Table of Contents:
When to Elope at Mount Rainier
How to Pick Your Mount Rainier Elopement Location
Best Mount Rainier Elopement Locations
Mount Rainier Wedding & Elopement Permits
Where to Stay for Your Mount Rainier Elopement
Mount Rainier Elopement Photography Packages
With its iconic snow-capped peaks and breathtaking vistas, it’s no wonder Mount Rainier has risen to such popularity for adventure elopements in recent years—it’s a true wonderland for adventurous celebrations of all kinds. Just imagine exchanging your vows in front of majestic glacier views, or next to a wildflower meadow full of vibrant summertime colors; what a dream way to kick off your journey as a married couple. To help make the planning process seamless and stress-free, I’ve put together this Mount Rainier National Park elopement guide for you, complete with my favorite hikes, practical tips, important permit information, and so much more. Ready to pack your bags, grab your vow books, and head into one of the most epic parks in the Pacific Northwest to tie the knot?
Where is Mount Rainier?
Situated about 60 miles southeast of Seattle, Mount Rainier National Park encompasses just over 235,000 acres of land in southwest Washington, all preserved by the National Wilderness Preservation System. Fun facts about this glorious destination: Mount Rainier National Park was actually the fourth national park to be established in the US, and the mountain itself is the highest point in Washington’s Cascade Range!
How to Get to Mount Rainier
There are five entrances into Mount Rainier National Park:
- Southwest Entrance (Nisqually, Longmire, and Paradise)
- Northwest Entrance (Carbon River and Mowich Lake)
- Southeast Entrance (Stevens Canyon)
- Northeast Entrance (Sunrise and White River)
- East Entrance (Chinook Pass)
If you’re coming from Seattle, it’s fairly easy to get to Mount Rainier via I-5, taking around 2 hours to get to the park’s Nisqually Entrance. So if you’re flying in from out of state for your elopement, you’ll want to fly into SeaTac, and then rent a car to make the rest of the trip to Rainier—I recommend making the town of Ashford your home base, as it’s located just outside of the Nisqually entrance. But more on that, as well as where to stay in the area, a little later in this guide.
Pro Tip: Before you start your drive to Mount Rainier, take a look at these maps + directions from the National Park Service, and save them to your phone. Sometimes your phone’s maps may take you to the wrong entrance, or your maps might go offline if you run out of cell service—so you should always have some sort of offline map on hand!
Why Elope at Mount Rainier?
One of the main reasons I love Mount Rainier SO much for adventure elopements is that its natural beauty takes a lot of the pressure off to create a well-decorated, intricate elopement; in fact, the park doesn’t even allow you to bring any decorations in for your ceremony. So you don’t even have to think about setting up an arbor, having a florist bring in any floral installations, or setting up tables and chairs—literally all you need to do is get your permit, hire an officiant, and show up to the park; the scenery will do the rest for you. The natural beauty of the alpine landscapes make it effortless to create an awe-inspiring experience for both you and your guests; one that will never leave your memory.
Another thing that makes Mount Rainier National Park an incredible elopement location is that it’s pretty accessible to so many people, offering hikes for all different activity/mobility levels. No matter if you take a quick 15-minute walk down a paved path or a 5+ mile hike into the mountains, you’ll be able to see so much breathtaking beauty, from the alpine forests to the colorful wildflowers to the snow-capped mountain peaks! It’s a haven for adventure of all kinds, and the landscapes will speak to any outdoor lover’s heart the moment they step foot in the park.
Mount Rainier National Park truly has options for everyone, and I love helping my couples find the perfect trail/location for the experience they’re hoping for. Whether you’d like a moderate 3-5 mile hike or a big long hike that’ll take up the entire day, you’ll get to experience the magic of Mount Rainier that people travel from all over to witness. Hikes under 5 miles are my favorite, to be honest, since they’re just the right level of challenging and allow you to see phenomenal views, but are still doable in just a few hours. The park even has some ADA-accessible locations, including the Paradise Visitor Center and the Sunrise Visitor Center that you can drive up to in the summer/early fall months—and the views are to die for!
Mount Rainier Elopement FAQ’s
Before we dive into the best hikes and elopement locations in the park, I wanted to answer a few quick FAQ’s that you may have about getting married at Mount Rainier.
Can you elope at Mount Rainier?
