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Hiking Elopement at Mount Baker in Washington

When it came time to plan their wedding, Frank & Tori knew they wanted something adventurous yet intimate. The idea of a traditional ceremony didn’t quite fit their personalities or relationship. Instead, they envisioned a day that would allow them to explore, breathe in nature, & focus on one another without distractions. Mount Baker felt like the perfect place—a location where they could blend their love for the outdoors with the peaceful solitude they craved. With its green forests, majestic mountain peaks, & diverse landscapes, it offered everything they could dream of for their Mount Baker elopement day.

For Tori & Frank, Mount Baker wasn’t just a scenic backdrop; it represented their desire to step away from the noise of daily life & celebrate their love in a meaningful, private way. Their choice to elope there, surrounded by nature’s beauty, reflected their adventurous spirits & deep connection with each other.

Lantern-Lit First Look & Their Mount Baker Sunrise Ceremony

Tori & Frank’s elopement started in the early hours, as the first light of day touched the peaks of Mount Baker. With lanterns guiding the way, they shared an intimate first look, near the start of the Artist Point trail. Their sunrise ceremony, framed by towering trees & mountain views was just the two of them, with nature as their witness. They adventured around the Artist Point area after the early sunrise & we got so many epic elopement photos!

Discovering Hidden Gems with a Picnic & Rainforest Hike in Washington near Mount Baker

After the emotional exchange of vows, Tori & Frank ventured into the communities of Mount Baker National Forest for some coffee & snacks from Wake n’ Bakery. We also explored a hidden gem of a rainforest location next to a glacial river in the national forest. Surrounded by lush greenery & the sound of rushing water, they enjoyed a moment of solitude before continuing their journey through the forest. They embraced the adventure with a moderate hike, filled with dense trees & moments of quiet in the rainforest. The diverse landscape provided everything they wanted, from towering forests to serene waters, offering the perfect backdrop for candid moments together during their Mount Baker elopement.

Sunset Hike Exploring the Majestic Landscapes of Mount Baker

As the day began to wind down, Tori & Frank set out for their sunset hike. The clear skies & stunning views of Mount Baker as well as Mount Shuksan framed their final moments of the day. The sunset cast a colorful glow across the landscape, highlighting the majestic peaks & the vibrant greenery of the Pacific Northwest. This peaceful hike was the culmination of their perfect Washington elopement day—an adventurous, yet relaxed journey that mirrored their relationship.

Their Mount Baker elopement didn’t go exactly as planned at first though—but it turned out even better. Originally set to happen two days earlier, we all chatted & decided to reschedule due to heavy rain & poor visibility. Although disappointing at first, it ended up being the best decision they could have made. On their new date, they were greeted with perfect weather—clear skies, an incredible sunrise, & a great sunset that framed their day beautifully. The sunny skies allowed them to fully enjoy their hike & take in the views without feeling rushed. For couples planning an outdoor elopement, being flexible with the schedule can make all the difference. They got the peaceful, adventurous day they had envisioned, complete with all the natural beauty of Mount Baker that they had dreamed of for their elopement.


Malachi Lewis is an adventure elopement photographer at Shell Creek Photography.

Malachi Lewis

Photographer & Planner