How to Elope at Mt. Rainier National Park

When you think of Washington State, one of the first things that probably comes to mind is the epic Mt. Rainier. Its iconic peak is visible throughout Western Washington. The mountain is home to stunning vistas and magical forests. It’s also a fantastic location for couples seeking an adventurous wedding experience!

A Mt. Rainier elopement is perfect if you want jaw-dropping mountain views for your wedding day! Whether you want an adventurous wedding with hiking or a relaxed day surrounded by nature, Mt. Rainier National Park is tough to beat.

As a Washington local, I grew up visiting this beautiful mountain often. Now, as an elopement photographer, I help couples plan and document epic weddings throughout the PNW, including Mt. Rainier. This guide will help you plan a fantastic elopement on this gorgeous mountain. 

How to Elope in Mt. Rainier National Park

Hire Your Mt. Rainier Elopement Photographer

The first thing you’ll want to do is find an elopement photographer. I recommend finding your photographer early because many photographers will help plan and document your day. You don’t have to do this alone when you work with a local expert and elopement planner, such as myself!

When choosing a photographer, it’s essential that you find someone who:

• You get along easily with
• Has a photography editing style you enjoy
• Will walk you through posing in a way that is comfortable for you
• Has experience in the area you’ll be eloping to provide you with the best information

Decide on a Date for Your Elopement

Choosing a date is one of the first big decisions you’ll make while planning your elopement! There’s no wrong day to elope, so feel free to choose a meaningful date. After all, this will be your anniversary for the rest of your lives!

If you can, I recommend eloping on a weekday to avoid the weekend warriors, which will give you a better chance of privacy during your elopement. Of course, the location you choose, as well as the time of day, will play a factor in this as well.

The Best Time of Year to Elope at Mt. Rainier

Due to its high elevation, the best time of year for a Mt. Rainier elopement will generally be Summer or early Autumn, which is when the hiking trails will be snow-free and the weather at it’s warmest.

Best Time to Elope for Wildflowers

While there’s no guarantee of an exact time the wildflowers will bloom, your best bet will be sometime between mid-July through early August. 

Choose a Mt. Rainier Elopement Location

There are literally hundreds of amazing areas to explore on Mt. Rainier! From epic views of the mountain itself to magical wooded forests to gorgeous waterfalls, there’s no shortage of stunning locations. With so many beautiful locations in this park, it can be difficult to choose just one location for your elopement. Luckily, you don’t have to!

While you will need to decide on one location for your ceremony, the rest of the day is yours to spend however you’d like! So plan the hike, chase the waterfalls, or find the perfect picnic spot!

The Best Mt. Rainier Elopement Ceremony Locations

• Myrtle Falls
• Nisqually Vista Trail
• Sunrise
• Reflection Lake
• Mt. Fremont Fire Lookout Trail
• Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout Trail
• Paradise
• Grove of the Patriarchs (note that as of 2021 this area is closed due to the suspension bridge being out of commission. There is currently no estimated re-opening date in the near future.)

Looking for a more traditional wedding venue? Check out these amazing Washington mountain wedding venues!

Tip! Choose a backup location to include in your permit just in case your first choice isn’t available.

While these are some of the most iconic spots in the park, this is by no means an exhaustive list. To keep with Leave No Trace, I never list every spot online. However, when we work together, I’ll compile a list of the best locations based on what you are looking for. I always save my best locations for my couples because I want you to have a fantastic day while protecting these beautiful places.

Apply for Your Mt. Rainier Wedding Permit & Reservation

Once you’ve decided on a location and date, you’ll need to apply for your Mt. Rainier Special Use Permit for your wedding ceremony. Don’t worry, applying isn’t hard!

How to Apply for Your Mt. Rainier Wedding Permit

If your elopement takes place within Mt. Rainier National Park, you will need a Special Use Permit. This permit is applied for online and costs $250, which is non-refundable.

You’ll need to submit your application a minimum of 4 weeks before your requested date, however, I recommend submitting as early as possible to get the best odds of getting your first choice of location. Many locations only allow one permit to be issued per day, as Mt. Rainier is a popular elopement location.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for your Mt. Rainier Wedding Permit:

1. Download the Special Use Permit form for weddings HERE and fill out all relevant fields.
2. Email your completed permit application to mora_special_use@nps.gov
3. After your application has been received, someone from the park will reach out with instructions for paying the $250 application fee.
4. Once the application and the fee have been received, you’ll wait to hear back from the park with further details about your permit.

Tip! When filling out the participants section of the application, make sure to include your photographer and any other vendors that will be present during your time in the park.

Learn more about permits on the Mt. Rainier National Park website.

Timed Entry Reservations in Mt. Rainier National Park

As of 2024, Mt. Rainier National Park has implemented timed entry reservations for the summer months on the Paradise and Sunrise corridors. What does this mean? Simply that, if you plan on driving on either of these roads between the hours of 7:00am and 3:00pm from late May through early September, you will need a reservation.

