Also known as the North American Alps, North Cascades National Park is a mountain lover's paradise! This park has everything from snow capped mountains, to Gatorade blue lakes and rivers, and roaring waterfalls along with mossy forests, making it the perfect place to elope.
Now the scenery makes it easy to pick as your elopement location, but what about knowing what else you need? What’s the best time of year, or what are some great locations (even if you don’t want to hike)? What permits will you need? Look no further as this blog will guide you with all the best information for eloping in North Cascades National Park.
Table of Contents:
Why You Should Elope in North Cascades National Park
Being one of the least visited national parks in the US (I know, crazy right?!) this elopement spot has some incredible locations that are easy to access, and some hidden gems that will offer you some privacy and intimacy for your elopement. While still being close to the Seattle area, you still are able to have nearby amenities and vendors, while feeling like you’re in a real life fairytale.
There are some incredible Airbnb's in this area as well to truly make your elopement a one of a kind experience, with getting to visit a variety of scenery all in the same day. You truly can’t find a more easy to access, breathtaking alpine environment for your elopement!
Where is the Park Located?
North Cascades National Park is conveniently located just North East of the Seattle area, up by the Canadian border. Some closer towns on the West side being Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley. On the opposite side of the park on the East side some towns closest by are Winthrop and Mazama.
There are different sections of highways that will take you to some popular spots. There’s a Northern section with the towns of Deming, Welcome, and Glacier. This is highway 542 (Mt. Baker Highway) which leads you to the area of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan! This area has the popular Picture Lake and Artist Point. This area is actually not part of the national park, as it’s part of Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (this makes a difference when applying for permits, but more on that later)!
The middle section of highway starts at Sedro-Woolley on Highway 20 (North Cascades Highway) and leads East through Concrete, Marblemount, and up to Diablo Lake and Ross Lake. If you continue following this highway eastwards, you’ll end up in the town of Mazama. This stretch has popular overlook spots and hikes.
The southern section has the towns of Gold Bar, Index, and Skykomish along Highway 2 (Stevens Pass Highway), eventually leading to Leavenworth if you follow the south part. Once you go through Leavenworth, you are able to drive back up Northwards towards Lake Chelan. The north part of Lake Chelan has a very unique spot called Stehekin, which we will talk more about later in the post. But Stehekin is considered part of North Cascades National Park, and it’s part of Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.
Photo of Map from USGS
Closest Major Cities and Towns
Driving time from Seattle: 2 hours
Driving time from Bellingham: 1.5 hours
Closest Airports + Distances from Park
Seattle/Tacoma International (SEA) - about 120 miles and a 2.5 hour drive
Portland International (PDX) - about 300 miles and a 6 hour drive
Spokane International (GEG) - about 350 miles and a 6.5 hour drive
How to Drive to the Main Entrance Sign
The North Cascades National Park entrance sign is located right off Highway 20 in between Marblemount and Newhalem. I think it’s hilarious that when I looked up the exact location, some of the top results were on Reddit stating that the national park sign has one of the best entrance signs! And I agree, I had a lot of fun taking photos of the sign!
FAQ About North Cascades National Park
Are pets allowed in North Cascades National Park?
Pets are not allowed except in very certain areas. They must be kept on a leash on the Pacific Crest Trail and within 50 feet of roadways. For those with disabilities, service animals are okay. They are also allowed in drive in campgrounds and picnic areas, as long as they don’t damage the nearby plants by digging or rolling on them. You can read more specifics here!
Are there bears in North Cascades?
Yes, North Cascades is home to Grizzly and Black Bears. Though grizzlies are a rarer sighting, they are still present. The website has more in depth information on bear safety
Does the park require an entrance fee?
Nope! You are able to enter North Cascades National Park for free!
How many guests can I have for my elopement in the park?
It depends! The numbers can differ between getting married within the national park boundary, and the national forests outside the park boundary, like Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie and Okanogan-Wenatchee. Depending on the specifics of your elopement, we will have to reach out to the corresponding location that you want your elopement to take place and they will let us know what is needed!
Is a special use permit required to get married in the national park?
