What’s more cozy than a warm fireplace with a scenic wintry view? That’s how you’ll start your full day adventure elopement around Diamond and Crater Lakes. After ordering a warm breakfast from the lodge, you get ready in your wedding duds with outer warm gear, makeup and effortless hair done by a local HMUA, and drive a short 5 minutes to pick up snowmobiles for the day.
You’ll hop aboard snowmobiles and race through the trees, alongside a frozen lake with views of an extinct shield volcano.
We’ll cross over into national park land as we use the north entrance (that’s below several feet of snow). With only one parking lot at the rim open, you’re miles away from anyone and seeing what maybe a handful of people get to witness every winter. The perfect spot for your ceremony is overlooking the caldera with a full view of Wizard Island.
We head back to the lodge, stopping at various points of interest along the way: other 360 degree views, lakeside portraits, etc. You’ll grab a special catered lunch/dinner before heading out to experience the last light of the day, complete with lanterns. You curl up in bed knowing tomorrow’s going to be just as magical: a snowy soak in a cliffside hot spring.
