest of the year more than makes up for it, which is why I still recommend North Cascades regularly.
Best Places To Elope In North Cascades National Park
Quite possibly the most popular elopement spot in this area, and for good reason! Artist Point is extremely accessible and offers 360 degree mountain views, which is how it earns its name. While some areas will require a short and easy hike, there are plenty of gorgeous options that don’t require any hiking at all. However, since this is such a popular spot, be prepared to see other couples getting married at the same time. Whether that’s a distraction, or a welcome addition, is personal preference. Either way, love is in the air.
This is a dog-friendly location!
Diablo Lake
Diablo Lake is probably the most iconic spot in the North Cascades, famous for its bright blue water and absolutely epic mountain views! You can simply drive to the Diablo Lake Overlook, walk up to the fence, and bam — your jaw will be on the FLOOR. If you want to hike in the area and get more exercise, check out the Thunder Knob Trail, which will take you up some switchbacks to another amazing viewpoint.
Disclaimer: most of the photos you’ll see of Diablo Lake are at a spot that’s now illegal to take photos at. So while we won’t be able to shoot at the same overlook, we can get just as great of views from Thunder Knob Trail, and we can also shoot at the base of the lake to get a different perspective of the gorgeous scenery!
If you’re up for a bit of hiking, the Chain Lakes is one of my absolute favorite areas in the North Cascades! The entire trail is 7 miles, but you honestly don’t have to hike very far to get some jaw-dropping scenery, with views of Mount Baker and Iceberg Lake. You can even snack on the blueberry bushes as you make your way along the trail.
This is a dog-friendly location!
Blue Lake is yet another one of the most picturesque spots in all of Washington that you’ve probably seen on a postcard, thanks to its iridescent blue water and gorgeous subalpine forest setting. I know, who could’ve guessed that Blue Lake was super blue? Postcards will never fully capture the natural beauty, although mark my words, people will ask if your wedding photos are photoshopped (spoiler: they won’t be).
This is a dog-friendly location!
If you’re looking for more of an adventurous elopement location, check out Heather-Maple Pass Loop — a 7.2-mile round trip loop hike through the stunning peaks and meadows of the North Cascades. This is a moderately challenging hike with just over 2,000 feet of elevation gain, but every step is so freakin’ worth it for the epic views. You’ll get views of lakes that, in the fall, are surrounded by beautiful golden larches and ridgelines covered in wildflowers in the spring. This is one of the best places to elope in the North Cascades for more adventurous couples!
This is a dog-friendly location!
Fire Lookouts
If you know anything about Washington, you likely know how famous it is for the various mountaintop fire lookouts! Well, many of them are located in the North Cascades area. Most do require uphill hiking, but almost always they are worth the effort to get to. You’ll get to enjoy 360 degree mountain views, and many are pretty secluded, keeping the romance between you and your loved one burning.
Some fire lookouts are dog-friendly!
This location is incredibly accessible, making it perfect for elopement with friends and family. There is a 0.3-mile wheelchair-accessible path that will loop you around the overlook. There is also a nearby hiking trail down the road that circles around an alpine lake and is also very accessible! This overlook is located right off Highway 20, so it is much busier than other locations, although there are natural ebbs and flows throughout the day. I’d recommend sunrise or sunset for a high chance of a secluded experience.
This is a dog-friendly location!
How To Get An Elopement Permit For Your North Cascades National Park Elopement
A “special use permit” is required for all wedding ceremonies held within North Cascades National Park. Failure to get the permit will result in a ranger stopping the ceremony and even banning you from the park (yes this really happens), so it is extremely important to get the permit for your elopement.
The process to obtain a special use permit is very easy. Simply follow the steps below and you’re good to go!
Email North Cascades National Park through their contact form found here, asking for the application for your elopement.
Fill out the Special Use Permit Application and send it back via email.
Pay the $50 application fee through the NPS website found here.
After the permit is processed (usually within 4-6 weeks), you’ll receive your official copy via email. Don’t forget to print this out and bring it with you on your elopement day!
If you are getting married within the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie Forest (right near the border of North Cascades), you won’t need a permit if you have less than 75 people attending your wedding. Artist Point, a popular location, is located here.
Pro tip: As an elopement photographer, I help with all things permits! If any of this information is confusing, or you’re unsure where your elopement location is located, reach out! All of my North Cascades elopement packages include permit assistance.
How To Get A Washington Marriage License
To get a marriage license in Washington, you’ll need to visit a County Clerk’s office within the state 3 days before your wedding with your photo ID. It costs $72. Simply fill out the application, wait 3 days to pick up the license, and you’re good to go! If you don’t live in Washington, you can fill out the online application, have it notarized, and then send it back with a check or money order.
You will need an officiant and two witnesses in order to elope in Washington.
Just So You Know: I am an ordained officiant and can legally sign on your marriage certificate in most U.S. states. Certain states may require additional paperwork and/or processing fees but I’m happy to help! However, if you would like an actual celebrant to verbally walk you through a ceremony, I know some great people who can do that for you.
Where To Stay For Your North Cascades National Park Elopement
Glacier + Deming
Rockport + Marblemount + Concrete
Bellingham
North Cascades National Park Elopement Packages
I’m much more than a photographer, I’m someone who is super passionate about supporting couples on their big day, from scouting hidden gems for the ideal location, stress-free planning, and of course capturing raw, authentic moments. As a West Coast photographer specializing in adventure elopements, you’ll be in safe hands. So, are you ready to say yes to North Cascades National Park?! More information on my packages below:
Packages
4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, or 2 Day elopement photography
A personalized elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
Personalized elopement location recommendation list
Vendor, lodging, and activity recommendations
Custom-built-for-you elopement timeline
Assistance to help you with permits and licenses
90+ page elopement planning guide with my best tips & tricks
Optional complimentary officiant services
Online gallery with full resolution images and printing rights
5-7 day sneak peeks
Travel fees to anywhere in Washington are already included
Starting at $4000
Video Add-Ons
For an extra special, immersive reminder of your special day, I now offer the following options for video add ons to your elopement packages:
Documentary style highlight reel
Super 8 film
Ceremony recording
BTS iPhone video content
Hey, I’m Sally! I’m a destination adventure elopement photographer based in Washington, but traveling worldwide!
Check Out My Free Elopement Planning Guide & Checklist!
This freebie gives you a step-by-step guide on exactly how to plan your dream adventure elopement.