Yes, a special use permit is required if you are getting married within the national park boundary. You are able to reach out here to ask about the specifics of your elopement group, but don’t worry, I can help you with this! I will also go more into detail on how to fill out a permit!
If you are interested in other locations like Artist Point or Washington Pass (located inside the neighboring national forests), we can reach out to ask about the specifics of your group, though typically events under 75 people don’t require a permit. Again I’ll make sure to reach out about the specifics of your elopement for you!
Best Times of Year to Elope in North Cascades
Depending on what you are envisioning for your elopement, whether that be snow capped mountain peaks with wildflowers (my personal favorite!) or the golden hues of autumn in the mountains, there is a seasonal window to get these incredible landscapes and scenery. Typically, mid July-late September is the best window of time to have the most accessibility within the park. Each year will differ, depending on the amounts of snow each winter gets.
When’s the best time to see alpine wildflower meadows?
Early July-Late August is the best window to see wildflowers in the Cascades. Trails can be surrounded by these natural growing wildflowers, making it the perfect “aisle” to walk down on your wedding day! Be sure to practice Leave No Trace Principles when visiting the park!
When can I see the golden larches that are so popular?
The PNW is famous for its golden larches that make an appearance around late September-Mid October. Fall colors in this area are unbeatable, transporting you to a scene that looks otherworldly!
Crowds
Summertime and early fall are also the most popular times to visit the park, so either hiking to a more secluded alpine lake or starting earlier in the day can help to escape the busy summer crowds! You can also opt for some locations in the nearby national forests as well. But luckily North Cascades is one of the least visited national parks, so there’s plenty of room to find some seclusion!
Weather
With this window comes phenomenal scenery, but this time of year also could mean potential wildfire smoke. Sadly the PNW experiences this every summer, so it’s definitely something to consider when choosing to elope in this area.
So to have the most options to choose from, I would definitely recommend mid to late summer for eloping in the area! This also gives you the best chance for good weather (though I love myself a moody PNW elopement either in early summer or late fall)!
It is also known to be windy in the park, especially on the lakes. Also because of the elevation, the weather is known to change quickly. So be prepared and bring a rain jacket, wind breaker, or puffy jacket.
I also like to refer to this WSDOT Map of Road Conditions and Closures when planning your elopement! Since the dates change yearly for road closures in come winter, this will keep us updated with the most up to date and accurate information.
Best Locations to Elope in North Cascades National Park
It's definitely going to be a challenge to pick which locations to experience while you're in the Cascades for your elopement, just because everything is literally so beautiful! Depending on if you're having family who needs easy access locations, or if you're wanting an adventurous hiking experience, this can help tell you what location you might need for your group. I also assist you with picking locations during the planning process.
Here's some insanely awesome areas in and around the park to help you get started with location ideas! But a few things to note first:
A Northwest Forest Pass is most likely required at these trails. These passes allow you to park at these trailheads, and the cost is just $5 a day/per car. You can buy them at a visitor center, a national forest office, or buy them online (ePasses).
Here’s a full list of wheelchair accessible trails in North Cascades.
There are also several picnic areas in the park and these national forests as well, which are unexpectedly gorgeous places for photos most of the time!
Best Locations/Hikes in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest for Your Elopement
Distance: 1.5 miles
Elevation gain: 269 feet
Difficulty level: Easy
Average completion time: 45 minutes
Trailhead location: Artist Point
Bathrooms nearby? Yes
Dog friendly? Yes, must be on leash
Wheelchair friendly? Not this specific trail but there are nearby trails that are. Heather Meadows has several ADA accessible features.
Photo of Bagley Lakes in late June 2022
Distance: 2.1 miles
Elevation gain: 262 feet
Difficulty level: Easy
Average completion time: 1 hour
Trailhead location: Heather Meadows Visitor Center
Bathrooms nearby? Yes
Dog friendly? Yes, must be on leash
Wheelchair friendly? Not this specific trail, but right next to this trail is Fire and Ice, and the first part of that trail is paved.
