Lemme tell ya about the most unforgettable Mount Baker elopement.
While I remember EVERY SINGLE elopement day, this Mount Baker elopement is one that runs through my mind often.
They had the overlook entirely to themselves. Mountains staggered around them, and wildflowers swayed in the breeze as they read their vow. Imagine how it felt committing to this new adventure together in one of the most stunning landscapes imaginable.
The emotion in their voices grew, as the tiniest crescent moon peeked over the sparkling alpine lake below. It felt like the whole world paused just for them, to hear the promises they made to each other.
We are often the only ones present during adventure elopements. The weight of what an immense honor it is to witnesses these days is never lost on us.
From the moment we spoke with Kayla and Sam, we immediately knew 3 things.
- Mount Baker was the PERFECT spot for them
- Their day would be beyond incredible
- We were absolutely destined to become good friends
Who should elope at Mount Baker
After every initial call, I’ll often turn to Kyle and say “I know exactly where they should get married”, and our chat with these two incredible humans was no different.
Kayla and Sam knew they wanted to elope in Washington State. They wanted mountains, a beautiful body of water, and views that felt magical. They were after a location that “looks ripped from the pages of a fantasy novel”.
Equally important, was being able to explore multiple locations without hours of driving, or hiking long distances.
Dare I say, Mount Baker checked all their boxes – and then some!
Mount Baker is perfect for couples who:
- Want insane views for little to no effort
- Are drawn to mountains and alpine lakes (aka a storybook landscape)
- Want to explore multiple locations without a ton of driving
How to Plan your Mount Baker Elopement
This is the juicy part! While planning an elopement is wayyy different than planning a traditional wedding, there’s still a lot to figure out. Every couple is different, and no elopement is the same, but we have a planning process that makes it feel more like you’re just planning the most epic day ever.
If you KNOW that a Mount Baker elopement is for you, then allow us to go ahead and shed some light on the planning process and what to prioritize.
Find your Mount Baker elopement photographers FIRST
Genuinely, having your photographers locked in makes everything sooo much easier.
It’s important to find a Mount Baker elopement photographer that you click with, because they’ll be hanging out with you during your entire wedding day, and may be the only other folks with you!
If you’re wanting a lot of assistance with the planning process, look for a photographer that helps with that!
Not every photographer specializes in adventure elopements and knows the type of logistics that go into planning a Mount Baker elopement.
Be sure to find folks that can support you through the entire process!
If you want to know more about what goes into planning an intentional and epic day, check out this resource: How do you elope? Everything we wish we’d known
Choosing a date for your Mount Baker Elopement
The seasons are V different in the North Cascades, and it’s important to pick a day that is going to align the most with your vision. For the best weather and the most access, you’ll want to elope in the summer and early fall. Early August-Mid/late September is our fave time of the year for a North Cascades Elopement.
Choosing a weekday can also help if you’re hoping for more privacy! Opt for Tuesday – Thursday and focus on sunrise and sunset to cut down on crowds.
Kayla and Sam chose their date before our first call and it was perfect! It held significance to them, and fell on a weekday in August, giving them the best that Mount Baker has to offer.
Choosing a Mount Baker Elopement Location
Mount Baker is full of some of the most jaw-dropping mountain views, stunning alpine lakes and GORGEOUS hiking trails.
This is where having an adventure elopement photographer that is familiar with the area really comes in handy.
You’ll want to pick a location that:
- Has the views you’re after
- Fits the accessibility level you’re comfy with on your day. Whether you want a hiking wedding, or an easy walk-up location, you’ll definitely have options in Mount Baker.
- Aligns with any other preferences you have (driving times, privacy, etc.)
Let’s chat about your day
Considerations for your Mount Baker Elopement
It’s probably pretty clear that Mount Baker is one of our fave places in the lower 48 – its beauty is unmatched, and has incredible views for little effort, and incredible adventures for couples that want some type 2 fun!
While we love hyping up the great outdoors, as your Washington Elopement Photographers, we want you to be able to fully enjoy your day and avoid any surprises.
When getting married outdoors, you’ll want to be able to manage your expectations and know what to expect.
Here, we’ll break down the best seasons for a Mount Baker elopement, how to navigate unpredictable weather, and other details that can make or break your experience.
So, let’s chat about what you need to know to make your Mount Baker elopement as seamless and magical and Sam and Kayla’s.
Best Seasons
Summer and fall are without a doubt the best seasons to elope in Mount Baker. Keep in mind that summer starts later ‘round here. You’ll still see snow on the mountain well into July.
August is when most trails and areas become accessible and start to have the most gorgeous wildflower meadows.
Fall begins mid-September and absolutely pops off. Keep in mind that snow typically begins late(ish) September and the road to Artist point closes with the first significant snow fall.
