Add my name to the list of folks who were truly unaware of just how breathtaking Mount Baker, Washington is. As a Minnesota wedding and lifestyle photographer, I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to several awe-inspiring places across the U.S. From Hawaii to the Great Smoky Mountains, I’m always left speechless by God’s creation. And let me tell you—Mount Baker is no exception. Gabby and Cory’s Mount Baker elopement was such a joy to plan alongside them, and watching the hours of meticulous preparation come to fruition was bittersweet. If you’re searching for breathtaking mountain elopement inspo and need planning tips for your own Mount Baker elopement, you’re in luck! Let’s dive in.
Breathtaking Mount Baker Elopement | Gabby and Cory
I first met Gabby while photographing her best friend’s wedding—she was the maid of honor. I was instantly drawn to Gabby’s kind, bubbly spirit. Flash forward a bit—Cory proposed, and they began their wedding planning journey. They knew they wanted to elope or have a destination wedding, and I was thrilled. Because Gabby’s schooling had consumed much of their life, she and Cory were adamant about traveling alongside their favorite people.
After Gabby asked if I would be open to traveling (yes, please!), we sat down to brainstorm locations. We discussed potential venues, worked through logistics, and eventually narrowed down the search. Given their passion for the outdoors and hiking, Mount Baker was the perfect spot for them to say “I do.” Once we had the location nailed down, we dove into planning all the little details of their mountain elopement.
Over the next several months, Gabby and I met for virtual coffee dates, exchanged notes on different Mount Baker ceremony locations, and built their day-of timeline. We landed on Artist Point for their ceremony, which would be officiated by Gabby’s best friend’s husband—the same best friend whose wedding I photographed when I first met Gabby. Talk about a full-circle moment! Ultimately, they chose Artist Point because of its accessibility and breathtaking views.
Planning an Epic Elopement at Mount Baker
Virtual location scouting was a huge part of the planning process, but we made sure to have several backup options. I’ll touch more on the challenges of planning a destination wedding later in this blog, but my research showed me how quickly the weather could change on Mount Baker. Because so much time went into planning Gabby and Cory’s intimate wedding, we prepared for limited cell service. By laying out arrival times, confirming addresses, and utilizing maps, we ensured we were ready for any lapse in communication. Additionally, I had our trails and backup trails downloaded on AllTrails.
No matter how much planning went into Gabby and Cory’s intimate wedding, some things simply can’t be anticipated. Just days before I was set to fly to Washington—at 28 weeks pregnant—I was hospitalized. Thankfully, I was able to find an incredible associate photographer to step in and ensure Gabby and Cory’s Mount Baker wedding day was perfect. And now, as I write this, my sweet, healthy daughter is napping peacefully. Despite the heartache of missing their big day, it’s incredibly rewarding to see that everything went off without a hitch.
Helping plan Gabby and Cory’s Mount Baker elopement was such a joyful experience. While it didn’t go the way I initially envisioned, I’m so grateful to Lexi Rose Photography for stepping in to make their wedding day as perfect as they deserved. To say I’m looking forward to future destination weddings and elopements would be an understatement—planning this day was so fulfilling.
Now that you’ve read about Gabby and Cory’s dreamy Mount Baker elopement, keep reading for insider tips on planning your own destination wedding or elopement. And be sure to stick around until the end to drool over the incredible images from their breathtaking wedding in the mountains!
The Benefits of a Destination Wedding or Elopement
One of the biggest draws of a destination wedding or elopement is the opportunity to travel. Gabby and Cory valued traveling alongside their favorite people, and it’s something many couples cherish. As we get older, opportunities to spend quality time with loved ones become fewer. A destination wedding is like an incredible family vacation in an epic location. Plus, who wouldn’t want family photos and bridal portraits with jaw-dropping views?
Another major benefit is often the more appealing price tag. While not always the case, destination weddings are frequently more affordable than traditional weddings. If you have flexibility, you can save money by tying the knot during the off-season at your chosen destination. And if a full destination wedding isn’t in your budget or vision, an elopement is a fantastic way to save money and embark on an adventure with your partner. You can even have a fun wedding reception when you return home!
