FAQs

Question

Where will the wedding take place?

Answer

We will have the ceremony at Picture Lake in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Question

Will there be a hike to the ceremony location?

Answer

There is a very short walk from the parking lot to the ceremony location and it is all paved.

Question

Will there be a reception or dinner after the ceremony?

Answer

We do not plan on having a dinner after the ceremony because we will be with the photographer and things close early. However we would like to do a brunch the morning of the wedding due to the ceremony being in the evening.

Question

How do we get to Picture Lake?

Answer

Before leaving the hotel or whatever location you are coming from, use GPS to put in Picture Lake and it will take you to the parking lot. The parking area is located just past the Firs Lodge along the left side of the road on the north side of Picture Lake.

Question

What address do I put in the GPS to get to Picture Lake?

Answer

For GPS, you can use the location of the Heather Meadows Visitor Center as a nearby reference point on WA-542. There is no specific street address, but it is located in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest along Mt. Baker Highway (WA-542), just past the Firs Lodge on the left (north) side of the road near the Heather Meadows Visitor Center with a small gravel lot near the trailhead and overflow parking nearby.

Question

Is there phone signal at Picture Lake?

Answer

Yes! There is phone signal at Picture Lake and Heather Meadows, but it is sparse around the National Forest. Before leaving Picture Lake, we recommend you put in your GPS where you will be heading to after the ceremony.

Question

What is the dress code?

Answer

There is a semi-formal to formal dress code for the ceremony. We want everyone to be comfortable, but we will be taking group photos and would like everyone to look nice. Wear comfy shoes, however if you would like to wear heels you are able to due to the path being paved.

Question

What is the weather like that time of year?

Answer

August is during the sunny season for Washington. There may be a shower here and there, but for the most part it should be sunny and beautiful! The temperature is usually in the 70's for the high and 50's for the low.

Question

Are we allowed to take pictures during the ceremony?

Answer

We ask that phones not be used during the ceremony. The photographer will be using her drone(s) as long as weather permits and we don't want phones in the pictures. You are welcome to take pictures after as long as it does not interfere with the photographer.

Question

How long will the wedding be?

Answer

The ceremony will be a very quick one, maybe 10-15 minutes. After the ceremony we will do some family photos and then just the brides will be leaving with the photographer for the remaining time we have her.

Question

Do I need a permit to go into the National Forest?

Answer

Yes, you can purchase either a day pass for $5 per car or an American the Beautiful pass for $80 which allows you to go into any National Park and National Forest for a year.

Question

How do I purchase the park pass?

Answer

There is no gate to get into the forest, however there is a station along the route that you can purchase your pass there. The easiest way to get your pass is to purchase it online where you can print it or keep it on your phone.

Question

What are the nearest airports and how far away are they from Bellingham?

Answer

Bellingham has an airport, however it is small and pricey to fly into. Vancouver airport is less than an hour away, however you will have to go through the border which can add time depending on how busy they are. Seattle airport is about 1 hour and 45 minutes away.

Question

How far away is Bellingham to Picture Lake?

Answer

The drive is about an hour and a half. We will be staying in Bellingham, but you are welcome to stay wherever you feel is best for driving and activities.