A Two-Day North Cascades Elopement
Kaitlyn + CJ
Some couples dream about a mountaintop ceremony with just the two of them. Others imagine being surrounded by the people who have shaped their love story. Kaitlyn and CJ chose both. Their two-day elopement in the North Cascades was the perfect blend of community and intimacy, celebration and quiet moments, tradition and wild adventure.
This is one of the reasons I love photographing elopements—there are no rules. You get to build an experience that reflects who you are as a couple. And that is exactly what Kaitlyn and CJ did.
Day One: Ceremony by the Water
We kicked things off at their cozy cabin tucked in the woods just outside North Cascades National Park. The morning felt calm but full of anticipation. While a private chef prepared dinner back at their Airbnb, Kaitlyn and CJ got ready for their big day at the opposite end of the house.
They shared a quiet first look in the back yard. It was one of those moments that felt completely still—just deep breaths and teary smiles. Afterward, they exchanged private vows, a beautiful way to slow down and soak in the commitment they were making before stepping into the rest of the day.
Once their families were ready, we caravanned into the park and headed straight to one of the most iconic overlooks in Washington—Diablo Lake. The turquoise water shimmered under the summer sun, and the mountains layered in the distance created the perfect backdrop for their heartfelt ceremony.
With their closest friends and family gathered at the lakeshore, they spoke their vows, slipped on their rings, and officially began their marriage. After cheers and hugs, we captured a few group photos full of laughter and then spent some time exploring the rocky shoreline for portraits.
One of my favorite moments from day one was back at their cabin that evening. Their private chef had prepared an unforgettable dinner, and the atmosphere felt intentional and warm. Between the sunlight seeping through the windows and the smell of fresh herbs, it almost felt like a cozy dinner at home—just elevated. During the meal, their parents and siblings shared toasts, telling stories about childhood memories and how these two had grown into partners who truly bring out the best in each other. It was deeply sentimental without being overly formal—authentic in all the best ways.
Day Two: Mountain Vows and Sunset Hike
For day two of their elopement experience, Kaitlyn and CJ wanted to get deeper into the wilderness. Hiking is a huge part of their relationship, so exploring a new corner of Washington felt meaningful and true to who they are.
We met early near Mount Baker on the opposite side of the North Cascades. The drive alone was breathtaking—the kind where you roll down your window just to breathe in adventure. Our first stop was Artist Point for an afternoon exploring snow patches and sweeping views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker. After soaking in the scenery, we swapped trails for off-roading and headed toward a less-traveled hiking area for sunset.
One of the beautiful things about eloping in the North Cascades is the variety of landscapes you can experience in a single day: rugged peaks, wildflower meadows, alpine lakes, and fire lookout ridges. If you plan ahead, you can build a day that unfolds like a story—from morning mist to alpine glow.
The hike we chose led us up rocky switchbacks to an overlook that felt like the edge of the world. On the way, we were greeted by a small herd of mountain goats grazing along the hillside. They paused to stare at us before wandering off, as if giving their quiet blessing for the day.
We reached the summit just in time for gold and rose-colored light to pour over the mountains. Kaitlyn and CJ shared another moment of connection here—just the two of them with nothing but wild air and wide open sky. After sunset, we hiked back down by headlamp under a sky full of stars, the trail glowing faintly like embers.
When we got back to the trailhead, the day ended with an unexpected twist: I had a flat tire. But in true adventurous spirit, they jumped right in to help, and we laughed our way through it. Honestly, it was the perfect ending—real, unfiltered, and full of heart.
Tips for Planning a North Cascades Elopement
If you are dreaming of your own mountain elopement in the North Cascades, here are a few tips inspired by Kaitlyn and CJ’s experience:
1. Consider a two-day experience to include both family connection and private adventure time.
2. Hire a private chef if you are renting a cabin—this keeps the day relaxed and elevated without the pressure of cooking.
3. Explore different regions of the park. Diablo Lake and Mount Baker feel like two completely different worlds.
4. Plan around the light. Sunrise and sunset both offer incredible colors and fewer crowds.
5. Be ready for adventure. Off-roading, wildlife, changing weather—embrace what the mountains give you.
Kaitlyn and CJ’s elopement was the perfect reminder that marriage is not just about one moment—it is a journey. And sometimes, that journey is best celebrated step by step, ridge by ridge, hand in hand.
If you are dreaming of your own intentional elopement in the North Cascades, I would love to help you craft an experience that feels like you.
“Sally was the best to work with. From her amazing personality to her beautiful photos, the whole thing was perfect. We knew we wanted a mountain elopement but didn’t quite know where to go for the right views. Sally was knowledgable in helping us find the perfect spots! Any time we had a question about the process she was quick to help out. Our photos look better than we could have imagined! She even helped with our poses because we definitely aren’t naturals with that one!”
Vendors
Photography | Sally G Photography
Private Chef | Honest to Goodness
Dress | Vera’s House of Bridal
Shoes | Columbia
READY TO START PLANNING YOUR ELOPEMENT? REACH OUT NOW!
Hey, I’m Sally! I’m a destination adventure elopement photographer based in Washington, but traveling worldwide!
