In North Cascades National Park, you can see glaciers, wildflowers, and alpine lakes—all in one day. This underrated gem is one of the best places to elope in the U.S. If you’re looking for the best locations, permit info, and tips to avoid crowds, you’re in the right place. This is the ultimate guide on how to plan a North Cascades elopement!
Step 1: Choose Your North Cascades Elopement Location
Whether you’re dreaming of a mountaintop ceremony with 360° views, an alpine lake with Gatorade-blue water, or a wildflower-filled meadow, I’ve got you covered. Here are the 5 best places to elope in North Cascades National Park!
Artist Point
If you’ve seen a photo from the North Cascades, chances are it was taken at Artist Point. This spot is famous for its 360° mountain views, easy-access ceremony locations, and water reflections. The only catch? It’s busy. You’ll likely see other couples getting married here, so if you’re after a more private experience, don’t worry—I’ve got a few secret spots with similar views and way fewer crowds.
- Max capacity: 12
- Hiking required: No, but the most popular photo spot is a short 1-mile roundtrip hike.
- Crowd level: Extremely busy—expect to see other weddings happening here.
- Pet friendly: Yes.
Want more insider tips on Artist Point? Check out my full elopement guide here!
Chain Lakes Loop Trail
If you want to add some hiking to your elopement day, the Chain Lakes Loop Trail is one of my top picks. This popular 7-mile long trail takes you through forests, past vibrant blue lakes, across wildflower meadows, and along mountain ridges with stunning views. But don’t worry—you don’t have to hike the whole thing! I know some secret pull-off spots along a flat section of the trail where you can get epic views without the crowds or the climb.
- Max capacity: 12
- Hiking required: Yes, around 3-4 miles roundtrip for a good location.
- Crowd level: Busy mid-day, but quieter around sunset—one of the more private locations.
- Pet friendly: Yes.
Bagley Lakes
Bagley Lakes is one of my favorite alpine lakes for North Cascades elopements, especially for elopements with guests. There are several scenic overlooks right from the parking lot. But if you’re up for a short stroll, there’s a trail leads to the base of the lake, where you’ll find wildflowers, snowfields, and even more breathtaking views. For the best experience, plan for sunrise or sunset to avoid crowds.
- Max capacity: 12 at an overlook, 4 at the base of the lake.
- Hiking required: A short walk is required if you want to get to the base of the lake.
- Crowd level: Fairly private, especially at sunrise or sunset, though you may see other couples taking portraits.
- Pet friendly: Yes.
Diablo Lake
I couldn’t make a list of the best places to elope in the North Cascades without including Diablo Lake. Think Gatorade-blue water, snow-capped mountains, and forests—this spot is as picturesque as it gets. While the main overlook is currently off-limits for elopements, there are plenty of other stunning viewpoints, from the shoreline to an overlook along the Thunder Knob trail.
- Max capacity: 12
- Hiking required: No, but if you want an overlook of the lake then yes.
- Crowd level: Fairly busy, expect people.
- Pet friendly: In some spots, yes.
Washington Pass Overlook
Washington Pass Overlook is a fantastic spot for elopements with friends and family. With a 0.3-mile wheelchair-accessible path looping around the overlook, it’s easy to get to. Plus, it’s close to a hiking trail that leads to a stunning alpine lake. Located right off Highway 20, this spot is busier than others, but definitely worth a visit. For more privacy, I recommend a sunrise or sunset ceremony.
- Max capacity: 12
- Hiking required: No, just a short walk from the parking lot.
- Crowd level: Busy, expect people.
- Pet friendly: Yes.
Step 2: Choose a Date
One of the most unique things about North Cascades National Park is its weather. Sitting at a high elevation, the park is covered in snow for most of the year and experiences unpredictable weather patterns. That said, the best time to elope is between mid-July and early October.
Summer (July and August)
Summer in the North Cascades kicks off around mid-July when most of the snow has melted. July and August are the warmest and greenest months, with August being especially famous for wildflowers. While summer is an amazing time to elope, it’s also the busiest. To avoid crowds, I recommend planning your elopement on a weekday and holding your ceremony at sunrise or sunset.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Warm weather – Snow-free trails – Wildflowers in August | – Crowded – Expensive lodging, rental cars, and plane ticket prices – Wildfire season |
Fall (September and October)
Fall is the season I most recommend for most of my North Cascades elopements. The fall season is short, lasting from the end of September to early October. During this time, the trails are lined with vibrant larches (pine trees that change color) and the park is full of reds, oranges, and yellows. The weather is still pleasant, and while crowds are smaller, I still suggest a sunrise or sunset ceremony for a more peaceful experience.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Gorgeous fall colors – Cooler temperatures – Snow-free trails – Cheaper lodging, rental car, and plane ticket prices | – Chance of snow if not timed correctly – Trails that are famous for fall colors are busier – Fog and wind |
Winter (November-April)
Winter is the longest season in North Cascades National Park, starting with the first snowfall in October. This brings road closures throughout the park and nearby forests. I recommend avoiding planning your elopement here during winter, as many locations become inaccessible, the weather is unpredictable, and snow can make the windy roads dangerous.
