For adventurous souls seeking an extraordinary way to exchange vows, Liz and Anthony’s Mt. Rainier elopement is an inspiring tale of love amidst the stunning beauty of nature. Not only that, but their love story is one for the books! It is so sweet to see how they serendipitously met and then progressed in their relationship to the point where they decided to get married at Mt. Rainier. Think waterfall ceremony with their closest people, a challenging/rewarding hike (Anthony hiked in his chacos!) to find the most incredible view for their private vows and sunset picnic. I’ll take you on a journey through their heartwarming story and provide essential tips for planning your own Mt. Rainier elopement, tailored to your fitness level and desired backdrop.

A Love for the Outdoors

Liz and Anthony chose the breathtaking Mt. Rainier National Park for their elopement. Surrounded by the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, they invited only their parents and 2 best friends to witness and hike down to their ceremony in front of an incredible waterfall. Following the ceremony, they embarked on a hike to share their private vows, capture epic portraits, and have a delicious Trader Joe’s picnic as they watched the sunset – a fitting celebration for two nature enthusiasts. Mt Rainier was hidden by the clouds throughout the whole hike, but just as they were starting the private vows – the clouds separated and it truly was the most magical backdrop. Their love for hiking and the great outdoors made this location a perfect choice for their special day.

A Maui Meeting and Love at First Sight

Their love story began on the enchanting island of Maui, where Liz was finishing her master’s degree remotely and Anthony was celebrating the completion of nursing school. Their first date sparked an instant connection, as if they had known each other forever. In no time, they introduced each other to their families and became exclusive. Liz, with unwavering certainty, told Anthony early on that she saw him as her future husband. While initially intimidating, Anthony knew she was unlike anyone he had ever met and couldn’t imagine life without her. A few months later, he uttered those three magical words: “I love you.” Their relationship felt right because they were both feeling it. Anthony sealed the deal with a memorable proposal in Tahiti, a moment that took Liz by surprise but was undeniably perfect.

A Mutual Love and Appreciation

Liz fell in love with Anthony for his unparalleled kindness, boundless joy, and love for adventure. His ability to care for others and bring peace to any situation while remaining the life of the party set him apart. Everyone wanted to be around him, and his love for Liz was evident in every gesture.

Similarly, Anthony was captivated by Liz’s unique qualities. Her unwavering passion for life and her infectious enthusiasm for those around her left an indelible mark. Her adventurous spirit perfectly complemented his, making their partnership an incredible adventure in itself.

Tips for Your Mt. Rainier Elopement

I think it’s pretty clear by now that I love elopements! The intimacy and magic of those moments between a small group of people is amazing. I love the planning that goes into such an event. If you’re considering your own Mt. Rainier elopement, here are some invaluable tips to ensure your day is as magical as Liz and Anthony’s:

• Assess your fitness level and choose a hike that suits your abilities–I’m happy to help with this. As a part of my initial questionnaire, I narrow down locations based on your preferences. And don’t worry, there is something for everyone! There are plenty of spots and hikes on Mt. Rainier that don’t require crazy effort but still give an amazing backdrop. Like this engagement session I did at sunset!
• Decide on your desired backdrop, whether it’s the mountain itself, serene lakes, or lush fields. Again, so many great options for your Mt. Rainier elopement. The park itself is vast, and has so many different options. I’ll help you narrow this down based on the size of your group.
• Consult with your photographer to select the perfect location and time of day to capture the best lighting and views. Once we have your location picked out, we can figure out the best time of year and day. Mt. Rainier is closed for part of the year, covered in snow! And if you want wildflowers, we suggest mid July- early August. On top of that, we’ll want to pick a time of time. If you’re having your ceremony and doing a hike up for portraits in the same day, we’ll figure out the best time for all of that to happen. Or, maybe you want a multi-day elopement, in which case we have more options!
• Ensure you have all necessary permits for your chosen location to avoid any hiccups on your special day.

Liz and Anthony’s Mt. Rainier elopement serves as a reminder that love can bloom in the most picturesque settings. Their story, full of adventure, passion, and genuine connection, is a testament to the beauty of love amidst nature’s grandeur. And I love that they celebrated in the way that was most authentic to THEM! If you’re dreaming of a mountain elopement, let their experience inspire you to embark on your own unforgettable journey. If you’re having trouble breaking the news to your family, I’ve got a great blog post to help with that!