Colchuck Lake Wedding: An Epic Elopement Adventure in the Washington Alps

If you’re dreaming of a Colchuck Lake wedding, you’re likely the kind of couple who values jaw-dropping views, meaningful moments, and unforgettable experiences over tradition.

Tucked away in the heart of the Enchantments near Leavenworth, Washington, Colchuck Lake offers one of the most striking backdrops for an adventurous wedding day.

In this couple’s Colchuck Lake wedding story, Adrienne and Andy knew they wanted something extraordinary for their elopement—a sunrise ceremony, a challenging hike, and time spent doing what they love most together. And that’s exactly what they got.

A Wedding That Almost Didn’t Happen: Is a Colchuck Lake Wedding possible?

When Adrienne and Andy first reached out to us about their Colchuck Lake elopement, they had already been told their vision was “not possible.”

Other vendors said:

• The hike was too intense
• The early start was too ambitious
• The day wouldn’t be enjoyable

But at Adventure and Vow, we believe no adventure is too big, and we love a bit of challenge mixed into the day. This creates an environment for a more impactful and meaningful experience, so we are always about it.

Having tagged along with couples through early morning hikes and high-altitude ceremonies before, we knew exactly how possible their Colchuck Lake wedding would be and how great of an experience they’d have as well.

Hiking to Colchuck Lake Before Sunrise

On a crisp morning in late July, we met Adrienne and Andy under the stars in the parking lot to begin the 5+ mile hike with over 2,400 feet of elevation gain.

As we made our way up the trail:

• The couple powered through switchbacks and forested paths
• We made our way across waterways and rocky alpine terrain
• After hours of darkness, the sky slowly transitioned to the soft glow of dawn

Once we reached the lake, Adrienne used a travel mirror to do her elopement makeup trailside. Then she slipped into her gown while Andy suited up nearby.

They met casually in the early morning light—everything around them looking like a watercolor painting.

Sunrise Vows overlooking a Crystal-Clear Colchuck Lake

The couple sat together on a blanket, sipping coffee and taking in the peaceful surroundings. With no one else around, they shared private vows overlooking the stunning blue waters of Colchuck Lake.

It was:

• Quiet
• Intimate
• Deeply meaningful

A moment completely their own, surrounded by the towering peaks of Colchuck and Dragontail and their reflections still as glass upon the lake.

Fly Fishing at Colchuck Lake in Wedding Attire? Yes Please.

Fishing is an important part of Adrienne and Andy’s relationship, so of course it had to be part of their Colchuck Lake elopement.

With gorgeous backlight from the morning sun, they:

• Set up their fly fishing gear
• Cast lines into the still blue lake
• Took time to truly enjoy the moment

Even though no fish were caught, the experience was perfect—slow, joyful, and grounded.

We stepped back, allowing the scene to unfold naturally, setting up a few posed shots but otherwise enjoying our time together while capturing candid images of them doing what they love.

Afternoon Break Before the Evening Celebration

After the ceremony and fishing, we hiked back down to the trailhead.

By then, the trail was bustling with hikers making their way up for the day. We parted ways for a few hours to rest and reset.

Later that evening, we reunited at a private riverside cabin in the Leavenworth area.

Intimate Dinner + Family Toasts at a Riverside Cabin

The couple rented a charming cabin with:

• A spacious lawn
• Private riverfront access
• Cozy corners perfect for gathering

Here, Adrienne and Andy:

• Shared a private chef-prepared dinner (shoutout to Miere Catering—it was unreal!)
• Toasted with family
• Signed their marriage license surrounded by their loved ones

The entire evening felt deeply intentional. Nothing was overdone, but every detail was thoughtful and true to the couple.

FAQs About a Colchuck Lake Wedding

How long is the hike to Colchuck Lake?

The trail is about 10 miles round-trip (It’s longer than All Trails says, we promise!) with 2,400 feet of elevation gain. Plan for 2–3 hours to reach the lake, depending on pace.

Is a Colchuck Lake wedding legal?

Yes! You can legally get married at Colchuck Lake. Because of the location of the lake in wilderness land, there is a limit on how many people are allowed in your group. Also keep in mind that this is a very challenging hike, so it would not be a good fit for anyone with mobility restrictions or low levels of fitness.

When is the best time of year to elope at Colchuck Lake?

Late July through early October is ideal. Trails are typically snow-free, and the scenery is unbeatable.

Is a Colchuck Lake Wedding better at Sunrise or Sunset?

We 100% stand by the fact that a Colchuck Lake Wedding is better at sunrise. This is because it’s a very popular trail during the popular season, which is also the only time period we’d recommend holding a wedding here. If you value privacy at all and would like it to be an experience rather than feel like a photo shoot, then definitely choose sunrise over sunset.

Can you fish at Colchuck Lake?

Absolutely. Colchuck Lake fishing is popular among alpine anglers. A valid Washington State fishing license is required.

Where is Colchuck Lake located?

It’s part of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness near Leavenworth, WA, and accessed via the Stuart Lake Trailhead. You will be able to use Google or Apple Maps to get yourself to the trailhead simply by looking up Eightmile Trailhead parking. From there, continue driving up Forest Service Rd. 7601 for about .75 miles until it ends at Stuart Lake Trailhead. If you like to be extra prepared, here are the coordinates for the trailhead parking:

47.52775, -120.82086

Is there a lot of parking for Colchuck Lake?

If you plan to start at sunrise, absolutely! However, this trail is one of the busiest hikes not only in Leavenworth, but also in Washington state as a whole. So do keep in mind that a later start can often mean you’ll be parking a mile down the road, adding two extra miles to the hike overall.

View their Lake Colchuck elopement photo slideshow

For every elopement couple, we create a slideshow of their elopement photos so that they can watch their elopement day back, even if they do not book a video. Slideshows bring your images to life creating a beautiful way to see your images for the first time and share your elopement day with loved ones.

We Can’t Wait To Hear More About Your Colchuck Lake Wedding Plans!