Winter brings HEAVY snow and moody af weather. Wouldn’t recommend a winter elopement here unless you’re super flexible and are really wanting a winter elopement that is focused on snow adventures.
For a winter elopement in Washington state, we recommend considering an Olympic National Park elopement, or a Mount Rainier elopement
TBH, we’d recommend avoiding spring. It’s unpredictable, wet, and not cute.
Factoring in visibility
While the summer months will give you better chances of visibility, clear skies are never a guarantee.
Even in the summer months, keep in mind that the PNW can, and will, serve mood. There is always a very good chance that the mountain landscape will feel more like getting married in a cloud.
Unwanted Guests AKA Bugs
The bugs in the mountains will absolutely ruin your day if you aren’t prepared. Typically August is when they are the most irritating. Bring bug spray with you and apply frequently.
for more things to keep in mind check this resource out
Mount Baker Elopement Locations
There are so many factors that into choosing the perfect locations for your day. Mount Baker is huge, and there is truly something for everyone.
When we send over a location guide, it is always curated based off of what that specific couple is wanting. To avoid decision fatigue, and to make the planning process go as smoothly as possible, we find out *exactly* what you’re looking for and only show you locations that check as many of your boxes as possible.
Kayla and Sam knew they wanted scenery that felt epic and ethereal. They didn’t want to spend a lot of time hiking, and having a beautiful body of water was also important to them.
Star-gazing and blue-hour photos were big on their wishlist, and of course, mountain views in the moody light. Getting specific about what you want and don’t want for your elopement location can help quickly narrow down the massive amount of choices.
What to ask yourself to find your Mount baker elopement location
- Accessibility: Do you want to hike? How many miles would you feel comfy hiking? What difficulty level would feel good? Are there any accessibility needs you should consider for any guests?
- Views: Are you into bodies of water, wildflowers, waterfalls, mountain views, or a combo of all three?
- Driving: How long are you comfortable being in the car? Are you down to drive up some sketchy National Forest roads? Will you have a vehicle with 4WD or high clearance?
Mount Baker Elopement Timeline
There is a HUGE difference between an elopement timeline and a traditional wedding timeline. In an elopement timeline, things are more flexible, you get to take your time, and the focus is on you and your partner. Having a timeline allows for you to move with purpose throughout your day, and ensures that you get to do all of the things you want to!
We work with our couples to create a timeline that fits their vision, considers the vibe they’re after, and allows them to move through the day with a pace that feels comfortable for them. Some couples want a slow day, where everything is super chill. Other’s like days that feel more fast-paced and fit a ton in. It all comes down to your preference.
That being said, you’ll want to really consider adding enough buffer time to each section of your day. Even if you want a jam-packed, fast paced, day, you’ll want to make sure you’re not feeling rushed.
Kayla and Sam wanted to have a chill day, and wanted to start that with a slow getting ready process. They wanted to take their time, soak it all in, and have time to FaceTime with their families before heading out.
Timeline Example
To give you an idea of what your Mount Baker elopement timeline could look like, here’s what Kayla and Sam’s day looked like with our full day elopement package.
3:00 | Photogs Arrive at cabin
4:00 | First look
5:00 | Leave
6:00 | Arrive
7:00 | Ceremony
7:30 | Celebrate + Explore
9:00 | Star photos
10:00 | Head back to the cabin
11:00 | End the night with cake by the fire
Mount Baker Elopement Lodging
Lodging was a big factorr for Kayla and Sam. They wanted to stay somewhere that fit their vibe and had ammenities that they knew would enhance their day.
They considered multiple locations and paid a lot of attention to:
- Natural lighting and windows
- Outdoor amenities like a hot tub and fire pit
- Enough room for them to get ready separately
These are all important things to consider for your lodging, especially if you’ll have photos taken there!
Here are a few great places to consider that are near Mount Baker:
Mount Baker Elopement Ceremony Inspo
Kayla and Sam’s elopement ceremony was so insanely beautiful and thoughtful.
They asked me (Sam) to officiate, which I am always thrilled to do, and had Kyle and a passerby sign as their witnesses.
Along with writing personal vows, they also chose to incorporate Celtic Hand Fasting Cords into their ceremony.
This piece of their day just felt so insanely special. They walked along the trail together to find a spot that felt just right. Facing each other, with the lake below them, and the moon rising above them, they exchanged the most beautiful vows and had the sweetest ceremony.
After their ceremony, we explored the trail, and headed up to the mountains to gaze at the stars.
For more inspo, check out this resource
Their Elopement Details
Kayla and Sam put sooo much intention and thought into each piece of their day
Seeing details like these on an elopement day often feels so special. Many couples opt out of incorporating details into their day, but we’re here to encourage it!