Distance: 0.4 miles
Elevation gain: 6 feet
Difficulty level: Easy
Average completion time: 10 minutes
Trailhead location: By Mt. Baker Lodge
Bathrooms nearby? Yes
Dog friendly? Yes, must be on leash
Wheelchair friendly? Yes
Distance: 6.2 miles
Elevation gain: 1,794 feet
Difficulty level: Moderate
Average completion time: 4 hours
Trailhead location: Austin Pass Picnic Area or Artist Point
Bathrooms nearby? Yes
Dog friendly? Yes, must be on leash
Wheelchair friendly? Not this specific trail, but nearby trails are
Best Locations/Hikes in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest for Your Elopement
Distance: 4.6 miles
Elevation gain: 915 feet
Difficulty level: Moderate
Average completion time: 2.5 hours
Trailhead location: Off Highway 20 by Washington Pass
Bathrooms nearby? Yes
Dog friendly? Yes, must be on leash
Wheelchair friendly? No, but across the highway is Washington Pass with wheelchair accessible trails.
Distance: 6.5 miles
Elevation gain: 2,162 feet
Difficulty level: Hard
Average completion time: 4.5 hours
Trailhead location: Off Highway 20 by Rainy Pass
Bathrooms nearby? Yes
Dog friendly? Yes, must be on leash
Wheelchair friendly? Not this specific trail, but nearby Rainy Lake Trail is.
Washington Pass Overlook Trail
Distance: 0.3 miles
Elevation gain: 114 feet
Difficulty level: Moderate
Average completion time: 15 minutes
Trailhead location: Off Highway 20 outside of Winthrop
Bathrooms nearby? Yes
Dog friendly? Yes, must be on leash
Wheelchair friendly? Yes
Distance: 2 miles
Elevation gain: 131 feet
Difficulty level: Easy
Average completion time: 45 minutes
Trailhead location: Off Highway 20 near Washington Pass Overlook
Bathrooms nearby? Yes
Dog friendly? Yes, must be on leash
Wheelchair friendly? Yes
Best Locations/Hikes in Ross Lake National Recreation Area
Distance: 3.4 miles
Elevation gain: 675 feet
Difficulty level: Moderate
Average completion time: 2 hours
Trailhead location: Colonial Creek North Campground
Bathrooms nearby? Yes
Dog friendly? Yes, must be on leash
Wheelchair friendly? No on the trail, but read here about accessibility at Colonial Creek Campground
Distance: 7.2 miles
Elevation gain: 1,509 feet
Difficulty level: Moderate
Average completion time: 3.5 hours
Trailhead location: North Cascades Environmental Learning Center
Bathrooms nearby? Yes
Dog friendly? Yes, must be on leash
Wheelchair friendly? No, but nearby Diablo Lake Overlook is
*A note on Diablo Lake Overlook (pictured above), the overlook spot without any fences to the left of the viewing area used to be a popular spot for photos, but this area is now closed for elopements. You can still have a ceremony behind the railing at Diablo Lake Overlook, but not the open overlook spot to the left.
Distance: Not a hike but a campground area
Elevation gain: n/a
Difficulty level: Easy
Average completion time: n/a
Trailhead location: South part of Diablo Lake
Bathrooms nearby? Yes
Dog friendly? Yes, must be on leash
Wheelchair friendly? Certain parts yes, read more here.
Best Hikes/Locations in Stehekin
These are some popular trails located in Stehekin! A note though, due to the recent Pioneer Fire (trail info regarding the fire here), some trails might be still be closed. You can always call and see if they’ll be open ahead of time!
Distance: 13.7 miles
Elevation gain: 2,398 feet
Difficulty level: Moderate
Average completion time: 6.5 hours
Trailhead location: Stehekin
Bathrooms nearby? Yes
Dog friendly? Yes, must be on leash
Wheelchair friendly? No
Distance: 0.8 miles
Elevation gain: 213 feet
Difficulty level: Moderate
Average completion time: 30 minutes
Trailhead location: Purple Point Campground
Bathrooms nearby? Yes
Dog friendly? Yes, must be on leash
Wheelchair friendly? No
Some more hiking trails in Stehekin are listed here!
For even more locations in the North Cascades, I also create personalized location/hike lists based off of your needs and wants for your elopement.
North Cascades Elopement Permit Information
You'll want to apply for a special use permit as soon as the park allows you so you can get a spot to get married in the park. Luckily, the process to attain the special use permit for North Cascades is nice and easy! The 3 easy steps are listed below.
