When it comes to eloping in the North Cascades, Artist point is one of the best locations to go. There are multiple beautiful hikes which start in the area, and the nearby views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan are unbeatable. With access to lakes and parking, there is plenty to do and see with a full elopement day at Artist point. Even in August, you may also find a little snow to play in!
That said, there are some things to keep in mind while planning your elopement near Artist Point:
Parking: $5 day pass per vehicle
Crowds: during summer, it is a popular area, so sunrise is a great time to start your hike
Closed from October to June
No camping is allowed.
Hikes which start here: Artist Ridge Trail 669, Chain Lakes Trail 682, Ptarmigan Ridge Trail 682.1, Table Mountain Trail 681
Tory and Kait’s Artist Point Hiking Elopement in the North Cascades
To celebrate their elopement, these two came all the way to the Cascades from New Jersey. They’re both teachers, and wanted a natural and relaxed day that wasn’t too structured. Everything about these two was so fun and laid back! Hiking in the Mt. Baker area of the Cascades checked all their boxes, so they stayed nearby at a cozy guest house complete with a garden and chickens.
They quickly got ready together indoors, and we took a few photos before hopping in the car and heading to our first location.
Tory and Kait’s Artist Point Vow Ceremony
That morning, the weather was looking a little iffy and we almost switched plans. We debated going up to a higher elevation to catch first light, but it was starting to drizzle. As we arrived to the first location on the road up to Artist Point, we decided to stick to our plan and stay in the trees for a little cover.
We hiked along a trail which follows the river, snaking through the dense forest. The area is very lush, with lots of soft mosses and ferns tucked between the trees. Tory and Kait decided to read their vows right there on the trail, under all the massive branches.
It was a perfect, simple ceremony, and they made it official with an exchange of rings. Their go with the flow attitude kept things spontaneous and light the entire time, and again and again, things like rain, weather and light just worked out in their favor.
Their Hiking Elopement Near Artist Point: Chain Lakes Loop
After vows, we spent the rest of the day hiking the trails and exploring the views. To get great Artist Point elopement photos, you really don’t need to try all that hard - everywhere you turn is stunning. We chose to do roughly half of the Chain Lakes loop hike for the rest of the day, which is normally a moderate 5 mile hike.
Tory and Kait even found some summer snow and opted for a playful fight.
READ MORE: 7 Best Elopement Locations in the North Cascades
Finishing with a Vegan Picnic and Moody Sunset
We started hiking back, already thinking about food. Since Tory and Kait are both vegan, they packed some vegan sushi along and had a picnic right there near Artist Point. As a note, it’s super important to bring food during your elopement day, especially if you’re hiking! Sometimes people get so excited they forget to eat enough, so planning a picnic is a great way to pause and keep yourself nourished.
Kait was feeling a little nervous about portraits however, so aside from the sushi, she unpacked a tiny shooter of Maker’s Mark whisky to calm her nerves. Whether it helped or not is for her to say, but the photos speak for themselves!
To make their marriage paperwork official, we tracked down some other hikers in the parking lot to sign as witnesses. After I signed off as their officiant, Tory and Kait were officially hitched!
We headed off to our last little hike to watch sunset and celebrate some more.
Normally, sunset at Artist Point lights up the surrounding mountains with an intense, pinkish glow. However, these two told me they actually hoped it wouldn’t, as they don’t really love the color pink. As if on command, the sun set with a cooler, blue-ish tone, which they were both excited about. The moody sunset cued us to start hiking back to the car, where some of course some snow angels were in order…
These two made having a really laid back and fun elopement day at Artist Point a breeze. They weren’t hung up on little things and super open to letting whatever happened, happen.
If you’re also considering doing your elopement photos at Artist Point, or anywhere in the North Cascades, let Tory and Kait inspire you to take the leap!