You can learn more about timed entry reservations here.

Reservations can be made through recreation.gov, open up 90 days in advance, and cost $2 per vehicle.

Planning on entering before 7:00am or after 3:00pm? Then you won’t need a reservation.

Park Entrance Fee

Whether or not you need a timed entry reservation, you will need an entrance pass to enter Mt. Rainier National Park. This is separate from the timed entry reservation and is required for all vehicles entering the park, no matter the time of day.

The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, allowing you to enter the park for 7 consecutive days.

The other option is to buy an America the Beautiful Pass for $80, which gets you into all 63 of America’s National Parks for a year. This is the best option if you plan on visiting at least two more parks in the next 365 days.

Tip! If you’re a veteran, you can get an America the Beautiful Pass for free!

Book Your Travel and Accommodations

Next, you’ll need to figure out two essential details: your travel plans and overnight accommodations for your elopement. Mt. Rainier is easy to access, located less than two hours from Seattle, and there are a lot of options when it comes to accommodations!

How to Get to Mt. Rainier National Park

If you’ll be flying to Washington for your elopement, the best airport is the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. From there, you can rent a car and make the 2 hour drive to the park.

Which Park Entrance Is Best?

There are 4 entrances into Mt. Rainier National Park:

• Nisqually Entrance (Southwest)
• Carbon River Entrance (Northwest)
• White River Entrance (Northeast)
• Stevens Canyon Entrance (Southeast)

Choosing the best entrance will depend on what part of the park you want to spend the day in and where you’ll be staying. I’ve included a map with the entrances marked so you can better visualize the park.

Lodging for Your Mt. Rainier Elopement

There are so many different options for lodging during your Mt. Rainier elopement that can make this day that much more amazing! From camping to lodges to private rentals oh my!

Camping

If you want a rugged experience immersed in nature, camping might be a great option! Mt. Rainier has four front-country campgrounds and dozens of options for backpacking in the backcountry.

Front-Country Campgrounds in Mt. Rainier National Park:

• Cougar Rock
• Ohanapecosh
• White River
• Mowich Lake

Park Lodges

There are two inns located inside Mt. Rainier National Park: the National Park Inn and the historic Paradise Inn. The National Park Inn is open year-round, making it a great lodging option for winter elopements. Paradise Inn is open from mid-May through early October.

Private Rentals

If you want more space or privacy, a private rental like an Airbnb is a fantastic option! There are tons of cozy and unique rentals available close to the park. 

The Best Private Rentals Near Mt. Rainer National Park:

• Tahoma A-Frame Cabin in Ashford
• Cozy Cabin in Packwood
• Treehouse Cabin in Ashford
• Modern A-Frame Cabin in Ashford

Apply For Your Washington Marriage License

If you are coming from out of state for your elopement, you can apply for your marriage license through the Pierce County Recorders Office either in person or through the mail.

Once you receive your Washington State marriage license (whether you apply in person or through the mail), there will be a 3-day waiting period. The license will then be valid for 60 days.

You can find full details on the Pierce County Recorders Office website.

Do You Need Witnesses to Get Married in Washington?

Yes, in Washington State, you must have 2 witnesses sign your marriage certificate. 

Not bringing anyone along on your elopement? That’s okay! You can have your photographer or other vendors act as your witnesses or find some tourists nearby. People are usually happy to oblige as witnesses to such a happy occasion!

Choosing Your Officiant

You’ll need an ordained minister to sign your marriage license. This can be an officiant you hire, a family member, or even your photographer if they’re ordained.

I’m an ordained elopement photographer and offer complimentary officiant services to all of my couples!

Learn more about what you get when you elope with me!

Plan the Details of Your Elopement Experience

Filling in the details of your day is one of the most fun parts of planning your elopement! In addition to your ceremony, start thinking about how you want to celebrate your wedding day. Remember, this day is all about doing things that bring you joy, so get outside the box of tradition and feel free to include your favorite hobbies or things that have special meaning to the two of you.

Elopement Activity Inspiration

• Take a hike with epic views (learn how to plan a hiking elopement)
• Go waterfall chasing
• Pop a bottle champagne (or another special drink)
• Have a first look (learn how to plan a first look)
• Swim in a glacier river
• Explore Paradise together
• Share your first dance as husband as wife
• Go snowshoeing
• Take an epic hot-air balloon ride
• Walk among the wildflowers
• Take a night hike to stargaze 

Check out this guide to 50+ elopement day activities for more ideas!

Mt. Rainier Elopement Timeline Examples

Once you know what you want to include in your day, you need to put it all together in a timeline. This is a service I include in all of my elopement packages. A solid timeline for your elopement will help the day run smoothly and stress-free!

