I will start by saying this– Z & Shelby are the absolute best. They are so fun, sweet, and down for adventure.

Within the North Cascades are some of the most adventurous locations you could pick for an elopement within the Pacific Northwest, maybe the West Coast.

I first fell in love with this part of the country back in 2016. Having never been there before, I decided it was a really good idea to walk across the whole state, starting in the North Cascades. Did I hike way too many miles the first day? Yup. Did I cry nearly every day for two weeks? Yup. Did I absolutely fall in love with those mountains? Yup.

Z and Shelby’s elopement day started with a sunrise hike at Artist Point in the Mount Baker Wilderness. In mid July, the trails were still covered with snow. It can be a bit of a wild card, but if you are planning an elopement in the North Cascades, I recommend a late summer or early fall date in order to allow time for the snow to melt.

We had a moody, overcast morning with many mosquitos buzzing around our faces. Trying our best to follow the trail, we hiked a small way out to get the lay of the land– this was important, because though we had different plans for the evening, we decided to come back for sunset, in hopes of a better sunset… and boy, did we get one!

After our sunrise hike, we took a break at the AirBnB in Deming. Deming, WA is an adorable little mountain town (that I desperately want to move to), and it is an excellent basecamp for a North Cascades elopement.

Z & Shelby’s rental house was called the Arch House. I love a house with unique shapes and curves where you don’t expect them… research shows that curves are not only stronger architecturally, but that they’re better for brain function.

They spent the afternoon getting ready for adventure elopement round two, preparing for the main event of the day– the vow exchange. Taking time to sit on the back porch in the verdant backyard and write out their vows before heading back up the mountain.

A few twirls and hugs in this beautiful afternoon light, filtering through the trees, then off we went.

As we waited for golden hour, we stopped for a lovely, flowered stroll around Picture Lake. If you are eloping in North Cascades this short loop trail is ADA and an excellent option for those with mobility considerations.

Back up the mountain, greeted by a f**king rainbow at sunset… are you kidding me?

Z ran out of the car, Shelby close behind. I could hear a laughing “move! I’m gay!” as they ran through the parking lot towards the snow.

The rainbow stuck around in front of Mount Shuksan for a while, as we ran and played along Artist’s Ridge. Later in the season, the snow on Artist’s Ridge Trail melts in a tarn (ephemeral alpine lake), that perfectly reflects the mountain.

As the temperature dropped with the sun, the clouds took a pink hue, and we headed out for the vow exchange with Mount Baker in the background. The western slopes illuminated in an evening alpenglow, Z & Shelby read extremely emotional, heartfelt words to each other. Tears were shed, laughs exchanged, and we headed back down the mountain after a perfect elopement at Artist Point.

PNW Elopement Photographer

When it comes time that you start planning your adventure elopement in the Pacific Northwest, I’d be honored to be considered as your photographer. Spending many years as an outdoor guide and nature educator has given me a unique perspective on planning and photographing adventure elopements, and the PNW is one of the most beautiful places in the world to elope… just one of the most beautiful places in the world in general.

If you are curious about my process or experience, or if you have any questions at all about eloping in the North Cascades, or the greater PNW, please do not hesitate to reach out here.

Additionally, you can check out these (and other) resources from my blog to get you started on your elopement plan.