What to Pack and How to Prepare
The mountain is beautiful and it is indifferent to your plans. Prepare accordingly.
The Ten Essentials
For any elopement that involves hiking or time above the parking areas, the ten essentials apply to all members of the party. Navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first aid, fire, repair tools, nutrition, hydration, and emergency shelter. Your photographer, if they are experienced in the region, will help coordinate this. Make sure guests and wedding party members understand the requirements before arriving.
Clothing and Layers
- Base layers and a mid layer regardless of the season — temperatures at 5,000 feet drop quickly after sunset
- Rain layer for everyone — Pacific Northwest weather can change within the span of a ceremony
- Wedding attire considerations: flowing fabric at elevation can become difficult to manage in wind. Talk to your photographer about what works and what does not in outdoor alpine settings.
- Comfortable footwear for any terrain involved — and a separate pair of dress shoes if relevant
- Guests should be communicated to explicitly about weather and layering requirements
For the Ceremony Itself
- Marriage license, signed or ready for signing
- Vows in writing, in a waterproof holder or memorized
- Any ceremony decor, kept minimal for Leave No Trace compliance
- Flowers or florals, if using — work with a local florist who understands the setting
- Rings and any other ceremonial items
For the Full Day
- Water for all members of the party, minimum two liters per person for a full day
- Food and snacks for the full duration, including the couple and the photographer
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Any medications required by members of the party
- Backup battery for phones
- Cash for parking fees and any unexpected purchases
Leave No Trace
The Mt. Baker Wilderness and surrounding national forest land is fragile. Alpine wildflowers are easily damaged by foot traffic off established trails. Wildlife should never be approached. All waste must be packed out. Practice and require Leave No Trace principles of your full party. For reference: Leave No Trace seven principles.
No confetti, rice, flower petals, or biodegradable items that do not belong in this ecosystem. Designate someone to manage waste throughout the day.
What to Tell Guests
Out-of-town guests who have never been to Glacier need explicit preparation. Tell them the drive is extraordinary and to leave time for it. Tell them there is no cell service above Glacier. Tell them what the weather might do and what to pack. Tell them about the restaurants and what to do with the day. Give them the highway as a gift rather than a surprise.
The mountain is beautiful and it is indifferent to your plans.
Prepare accordingly. The mountain will not.
Next Step
Logistics question we did not answer?
We have packed for more Mt. Baker weddings than we can count. Ask us anything.