| Pros | Cons |
| – No crowds – Cheap lodging, rental car, and plane ticket prices – Overcast lighting | – Cold weather – Road closures – Dangerous driving conditions |
Spring (May and June)
Spring in North Cascades is similar to winter, with unpredictable weather and many locations still inaccessible. While some snow begins to melt, many accessible areas are covered in muddy slush and puddles. It’s best to wait until the summer season starts in July for optimal conditions. However, if you’re open to exploring the eastern side of the park, June can be an incredible month to visit.
| Pros | Cons |
| – No crowds – Cheap lodging, rental car, and plane ticket prices | – Unpredictable weather patterns – Road closures |
Step 3: Apply for a North Cascades Elopement Permit
To elope in North Cascades National Park, you’ll need a special use permit. The process is simple:
- Email North Cascades National Park through their contact form and request a “special use permit application” for your elopement.
- Fill it out and send it back via email
- Pay the $50 application fee through the NPS website. The park will send you instructions on how to do so once your permit has been submitted.
- After your permit is processed (usually within 4-6 weeks), you’ll receive the official copy via email. Be sure to print it out and bring it with you on your elopement day!
If you’re eloping in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie Forest (near the North Cascades border) with fewer than 75 guests, you usually won’t need a permit. This includes places like Artist Point and Bagley Lakes.
Step 4: Hire Your Vendors
Reach out to vendors like your elopement photographer, hair and makeup artist, florist, videographer, and more. I always recommend contacting your elopement photographer first, ideally as the very first step. Why? Well, elopement photographers who specialize in the area can help you with almost everything. Looking for a stunning location without the crowds? Need help building a timeline? Confused about how to submit a permit? Most elopement photographers handle all of that and more. Lucky for you, I know a fantastic photographer who would love to help you plan your big day (wink, wink).
Step 5: Book Your Travel and Activities
This is pretty self-explanatory, but when booking your travel, it’s important to note that North Cascades National Park is fairly remote. Most nearby towns don’t offer much besides a few Airbnbs and nature trails. A standard sedan will work just fine for 90% of the locations in the park. However, there are some lesser-known, incredible hiking trails located along forest service roads that aren’t well-maintained and may have rocks and potholes. Before renting your vehicle, I recommend choosing your elopement location first to make sure a 4WD high-clearance vehicle won’t be necessary.
If you want to make the most of your elopement experience, consider incorporating some fun activities into your wedding day. Here’s a list of personal recommendations to make your elopement unforgettable and uniquely tailored to you:
- Enjoy a picnic next to an alpine lake
- Stroll downtown Bellingham and enjoy a sandwich from Leaf & Ladle (they’re amazing!)
- Take a hike on the Chain Lakes Loop (one of my all-time favorite hikes)
- Rent an Airbnb with a hot tub and soak with some champagne
- Try your luck at skiing during the winter season
- Go animal watching and try to spot a bear (there are lots in this area!)
- Check out a local music festival in Bellingham
- Stroll the local farmers market for a day
- Take a seaplane or ferry ride to Stehekin, a remote village in heart of the Cascade Mountains
- Read letters from friends and family
- Make a yummy campfire dinner at your Airbnb
- Hire a personal chef to cook you and your family a post-elopement meal
Step 6: Get a Marriage License
To apply for a marriage license in Washington State, you have three options: in-person, online, or by mail. For most couples, online is the easiest and most convenient method.
Before applying, here are a few things to know:
- There is a three-day waiting period for a marriage license, meaning you can’t get married until three days after obtaining your license.
- The marriage license is valid for 60 days.
- You can obtain a marriage license from any county in Washington, but you must return the signed paperwork to the same county where you got it.
I recommend getting your marriage license from King County since they have such a streamlined process. Here’s what you need to do:
- Fill out the online marriage license application.
- Write down your transaction number after completing the application.
- The Recorder’s Office will call you to accept credit/debit payment within three business days between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
- Your marriage license will be mailed to you, and you’re all set!
You can also view King County’s website here for step-by-step instructions.
Do I Need an Officiant and Witness for My North Cascades Elopement?
Yes. Washington State requires an officiant and two witnesses for your elopement.
Pro tip: Friends and family can get ordained online for free through the Universal Life Church to officiate your elopement!
If you only want an elopement with just the two of you, I’m ordained to officiate ceremonies! And for witnesses? Hikers on trails and tourists are always more than happy to sign your marriage license!
Step 7: Create an Elopement Timeline
Not sure how much coverage you need for your North Cascades elopement? Here are some examples to help inspire you. I typically recommend starting with 8 hours of coverage for a place as grand as the Cascades, giving you plenty of time to explore, capture the moments, and enjoy the day.
12-Hour No-Hiking Elopement
- 5:00am – Brianna meets the couple at their rustic Airbnb for getting ready shots.
- 6:00am – Have a first look right on the lake with candles and a pre-wedding dance.
- 7:00am – Head up to the mountain for an intimate vow reading.
