Exploring this breathtaking mountain top with Emily and Travis was such an adventure, full of so many surprises—the weather really kept us on our toes (and in & out of our rain jackets) all day! We braved the rough forest road and the rainy forecast to get to the top of a mountain, and it was so worth it as the skies opened up to give us spectacular views of all the mountains surrounding us. A truly epic North Cascades fire lookout elopement if I’ve ever seen one!
Emily & Travis’s North Cascades Fire Lookout Elopement
An unpredictable mountain top adventure
When Emily and Travis first inquired with me, they mentioned the sense of connection they both share to the enchantment of the Pacific Northwest; how the two of them relish in the sense of peace that comes with experiences and adventures out in nature. Envisioning an authentic day focused on the natural environment that brings them so much joy, they trusted that nature would deliver a magical experience for them and were comfortable with whatever it would bring— thank goodness for that, because Mother Nature really did say here you go, enjoy!
The forecast called for rain and clouds all day in the North Cascades, but we stuck with the plan, braving the awful forest road to make it up to the spot they’d chosen for their ceremony. I had zero hope that anything would clear up, so I was reallyyy hyping up all the benefits of eloping in the clouds. After all, there’s always a chance of weather altering your plans when you elope in the PNW; it just comes with the territory.
But one by one, we got to see each mountain surrounding us in a small pocket through the cloud cover, the window of clarity moving gently with the wind to give us little peaks of the peaks. Until eventually, the sky opened up, and suddenly we were surrounded by 360° views of some of the most magical mountains in Washington!
It really goes to show how important it is to be prepared for any and all weather scenarios, so that if your elopement day is filled with low clouds and thick fog (like Emily & Travis’s was at first), you’ll be ready to go with the flow and embrace it. And maybe even trust that Mother Nature will reward you at the end of the day (maybe!) 🙂
For all my best tips on how to get in the right mindset before your adventure elopement & prepare for any weather scenario, def read through my guide to How to Embrace “Bad” Weather On Your Elopement Day.
A first look in the clouds (literally)
Our hike up to the mountaintop was incredibly scenic, spent trekking through gorgeous greenery and purple wildflowers that gave the landscapes that extra little pop amidst the foggy, gray skies. Once we arrived at our destination up in the clouds, Emily and Travis changed into their elopement attire for their first look, which took place at a little overlook that typically would provide beautiful views—but instead gave us nothing but fog. They laughed the entire way through and were truly so full of joy despite the completely blank, white skies behind them; who needs views when you have the love of your life standing in front of you, ready to commit to you forever? <3
Check out this Cloudy Mt. Rainier Elopement at Tolmie Peak Lookout for more bright white skies & a sweet fire lookout vow exchange!
A ceremony overlooking the Cascades
Their ceremony couldn’t have taken place at a more perfect time, just as we started to see the smallest glimpse of a mountain in the early afternoon—proof that there was something that existed beyond the clouds that had been surrounding us all day. Emily and Travis celebrated as they exchanged their vows, watching the break in the clouds travel around them, giving them peeks into the ranges before completely opening up. And it was glorious.
We were so thankful for the clouds that kept the mountain almost completely free of other hikers, and that made us all the more appreciative of the views when they came. It was such a treat, made all the sweeter knowing that it almost didn’t happen. It made us appreciate every moment we had with the peaks around us, taking it all in while it lasted. What a way to be present on your elopement day!🤍
P.S. Did you see the absolutely STUNNING bouquet Emily was holding during their ceremony? Humble Bouquet put together the most gorgeous creation full of vibrant colors that absolutely shined amidst the gloomy, gray skies!
Dreaming of planning your own adventurous mountain elopement? Lucky for you, I’ve got an entire guide to Planning an Epic Mountain Elopement in Washington all ready for you to dive into.
Cozy camping elopement portraits
Sunset rolled around and we were gifted with even more spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks around us, still out in the open and visible among the clouds as the sky glowed orange. The night wasn’t over yet, though, because Emily & Travis pulled out their tent to set up camp for the evening, and we made sure to snap a few photos before I said goodbye. Capturing these two newlyweds all cozied up in their tent beneath the soft, warm light of just a couple lanterns amidst the dark of night was pure magic. The most perfect way to end this enchanting, adventurous, and absolutely epic mountain top adventure.
North Cascades Elopement Photographer
It was a dream to tag along with Emily and Travis for their breathtaking North Cascades fire lookout elopement, and one that I’d be more than thrilled to recreate with you (in your own epic way, of course!) 😉 Get in touch about your Washington mountain elopement, and we’ll start planning out what your unforgettable day looks like—rain or shine, I have no doubt it’s going to be magical.
To see more drool-worthy elopement inspo in the mountains of Washington, browse through the galleries below:
