If you dream of an intimate and adventurous multi-day wedding experience that allows you to celebrate with loved ones and savor private moments in nature, I’ve got good news! Multi-day elopements are gaining popularity in the United States, offering couples the opportunity to create unforgettable memories. I am personally a fan of multi-day weddings and elopements. Partly because of the time I spend capturing the different layers of your love story in beautiful locations. Let’s explore how Erin and Travis crafted their own multi-day celebration at Mt. Rainier! And, I’ll give you some essential tips for planning your own.

The Rise of Multi-Day Celebrations

Multi-day celebrations are on the rise, offering a unique blend of intimate moments with loved ones and private, breathtaking experiences. Whether it’s a grand welcome dinner followed by a wedding day, or a multi-day elopement with the wedding ceremony on one day and an epic adventure the next, these celebrations provide the best of both worlds. You can cherish quality time with friends and family while stealing away to say your vows in a serene setting. And as your photographer, I’m excited to capture all of that for you!

Erin and Travis’s Mt. Rainier Elopement

Erin and Travis chose to embark on an intimate wedding adventure at Wellspring Spa. This is nestled in the enchanting landscape of Mt. Rainier. Surrounded by towering evergreens and the crisp mountain air, they exchanged their vows in a heartfelt ceremony with friends and family. Erin + Travis wanted a laid back, intimate and kid friendly wedding! They are very close with their nieces, and really wanted to make the day special for them as well! They let the kids pick their own attire, walk in the processional and stand up with with them during the ceremony. Each had a role—Ring bearer, flower girl, train “fluffer”, bouquet “holder”, etc. And let me tell – from the outfits they choose to their ceremony roles – they nailed it! The reception included sliders, mac & cheese, an ice cream cart and an impromptu dance battle, directed by the oldest niece!

The presence of their people created an atmosphere of warmth and love, making the occasion truly special.

Erin’s Service to Mt. Rainier

After their intimate wedding – which was the part 1 of their multi-day elopement – we set out on our sunset hike at Mt Rainier. Erin is volunteer ranger for Mt Rainier National Park – so we were so excited to be embarking on one of Erin’s favorite hikes in the park.

It was bright blue skies as we pulled into the parking lot. And, just in Mt Rainier fashion, a cloud came over the mountain and we were totally engulfed in a cloud the whole hike up. Erin and Travis kept such positive attitudes! This is very typical in the PNW, but we were hoping Mt Rainier would make its appearance.

After finally getting to the top, the winds began to shift and the clouds moved out. I witnessed one of the most magical cloud inversions I have ever seen!! Erin + travis are two of this kindest people and I was so overjoyed that they got to witness their favorite mountain in such a majestic way! As the sun dipped below the horizon, the mountain’s majestic peaks painted the sky with hues of pink and orange. It provided a captivating backdrop for their photographs. It was so tender for them to celebrate their new marriage this way, with a hike in the clouds, a fun picnic at the top, moments of reflection and love and of course, epic photographs.

Tips for Your Multi-Day Elopement

As your photographer, I’m here to share valuable tips to make the most of your multi-day elopement. Check out my other post on Mt. Rainier tips I’ve shared previously:

• Choose a Convenient Location: Opt for a location near your desired day-after shoot spot to minimize travel. You don’t want to be driving a long ways after being tired from the celebrations before.
• Weather and Timing: Pay close attention to the weather and time of year, especially when planning outdoor adventures. Be flexible and have backup plans in case of unexpected changes. Don’t worry, I will help with this! Since I have experience with Mt. Rainier elopements, I can make several suggestions for time of day and year. Then, on the day of, we’ll keep an eye on the weather and our intended destination to make sure we’re being safe!
• Permits and Regulations: If you’re venturing into national parks or protected areas like Mt. Rainier, research and obtain any necessary permits or approvals. Usually to hike we don’t need more than the usual, but if you’re changing into your wedding outfits and saying vows/having a ceremony, than Mt Rainier National Park does require a permit – so we always want to make sure all our bases are covered.

Create Lasting Memories

A multi-day elopement at Mt. Rainier offers a perfect blend of shared moments with loved ones and private, adventurous escapes. Erin and Travis’s celebration serves as an example of how to create memories in one of nature’s most beautiful settings. Whether you’re exchanging vows or embarking on an adventure, a multi-day elopement can provide the experience you’ve been dreaming of. It’s a celebration that allows you to connect with your loved ones, immerse yourself in nature’s beauty, and create a love story that will be cherished for a lifetime. Plus we had quite the dream team of vendors! Scroll to the end to see the incredible people that brought this day to life!

If you’re planning your own multi-day elopement, let’s connect!

Here are the amazing vendors that made this multi-day elopement possible!

Planner and Day of Coordinator: The Greatest Adventure Weddings

Videographer: Adventure Story Films

Catering: TABLE Catering Co.

Hair and Makeup: Pacific Brides

Florals: Goldenrod Floral Design

Rentals: Olympic Farm Style Events and CORT Party Rental