- 8:00am – Arrive and begin the ceremony followed by portraits.
- 9:00am – Set up a breakfast picnic by the mountain.
- 10:00am – Explore a bit more around the area, taking photos along the way.
- 11:00am – Head back to the Airbnb to meet up with friends and family.
- 12:00pm – Enjoy some light snacks while the private chef preps lunch.
- 12:30pm – Lunch begins with friends and family, followed with a soak in the hot tub.
- 2:00pm – Leave for a ceremony with friends and family nearby.
- 2:30pm – Begin the ceremony, followed by family pictures.
- 3:30pm – Leave for the Airbnb.
- 4:00pm – Arrive and enjoy cake, champagne, and a first dance.
- 5:00pm – Photo coverage wraps up, Brianna leaves.
8-Hour Minimal Hiking Elopement
- 1:00pm – Brianna meets the couple at their Airbnb for getting ready shots.
- 2:00pm – Head out for a 2-mile roundtrip hike to an epic mountain view.
- 3:00pm – Begin the hike.
- 4:00pm – Arrive at the top and begin the epic ceremony, followed by portraits.
- 5:00pm – Head back to the car.
- 6:00pm – Leave for the Airbnb.
- 7:00pm – Arrive to a private candlelit dinner with cake, champagne, and a first dance.
- 8:00pm – Photo coverage wraps up, Brianna leaves.
4-Hour No-Hiking Elopement
- 5:00pm – Brianna meets the couple at their cabin for getting ready.
- 6:00pm – Travel up to Artist Point.
- 7:00pm – Arrive and begin the ceremony with your pup.
- 7:30pm – Couples portraits at Artist Point.
- 8:15pm – Couples sunset portraits at Bagley Lakes.
- 9:00pm – Photo coverage wraps up, Brianna leaves.
Step 8: Be Prepared
When planning your North Cascades elopement, here are some things you should keep in mind:
It’s Crowded
Locations like Artist Point are very popular for elopements (and for good reason). If you prefer fewer people, consider exploring less-traveled spots.
You May Need a Parking Pass
If your location is within the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie Forest, such as Artist Point, you’ll need a $5 parking pass. You can buy it online here or on the day-of when you drive up.
It’s Dog-Friendly
Most areas allow leashed dogs. This is one of my favorite places to photograph elopements with pets, but always double-check if your chosen spot allows dogs.
There’s No Cell Service
Very few places in the park have cell service, so be sure to plan ahead. Download maps and communicate clearly with your vendors so everyone knows the plan.
The Weather Is Unpredictable
The weather can change quickly, especially in spring and fall, from sunny to rainy. Be prepared with layers and ready for anything. It’s not uncommon for fog to roll in and then disappear just as quickly.
Step 9: Elope in the North Cascades!
Your big day is here! Whether you’re saying your vows with jaw-dropping mountain views, by an alpine lake, or in a meadow full of wildflowers, take it all in, enjoy the moment, and soak up the beauty around you.
North Cascades National Park Elopement Packages
If you’re anything like me and the mountains feel like home, North Cascades could be the perfect spot for your elopement. I specialize in this stunning area and help couples from all over the world plan unforgettable days in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. If you’re looking for expert guidance, I’m here to help every step of the way. Check out everything included in my pricing below, or head over to my main pricing page for more details.
North Cascades Elopement Package Pricing
- 4 hours – 2 days of elopement coverage anywhere in North Cascades National Park
- A personalized elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
- Personalized elopement location recommendations
- Vendor, lodging, and activity recommendations
- Assistance and information to help you with permits, licenses, etc.
- 90+ page elopement planning guide filled with tips and tricks
- Customized elopement timelines
- Optional complimentary officiant services
- Online gallery with full resolution images and printing rights
- Complimentary album design
- 24-48 hour sneak peeks to share with the world
- Travel fees to anywhere in North Cascades National Park are already included
- Starting at $8,000
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Don’t forget your FREE elopement guide!
An all-in-one planning guide for all things elopements! Whether you’re hoping to hike through the mountains of Washington or sip a margarita on the beaches of California, this comprehensive elopement guide has everything you need to know about how to plan the perfect elopement.
You? You’re the kind of person that gets a lil’ teary eyed looking at an epic view…
That moment when you turn to the person you’re with and ask, “Are you seeing this?” I live for it. Places with trees and mountains and soft breezes that make you say, “I can’t believe this place exists,” I spend pretty much all of my free time searching for and exploring them.
These places have always felt like home to me. And if you’re the kind of person who also feels more at home surrounded by trees than by people? Then we’ll get along really well. The Pacific Northwest is full of secret spots that are too special to share with just anyone. But it would make me happy to share them with you on your wedding day.
If the mountains/beaches/redwood forests are calling your name, go ahead…
(I promise you won’t regret it.)
P.S. I’m Brianna. My mission is to create custom, one-of-a-kind elopement experiences in the Pacific Northwest that allow couples to fully immerse themselves in the highest levels of excitement and wonder on a day designed exclusively for them.