How to Obtain a Special Use Permit
Step 1: Send an email through their contact form to get the application. You can also call 360-854-7213 to receive your application materials. Doing this sooner than later is always better, usually permits like this need at least a month to process.
Step 2: Pay a non-refundable $50 application fee online through the link on the NPS website. Your payment receipt must be forwarded to the Commercial Services Office.
Step 3: They will send you back a copy of your application for you to sign.
It’s that easy! Feeling a little overwhelmed? Don’t worry, I’ll provide you with all the needed information regarding permits, including reaching out for you to tell you exactly what you need!
Entry Passes & Fees
There is no entry fee for North Cascades National Park! You will likely need parking passes for the trailheads, which can be purchased at the visitor center, national forest offices, or online!
Washington Marriage License Information
If you want to have a ceremony and get legally married in the national park or in a national forest, you will need to acquire a Washington marriage license.
How to Acquire a Washington Marriage License
Reach out to the nearest office in the county of the place your elopement is taking place.
There is a 3 day waiting period that cannot be waived, so you'll have to come into town early.
Washington state does require two witnesses as well. If you aren't eloping with any guests, I can sign as one, or we can flag down some nearby hikers in the area!
The license expires after 60 days (starting after the 3 day waiting period).
You can also have a commitment ceremony! A commitment ceremony is a great opportunity to say your vows, or include other things important to you, without an officiant present. You will have to do the legal marriage paperwork ahead of time, so when you come into the park you will already be technically married. This way you can still say your vows and include what's special and important to you. This is a great option if you're craving a "just us" experience.
This route is great if you’re coming from out of state! Once you get legally married in your home state, you can come to the state that you’re having your elopement in and have your commitment ceremony together (you won't need to get an out of state marriage license this way).
Best Places to Stay Near North Cascades
There are some incredible lodges nestled in the mountains in this part of the Cascades! Whether you’re looking for a cabin nestled in a forest, a rustic lodge where you can stay with your guests, or glamp in a nearby campground to really embrace the outdoor experience, there are no shortage of options for your accommodations in the park.
Airbnb's
I love it when my couples book awesome Airbnb's for their elopement! They're perfect for unique getting ready photos, and it's also great for storytelling. Some towns in the park where some Airbnb's are located are Deming, Marblemount, Concrete, and Rockport. If you want to stay closer to Seattle area, towns like Bellingham and Mt. Vernon/Skagit Valley are other options if you want to be closer to city amenities and activities.
Here’s just a couple of options available!
The Greybird Retreat - 30 minutes from Mt. Baker Ski Area
Romantic and Modern Cabin - 30 minutes from Mt. Baker Ski Area
Treehouse in Bellingham - 1 hour 30 minutes from North Cascades National Park
Planning Tip: If you want to be closer to Mt. Baker, the little town of Glacier is an option too! Glacier has a cafe called Wake N Bakery that you have to check out if you stay in the area!
Hotels, Lodges, & Resorts
If you don't want to stay in an Airbnb, check out some of these popular resorts in the park! These are great options because they also offer really fun activities, like water sports and rentals. Some places even have dining options which would be perfect to come back after a day of adventuring to a private dinner with your guests.
Planning Tip: Rent an Airbnb for just the two of you to go back to after your day of adventuring! This gives you your own separate space, and the other lodging options in the area work great to host your group of guests.
Ross Lake Resort - Ross Lake Resort is stunning, but it books out fast. If you want to stay there, be sure to get on their waitlist! They are open mid-June-October.
Lodge at Stehekin - This lodge is located on the North end of Lake Chelan. It's only accessible by hiking, seaplane, or taking a ferry. Perfect for a secluded elopement!
Mt. Baker Lodging - There are some super cool vacation rentals that you can rent from Mt. Baker Lodging!
Sun Mountain Lodge - A rustic lodge that’s also luxurious, this place also offers private rooms for a dinner, like this one!
Campgrounds
Colonial Creek North/South Campground - a remote yet popular campground located by old growth forests and Diablo Lake.
