How to elope in Mount Rainier National Park
A step-by-step Mount Rainier Elopement Guide | Everything you need to know!
Mount Rainier National Park, with its majestic peaks, lush meadows, and breathtaking landscapes, provides the perfect backdrop for couples seeking an intimate and unforgettable elopement experience. If you're dreaming of saying "I do" surrounded by nature's grandeur, this guide will walk you through the steps to plan your elopement at Mount Rainier National Park.
Want to learn more about how you can elope in Mount Rainier National Park? Let us break it down for you!
1. Book a Mount Rainier elopement photographer
Getting a kickstart on your elopement plans? Awesome move! Grabbing an elopement photographer right out of the gate is like hitting the jackpot. We are not just about snapping photos—we're your planning sidekick too. Picture this: we're not just capturing your epic day, but also diving into the nitty-gritty of planning and sorting out all the logistics for your wild wedding adventure.
Pro tip: Find a photographer who's practically besties with the park (us waiving). You want someone who can navigate the trails blindfolded and knows all the secret spots that match your dream vision. It's like having a personal guide to make your day as spectacular as can be!
2. Choose your date
When is the best time to elope at Mount Rainier National Park?
Although Mount Rainier is accessible year-round, most of the elopements we capture inside the park occur during the summer and fall seasons. From mid-July through early October, most trails are snow-free and easily accessible, offering plenty of sights to behold. However, it's important to note that during this time, the park tends to be busier. To ensure a more intimate experience, consider planning your elopement on a weekday when there are fewer crowds.
Wildflowers
For those enchanted by Mount Rainier's renowned wildflowers, late July to early August is the peak season. The park's meadows burst with vibrant blooms, creating a picturesque setting for your wedding photos. Remember to stay on designated hiking trails to preserve the delicate ecosystem, as trampling through flower fields can take years for them to recover.
Fall Colors
For those enchanted by the rich hues of autumn foliage, the best time to witness fall colors within Mount Rainier is from mid-September through early October. During this period, the park is ablaze with the warm tones of changing leaves, providing a stunning backdrop for your elopement ceremony.
Winter
Dreaming of a winter wonderland wedding? Fear not! The gate to Paradise remains open year-round for snowshoeing and exploring Mount Rainier's snowy landscapes. Consider renting a charming A-frame cabin nestled deep in the woods for a cozy retreat after your snowy adventure.
3. Pick the best locations for your Mount Rainier National Park wedding
Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Mount Rainier National Park offers an array of breathtaking landscapes across its five distinct areas: Ohanapecosh, Longmire, Carbon River, Paradise, and Sunrise. While Sunrise and Paradise steal the spotlight as popular choices for visitors, those seeking seclusion and unique vistas should turn their attention to the lesser-explored areas of the park.
Choosing the right trail for your elopement is crucial, as it sets the stage for a memorable and intimate celebration. Here, we present a quick breakdown of some of the most stunning trails, each offering its own charm and magnificent views. Keep in mind that the ideal location may vary based on the number of guests you choose to invite.
With so much park to explore, we decided to create a quick breakdown of the most stunning trails (in our opinion) with the best views!
Note: locations vary depending on how many guests you invite. Not sure which location works best for you? Reach out and we can help you find your dream spot inside the park!
