An Adventurous Washington Wedding featuring one of the most incredible hikes this North Cascades Elopement Photographer has ever done.
I don’t think anyone would have blamed Michelle & Chris if they decided to give up on their adventure elopement halfway up the trail, or heck, even before we arrived at the trailhead. As we drove up the mountain in North Cascades National Park, we were met with a wall of fog – a wall of fog that a hiker coming down the track told us never ended. “There’s no point”, he said, but Michelle & Chris were determined, and it’s so good that they were! The minute they got up there, the clouds parted. It was just unreal. Truly, one of the most spectacular hikes I’ve ever done, and it was such an honor to capture it for Michelle & Chris as their North Cascades Elopement Photographer.
NORTH CASCADES ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER | ADVENTUROUS WASHINGTON WEDDING
Adventure Elopements: Prepare for Anything
Like so many other couples, Michelle & Chris had to postpone their North Cascades elopement in 2020. They’d been waiting a long time to celebrate and had prepared as much as they could for their adventure elopement. They hired a Jeep, to make sure we could all get up the gnarly mountain road leading to the trailhead, and (just like me), spent the week before their wedding studying the weather forecast. Rain was forecast every day of the week, except the first day of their two-day elopement – the day we were due to hike up a super tough trail, famous for its epic mountain views. Of course, they had all the right gear for the hike, which Michelle did in her wedding dress like a total champ! Most importantly though, they’d prepared to be okay with any weather and any situation.
Michelle & Chris took it all in stride – the dreary forecast, the moments as we drove up into the fog, and even as the hiker told us that there was no point. After all this time, they were just excited to be marrying each other, which is such a testament to their priorities and to the fact that they’re getting married for all the right reasons. And luckily, their hopefulness was repaid in full when the clouds finally parted and added to the incredible views over Mount Baker and the Cascade Mountain Range.
Adventurous Washington Wedding
Of course, there’s a reason Washington is known as the Evergreen State – half of the state’s land is covered in lush forests, making it perfect for hikers and couples planning adventurous weddings. Apart from forests, Washington is also known for its mountain ranges, wild beaches, and consistent rain. If you want to explore the rugged coastline that’s enveloped by forest, it’s best to head to Olympic National Park. If you’re a fan of the mountains though, you can’t go past the North Cascades.
North Cascades Elopement Photographer
If you’re interested in planning your own North Cascades Elopement, it’s super important to pick the right time of year – and to be prepared for any weather! The North Cascades gets a lot of snow and of course, plenty of rain. Whether you decide to have your elopement at an easily accessible trail surrounded by lush greens, or high on a mountaintop, one thing’s for sure – it’s guaranteed to be beautiful. Just as long as you are ready to adventure no matter the weather!
Stay tuned next week for Day 2 of Michelle & Chris’ North Cascades Elopement Photography, including a guide on How to Elope to the North Cascades National Park.
Are you looking for a North Cascades Elopement Photographer who can also help you plan something epic? I’d love to hear from you! Just reach out below for more information and to start planning.
Did you love Day 1 of Michelle & Chris’ Adventurous Washington Wedding? Let them know in the comments below!