How to Elope in the North Cascades National Park

If you’re searching for epic mountain views, magical forests, and alpine lakes for your elopement, then look no further than the North Cascades! Washington state’s third National Park, the North Cascades are absolutely stunning and make for an epic elopement location for adventurous couples.

As someone who grew up in Washington, I can tell you from first hand experience that these mountains are awe-inspiring! With over 400 miles of beautiful hiking trails and mountains over 9,000 ft. tall, there is no shortage of scenic views in this corner of the state. But you don’t have to be an avid hiker like me to see these epic views for yourself. There are plenty of easily accessible views, making this a great place for everyone seeking to be surrounded by nature on their wedding day!

Ready to learn everything you need to know to elope in the North Cascades? You’re in the right place! Let’s get started!

How to get to the North Cascades

No matter where you’re coming from for your North Cascades elopement, this area is very easy to access.

Flying

If you’re coming from out of state or out of the country, the best airport to fly into is the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Located 130 miles from the park, the North Cascades can be accessed in about 2.5 hours by car from this airport.

Driving

The main road through the park is the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20). It’s a little over 2 hour drive to the park from Seattle and a 3 hour drive from Vancouver, B.C.

There is an E.V. charging station inside the park at Rockport, as well as gas stations just outside the park in Marblemount and Mazama.

Do You Need a Pass to Enter the North Cascades?

Nope! There is no entrance fee to get into the North Cascades.

How to Elope in the North Cascades National Park

• Choose a Location
• Find Your Elopement Photographer
• Pick a Date
• Obtain Your Permit and Marriage License
• Plan the Details of Your Day
• Have an Amazing Elopement in the North Cascades!

Choose a Location

You know you want to elope in the North Cascades, but have you decided on a specific location? You don’t have to spend your entire day here, but you will need to decide on a spot for your ceremony. Not sure where the best location is? That’s why I’ve pulled together the BEST locations in the park for you!

The Best North Cascades Elopement Locations

1. Diablo Lake
2. Washington Pass Overlook
3. Rainy Lake
4. Maple Pass Loop
5. Blue Lake
6. Picture Lake
7. Artists Point

Diablo Lake

One of the most iconic landmarks of the North Cascades are the bright blue waters of Diablo Lake. Surrounded by mountains, this gorgeous lake is a reservoir created by the Diablo Dam. Views of this lake can be easily accessed via viewpoints along the highway, making it an excellent choice for couples looking for epic views without wanting to physically exert themselves. Want something a little more adventurous? There are hikes along the lake you can opt for instead!

Trail Distance: n/a

Elevation Gain: n/a

Closest Town with Amenities: Concrete, WA

Best Time of Year: Summer

Best Time of Day: Sunrise or Sunset

Washington Pass Overlook

Home to some of the most recognizable views along the North Cascade Highway, this overlook is a short 0.5 mile walk on pavement to some epic mountain views! Even if you don’t have your actual ceremony here, you’ll want to stop here to soak in the jagged mountains and take some stunning photos.

Trail Distance: 0.5 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 61 ft.

Closest Town with Amenities: Winthrop, WA

Best Time of Year: Late Spring, Summer, or early Autumn

Best Time of Day: Sunrise or Sunset

Rainy Lake

Located just outside of the park in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, this paved, 2 mile out and back trail leads to a beautiful mountain lake for a beautiful elopement backdrop. This is a beautiful area while still being easily accessible.

Trail Distance: 2 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 131 ft.

Closest Town with Amenities: Winthrop, WA

Best Time of Year: Summer and early Autumn

Best Time of Day: Sunrise

Maple Pass Loop

Another stunning lake located just outside of the North Cascades National Park, and possibly the most iconic trail in the region, this trail will take you to stunning views overlooking Ann Lake and the surrounding mountains. This hike is a bit of a challenge, but the views are well worth the effort! This area is one of the most picturesque places to elope in the North Cascades!

Trail Distance: 6.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,162 ft.

Closest Town with Amenities: Winthrop, WA

Best Time of Year: Summer and early Autumn

Best Time of Day: Sunrise

Blue Lake

Another lake on the outskirts of the North Cascades National Park, Blue Lake is a beautiful mountain lake. Surrounded by jagged peaks, this lake is serenely beautiful.

Trail Distance: 4.6 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 915 ft. 

Closest Town with Amenities: Winthrop, WA

Best Time of Year: Summer

Best Time of Day: Sunrise

Picture Lake

Located on the nearby Mt. Baker, Picture Lake is a beautiful lake easily accessed via car and a short walk. This is a wonderful option for couples looking for a beautiful elopement location without any hiking required!

Trail Distance: 0.4 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 6 ft.