The Challenges of Planning a Destination Wedding or Elopement
The idea of traveling to a place as vast and picturesque as Mount Baker was something I could’ve only dreamed of as a Minnesota wedding photographer. While I’ve been fortunate to guide many couples through their Midwest wedding planning journeys, organizing a PNW elopement from hundreds of miles away was an exciting challenge. Gabby and Cory were a dream couple in so many ways, but what impressed me most was how much they trusted my expertise.
Some couples choose to book a destination first and then find a local photographer, while others—like Gabby and Cory—hire a photographer first and plan the details together. Both options have their challenges. I touch on this more in my blog How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Photographer, which covers budget considerations, research tips, and more.
Many couples opt for an elopement or destination wedding thinking it will be easier to plan than a traditional wedding. While certain aspects are simpler, elopement planning is not without its challenges. Whether you’re planning your own elopement or just curious about the process, my biggest piece of advice is to take your time. While it’s possible to plan an elopement quickly, having extra time makes it far more manageable.
Considerations when Planning a Destination Wedding or Elopement
No matter where your destination wedding or elopement takes you, there are several factors to consider. From legal aspects to logistics, I highly recommend enlisting the help of a professional to walk you through the process. Each item/consideration below will vary on specifications depending on where you are tying the knot. If you are considering different locations for your wedding, make sure to look into each of the following to ensure a smooth planning process.
Legal Requirements for a Destination Wedding or Elopement
- Marriage License — This might sound pretty silly to add to your elopement planning check list, but don’t forget to research your destination’s requirements for obtaining your marriage license. In many states (including Minnesota and Washington), an ordained officiant, the couple, and two witnesses must sign the marriage license. Alternatively, some states allow couples to self-solemnize, meaning they don’t need an officiant. Make sure to research your destination’s requirements or consult with your wedding photographer.
- Wedding Ceremony Permits — Many national parks, city or state parks, public lands, etc. will require you to purchase a permit with a designated time slot and location for your ceremony. This permit will specify how many guests you may have in attendance as well. Your wedding location plays a big role in this, so research thoroughly (or hire a professional to guide you through the fine details).
- Photography Permits — Although it isn’t necessarily your responsibility as the couple to research if a photographer needs permits, it is something to be aware of.
Additional Destination Wedding Considerations
- Photography Restrictions — Again, this isn’t necessarily your responsibility as the couple to know, but some venues and locations do have restrictions when it comes to photography or videography. A great example of a restriction would be the use of a drone being prohibited.
- Unpredictable Weather — This is vital to consider when researching locations for your destination wedding or elopement. While you obviously can’t predict what the weather conditions will be like on a certain date several months into the future, you can be aware of what to expect. Weather can change with zero warning, especially in mountain regions and tropical destinations. If you plan on having an adventurous elopement that includes hiking of any kind, be prepared for mud or poor conditions. This will be especially important if you are in need of an easily accessible trail. Research weather patterns and be prepared to adjust plans if necessary.
- Lodging and Accommodations — Securing lodging and accommodations for your destination wedding or elopement can prove to be a challenge, especially during peak tourist season. The earlier you can secure your date, the sooner I recommend securing lodging. If you are traveling with a group of people and want everyone to stay in the same space, VRBO is a great resource!
- Vendor Sourcing and Limitations — As incredible and mesmerizing as a remote destination wedding sounds, it definitely can limit options for vendors. Not only can you count on prices being higher in remote locations, you can also count on their calendars being booked out in advance.
Mount Baker Wedding Photographer | Alyssa Ashley Photography
Planning a destination wedding or elopement is an incredible adventure. With the right preparation, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Whether you’re dreaming of a Mount Baker elopement or another breathtaking destination, having a photographer who understands the logistics and nuances of travel weddings is key.
If you’re in the process of planning your dream elopement, and still searching for a photographer to document your best day ever, look no further! Let’s connect here. You can also keep up with me on the ‘Gram (@alyssaashley_photography). But until next time, just know that I am so thankful to have you here. I’m here cheering you on, friend.
Mount Baker Wedding Vendor Team:
Photography – Alyssa Ashley Photography
Associate Photographer – Lexi Rose Photography
Beauty – Skagit Bridal Hair & Makeup
Bride’s Dress – Wedding Shoppe Inc.
