Most of the time, my team and I are the ones sharing our favorite places with couples — it’s always such a delight when a couple shares one of theirs!

Sadi and Ben and I talked for a long while about locations, comparing different trails and spots, then ultimately they came back to me with their own idea. This spot is where they shared one of their first camping trips together — they originally found it by paddleboarding to it.

I’m like — why didn’t you start with this?? This place is perfect — not too long a hike but good enough to get away from the main drag, and the most gorgeous view of Mt. Baker. Perfectly situated for a sunset ceremony.

Let’s do it.

Getting ready at the riverside cabin

The morning started in the cutest riverside stay where they helped each other get ready, enjoyed coffee, exchanged gifts, read cards, and reminisced on old photos together. A lovely slow morning — it was important to them to not feel rushed so we made sure to plan a good amount of time here to start.

They wanted these morning moments captured — so they donned their wedding attire for a bit, but then before heading out swapped back into normal clothes in prep for the hike. (Also, it was a hot day.)

I loved their classic black-and-white details and felt that this Airbnb was truly a perfect fit for their “vibe”. They also had so many cute details and thoughtful touches: charms on Sadi’s hiking boots, a custom photo album of all their adventures, plus their Keeper Co vow books which had space for them to paste in photos and prompts to help bring back all kinds of lovely memories. One of the questions in their vow books was, like, describe a favorite memory — they chose the same exact memory.

Thoughtful really is the word, for these two. Two of the kindest and sweetest people I’ve met.

The hike

Started the hike in normal attire then changed partway through as they got closer to their spot. Forest gorgeous, old growth, moss. Lots of critters: slugs and salamanders. Sadi’s mom painted them this beautiful watercolor painting which they left in the trail box as a lovely memento.

Every five minutes we’re stopping like — damn, this place is beautiful. What a beautiful day. Even in the summer heat. We’ll take it.

The spot

Got to our site — folks had started to set up camp and had their boats out but they moved them for us (very kind!), still had plenty of intimacy and privacy for their vows and picnic. Running a touch behind for sunset but it was much cooler and prettier after sun tucked behind mountains anyway, so no complaints.

Breathing into the ceremony, setting the stage for their heartfelt vows.

Sundown celebrations

Champagne, charcuterie, roasted rice krispies, pumpkin spice bundt cake. Stayed out later than planned to watch the stars come out. Watching bats fly across the water. Watching the sky turn purple and dark. Is there a color we didn’t see this day?

That really is what it feels like.

Trip report

Timeframe — early September
Location — Baker Lake in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Weather & conditions — high of 85, sunny and clear as can be
Guest count — none!
Lodging — Riverside Retreat in Concrete, Washington
Hair & makeup — EM Bridal Team
Vow Books — Keeper Co Vow Books
Photography, planning, picnic, & officiating — Wilderpines Elopements

Want to Elope in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest?

A few important things to know:

Hire a photographer that’s also a guide — Forest Service land around Baker offers incredible flexibility compared to national parks, but conditions change fast—snowpack, trail work, and forest road closures all matter. I help couples choose locations that match their ability level and season.
Choose a weekday — Baker’s iconic spots (Artist Point, Huntoon Point, Picture Lake, Baker Lake, etc.) get extremely crowded in summer and fall. A weekday sunrise or sunset, or planning a longer hike, can make your experience feel so much more private and intimate.
Permits — Depending on your plans you may need a special use permit from the national forest. Get in touch and we’ll help you figure out what you need.
Seasonality — Seasonality can be tricky here in these high-elevation alpine zones, between snow, road/trail access, and crowd management. Typically July through October are the best windows — tell us what you have in mind and we’ll help find a date and location that works for you.