Closest Town with Amenities: Bellingham, WA

Best Time of Year: Summer and early Autumn

Best Time of Day: Sunrise

Artists Point

Another easily accessible location on Mt. Baker with stunning views is Artist Point. This viewpoint is accessed by car, but there are several trailheads here if you want to go the extra mile for even more epic views for your elopement!

Trail Distance: n/a

Elevation Gain: n/a

Closest Town with Amenities: Bellingham, WA

Best Time of Year: Summer

Best Time of Day: Sunrise

North Cascades Wedding Venues

If you’re looking for something a little more traditional for your ceremony, I’ve got you covered! These are some of the best wedding venues in the North Cascades so you can include your family and friends in your day.

Sun Mountain Lodge

This lodge in Winthrop is the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. Not only does this lodge offer overnight accommodations, but they also offer indoor and outdoor wedding sites!

Freestone Inn at Wilson Ranch

Located on the East end of the North Cascades in Mazama, this cozy mountain inn offers a warm and cozy option for lodging and dining, as well as weddings. They have a capacity of 50-150 guests for weddings, depending on the time of year, with options for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies.

Find Your Elopement Photographer

I recommend finding a photographer early on in the planning process, even if you don’t have an exact location picked out yet, because many elopement photographers (such as myself!) will also help with a lot of planning for your day!

I personally include planning assistance, location scouting, creating a timeline, and more in all of my elopement photography packages to help couples create an amazing wedding experience! If you’d like to learn more about eloping with me, click here!

When choosing an elopement photographer, make sure to look for someone who knows the North Cascades. That way they can provide you with detailed information on things like the best time of year and guide your through the process of getting your permits.

Also make sure you take the time to connect with your photographer to make sure you’ll be a good fit! You’ll be spending the whole day with them, so it’s important that you get along easily and work well together.

Pick a Date

Now that you have a location in mind, let’s talk dates! If you don’t already have a date chosen, take a moment with your partner to brainstorm the perfect day. Remember, you’re not limited to weekends. Actually I recommend avoiding weekends if you can have the best odds of solitude on your big day.

Some things to keep in mind when choosing a date:

• The best time of year for your location
• Your photographers availability
• When you want to celebrate your anniversary
• Any special dates (like an anniversary or a special number)

Best time of year to get married in the North Cascades

While the North Cascades are accessible year round, the best time to visit is Summer or early Autumn (unless of course, you love winter weather! Then winter is a great time.) These will be the best seasons to access the park without snow covering trails while also avoiding heat and crowds. If you love playing in the snow, then coming in the Winter is a great option!

Seasons in the North Cascades

Crowds

Despite its stunning views, the North Cascades National Park is one of the country’s least visited parks. This is great if seclusion is a high priority for your elopement day! If you want to take extra measures to have the most privacy, you’ll want to avoid the peak months, which are July and August,  choose a weekday for your elopement instead of a weekend, and/or choose a ceremony location that requires a little hiking to access.

Wildfire Season

Wildfires are not uncommon in the Western U.S., and the North Cascades are no exception. Wildfires are most likely to occur in Summer when it’s hot and dry, and can last through October. It’s important to be aware of the possibilities and to check the current conditions before heading out. Even if there isn’t an active wildfire where you are going, smoke from other fires can travel hundreds of miles in the right conditions.

It’s best to have a backup plan for your elopement in case a wildfire occurs near your chosen location. The best way to avoid the possibility of a wildfire changing your plans is to choose a date in the late Spring.

Obtain Your Permit and Marriage License

Next up, you’ll want to start the process of getting your permits and your marriage license. Permits are required for wedding ceremonies taking place within the North Cascades National Park. Not sure if you need a permit for your location? Some areas outside the park will require a permit and others won’t. If you’re not sure if you need a permit, ask your photographer and they should be able to help you figure out if you need to apply for a permit or not.

Did you know that when you hire me as your elopement photographer I will also help you with researching and obtaining permits? Yep! That’s just one of the ways I can help you while planning your elopement. Contact me and I’ll share with you all the ways I can help you throughout your elopement planning.

How to Apply for Your North Cascades Wedding Permit

If you decide on a ceremony location within the North Cascades National Park, you will need to apply for a Special Use Permit. Some locations within the park may have group size limitations.

To apply for your permit, you will need to submit an application to the Commercial Service Office or call 360-854-7213. You will need to pay a $50 non-refundable Application Fee when submitting your permit application.

Special Use Permit information for elopements taking place in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Special Use Permit information for elopements taking place at Washington Pass.

How to get a marriage license in Washington

To obtain your Washington marriage license, you and your partner will need to complete a marriage application either in person or through the mail. You will need to bring your government issued identification with you as well as the processing fee of approximately $72.

