The dynamic North Cascade mountain range is an interface of stunning mountains and glaciers, a perfect location for nature-lovers to celebrate their connection. Samantha and Greg, despite the distance, traveled all the way from the East to West Coast for their wedding along with their family. This North Cascades National Park elopement was an amazing choice for the outdoorsy couple to celebrate with loved ones.
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North Cascades National Park Elopement: A lunch at the cabin
After traveling from Washington DC, we knew Samantha and Greg would appreciate a leisurely morning getting ready in their cabin. They had invited their family to join them, getting ready with each other in the forest getaway. Everyone was excited to begin the hike up into these unique, water-filled mountains. Over 500 lakes and ponds cover the park, not including the glacier-fed rivers and steams! Before leaving the cabin, everyone had a beautiful outdoor lunch reception together.
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Want to see more Washington elopements? Check out this adventurous North Cascades Backpacking elopement.
The reception was complete with bright blue tables, resembling the glacial water bodies in these mountains, and boho decor. Erika, of The Greatest Adventure Weddings, put together a beautiful lunch reception at the cabin. It was her vision that brought together the mountain landscapes and the artistic, communal design of their lunch. Celebratory toasts went ’round as excitement built for the upcoming adventure. Once finished with lunch, we all eagerly joined Samantha and Greg to embark on their final hike as an unmarried couple.
Family hike for a North Cascades Elopement Ceremony
After talking with Sam and Greg about the vision for their ceremony, we knew just spot for their ceremony with their family. Spirits were high on our short hike together to the ceremony, through the mountains up to a vista overlooking a glacier-carved valley. North Cascades National Park is full of over 300 active glaciers, birthing the rivers and streams flowing through the park. It features over 9,000 feet in elevation change, and is one of the more biodiverse parks in the country. Since the park spans the width of the Cascade Crest, it contains wildlife native to the temperate rainforest as well as those native to the eastern ponderosa pine ecosystems. Many of these natural beauties surrounded us on the hike up and at the final viewpoint. Â
Want to see more Washington elopements? Check out this alpine Mt. Rainier elopement.
The family adventured through the rocky, marble-filled mountainsides to get in position by a small, gorgeous bright glacier-blue pond. The North Cascades are the most glaciated area in the United States, outside of Alaska. Still developing through the movement of several tectonic plates, these mountains continue to rise and shift. They are recognized by scientists as some of the most complex geological formations in the world. Read more about this amazing national park on the official website. Surrounded by these towering, snow covered peaks, the ceremony commenced. After Samantha and Greg exchanged vows, we enjoyed the fresh mountain air with them and their family and had one more epic champagne toast.
Sunset elopement portraits in the North Cascades
After the ceremony, the family returned to their cabin to get ready for their desert and late night celebration for when the bride and groom return after sunset. If you’re having an elopement with a few guests, this is a great way to break off from your guests for a bit while we go adventuring in the mountains! We took the next two hours to explore the area during the mountain sunset, crossing alpine meadows, traversing rocky slopes, stoping for fun photo ops here an there, and capturing all the excitement along the way. The alpine meadows were full of boulders and stones scattered by the glaciers, and rare alpine grasses. We captured photos of them gazing at several peaks including the gorgeous Mt. Baker and the rugged Mt. Shuksan (Gabi’s favorite mountain in Washington). After the sun had set, they headed back home to join their family for dessert, drinks, and more celebrations. We all left the park full of awe of Washington’s North Cascades National Park.
NORTH CASCADES ELOPEMENT VENDORS
Planning, Florals & Officiating The Greatest Adventure Weddings & Elopements // Photography The Foxes Photography // Dress Maggie Sottero // Cake Saltadena // Rentals Seattle Farm Tables, Pedersen’s Event Rentals & Balancing Balloons // Hair & Makeup Pacific Brides // Stationery Apollinecalligraphy, Etsy // Videography Green Attic Films