Epic Artist Point Hiking Elopement

Real Elopement with Photos!

Behold: if a Lord Huron song was an elopement. Ya’ll, I’m *beyond* excited to be sharing more from J + C’s Artist Point elopement in Washington. From dreamy wild flowers, the most incredible sunrise AND sunset, and joy to spare, this elopement is not one to be missed. (pro tip: Listen to Old Pine by Ben Howard as you look through these photos).

When J + C first reached out to me, they wanted 2 things: a super intentional and intimate elopement that was just for the two of them, and they wanted to explore mountains that were new to both of them. Both J + C are very familiar with mountains (C is a mountaineer and has spent time in mountains all over the world) but hadn’t yet spent time in the Cascades of Washington. After seeing some photos of some elopements I’d shot there over the years; it was settled.

While getting after it is truly something these two are pros at (as evidenced by me running into them on a trail two days later during another elopement… while they were trail running haha) they didn’t want their elopement day to be a suffer fest. So they intentionally picked two beautiful spots, one with a bit of a hike for a small dose of adventure. 

The day of their Artist Point elopement dawned clear and perfect. We met in an almost empty parking lot in the wee hours of the morning (before 5am!). I helped set up a first look, complete with alpine glow mount baker, lots of joy… and soooo much bug spray. We took a leisurely walk out for an epic sunrise spot to enjoy the views and coffee. It was beyond fun to see J play with her dress and totally embrace the outdoor hiking bride vibe, playing with her dress, twirling, and generally having the best time. 

J + C enjoyed the sunrise together, then had a little morning picnic complete with trail coffee in some little topographic coffee mugs bought special for the occasion, and the best of all elopement breakfasts; donuts. We hiked back together buzzing with excitement for the rest of the day.

We took quick nap break, then met up at their airbnb where I got to meet J + C’s adorable pup, before we drove up a sketchy mountain road for an EPIC hike with the best views ever. We took our time enjoying the hike (in full wedding attire!)- touching the abundant wild flowers, playing in patches of snow. And then we were at the peak that spoke to J + C to begin with. The view that solidified this mountain as THE mountain where J+C would be married. Tucked off to the side J + C exchanged private vows surrounded by 360 views and the most gorgeous sunset behind them. I gave them some moments alone to bask in the “just married feels.” Then we celebrated in true mountain summit fashion: with cold pizza and dancing to Old Pine as night fell.  

We ended the day with a hike down the mountain by headlamp… and a quick star photo 🙂 

It was beautiful and if was perfect.

It was the kind of day is the kind of day that underscores exactly why I do what I do and the approach I have to elopements (and life) in general. We don’t always have an infinite amount of somedays to do things. Nothing in life is guaranteed. These two in particular are testaments to that and while their story is theirs alone to share I will say this; they are no strangers to how fragile, unpredictable, and precious life can be. They went full send into their day, wanting to embrace every second and not take one moment for granted. It was a real and true honor to bear witness to.

A day with so much joy purposely etched into every moment. Proud to share this artist point elopement story through photos. I hope you enjoy it, too.

(Elopement Vendor Dream Team!)

hmua: Anne Timms

florist: Frog Song Flowers

dress: Kite and Butterfly

boots: Danners

Inspired by this location? Want to learn more about eloping in Mt Baker?

And here are a few very kind words from the couple about their experience on their elopement day. Thank you, J + C. From the bottom of my heart!