Once your application has been approved, you will be issued a marriage license and it will have a 3 day waiting period. It will expire after 60 days.

Check out my full guide to eloping in Washington for more details.

Other Permits for Your North Cascades Elopement

If your elopement takes place outside of the National Park, a permit may or may not be required. You’ll need to research the requirements for your location to know what is needed. If you’re not sure where to start when researching permits, check with your elopement photographer, they should be able to help you with this process.

Still looking for an elopement photographer? I can help you plan your day as well as document it. Contact me to learn how I can help you!

Plan the Details of Your Day

From what your ceremony will look like to the way you want to celebrate after you’re married, it’s time to start planning all of the fun little details of your day!

Figure Out Where You’ll Stay During Your Elopement

There’s a lot of great options for lodging in the North Cascades during your elopement! From luxurious lodges to rugged camp grounds, there’s all kinds of amazing options! Will it just be your and your partner? I’d recommend staying in one of the parks lodges if possible. Bringing family along? An Airbnb is a great option if you want to spend as much time as possible with your loved ones!

Hotels & Lodges in the North Cascades

North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin

Located on the north end of Lake Chelan, this lodge is an authorized concierge with the National Park Service. This resort on the edge of the lake includes a lodge, cabins, a restaurant, a small grocery store, and water equipment rentals. The only way to access the lodge is by boat or a very long hike, making it a secluded and peaceful spot to getaway.

Sun Mountain Lodge

This luxury mountain lodge is situated in Winthrop on the outskirts of the North Cascades. The lodge offers rooms with beautiful views of the mountains as well as private cabins you can stay in. On the property you’ll find two outdoor heated swimming pools as well as two hot tubs, two restaurants, tennis courts, trailheads, and private lake access.

Freestone Inn

This rustic and cozy inn is perfectly located in Mazama. The Freestone Inn rooms and cabins for overnight accommodations. They also have an outdoor swimming pool, an ice-rink that is open year round, a bike rental shop, and an onsite restaurant.

Camping in the North Cascades

If you want to fully embrace nature and adventure during your elopement, the North Cascades are home to some spectacular campgrounds!

There are 6 front country campgrounds within the North Cascades National Park open from mid-May through early September and many options around Mt. Baker to choose from.

Campsites for both the North Cascades and Mt. Baker can be reserved through Recreation.gov.

Airbnb’s for Your North Cascades Elopement

Staying at an Airbnb can be a great option for unique and cozy accommodations! They are an especially great option if you plan on bringing family along with you, as they are more affordable and allow you to spend more time together during your experience.

Here are a few of the Top Airbnb’s Near the North Cascades:

• Cozy Cabin in Concrete, Washington
• A-Frame Cabin in Marblemount, Washington
• Modern Cabin in Deming, Washington
• Mt. Baker Cabin in Deming, Washington

What to pack for Your North Cascades Elopement

Once it’s time to start packing for your elopement, there are a few things that are specific to the North Cascades that you will want to pack in addition to what you are probably already planning. 

1. Bear Spray
2. The Cascade Mountains are home to all kinds of wildlife, including black bears, grizzly bears, and cougars. You’ll want to carry bear spray with you while on your elopement in the North Cascades and know how to use it, just in case of an encounter.
3. Micro Spikes If you’ll be eloping high in the mountains, you may need some sort of traction for hiking. There can be snow at high elevations even in the middle of summer, so if you will be including a high elevation hike in your day, you’ll want to bring some microspikes or yaktrax with you.
4. Bug Spray Don’t forget to pack some bug spray! The North Cascades can have plenty of mosquitos and other bugs flying around in the summertime, and bug spray is a definite must.
5. Your Marriage License (and a pen) Make sure you have your marriage license, along with a pen to sign it.
6. Snacks/Food for your day Make sure to have a food plan for your day, and that includes bringing snacks or maybe even a picnic meal with you.
7. Headlamp plus extra batteries Even if you don’t plan on being out after dark, it’s always a good idea to have a headlamp (along with some extra batteries) with you just in case. 
8. Clothing layers The weather in Washington can be unpredictable, and that’s especially true when in the mountains. Make sure to bring clothing layers for wet, dry, warm, and cold.

For a complete list, check out my ultimate elopement packing list!

Elopement activities

Your elopement day can be filled with so much more than just your ceremony. This day is all about the two of you, and you can celebrate by including your favorite activities in your day. Here are some activities you can include in your North Cascades elopement experience.

Go on a scenic Hike

The North Cascades is home to hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and there’s no shortage of beautiful hikes for all levels of nature lovers!

Top Hikes in the North Cascades:

• Maple Pass Trail
• Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk
• Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail
• Happy Creek Falls

Get out on the water

The North Cascades are home to some spectacular lakes and rivers!