Not sure what a Mt. Rainier elopement looks like or how much time you really need? Here are some example timelines to help you get a better vision of what your day can look like.

Not sure how much time you need? Check out my guide!

8-Hour Sunset Mt. Rainier Elopement Timeline Example

12:30pm – Meetup at cabin outside of the park.

12:45pm – Getting ready and detail photos.

2:30pm – First look together.

3:00pm – Drive to Paradise through the iconic Nisqually entrance, stopping to take in the sights along the way.

5:00pm – Arrive at Paradise. Hike and take in the majestic views.

6:00pm – Finish exploring. Set up for a picnic dinner.

7:00pm – Make your way to your ceremony location. Take a few minutes to get ready.

7:30pm – Wedding ceremony and vow exchange.

7:45pm – Pop some champagne and celebrate being married!

8:00pm – Take some gorgeous Alpenglow bridal portraits.

8:30pm – Photography coverage ends.

12-Hour Mt. Rainier Camping Elopement Timeline Example

5:00am – Meet up at sunrise and begin hiking to the viewpoint.

5:45am – Arrivate at the viewpoint of Mt. Rainer. Find the perfect ceremony location and set up.

6:00am – Sunrise ceremony and vow exchange.

6:30am – Watch the rest of the sunrise and take some gorgeous portraits.

7:00am – Continue hiking and exploring.

8:00am – Finish up and meet back at the trailhead. Drive to Tipsoo Lake

8:45am – Explore, take in the sights, take some more photos.

9:15am –  Drive back to campsite.

10:00am – Arrive at camp. Cook lunch together and eat cake.

12:00pm – Read letters from family and friends.

12:30pm – Turn on some music and have your first dance.

1:00pm – Drive up to Paradise.

2:00pm – Arrive at Paradise. Take in the sights and explore. See waterfalls, epic views of Mt. Rainier, and maybe even some wildflowers.

4:00pm – Drive to Relection Lake

4:15pm – Arrive at the lake. Explore and take in the sights.

5:00pm – Photography coverage ends. 

If the idea of organizing your timeline feels overwhelming, ask your elopement photographer if this is something they can help you with! A custom-made timeline is included with all of my elopement packages. If you elope with me, we’ll work together to plan your day in a way that flows smoothly and provides everything you want.

Learn more about eloping with me.

Elope on Mt. Rainier!

All that’s left to do is get married in one of the most magical places in the United States! Enjoy your day, and may it be the best one ever!

Leave No Trace for Your Elopement

Leave No Trace aims to protect natural and cultural resources, preserve the beauty of wilderness areas, and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy and appreciate these outdoor spaces. During your Mt. Rainier elopement, it’s important that you follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the landscape that you’re in for future generations.

Leave No Trace Principals:

• Plan ahead and prepare
• Stick to established trails and campsites
• Properly dispose of waste
• Leave what you find
• Minimize campfire impact
• Respect wildlife
• Be considerate of other visitors

Check out my full guide to having a LNT elopement to learn more.

What You Need to Know about Weddings in Mt. Rainier National Park

While Mt. Rainier is a beautiful place to elope, the park comes with some restrictions around weddings. It’s important to know what they are before you get too deep into planning incase the regulations don’t align with your dream day.

Weddings inside Mt. Rainier National Park require a permit and can only be issued for certain locations. If you’re unsure what these locations are, work with an elopement photographer who will help you through the permit process (like me!) to help you find the appropriate places for your day.

The park does not offer exclusive use of any area for weddings, meaning that, depending on how you plan your day, there may be other visitors around. Be prepared for lots of attention from other visitors as you go about your day.

Mt. Rainier National Park Wedding Restrictions

There are a few restrictions for weddings taking place inside of the park, including:

Mt. Rainier Elopement Packages

Ready to start planning your Mt. Rainier elopement? As an elopement photographer that grew up in western Washington, Mt. Rainier is one of my favorite places and I would love to help you not only photograph your day but plan it as well! From choosing the perfect ceremony location to creating a timeline for your day, I would love to help you plan the most amazing elopement day ever!

All of My Elopement Photography Packages Include: 

• Day-of photography coverage
• Custom location recommendations for your entire day
• A custom-made timeline
• Sneak peek images delivered within a few days
• GIF’s and polaroid photos
• Permit assistance
• Optional officiant service
• No travel fees!

If this sounds like your dream Mt. Rainier elopement package, message me, and let’s chat about your day!

Your Mt. Rainier Elopement Photographer

As your photographer, I want to help you remember every magical moment of your elopement experience. Mt. Rainier is a magical place, and I’ll give you space to enjoy it without feeling pressure to pose. My photography style is all about letting you be you and capturing the day candidly. 

If you’re ready to start planning your Mt. Rainier elopement, send me a message!

Happy eloping!