You might start planning a wedding at Mt. Baker in Washington State because of the otherworldly views from a glacier-covered stratovolcano, but that’s just the beginning of what this elopement location has to offer. Come along for a peek at the details of Julie + Bryan’s intimate wedding and see just how incredible this region is for eloping in the mountains!

A couple has a ceremony with their immediate family at Artist point with mount Shuksan in the background in September

Why choose the Mt. Baker Wilderness as your Washington State wedding venue?

Tucked between the US-Canada border crossing and the city of Seattle sits Mount Baker, the third-tallest mountain in Washington State, surrounded by impressive forested wilderness bubbling with geothermal pools and lined by hiking trails with top-notch views. It is a part of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, with North Cascades National Park to its east, Mount Rainer National Park to the south, and Puget Sound to the west – making it part of one of the most iconic regions for outdoor adventure in the United States.

And I can’t say for sure, but if you’ve landed on this blog, something tells me you’re a fan of outdoor adventure! Which is probably why you’ve chosen to forego a traditional Washington State wedding venue and opt for something a little more you. If nature, hiking, mountains, skiing, fresh air, or big views are your thing, getting married at Mt. Baker might be the ceremony location you’ve been looking for!

But Mt. Baker isn’t the only peak around offering something special for your big day, there are so many incredible spots to choose from in this region. Just down the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway, Artist Point boasts nearly panoramic views of the peaks in the area and Heather Meadows offers an easy, accessible hike to similar views! Check out Hannah and Cody’s adventure in Washington State at Artist Point for more inspiration from the same area!

Behind the Scenes of Julie + Bryan’s Intimate Wedding in the Mountains

If you could imagine the perfect fall day in the mountains, Julie + Bryan’s Mt. Baker elopement is exactly what you’d envision. While the autumn months can be a bit risky with the weather, the good days are some of the absolute best of the year for an elopement. There was a dusting of snow on the mountains from the day before, the bushes were turning bright red and golden, puddles around let us get creative with reflection, and they were treated with an insane alpine glow to wrap up a seriously gorgeous day!

Julie and Bryan met teaching in China, with a night out at trivia kickstarting a life of travel, adventure, and so much love. They spent time living apart, sending handwritten letters to each other, and planning trips around Asia in between. When it came time to plan a wedding, friends and family said they could see them eloping somewhere magical – and that they did!

While they knew an elopement made the most sense for them, they couldn’t imagine doing it without their immediate family, so they brought them along for an adventure in the alpine! An intimate wedding is a phenomenal way to get all of the perks of eloping and planning a personalised wedding, without missing out on celebrating it with the ones you love most!

They got ready in a cabin about a 30-minute drive from Mt. Baker with their families, the fresh air buzzing with a relaxed excitement for the day. They chose to do a first look at the cabin before starting their wedding day with a scenic drive together. While I’d usually expect guests to stand for a ceremony in this location, they got lucky with a relatively flat area to set up chairs for their guests. There are rarely more kids than adults at an intimate wedding, but their small guest list was full of sweet tiny humans wrapped in blankets while Bryan’s brother performed a heartfelt ceremony with plenty of teary eyes from the rest of the family. The sun shined as they were announced husband and wife and celebrated a truly beautiful day, from the weather to the joy all around.

After the ceremony, we made sure to get plenty of family photos before running off to do portraits just the two of them. I was gushing the entire time and could not get over how picturesque mountain views and one ideal lighting scenario after another (a wedding photographer’s dream)! By the time the sun was setting and the alpine glow lit up the sky, I was tickled pink. Pun intended.

Their night ended with the kiddos watching a TV show in the upper part of the camp while the rest of the family munched on take-out tacos around a shared table. Some speeches were made, a cake was cut, and they shared a first dance on the deck of the cabin – the perfect mix of traditional wedding moments with a laid-back, intimate day that felt true to them.

That’s the magic of intimate weddings and elopements, they can be anything you want, anywhere you want, with whoever you want!

FAQs for a Washington State elopement at Mt. Baker & Artist Point:

Can I access Mt. Baker at any time of the year?

You can access the Mount Baker Ski Area in the winter, but the road to the mountain is not maintained. It opens at the beginning of July, the exact date depending on the snow melt, and closes with the first significant snowfall of the year, as early as the end of September but usually mid-October to early November. You can check road conditions and updates on the Mount Baker Ski Area website!

When is the best time to plan a Mount Baker or Artist Point?

As a wedding photographer with plenty of experience in mountain elopements, my favourite times to elope in the mountains of Washington State are August and September, end of August to the beginning of September if you want to get specific! Winters can be frigid and while the area never has a true summer, this time of year gives you comfy temperatures, the most stable weather, and clear views of the epic scenery!

Are dogs allowed at Mount Baker or Artist Point?

Yes! Bring along your furry pals to make your day even more special (plus I love photographing them, see?!) Because many national parks or preserved areas aren’t so dog friendly, Mount Baker is a great option if having your pups by your side is important to you! Keep in mind that dogs must be kept on a leash in the area.

Do I need a permit to elope at Mt. Baker?

You do not need a permit to get married in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest for groups under 75 people. It’s just another reason this elopement location is a great option for a mountain wedding, as it’s pretty rare to be able to get married in US natural areas without applying for a permit!

What are the requirements to elope in Washington State?

To get married in Washington State, you’ll need to apply for a marriage license. There is a waiting period, so you must apply at least three days before your elopement date! The license is good for 60 days before it expires. No worries if you don’t live nearby, you can apply at any county office and King’s County allows you to apply online! You can find more information on the requirements to get married in Washington State here.

You’ll also need to be married by a registered officiant and have two witnesses sign your license on the day of! These can be anyone – including your photographer, videographer, guests, or even a random hiker wandering by!

Can I stay in a cabin near Mt. Baker or Artist Point?

You won’t find accommodation right near the elopement locations. Glacier, the closest town nearby, has some cozy cabins, unique A-frames, and other rentals with laid-back forest vibes. I recommend checking AirBnb! It is a 30-40 minute drive with nothing but wilderness in between, but it flies by because you’re so enamored by the views! Trust me on this one.

How many people can I bring to my ceremony at Mt. Baker?

For an elopement or intimate wedding at Mt. Baker, personality I’d recommend between 0-8 guests. You could bring along up to 20 guests and make it work, just as Julie and Bryan did! Just keep in mind that you won’t have an area completely to yourself, as it’s a busy area without many private spots to accommodate a long guest list.

Thinking Mt. Baker is the perfect spot for your intimate wedding in Washington State?

In my humble (but very experienced) opinion, I’d have to agree! With a unique natural landscape of bubbling hot springs and huge stratovolcanoes, the ease of permit-free ceremonies, and the freedom to bring your family along (pups included), a Mt. Baker wedding or elopement offers everything you could want. Contact me if you’re looking to book a photographer for your day, I’ve got plenty more tips to share!

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