
Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest offers a variety of beautiful ceremony locations that I love photographing with my couples. You can imagine my excitement when Bre and Marshall reached out to me about photographing their Washington elopement ceremony at Picture Lake. They made the trip from California and we spent two days adventuring together as I snapped away with my camera.




Sunrise Washington Elopement
We had an early start to Bre and Marshall’s big day. Before the sun rose for the day, they shared first look photos at Artist Point and these two were already radiating joy. Afterward, their closest family joined them for a beautiful elopement. Bre’s stepmom officiated their waterfront ceremony as the sun rose above the iconic Mount Shuksan. (The alpenglow on Mount Shuksan during sunrise and sunset is my favorite in the whole state!) As they exchanged vows surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the state, there were plenty of emotional tears and laughter. This was just the beginning!






Mt Baker Wedding Reception
Once the ceremony concluded, the three of us made our way to Huntoon Point. There, Bre & Marshall posed for sunrise couples portraits and shared their first dance. Since they opted for my adventure package, they had plenty of time to explore and soak in the morning without rushing. Once the portraits wrapped up, we joined their families for lunch at a local brewery. They celebrated with food, cake, and beer and still had time for a nap! After resting, we met back up at sunset for a hike around Bagley Lakes and used lanterns to help light our way back to the car. Their wedding day was slow and intentional but didn’t lack in adventure– everything they’d hoped for with their Washington elopement.







Elope in Washington
If your heart is calling you to elope in Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, I couldn’t encourage it more! You should know, however, that it’s an extremely popular elopement destination (for good reason). Because of this, I highly recommend choosing sunrise or sunset (sunset is busier) during a weekday for the most solitude. Due to the weather, this area is only accessible for a few months out of the year. Typically, it opens mid-to-late July and is open until the first major snowfall (mid-October or early November).

The best part, aside from the stunning views and alpenglow on Mount Shuksan, is that a permit isn’t required for parties of 75 or less. I highly suggest keeping the guest list to a much more minimal number (around 15), however, because most ceremony spots can’t accommodate many more than that. I’d also suggest opting for a multi-day stay to make the most of your elopement and see all the forest has to offer! When you combine that with a longer elopement photography package, it allows for even more adventure, variety, and intentional time together.





Mt Baker Elopement Timeline
Curious to see what a typical elopement timeline looks like? Below is Bre & Marshall’s schedule for their big day. They booked my all-day adventure package, plus a next-day session. We were able to explore a completely different area with more hiking and photos outside of their wedding attire. Needless to say, their time in Washington was memorable for all three of us!
5:15 am | Tessa meets M + B at airbnb, head to Artist Point
6:15 am | Arrive at Artist Point
6:30 am | M + B share a first look before the ceremony
6:45 am | Ceremony as the sunrises
7:15 am | Family photos
7:45 am | Family departs, couples photos around Artist Point
9:30 am | M + B share a first dance together on the trail
10:00 am | Depart Artist Point, head back to airbnb
11:00 am | Airbnb photos
12:00 pm | Head to North Fork Brewery with guests, toasts, sign marriage license, cutting cake
1:00 pm | Midday break
5:00 pm | Meet back up, head to Bagley Lakes for sunset
5:45 pm | Arrive at Bagley Lakes
7:30 pm | Sunset, lantern photos on the way back to the car



Washington Elopement Vendors
Makeup – Mariie Makeup Artistry
Suit Designer – Indochino
Dress designer – BHLDN, secondhand from Adina’s Bridal
Cake – Pure Bliss Desserts
Dinner – North Fork Brewing
Airbnb






Elopement Photographer Washington
If you’re dreaming of a wildly romantic elopement surrounded by Washington’s iconic mountain views, you’re in the right place. I’m Tessa, an elopement photographer based in Washington state. I’m passionate about helping couples create meaningful, stress-free wedding days that reflect who they are from planning and permits to the photos themselves. Whether you’re planning a sunrise ceremony or a full-day adventure like Marshall and Bre, I’d be honored to help document every moment. Reach out here to start planning your dream day!