You can absolutely elope at Mount Rainier and have the experience of a lifetime! All you’ll need to do is follow the park’s permit process to obtain a Special Use Permit, which we’ll be covering later in this guide.
If navigating family expectations is part of your planning process, this guide on how to break the news about eloping can be a helpful resource.
How much does it cost to get married at Mount Rainier?
While I can’t quite give you an estimate of what your entire elopement at Mount Rainier may cost, since that’s going to be a totally different number for every couple, I can give you a few items you’ll need to add into your budget in order to elope at Mount Rainier:
- Park entrance fee: $30 per vehicle valid for 7 consecutive days, or $55 annual pass
- Special Use Permit: Non-refundable $250 application fee
- Possible monitoring fees, depending on the details of your ceremony
- Campground fees, if you’ll be staying in the park: $26 per trip, $6 non-refundable walk-up fee
Wilderness permit fees, if you’ll be backcountry camping in the wilderness
I’ve got a blog post all about elopement dresses, if you’re having a hard time finding the right fit for you!
Is there an entrance fee for Mount Rainier?
Yes, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee in order to visit Mount Rainier National Park. Standard entrance for a vehicle is $30, but you can also opt for a $55 annual pass (if you plan to visit the park more than once in the year) or an $80 America the Beautiful Pass, which is valid at parks all over the US.
What should I wear to my Mount Rainier elopement?
Great question! For elopements in the mountains, I typically tell my couples to prioritize practicality and comfort over style, as you’ll need to be prepared for all kinds of weather conditions and terrain. Even if you’re eloping in the middle of the summer, you never know what the PNW will bring, so it’s always a good idea to pack layers, light jackets, and accessories for extra warmth just in case (such as gloves, hats, etc.). What you wear obviously depends on the season of your elopement, but lightweight materials and fabrics are going to be your best friend if you’re hiking and have the potential to get really warm/sweaty as you move around! And be sure to invest in a good pair of hiking boots that’ll keep you safe on any terrain, as well as essential snow gear if you’re eloping in the winter such as microspikes and snowshoes.Need help picking out the perfect dress for your adventure elopement? Check out this guide I put together with recommended dress styles, materials, accessories, and more!
Is Mount Rainier dog-friendly?
Pets are prohibited on all trails and wilderness areas at Mount Rainier, so you’ll need to leave your four-legged friends at home while you explore the park as they are only allowed in the parking lots. If it’s important to you to include your pets in your elopement, you could bring along a framed photo of them to pose with, have them stamp their paw prints on a copy of your marriage license or in your vow books, or celebrate with them back at your Airbnb/wherever you’re staying before or after your ceremony.
When to Elope at Mount Rainier
When it comes to picking a date for your Mount Rainier elopement, it’s crucial that you take into account the weather patterns that occur in the mountains of Washington. You’ll be able to consult with me as your photographer to select the perfect location and time of day for your elopement, but I wanted to give you a brief overview of my tips for picking a date!
When is the best time of year to elope at Mount Rainier?
The seasons are ever-changing in Washington, but especially in the mountains, with each season offering its own unique beauty and opportunities to explore. Whether you’re picturing a ceremony surrounded by the warm colors of fall foliage, the vibrant purples and pinks of summertime wildflowers at their peak bloom, or the winter wonderland that ensues once it begins to snow, Mount Rainier will undoubtedly provide a stunning backdrop for your elopement dreams to come true.
Overall, though, July-September is going to be your best bet as far as picking a season to elope at Mount Rainier, since it’s pretty much buried in snow the rest of the year. These months are when you’ll get the warmest temperatures, the lowest chance of rain, and the most accessibility, as the majority of roads and trails should be open for use!
Learn more about picking the best time of year to elope in the Pacific Northwest here.
When is the best time of day to elope at Mount Rainier?
Sunrise or sunset? Golden hour or blue hour? You really can’t go wrong with any time of day when you elope at Mount Rainier, because every kind of lighting seriously offers its own distinct magic that you’ll fall in love with—be it a rainy day full of gloomy clouds and soft lighting or a bright, sunny summer day with blue skies and bright green foliage. The time of day you should have your ceremony will depend on the location you choose and any hikes/activities you’d like to do, so this is something we’ll work through together! For now, take a peek at this sunrise elopement, and this sunset elopement, to start figuring out what kind of vibes you might prefer.