Some water activities to consider adding into your day include:

• Paddle Boarding on Diablo Lake
• Swimming in Ross Lake or Diablo Lake
• Rent a boat, kayak, or canoe from the Ross Lake Resort
• Whitewater Rafting on the Skagit River

Go Rock Climbing

The North Cascades are well known for their rugged climbing terrain. If you and your partner are avid climbers, why not include it in your elopement day?

You can find more about climbing in the North Cascades National Park on their website.

Camping and Backpacking

If you want to really add some adventure to your elopement experience, you can include camping! Whether it’s in the front country or the backcountry, camping is a fun way to personalize your elopement by doing something you love.

Take a scenic drive on the North Cascades Highway

One thing you can’t miss while in the North Cascades is driving along the North Cascades Highway. This scenic stretch of road takes you straight through the mountains with view points of lakes, jagged peaks, and waterfalls. The road is typically snow free by April or early May and is usually open until late October until the snow hits.

Check out this list of 50+ elopement day activities for more ideas to inspire you!

How much time do you need for your North Cascades Elopement?

How much time your need for your elopement will depend on what you want your day to include. Some things to factor in when deciding how much coverage you need include:

• If you will be bringing guests along with you.
• The activities you want to include in your day.
• How far you will need to drive from your getting ready location to your ceremony and any other spots you want to visit on your day.

Below are a few elopement timeline examples to help you get a better vision for what your elopement experience in the North Cascades could look like and how much time you may need.

North Cascades Elopement Timeline examples

Having trouble seeing how it all might come together? Don’t worry, I’ve got you! I’ve put together some example timelines to help you get a better idea of what your day could look like!

8 Hour Sunrise Elopement Example

3:30am – Meet at trailhead and start hiking to lake.

4:30am – Arrive at the lake. Scout out the perfect ceremony location.

4:45am – Change into wedding attire.

5:15am – Sunrise first look.

5:45am – Wedding ceremony.

6:15am – Celebrate being married! Pop some champagne, take some “just married” portraits, watch the rest of the sunrise together and grab a breakfast snack.

7:30am – Hike back to cars.

8:30am – Arrive back at cars. Drive to Diablo Lake overlook.

9:15am – Take some photos at the overlook of the lake.

9:45am – Drive to Picnic Area.

10:15am – Set up picnic lunch by the river.

10:45am – Exchange wedding gifts, have your first dance as husband and wife, and read letters from family and friends.

11:30am – Photography coverage ends.

12 Hour Elopement Example

10:00am – Meet at the campsite. Capture wedding details and getting ready photos.

12:00am – Change into wedding attire.

12:30am – Have your first look.

1:00pm – Drive to the ceremony location on Diablo Lake.

1:30pm – Arrive at ceremony location. Explore to find the perfect spot and set up.

2:00pm – Wedding ceremony.

2:30pm – Celebrate being married! Take some “just married” portraits and enjoy the moment.

3:15pm – Drive to Washington Pass Overlook

4:00pm – Arrive at the overlook. Walk around, explore, and take some pictures.

5:30pm – Drive back to the campsite.

6:30pm – Arrive back at camp. Build a campfire and cook dinner together.

8:00pm – Have your first dance as husband and wife.

8:30pm – Roast marshmallows over the fire and enjoy your first evening as husband and wife.

10:00pm – Photography coverage ends

Have an Amazing Wedding in the North Cascades!

The two of you have an awesome day exploring the North Cascades, taking in this beautiful place, and getting married. rats, it’s going to be amazing!

Leave No Trace

It’s important when recreating outdoors that you protect the places you visit. This is what Leave No Trace is all about. It’s a set of outdoor ethics for preserving nature and it’s important that you be aware of them when planning your adventure elopement.

Leave No Trace Principals:

• Plan ahead and prepare
• Stick to established trails and campsites
• Properly dispose of waste
• Leave what you find
• Minimize campfire impact
• Respect wildlife
• Be considerate of other visitors

Check out my full guide to having a LNT elopement to learn more.

North Cascades Elopement Packages

If you’re looking for an elopement package that also includes planning assistance, you’re in the right place! As a Washington elopement photographer, I can help you plan your day on top of documenting your memories! Every single one of my packages includes unlimited planning assistance to help you find the perfect ceremony location, create a timeline for your day, researching activities, and more, all on top of capturing your day in beautiful photographs for you to keep forever.

I hope you found this guide helpful for planning your elopement in the North Cascades. These mountains are truly stunning, and they will make for a beautiful backdrop for your adventure elopement!

If you’re looking for some help planning your adventurous wedding in Washington, please reach out to me! I would love to help you plan an epic elopement experience and document the day for you!

Happy Eloping!