A Symbolic Elopement at Lassen Volcanic National Park

Megan and Day’s elopement at Lassen Volcanic National Park was anything but ordinary. From kicking off their day with heartfelt moments at Lake Helen, where they said “I love you” for the first time, to an adventurous hike at Bumpass Hell – a trail they didn’t even expect to be open – this experience was truly unique. They wrapped up the evening back at their cabin, sharing a private dinner and reading letters from loved ones, with deer meandering in the yard as a perfect backdrop.

What inspired you to elope instead of having a traditional wedding?

We’ve never really been into the idea of a big wedding. The whole scene – huge gatherings and formal traditions – just didn’t feel right for us. We wanted something intimate and personal.

The decision to elope became clear during a visit to Lassen Volcanic National Park, a spot that felt like our own little slice of paradise. It was the same place where we first said “I love you,” so choosing it felt like the perfect way to start our forever together.

Why did you choose Lassen Volcanic National Park for your elopement?

Lassen Volcanic National Park has always held a special place in our hearts. It’s a stunning, somewhat hidden gem in Northern California. During one of our earlier visits, we felt such a deep connection to the area, especially at Lake Helen. It just felt right to exchange vows in a place that meant so much to us.

Can you walk us through your elopement day and some favorite moments?

Our day started at Lake Helen, a beautiful and serene spot that provided the perfect backdrop for our ceremony. We stood barefoot in the water as we exchanged our vows, which felt incredibly grounding and symbolic.

After the ceremony, we hiked to Bumpass Hell. Funny enough, we didn’t think the trail would be open because of heavy snow that year, but it opened just in time!

The views were absolutely breathtaking. We ended our day back at our cozy cabin, sharing a delicious private dinner and reading letters from loved ones.

It was an unforgettable, heartfelt experience.

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Reading Love Letters in a Peaceful Forest Setting

How did you both decide on your elopement outfits?

Finding our outfits was such a fun experience! Megan wanted a dress that was both elegant and comfortable, and when she found it at Linen Jolie Bridal, she knew it was the one. It fit perfectly and looked stunning in the park.

I went for a two-piece suit that felt true to my style, paired with a classic hat to add a bit of flair. Seeing each other in our outfits was such a magical moment, and it made the day even more special.

What was the process of writing and sharing your vows like?

Writing our vows was one of the most emotional parts of planning. We didn’t follow any templates or guidelines – we wanted them to come from the heart. We took time to reflect on our journey together and everything we had experienced.

Sharing them in that serene environment, with just the two of us and nature surrounding us, made the moment feel timeless and incredibly powerful.

How did you handle the legal side of your elopement?

We made sure to take care of the legalities by getting a marriage license beforehand, which was pretty straightforward. A close friend of ours, Sarah, officiated the ceremony, making it all the more personal. She even brought a gong and struck it to close out the ceremony, which was such a unique and memorable touch.