Small, meaningful details can add so much character and bring a whole other level of vib to your day.
Here’s what Sam + Kayla incorporated into their day:
Dress: Willowby by Watters design from Lavender Park Bridal
Suit: Express
Collar Chain by Wild Crafted Studio
Our fave MUA in the area: Alissa Albano Professional Makeup
Traditional Celtic Hand Fasting Cords by Ceotha
Vow Books by Paper Peach Shop
Elopement Cake by Pure Bliss Desserts
Wedding Rings: The North Way Studios
Your Mount Baker Elopement Checklist
To help keep you on track with the planning process and make sure you always know what to consider, here’s a quick lil’ Mount Baker elopement checklist to keep you on track!
- Book your mount baker elopement photographers. Remember to do this first to help make the planning process as smooth as possible. Check out our Mount Baker elopement packages to see if we’re a good fit!
- Choose your locations. Keep in mind your ideal views, accessibility, and travel preferences.
- Book your lodging + travel (flights, car rental, etc.). Stay as close as possible to the areas you’ll be exploring to cut down your time in the car.
- Book additional vendors. Hair and makeup, private chef, officiant, etc. Consider who you want on your team to help elevate your day!
- Get your marriage license. You can do all of this through the mail to help cut down the stress of the three day waiting period.
- Purchase your wedding attire. Find attire you feel amazing in that also feels comfy to adventure in!
- Purchase any details. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Rings
- Hand Fasting cords
- Vow books
- Pretty hangers
- Accessories
- Perfume/cologne for creating a scent memory
- Finalize your elopement timeline. Factor in lighting, drive times, buffer time, etc.
- Finalize your elopement ceremony. This includes your ceremony script and vows (if applicable)
- Have a plan for snacks + staying hydrated. Your wedding day is not the day to go without snacks or water! Have a plan to have snacks and plenty of water with you as you move through the day.
- Make any necessary reservations.
- Write your vows at least two weeks before you travel! You’ll find some tips for writing incredible vows in our elopement ceremony guide.
- Get STOKED!!!
Mount Baker Elopement Packages
We do a lot more than just show up on your elopement day and take bagin’ photos. We’re with you through the entire planning process (and then some). We firmly believe that beautiful photos come from a good time and that starts from the moment we have our first call.
The creative process starts here. It starts with getting to know you two and the vision you have for your day. It begins with really hearing what you want and helping you craft a day that reflects that. Amazing photos happen when a day is so well-crafted, you can just relax and be present in it.
Here’s a peak into that process:
Planning assistance
From our initial call to your Mount Baker elopement day, we’re here with you offering up insight from our years of experience. We’re guiding you a long the way, keeping you on track, and asking questions to help you dream big.
Curated location inspo + information
Based on your vision and accessibility preferences, we’ll build an in-depth location guide to suggest the spots that fit your vision, perfectly. We’ll also include all the info you need to know what to expect at each spot!
Vendor recommendations
We’re always happy to send over recommendations for vendors we love.
Access to planning resources
You already know we love sharing info! As soon as you’re booked we start sending out planning resources and guides to make sure you’re supported through the entire planning process
Timeline curation
There are so many logistics that go into an elopement timeline, but you don’t need to worry ’bout it because we’ll build your timeline for ya!
Guest Guide
Bringing a long your crew? We’ll take care of ’em! We build a personalized guest guide that covers all the details your guests may need and answer all their questions, so that you don’t have to worry about answering 5,000 questions on your wedding day.
Permit Assistance
We’ll hold your hand through the permit process to make sure it’s seamless, so that you don’t have to stress about the paperwork.
Complimentary officiating services
I’m ordained and happy to sign as your officiant so that you and your partner can keep your elopement ceremony as intimate as you’d like.
2 Photographers
We’re a Washington elopement photography team! All of our packages include two photographers, with different creative strengths, documenting your day. We have our system dialed in and work seamlessly together to make sure your day is documented in an authentic and thoughtful way.
Sometimes we have to pinch ourselves to make sure this job as adventure elopement photographers isn’t just a dream. Kayla and Sam’s Mount Baker elopement was the kind of wedding day that really sticks with you. From their first look, to sharing sweets by the campfire, their day was filled with intentional connection, ethereal beauty, and a sense of peace that only comes with a day that really aligns with who you are as a couple.
Crafting a thoughtful day isn’t about following trends or checking any boxes- it’s about digging deep and to create a day that feels like a reflection of your story.
Whether that looks like hiking up a mountain, snuggling up by the fire, or embracing the raw, and often moody magic of the PNW, we’re with you every step of the way.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
More Adventure Elopements
Planning Resources
Location Guides
