The Ultimate Guide to Eloping at Mt. Baker in 2026
How to Elope at Mt. Baker
If you’re dreaming of dramatic peaks, turquoise lakes, and endless alpine beauty, the North Cascades are one of the most incredible places you can say your vows. These mountains are often called the “American Alps,” and it’s perfect for couples who want an adventure as a part of their intimate wedding day.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to elope at Mt. Baker!
How to Get to Mt. Baker
Mt. Baker is apart of the North Cascade mountain range and is located in northern Washington along the Canadian border. The area is remote, with no major airports nearby, so most couples fly into a larger city and then drive a few hours!
Bellingham Airport (BLI): The closest option, about45 minutes from most accommodations, and about 1.5 hours from the majority of trailheads. A great choice if you want a smaller, easy-to-navigate airport.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): The biggest airport in the region with the most flight options. It’s about a 2.5–3 hour drive to the park, depending on your destination.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR): Just across the border in Canada, Vancouver is about 2-2.5 hours away. This can be a fun option if you want to add some international travel to your trip!
North Cascades National Park vs Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
When looking at eloping near Mt. Baker, it’s important to understand the region of the North Cascades! There is the North Cascades National Park, and the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. Mt. Baker is apart of the North Cascades mountain range and can be seen from both the national park and the national forest area. Both areas are incredible in their own right, but are about 3 hours away from each other. So for an elopement day, it makes the most logistical sense to focus your day on either the North Cascades National Park or the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. Or, do a two day elopement and spend a day on each side!
Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest is better for shorter hikes and more accommodation options, where the North Cascades National Park is better for longer hikes with less around!
Best Places to Elope at Mt. Baker
The Mt. Baker area is packed with incredible ceremony locations, hikes and views! Some favorites in the Mt. Baker National Forest are:
Artist Point: A high alpine overlook near Mount Baker with jaw-dropping views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker. Accessible by car in summer and early fall.
Bagley Lakes: A beautiful and accessible hike that overlooks two lakes and provides multiple sturdy open surfaces with incredible views for ceremonies with guests.
Horseshoe Bend: A quiet forested trail that leads along a turquoise rushing river.
How Do I Get a Permit to Elope at Mt. Baker
For Mt. Baker National Forest, as long as you have under 75 people, you don’t need a permit for your ceremony! However, for any ceremony inside North Cascades National Park, you’ll need a Special Use Permit. The application fee is typically around $50–75, and permits should be submitted at least a few weeks in advance (earlier if you’re eloping in peak season). You can find the application on the official NPS website.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Elope at Mt. Baker
Because of heavy snowfall, many of the higher elevation trails and overlooks are only accessible in summer and early fall. So to have the best access to trails, the best views, blooming wildflowers and prime weather, August to mid September is your best time to elope at Mt. Baker! Unless you want a snowshoeing elopement and snowy trees, than other times of the year can be beautiful as well!
How to Get a Marriage License in Washington
To legally marry in Mt. Baker you’ll need a Washington State marriage license. You can apply at any county clerk’s office in Washington
Cost: Around $69
Waiting period: 3 days before the license is valid
Validity: License is good for 60 days once issued
Do I Need an Officiant and a Witness for My North Cascades Elopement?
Yes. Washington requires:
An officiant to conduct your ceremony. This can be a friend or family member who gets ordained online, someone you hire, or me!
At least two witnesses to sign your marriage license.
If you’re eloping just the two of you, many couples will have me sign as your officiant and ask a park visitor or ranger as witnesses!
Best Places to Stay for your Mt. Baker Elopement
If eloping in the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest side of things, Maple Falls and Glacier, WA are going to be your best bet for accommodations! There are some seriously cool cabins and airbnbs in the area. Here are a few of my favorites!
Mt. Baker Elopement Activities
Make your elopement a full experience by adding adventure into your day! The Mt. Baker area
Hiking - this is the prime activity for the Mt. Baker area! Whether you want an easy walk, a long trail or something in between, Mt. Baker offers a little bit of something for everyone
Off roading - some of the best trails in Mt. Baker require a 4WD/high clearance vehicle to reach. Head to one of these trails and make the journey there part of your adventure too!
Stargazing - Mt. Baker has some of the darkest skies in Washington
Hot tub or campfire at your Airbnb - name a better way to end your elopement day than in a beautiful cedar hot tub surrounded by lush forests and ferns!
Picnicking - picnics are always a good elopement idea!
Waterfall chasing - there are a few beautiful waterfalls in the Mt. Baker that make for a fun adventure on your elopement day!
Mt. Baker Elopement Timeline Ideas
Full Day Mt. Baker Elopement Timeline
6:00 - Coffee + sunrise together
6:30 - Private vow reading
7:30 - Fishing along the river
8:30 - Breakfast back at the airbnb
—— Nicole splits from couple for a few hours —
12:00 - Getting ready photos
2:00 - First look in the forest
2:30 - Drive to Ceremony Location
3:30 - Ceremony
4:00 - Family Photos
4:30 - Champagne/Cake picnic at picnic tables
5:00 - Hike #1
7:00 - Head to Sunset Photo Location
7:30 - Sunset portraits
8:30 - Sunset
9:00 - Star Photos
8 Hour Mt. Baker Elopement Timeline
1:30 - Meet on the Forest Service Road
1:30 - Mountain biking!
2:30 - Head to Artist Point
3:15 - Explore Artist Point
4:45 - Drive to hike
5:45 - Hike
7:15 - Arrive at the summit
8:34 - Sunset + hike back
9:30 - Wrap up
Two Day Mt. Baker Elopement Timeline
Day 1
1:15 - Getting ready photos
2:00 - First look at Airbnb
2:30 - Stop the river
3:00 - Drive up to mountain overlook
3:45 - Vows at mountain overlook
4:30 - Hike #1
5:30 - Picnic along the hike
6:30 - Sunset Portraits
8:00 - Sunset
8:15 - Wrap up
Day 2
Drive to North Cascades National Park
3:30 - Picnic at Lake Overlook
5:00 - Hike to alpine lake
7:30 - Swim in the lake
8:00 - Sunset
8:15 - Hike back out
9:30 - Campfire at airbnb
Mt. Baker National Park Elopement Packages
I offer a variety of Mt. Baker elopement photography packages to help couples craft a day that’s true to them. Every package includes planning support, location recommendations, timeline guidance, and photography coverage and more!
Packages can be tailored for:
Half-day adventures
Full-day experiences
Multi-day backpacking or road trip elopements
Mt. Baker National Park Elopement Pricing
My North Cascades elopement packages start at 6 hours of coverage, with options for full-day and multi-day experiences. Pricing typically starts around $6k depending on the length of coverage and travel.
Every package includes:
Photography coverage of your full experience
Personalized elopement planning help
Location + permit guidance
Vendor recommendations
Album credit
Snacks, always snacks
Mt. Baker Elopement Photos
If you haven’t seen enough in here and you’re dying to check out a few more Mt. Baker elopement photographs, check out these couples days!
Planning a Mt. Baker Elopement
If you’re drawn to wild, rugged beauty and want an elopement day filled with adventure, the Mt. Baker is an incredible place to celebrate your love. From hiking through alpine meadows to watching the sun set behind some of the most jagged peaks in the USA, your elopement here will be unforgettable!
If you’re ready to start dreaming up your Mt. Baker elopement, reach out below and let’s get the conversation started!
More Mt. Baker Elopement Planning Resources
Best Time to Elope at Mt. Baker
9 Trails Near Mt. Baker for your Elopement