Written by our rad team member, Kiersten Roy
I feel like every elopement is my favorite one, but there was something extra special about Alisha and Maxwell’s two-day family elopement in the North Cascades. What was supposed to be a one-day event, turned into a two-day celebration with their loved ones (rain and all!). Keep scrolling to see more from this incredible elopement with family and learn 3 things to consider when planning an elopement with guests.
A Glimpse Into this Two-Day Family Elopement
Alisha and Max started dating just before the world shut down in 2020. During a time when everything around them was in chaos, these two stuck by each other’s side and grew closer together.
This couple loves to hike, so it was an easy decision for them to choose to elope in the Washington Mountains. They invited a handful of their closest loved ones and chose a spot in the North Cascades for their family elopement.
We chose a wedding day in August (which is one of the best months to elope in Washington), but Mother Nature had her own plans and what we thought would be a day filled with clear skies, ended up being rainy and overcast. To accommodate, we adjusted the plan and shifted Alexis and Max’s elopement ceremony to take place in the forest near their cabin (the incredible Mt Baker Hygge Haus!). After the couple’s first look and ceremony, we headed back to one of their cabins where they all shared a celebratory meal catered by Jack’s BBQ. While everyone was eating, it started to rain but the group did not care! Everyone was just so happy to be there celebrating the happy couple!
Later that evening we decided to take our chances and head up into the mountains to see if we could catch a sunset. Lucky for us, we were rewarded with an amazing sunset over the mountains (the perfect way to end day one of this family elopement!).
The next morning, Alexis, Max and I woke up early and ventured out to Artist Point where we witnessed a beautiful sunrise. There, the couple shared their private vows, ending this two-day family elopement in a very special way.
For more Artist Point elopement inspiration, check out the blog below!
Three Things to Consider When Planning A Family Elopement
When it comes to planning a family elopement, here are three things to keep in mind:
Permits
The first thing you will want to consider is whether or not you need a permit. If your elopement takes place within a national/state park or national forest or on BLM land, you will likely need a permit (and don’t worry, here at Between the Pine, this is something we help all our couples with.). If you plan to elope with family, we recommend choosing a ceremony location within a national forest as these areas are usually a little less traveled allowing you to have more privacy for your special day.
Venue
Speaking of where to get married, you don’t always have to get married on public land. Oftentimes, our couples like to use their Airbnb as their elopement venues or ceremony locations. When it comes to hosting your elopement on private property (whether for your ceremony or celebratory meal), it’s very important to get approval from your host before making any plans. Some hosts allow it and others might have certain restrictions or limitations.
If you’re looking for a cabin to host your family elopement, I know just the one! Stay Between the Pine is our cozy A-Frame cabin nestled in the foothills of the Cascades right on the Snoqualmie River. We created this cabin with eloping couples in mind, and we can’t wait to host you!
Guest’s Abilities
The last thing to keep in mind when planning a family elopement is your guest’s abilities. You may want to go on a hike for your elopement, but if not all of your guests are physically able to do that, then what can you do? The good news is that you can still have the adventure you want while also making the day accessible for everyone. When planning, this is something we are happy to help our couples navigate and this is another reason why we are huge advocates for a two-day elopement (especially when including guests).
What You Need to Know About Packages For Your Family Elopement
When choosing to have a family elopement, we highly recommend the two-day elopement package to our couples. Having a two-day elopement allows you to (in the words of Hannah Montana) have the best of both worlds. You can spend the first day of your elopement with family while keeping the other day for exploring around your chosen location with just you and your love. Click here to learn more about our packages for your family elopement.
Meet Your Family Elopement Photographers
We feel most at home in the outdoors, so it’s no surprise that is where we gravitate towards as your family elopement photographers. Between the Pine was founded by Mollie in 2018 and she has hiked hundreds of miles all over the Pacific Northwest and Kauai, to capture couples during their best day ever. Since 2018, we’ve grown our team and continue to hire even more incredible photographers!
Our team at Between the Pine is passionate about our jobs and adventuring to the most beautiful locations to document your best day ever. We know the Pacific Northwest like the back of our hands and are dying for a reason to head back to the mountains, forest, and everything in between! Click here to learn more about the Between the Pine team, your family elopement photographers!
Meet the Incredible Vendors From This North Cascades Family Elopement
Photography: Between the Pine
Florals: Goldenrod Floral Design
Cake: Antler Baking Company
Hair and Makeup Artist: Urbanista Weddings
Dress: Lovely Bride Seattle
Catering: Jack’s BBQ
Rentals: Balancing Balloons & Grand Event Rentals
Cabin: Mt Baker Hygge Haus
Candles: Orna
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