Mountain Elopement in Washington State

Jul 25

Meeting Erin and Kevin in person for the first time this month felt like meeting an old pen pal. We’ve been planning their elopement since November of 2019, so we’ve gotten to know each other well through the ups and downs of the pandemic. Let’s just say they are the kindest, most patient people ever.

Visiting from Georgia, they planned an epic road trip visiting the North Cascades, hiking, and kayaking in the San Juans before they made their way to the Olympics to get married in near solitude. They stayed in Sequim, and Erin fittingly made a flower crown for herself out of lavender (Sequim is known for its lavender farms). Their entire outfits were impressive. Erin’s sister made her dress, all from secondhand fabrics, and Kevin’s outfit was a combination of his own wardrobe and Poshmark.

Out of all the easy hikes with mountain views I suggested for their elopement, they chose to get married at the most remote locations of them all. Getting to the summit of this mountain is a short 0.25-mile hike — getting to the trailhead is the most adventurous part. It takes driving on a long, narrow dirt road with blind corners and steep drop-offs. Washington always rewards the extra effort you put in though, and the stunning panoramic views are worth the drive.

When we reached the top of the mountain, we had a sea of clouds beneath us and clear views of mountains to the west. It could not have been more idyllic, or in Kevin’s words, “it’s so quiet and it smells good!” After choosing the spot for their ceremony, they took a minute to calm their jitters with a private walk.

Amber did a wonderful job officiating, and Erin and Kevin wrote their own vows. In hers, Erin told Kevin that she was done promising things for the future after waiting a year and a half to get married and instead shared a list of the reasons why she loves him and wants to marry him. She made him laugh the hardest with her “I like your butt” line, but I think his vows made her shed the most tears.

After the ceremony, they cheered and decided that a first dance felt right. The way that Kevin looks at Erin in these photos will make your heart melt!

Afterward, we wandered until we found a new view for their picnic, where Kevin and I worked some last-minute magic to surprise Erin with vegan marionberry pie. Erin broke out an awesome bomber jacket to stay warm, and we took a few photos right before the sunset. We stopped just in time to watch the sun dip beneath the clouds.

Walking back to the cars was dreamlike. What an incredible way to start married life together.

Vendor team:
Officiant: Celebrations by Amber
Videography: Whale Heart Productions
Pie: Corina Bakery