Elizabeth + Alex
When Elizabeth + Alex were planning their Washington elopement, North Cascades National Park was first on their list. These two love hiking and exploring the Pacific Northwest together, and we think that an important part of having an adventure elopement that is truly reflective of your relationship means incorporating things you are passionate about!
On a crisp summer morning, we met Elizabeth + Alex at their treehouse Airbnb to capture some last minute "getting ready" details.
[Check out our Airbnb Elopement Guide for tips!]
While Alex + Elizabeth made the fearless choice to elope, they still wanted a few classically "wedding" elements! First up, was a first look.
Alex waited underneath a canopy of trees, anxiously anticipating a tap on the shoulder from Elizabeth. As these two embraced for the first time on their elopement day, the excitement of the adventure hung thick in the air.
We set off for North Cascades National Park, not knowing what was in store for us. You see, Elizabeth + Alex had applied for a permit to be wed at the Diablo Lake Overlook: a quintessential and picturesque spot inside North Cascades.
[side note, it is so imperative to make sure you have any necessary permits squared away! Overwhelmed? That is totally valid, and we are here to help you navigate that.]
The Diablo Lake Overlook permit was all good to go, until a few days before their elopement day. A National Park contact communicated to us that there may be construction going on, and the overlook could potentially be closed. Friends, this is why it pays to have a Plan B, or even a Plan C, so that you are not scrambling and stressed on your elopement day.
With our Plan B location in mind, we approached Diablo Lake Overlook. Would it be closed?
Pulling into the parking lot, there were a few workers there. They told us that while they were expecting a helicopter to arrive, it was delayed. We were more than welcome to use the overlook for their ceremony spot!
Elated, Elizabeth + Alex exchanged their vows, placed rings on each other's fingers, and held a handfasting ceremony that they had been practicing. While Alex + Elizabeth wanted to make their marriage legal in North Cascades National Park, they elected to go without an officiant and have Josh sign off [Josh is an ordained minister, and although his approach is purely clerical to guide you through the paperwork process, this can be a good option for couples who would rather do their own thing]. Elizabeth + Alex loved the spontaneity of asking a random passerby to act as a witness, with yours truly filling in for the additional witness.
Not knowing where their ceremony would be was a stressful concept, especially after doing all of the "right things", such as procuring a permit. Being ready for anything is both an exciting possibility, and a stressful one! But when we made it to Diablo Lake and these two were able to have the entire area to themselves...well, that was better than what we could have hoped for! Serendipity often has no rhyme or reason, but it is so sweet to behold.
Cake followed their ceremony, and then the four of us headed out to hike Thunder Knob: a 3 1/2 mile out and back trail near Diablo Lake.
With all of their favorite snacks packed [Cougar Cheese from Washington University and Star Wars gummies, anyone?] Elizabeth + Alex soaked up some leisurely time together at the top of Thunder Knob: Diablo Lake below, and the forests surrounding.
Maybe you are thinking of eloping, but aren't sure of how to include some of the traditional wedding aspects you are hoping for? Here's another fun example for you!
Elizabeth + Alex had their romantic first dance at the base of Washington Pass; the jagged peaks of Liberty Bell Mountain looming over this couple, almost as if the geography was congratulating them.
Serene sighs and smiles, Elizabeth + Alex would then celebrate the rest of their adventure elopement day by having dinner and relaxing at their hotel.
Their elopement day was able to encompass all of their favorite things, ideas, activities, and beliefs...and that's just the way it should be.
