What do you do when, after a year of planning your dream elopement, the location where you wanted to say “I do” is on fire due to a lightning strike? Well, you change plans at the last minute and find yourself a magical hidden Alpine lake in the middle of Mount Baker Wilderness, just like Rachel & Ryan did.
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Meet Rachel & Ryan the couple who got married at Iceberg Lake
After months of planning, Rachel and Ryan planned to marry at Washington Pass and hike to Blue Lake for photos. Just a week before, lightning sparked a forest fire near Diablo Lake, forcing a last-minute change. Staying calm, they quickly switched to Mount Baker Wilderness and chose Iceberg Lake, an alpine spot on the Chain Lakes Loop trail.
On wedding morning, they hiked in thick fog, adding a mystical vibe. Sunrise photos by the lake were magical, surrounded by wildflowers—even with millions of mosquitoes forcing a move to the forest. Rachel’s flower-embroidered dress matched the forest perfectly.
Rain poured during their ceremony, but their outdoor wedding embraced every challenge nature threw their way. They ended the day with a cozy picnic under the forest canopy, laughter, and memorable group photos—proof that adventure and love always find a way.
Best places for an Alpine Lake elopement
Eloping by an alpine lake offers a breathtakingly romantic setting, blending the serene beauty of pristine waters with the rugged grandeur of mountain landscapes. Here are some of the best places around the world for an alpine lake elopement, each with its own unique allure:
Most beautiful Alpine Lakes in Washington State
- Diablo Lake
- Tipsoo Lake
- Lake Ingalls
- Colcuck Lake
- Hidden Lake
- Iceberg Lake
- Lake Ann
- Lake Valhalla
- Blue Lake
- Lake Crescent
Most beautiful Alpine Lake locations worldwide
- Washington, USA
- Colorado, USA
- Dolomites, Italy
- Alps, Switzerland
- Peru
Best time to elope at an Alpine Lake?
The best time to visit an alpine lake depends on where it’s located and the unique characteristics of the lake itself. In places like Italy, you can usually access alpine lakes earlier in the year because of the warmer climate and lower altitude. This means you might get to enjoy them as early as spring.
However, if you’re considering alpine lakes in Washington State, you’ll likely have to wait until mid-summer. That’s because the higher altitude and rugged terrain often keep these lakes covered in snow well into the warmer months. Trails might not be passable until the snow melts away, usually around mid-summer.
So, if you’re planning a trip to an alpine lake in Washington State, aim for mid-summer for the best chance of accessibility. But wherever you’re headed, it’s always a good idea to research the specific conditions and seasons of your chosen destination to make the most of your visit and soak in the beauty of these natural wonders.
Vendors:
- Photography: Running Wild Studio
- Dress: Temperley London
- Suit: Suit Supply
- Hair & Makeup: Rendering Beauty