Newhalem Creek Campground - located on the Skagit River in Newhalem, this campground is close to several hiking trails, but has close accessibility to a visitor center.
Goodell/Lower Goodell Campground - this campground has no ADA accessible sites, and has a picnic pavilion.
Gorge Lake Campground - located on Gorge Lake, there is a boat launch available along with hiking trails.
Best Elopement Activities to do in North Cascades National Park
Besides all the one of a kind trails the park has to offer, there are plenty of other activities to do as well! You can:
Rent motor boats, canoes, kayaks, and fishing rods at Ross Lake Resort.
You can ride horses with Stehekin Outfitters.
You can ride bikes through the amazing forests in the area.
If you want a more relaxed setting, rent an Airbnb and enjoy the hot tub under the stars, or roast smores with a fire.
Pack a hammock and relax by the river.
Have a catered picnic a table lunch at Shuksan Picnic Area.
There are endless activities for everyone! Here's some more adventurous ideas for your timeline.
North Cascades Elopement Vendors
Another step you'll want to do earlier in the planning process is pick out your dream team vendors to make your elopement vision come to life! I believe elopements are the best opportunity to really invest in the details that matter to you, and to not skip out on them! This is your time to really invest in yourselves as a couple, and hire vendors that you value.
Since North Cascades is conveniently located outside Seattle, there are plenty of vendors to choose from! Be sure to reach out asap to secure your dream vendors for your day.
Elopement Photographer
As your elopement expert, I am so passionate about helping create your dream elopement in the PNW, Rocky Mountains, and beyond! I am here to be so so much more than just your photographer (read more about my services here), and I’m here to help guide you through this process of eloping to make it as easy for you as possible. Another service I offer is providing a vendor recommendations list for you! Here’s a few for the North Cascades to help you get started 🙂
Wedding Cakes
Planners/Coordinators
Rental Companies
Hair/Makeup
Florists
*Note on having real flowers: In some parts of the national forests, live flowers are not allowed. Please check with the permit officer to see if you are able to have a real flower bouquet.
Caterers
Officiants
All Day Timeline Examples
I know what you may be thinking: "How can we spend an entire 8+ hour day in the park with just ourselves?" The answer is, whatever you want! This is still your wedding day, so we can plan in a full day of activities (adventurous or even relaxed), so you can fully celebrate the day together. Here's two full day timeline examples to help you visualize!
Example Timeline 1: 2 Person Camper Van Elopement, 8 Hours
2:00 pm: Meet up at your rental
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Getting ready and detail photos, first look
3:00 pm - 3:45 pm: Drive to Bagley Lakes
3:45 pm - 4:00 pm: Ceremony and vows at overlook
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Bridals around area, sparkling water pop photo, and visit Picture Lake
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Sunset bridals and first dance in the mountains
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Take blue hour camper van bridals with lanterns
8:00 pm - 8:45 pm: Drive back to your rental
8:45 pm to 10:00 pm: Photos back at your rental (cake, s’mores, pizza, and a fire).
Example Timeline 2: Adventurous Elopement with Guests, 12 Hours
4:00 am - Wake up and get ready in your Airbnb for your sunrise hike. You pack up a breakfast picnic to eat at the overlook in a little bit.
5:00 am - Leave for trailhead
6:00 am - Arrive at trailhead to hike a short ways in to the overlook
6:30 am - Arrive at overlook for a sunrise commitment ceremony
7:00 am - You're married! Woo! Time for some epic bridals of you two exploring and hiking around the area while enjoying some time together just the two of you.
7:45 am - After we adventured around taking some epic photos, it's time for that breakfast picnic! You sit down and watch the world wake up and enjoy your favorite breakfast, and you make mimosas.
8:45 am - We hike back down to the car and drive to the lake for a morning kayak session
11:00 am - After some kayaking, you head back to the Airbnb for a bit to relax and freshen up.
1:00 pm - You meet up with a few family members and friends that you wanted there for your elopement. You all head back down to the lake and pick up the pontoon boat you rented to spend time together on the lake, and eat lunch together.
4:00 pm - After a day on the water, you all head back to the Airbnb for a dinner already prepared by a private chef. You enjoy the rest of your night and do first dances, eat dessert, and reflect on the amazing day you had!
