Eloping at Artist Point - Your Ultimate Guide
Couple enjoying 360 Cascade views at Artist Point
About Artist Point Elopements
Artist Point is located around the Mt. Baker area on the north side of the North Cascades National Park. Because Artist Point is located in the North Cascades National Forest, this is one of the few locations that is dog friendly. If you want to elope with your dogs, this is the perfect location within the North Cascades that will let you have your fur babies tag along!
Couple overlooking Mt. Baker at Artist Point area
Why You Should Elope at Artist Point
The Mt. Baker area is one of the best places to elope in the North Cascades! This area has views that no other place in Washington has, with Mt. Shuksan,, Mt. Baker surrounding you, providing you with stunning 360 views, alpine lakes, wildflowers, and berries scattered throughout the trails. One of the reasons this are is a popular elopement location is for the ease of accessing the area. You don’t need to hike 10+ miles to be rewarded with stunning views. You can actually find some of the most beautiful locations right out of the parking lot! This makes it a great location when looking for an ADA accessible elopement location in Washington.
In the North Cascades, you can really choose your own adventure! Looking for an easy lake right from the car where you can kayak or paddleboard in your wedding gear? Or are you looking for a big wedding adventure and have a backpacking elopement and a truly private ceremony and celebration? The Mt. Baker area is perfect for all couples looking to elope in Washington!
Couple hiking out of Mt. Baker viewpoint
Best Time to Elope at Artist Point and Mt. Baker Area
While some areas of North Cascades are open throughout the year, the best time to elope at Artist point is between August and September. This will ensure that the trails are free of snow, you have a greater chance of fantastic weather, and have gorgeous sunsets overlooking Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan. The wildflowers around Artist Point peak in August due to the late snow melt, so if you’re looking for a mountain wildflower elopement, then having an elopement in the Mt. Baker area in August will be your best time for that.
If you are looking for a magical snowy elopement, then I definitely recommend eloping in July or throughout October! The roads are accessible, and for the most part, the snow is compact enough that it makes walking to the viewpoints easy enough. You can always consider bringing microspikes just in case. Snowshoes also look amazing in your wedding gear, just saying!
Couple elopement overlooking Mt. Shuksan
Tips to Have an Epic, Yet Secluded Artist Point Elopement
Because this area of the North Cascades takes until late summer for the snow to melt, this area of the park becomes very crowded. One way to avoid crowds for your wedding is to elope during the weekday and elope during sunrise. There’s a reason the early bird gets the worm, or in this case, the entire mountain to themselves!
Couple enjoying the Mt. Baker view at their wedding ceremony
Artist Point Wedding Permits
Since the locations around the Mt. Baker area are located in the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, they will have different rules for obtaining permits than a National Park would. As your (hopefully!) Artist Point elopement photographer, this is one of the items I will take care for all of my couples.
You will need to make sure you have a Northwest Forest Pass, however. If you don’t want to pay for the year pass, you can purchase a day pass at local retailers such as REI, at the trailhead, and gas stations nearby.
Couple reading vows at Mt. Baker area
Lodging near Artist Point and Mt. Baker
There are many areas when looking for acommodations for your elopement around the Mt. Baker area. Below are some spots that are within a short driving distance to the trailhead.
Camping! There are several campgrounds such as Douglas Fir Campground and Silver Fir Campground that are less than 30 minutes from the Artist Point Trailhead. You can also opt out the less traveled road, and drive along any National Forest Road and disperse camp! We love camping this way as it lets us find a truly remote location. Just remember to follow Leave No Trace Principles! You can learn more about Leave No Trace and why it’s so important here.
AirB&B around Deming, Washington. There are MANY cabins, A-frame houses that you could rent that would make for great getting ready photos and for a post-wedding reception.
Mt. Baker Lodging
If you’re looking for additional assistance and guidance of finding the perfect lodging spot, I am here to help you provide recommendations for lodging or anything else you need!
Couple camping elopement at North Cascades
Going to bed after eloping!
Artist Point Elopement Packages
With Sea to Summit, you don’t have to worry about travel fees, lodging fees, or any of that! My North Cascades elopement packages include 4+ hours of photography, officiating services (if needed), timeline and logistic planning, location scouting, and more! If you’d like to learn more about my Washington elopement packages, feel free to check it out here!
Blue hour lantern photos at North Cascades
Couple sharing a kiss overlooking Mt. Baker at North Cascades
About Your Artist Point Elopement Photographer
Hi! I’m Doug, your Mt Baker elopement photographer. Thanks so much for reading, I’m hoping this guide is helpful as you think of eloping at Artist Point or anywhere around the Mt. Baker area. Are you ready to book your Artist Point Elopement Photographer? Feel free to email me at info@seatosummitphotos.com or fill out the contact form below and let’s create the wedding of your dreams!