Best ceremony locations in Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park offers breathtaking settings for elopements and intimate weddings. However, similar to other national parks, each location has group size limitations to ensure accessibility for other visitors and to minimize impact on delicate vegetation. Here are a few of our favorite ceremony locations, each with its respective guest limit (including the photographer):
Sunrise Area
Fremont Lookout | 8 people | 5.7 miles | Moderate | Mountain views and fire lookout
Silver Forest Trail | 12 people | 2.7 miles | Easy | Wildflowers, Forest, Mountain Views
Sunrise Nature Trail | 20 people | 1 mile | Moderate | Mountain views, Wildflowers, Fall Colors
Paradise Area
Panorama Point | 15 people | 3.8 miles | Moderate | Mountain views, Wildflowers, Fall Colors
Glacier Vista | 15 people | 2.7 miles | Moderate | Mountain views, Wildflowers, Fall Colors
Nisqually Vista Overlook | 30 people | 1.1 miles | Easy | Forest, Wildflowers, Fall Colors
Ohanapecosh
Grove of Patriarchs | 12 people | 1.1 miles | Easy | Forest, River
Carbon River
Mowich Lake | 12 people | 0.2 miles | Easy | Forest, Lake
Tolmie Peak | 12 people | 5.6 miles | Hard | Forest, Lake, Fire Lookout, Mountain Views
Longmire
Cougar Rock Amphitheater | 75 people | 0.2 miles | Easy | Forest
Best hiking trails in Mount Rainier National Park
Sunrise Area
Paradise Area
Ohanapecosh
Grove of Patriarchs (currently still closed for maintenance)
Carbon River
Longmire
4. Get your Mount Rainier wedding permits, reservations, and passes
If you are planning to elope inside Mount Rainier National park, you have to apply for a wedding permit. Before you apply, make sure you know how many people will attend because locations vary depending on how many guests you invite.
Mount Rainier wedding permits
Click here to apply for your special use permits!
Things to know:
Submit your application at least a month before your wedding day
No throwing rice or confetti in the park
Location depends on how many guest you invite
Modest decorations are allowed but you’ll need to ask special permission
No arches, tents or chairs
You’ll have to include the photographers information into your permit request
Mount Rainier timed entry reservations
Due to overcrowding over the last 10 years, Mount Rainier National Park will implement a timed entry reservation system for the summer of 2024, running from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. For further details on entry reservations, please refer to the provided information here
Extra Fees
You and each of your guests will have to pay an entry fee to get into the park. You can buy a day pass at the entrance or you can use the America The Beautiful Pass to enter.
5. Book your accommodation
Best places to stay at Mount Rainier?
The forests around Mount Rainier National Park are filled with magical cabins and epic lodges. If you decide to plan your elopement here, we would suggest renting a cabin for two nights. Not only is a hidden cabin in the forest super romantic, but it can also serve as your ceremony backdrop, venue, and a place to get ready.
Best Airbnb’s & Vrbo’s at Mount Rainier
Best resorts & Lodges at Mount Rainier
Alpine Inn (Crystal Mountain)
Best Campgrounds at Mount Rainier
6. Get your marriage license
To get married in Washington State, you will have to apply for a marriage license. You are eligible to apply 60 days before your elopement date, but no later than 3 days before.
Are you visiting Washington from another state? You have two options: You can arrive 3-4 days before your elopement date and visit a local office to get your license or apply online and have it mailed to you. You can find more information here.
What do we do with the marriage certificate on the day of the ceremony?
After the ceremony, the couple, the officiant, and two witnesses will have to sign the marriage certificate. It is the officiant’s responsibility to complete and return the license.
Can a family member officiate my wedding?
Yes! You can become an ordained minister online. Apply here.
Our elopement is going to be just us. How can we find an officiant and witnesses?
Brooke & Sanne can be your witnesses and officiate your wedding or you can hire an officiant. Please make sure to let us know while planning for your wedding.
Other things you should know when you are planning your elopement in Mount Rainier National Park
Want a “just us” experience? To avoid crowds, plan your elopement on a weekday around sunrise or sunset and explore some of the less popular trails.
The weather in the mountains is unpredictable. Try to be flexible, go with the flow, and just have fun! Bring your rain jackets and we’ll make sure to bring clear umbrellas!
You DO NOT have to be an advanced hiker to plan a Mount Rainier elopement. There are plenty of beautiful locations where you can get married without doing a strenuous hike.
Make sure you know how many people will attend your elopement/small wedding because locations vary depending on how many guests you invite.
Wildlife safety in Mount Rainier National Park
You’ll find plenty of wildlife in Mt. Rainier National Park in the early morning and right before sunset. Although most of these animals are super cute and harmless (marmots, foxes, chipmunks), there are plenty of animals who can attack you when you get too close. Mount Rainier is the home of many mountain goats, bears, and cougars, and worst of all…MOSQUITOS lol. That is why we always advise bringing your bear & bug spray and keeping a reasonable distance between you and the animals. Want to know more about wildlife safety? Click here.