North Cascades Elopement Packing List
I provide my couples a packing checklist as well as a day of checklist that they can reference as soon as they book with me! Here's a few things from that list that would be a good idea to bring with you to North Cascades for your elopement:
Hiking backpack
Wool socks
Snacks and water
Good hiking boots
Extra layers
Bug spray
Bridal emergency kit
Headlamps
First aid kit
Download an offline version of the hiking trail
I also bring my elopement kit filled with extras in case you forgot something! Always good to be extra prepared when adventuring in the outdoors.
Final Planning Tips & Reminders
There are no fees to enter the park!
You might have to pay for parking in some areas. Check out Washington Trails Association to see what passes you might need for the trailheads.
Dogs are allowed in some areas of the park. Please remember to bring their leash and doggie bags.
There are several trails with easy access for your guests along with wheelchair accessible spots! So this is great if you want to have some family with you.
Always be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles! Here's a blog about how to LNT on your elopement day.
There is little to no cell service within the park.
Bring your bear spray.
North Cascades National Park Elopement Photographer
Hey, I'm Karlie, your North Cascades elopement photographer! The variety in this park always amazes me, between the lookout towers, alpine lakes, stunning hikes, and powder blue rivers, there's so much beauty and hidden gems to explore here!
Read the review my North Cascades couple left me below:
"We would recommend Karlie to any friend or family member. From the planning phase until the day of our elopement, Karlie was so incredibly dedicated to helping us create our perfect day. We both felt an instant connection to her when we spoke via zoom in the beginning phases… she’s kind, thoughtful, professional, punctual, sincere, and curious. She asked so many questions about us as a couple and proposed many ideas that fell inline with those qualities and values. Throughout the whole process, she was so on top of researching locations, permits and responding to us in a timely manner always. We felt so grateful that we had chose her to shoot our wedding for many reasons, but one being that she put genuine love, focus, and energy into our elopement. It was so clear to both of us. The day was so meaningful in every way. It felt so calm and easy, which is what we wanted and why we chose to elope. Karlie worked so hard to make things easy and calm for us and we felt completely comfortable sharing this special day with her. The photos that Karlie sent us have truly exceeded our expectations and blew us away. Working with Karlie was the best investment that we made in our elopement process. Hands down. We can’t thank you enough Karlie and we wish you the best!!" -Lauren and Matt
North Cascades Real Wedding Inspiration
Looking for some real North Cascades elopement inspiration? Here’s some snippets from Lauren and Matt’s elopement in the Cascades:
It was just the three of us throughout the whole day.
They got ready together in a stunning Airbnb.
They had their first dance in sprinkling rain.
They rented a van to drive us around to explore together and stop for adorable photos.
I brought clear umbrellas which is the perfect prop for this type of moody mountain scenery!
We found a waterfall so when they read their vows only they could hear each other.
They ate cold pizza and had a delicious cake at a picnic area.
They hung a hammock and relaxed together by the river to truly soak in their experience.
North Cascades National Park Elopement Packages and Pricing
North Cascades National Park and Mt. Baker has some of the prettiest mountains, alpine lakes, and rugged scenery in the entire United States! If you’re looking for an elopement location that feels like a fairytale, look no further than North Cascades National Park. Here's what comes with all of my North Cascades elopement packages:
-Booking Gift
-72 Hour Turn-Around Time for Sneak Peek Images
-Day of Elopement Gift
-Full Resolution Final Images
-Access to High Quality Print Products
-Free Phone Consultation or Zoom Call
-Timeline Creation-Leave No Trace Guide
-Planning Guide
-Vendor Recommendations
-Unlimited Planning and Assistance
-6 Week Turnaround Time for Full Elopement Gallery
-Travel & Accommodations are Covered for Photographer
Visit my pricing page for more info!
This planning guide for eloping in North Cascades National Park will give you a kickstart to planning your once in a lifetime elopement experience. Feel free to contact me so we can start planning your mountain elopement in North Cascades National Park together!
More free elopement planning resources to get you inspired!
I love how you broke down the steps for planning an elopement; it makes the whole process feel so much more approachable. Your experience near Mt. Baker must have been unforgettable!