Lanya + Robert’s High Rock Lookout Elopement

A little (mostly unknown) secret about me: I don’t believe in coincidences, but I DO believe in divine interventions. So, before we tread off on the trail of Lanya + Robert’s High Rock Lookout Elopement, here’s a little backstory for you:

As a homeschool mom, I’m always trying to find ways to get my kids out of the house, especially when they are running rampant and destroying whatever small section of cleaning I’ve managed to do. During the last year of the pandemic, we found Capt. Pepperjack’s Treasure Hunts. A wonderful Capt. Pepperjack would head out on various trails in our local area and place small “treasures” for kids and adults to find. After spending several months chasing treasure, I decided on a whim to donate several gift certificates to the hunt. Lanya + Robert found one of those gift certificates and this is the story of how they chose to spend it.

A Hike Like No Other: High Rock Lookout

When we book clients, we like to tailor the experience to them and the things they love to do. Sometimes this means going way out of our comfort zone and cell service range. You’d better believe I was stoked when Robert asked if they could use their treasure towards an elopement hike and said yes right away. Everything about their plans had me giddy with joy and excitement; why it’s taken me so long to blog this elopement, I have no idea.

Choosing to elope is an extremely personal decision, and choosing to elope in a location where you had your first date makes it truly an unforgettable experience. As Robert told the story while we were hiking, he figured that if Lanya could survive that hike on their first date, she’d be down for anything life threw their way. So, with 15 of their best people, they started their life together with an epic adventure.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

In an effort to prepare, I read the reviews and notes on the Washington Trails Association website, taking into consideration what happened when I did the same preparation for Sarah + Cody’s Franklin Falls Engagement Session. (Cliff Notes: WTA listed the full hike as 6 miles… it was 9 according to our various watch trackers). I knew going in to be on the lookout for “exciting” unknowns that weren’t listed, and to strap on my best hiking shoes for High Rock Lookout. Boy was I about to be surprised, and surprise myself along the way.

We met up in Ashford at Whitakers Lodge, where the energy was buzzing with excitement, ready to embark on the nearly 4-mile round-trip hike to witness Lanya + Robert’s vows. As friends and family gathered, it became very clear that this wasn’t just any elopement hike – this was a journey, both literally and figuratively. Our group was a pretty impressive tribe of varying experiences and skill levels, but everyone was committed to making this hike for Lanya + Robert. We knew this was their dream elopement and couldn’t wait to head out. We caravaned to the trail head, winding our way through towering trees, in various vehicles that didn’t look like they belonged in the wilderness.

When we arrived at the trailhead, we realized looks can most definitely be deceiving. High Rock Lookout was visible from the parking lot, making the hike seem “not so bad”. But about a mile in (and a 700-900 ft elevation gain) we realized this was a short but mostly uphill hike. Another little-known fact, I’m not exactly a fan of heights and most definitely prefer to stay grounded (or at least strapped in!). But I’m also slightly stubborn and curious, so when we reached the final stretch of the hike, I definitely didn’t take the easy route. See, there are two ways to end this hike to the peak: a longer winding route or a steep incline up the last 300 ft elevation gain. I took the cliffside much to the dismay of Jake who watched me get about 40 feet up before reluctantly following so I didn’t fall.

Saying “I Do” on the Edge of the World

You’d better believe though, when I arrived at the top and realized I had to walk right next to the steep cliff drop, I clung to the lookout platform like a baby sloth on its mama. Terrified, I stayed close as possible to the ground, until I was safe on the platform. The scary stuff was worth it though: with unreal views where Mount Rainier seemed close enough to touch through the always present haze of the PNW sky, and the feeling of the whole world stopping to pause for Lanya + Robert’s High Rock Lookout Elopement.

The world may have kept turning, but the moment froze as Lanya + Robert promised forever with the trees, mountains, chipmunk and their best people witnessing the love between them. No elaborate decor, or extra details, just the raw beauty of nature, loved ones and heartfelt vows to bring everyone to tears. It’s incredibly moving when elopements get so personal and deeply emotional. If I had my choice, I’d climb mountains every weekend to see these beautiful moments brought to life.

The best part of elopements like this is they don’t just end with the ceremony. We still had to hike back down from High Rock Lookout! The backdrops provided on the way down were stunning and we never had to leave the trail. Lanya + Robert soaked in all the ceremony afterglow and every second of their wedding day. The love, the joy and the sheer adventure of it all, makes these High Point Lookout Elopement images some of my favorite wedding portraits ever.

Marriage isn’t just about the promise to commit your life to another person, it’s about embracing the wild, beautiful journey of love. A love that both moves mountains and sits quietly by roaring waves. It sees you through your best and worst moments, and supports you through all of life’s adventures. Lanya + Robert’s elopement was the beginning of a beautiful marriage and an equally beautiful life journey that we love getting a small part in.

If you’re dreaming of an adventurous elopement in the PNW, whether at High Rock Lookout or another breathtaking location, let’s chat! I’d love to help capture your love story in a way that’s as epic as your journey together.