Where can you find jagged peaks, over 300 lakes and ponds, and more glaciers than anywhere else in the lower 48 states? The North Cascades National Park.

Rightly nicknamed the “American Alps”, the North Cascades have the most rugged mountains and alpine lakes in Washington State. Whether you’re planning an adventurous backpacking elopement (like this one) or simply love spending time in the mountains, the North Cascades is a phenomenal place to celebrate a marriage.

Travel

The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is the largest airport nearby. They have direct flights from almost anywhere you could imagine and it’s about a three-hour drive to arrive in the heart of the North Cascades.

If you’re wanting to cut down on the drive time, consider flying into Bellingham, Washington. It’s smaller but is still an international airport and it’s just one hour away from the mountains.

Legal requirements to marry in Washington

You can check here for all of Washington’s current laws about marriage. There are options to apply in person or by mail, but in short, you must apply for a license at least three days prior to your wedding and use it within 60 days. For your ceremony, you must be married by an ordained officiant and have two witnesses present.

When to visit

July to September

Although weather can change quickly and it varies greatly throughout the year, the most promising time to visit is between July and late September. This is when all hiking trails are accessible, and although there are occasional summer storms, rain and stormy weather is at its lowest.

If you’re interested in visiting between late autumn and spring, you can expect loads of snow along with some seasonal road and hiking trail closures.

The trails that are accessible during this time are stunningly gorgeous. However, it’s important to know that some of these trails present avalanche danger. Make sure you’re comfortable navigating this terrain or that you’re with a guide, like myself, who is familiar with these locations.

What to do

There are so many ways you can explore the outdoors in the North Cascades! We have over 400 miles of hiking trails in that area alone, great road trips routes, options for mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing, horse back riding, camping, white water rafting as well as tamer activities like going for a hot air balloon ride, helicopter tour, touring breweries, or wine tasting.

Check out this blog for specific recommendations.

Determine your guest list

Your guest list will play a large part in determining where you can hold a ceremony in the wilderness. If you have a group of 12 or fewer (vendors included in this count), you’ll have the ability to use any trail. If your group size is larger than 12, you’ll have to keep to appointed overlooks and amphitheaters.

Apply for a permit

Click here to apply for a special use permit and ask questions about potential ceremony locations according to your group size. Keep your guest’s needs in mind when considering locations as well. Although there are plenty of spaces that can accommodate everyone, not everywhere is ADA friendly.

Avoid the crowds

Although the North Cascades has more than two million acres of designated wilderness, certain trails and overlooks tend to draw crowds. To have a private ceremony, ask your photographer about lesser-known locations and consider marrying on a weekday at golden hour.

Decor

With the stunning scenery of the landscape, you won’t need much décor. Washington’s national parks and wilderness areas allow "modest decorations", but most of my couples bring along a bouquet if anything.

Preserving the natural environment is a top priority, so you will not be allowed to dig holes to stabilize a wedding arch, remove any vegetation, or throw confetti (even the biodegradable kind) as it takes months to decompose.

Sustainable practices

Similar to all wilderness spaces, you’ll need to practice leave no trace principles. This means no wandering off paths for photos, leaving trash or décor behind, and respecting the wildlife and other visitors.

Set expectations

You’ll need to educate your guests on the differences between your wedding and most others they have attended. If you’ll be hiking to your ceremony location, let them know not to arrive in heels and to be prepared for unpredictable weather. The last thing you want is someone hobbling down a rocky path in stilettos!

Alternatives

If tying the knot inside the North Cascades National Park isn’t a viable option for you, don’t worry. There are plenty of great alternatives outside the park boundaries. Check out this list of where to elope in Washington and these elopement venues for more inspiration.

Start planning your North Cascades Elopement