If you’re torn between sunrise and sunset, take a look at this sunset elopement at Mount Rainier to see how golden hour and alpenglow transform the landscape.
How to Pick Your Mount Rainier Elopement Location
Ready for the fun part? It’s time to choose your Mount Rainier elopement location! But first, here are a few key things to do before you start looking through your location options:
- Decide what kind of backdrop you want: Mount Rainier has all kinds of incredible options for your elopement backdrop—you simply have to choose the one you want for your ceremony. Do you envision getting married in front of views of the mountain itself? On the side of a turquoise blue alpine lake? Maybe next to a lush wildflower field?
- Plan for the season: What will the weather be like, and what will be accessible? If you’re planning to elope in the early summer or late fall, for example, when the weather can be unpredictable, think about choosing a location with other options nearby that you could use as backups. Think about the temperatures as well—if you’ll be eloping in the fall and want to do a sunrise hike, remember that temperatures will be wayyy cooler at sunrise, and you’ll likely shed layers as the day goes on.
- Be realistic about your fitness level: When choosing a hike or location for your Mount Rainier elopement, it’s important to assess your fitness level and choose a hike that realistically suits your abilities. Like I said earlier, Mount Rainier really does have something for everyone, from low-effort hikes that give you a beautiful backdrop to longer treks with unbeatable panoramic views! I’ll help you narrow down hikes and locations based on your preferences and abilities once we start planning.
- Consider your guests: If you’re inviting guests, it’s also essential that you keep their abilities in mind. Maybe you have a friend or relative that isn’t able to hike longer than a mile, or uses a wheelchair and can’t go up any inclines that aren’t paved—you’ll want to look at trails that will work for everyone.
- Think about lighting: Lighting is key when choosing your elopement location, and although we can’t control the outdoor lighting, we can take it into consideration! Do you want that dreamy sunrise lighting and pink alpenglow? We’ll make sure to choose somewhere that offers beautiful lighting as the sun comes up. Maybe you’d prefer that orange glow of golden hour at sunset—we’ll pick a trail that’ll get us to the perfect sunset location right on time.
If this feels like a LOT to think through, remember that I’ll be there to help you narrow down your location options based on your preferences, season, and the size of your group. You won’t have to do it all on your own!
Some couples choose to turn their elopement into a multi-day experience, allowing time to explore different areas of the park and slow down the pace. This multi-day Mount Rainier elopement is a great example of how that can look.
Best Mount Rainier Elopement Locations
Now, it’s finally time to get into a few of my favorite trails that make for incredible elopement locations in Mount Rainier National Park. I’ve divided them into sections to make it easier for you: locations on the Sunrise side of Rainier, on the Paradise side, and then a couple of others that are adjacent to the park. Happy exploring!
Sunrise Side
Silver Forest Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.7 mi
Elevation Gain: 321 ft
ADA-Accessible? No
The perfect trail for anyone who wants a fairly easy stroll with access to spectacular views of Rainier, along with extra beautiful views from Emmons Vista along the way.
Sourdough Ridge
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 2.5 mii
Elevation Gain: 400 ft
ADA-Accessible? No
A quick and easy hike from the Sunrise Visitor Center, with just a little bit of elevation gain but a whole lot of gorgeous views of Rainier. If you’d like to extend your adventure, take a right at the five-way intersection 1 mile in and climb to Fremont Lookout!
Dege Peak
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 4 mi
Elevation Gain: 600 ft
ADA-Accessible? No
Dreaming of tying the knot in front of 360-degree views with not one, not two, but four mountains in the distance? Dege Peak is the place for you! On a clear day, you’ll get views of Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Glacier Peak, and Mount Baker as you look out over the breathtaking panoramic mountain valleys.
Paradise Side
Skyline Trail Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5.5 mi
Elevation Gain: 1,450 ft
ADA-Accessible? No
For couples craving a bit more of a challenge, the Skyline Trail is a fantastic option that leaves right from Paradise. Not only will you get to experience gorgeous views of Rainier, you’ll also get to see waterfalls, glaciers, and meadows filled with vibrant wildflowers!
Alta Vista Loop
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 1.5 mi
Elevation Gain: 560 ft
ADA-Accessible? No
Alta Vista is most known for its lush wildflower fields, so if you’re envisioning a ceremony amidst colorful flowers nestled at the base of Rainier, I highly recommend this loop. Most of the trail is paved, making it a fairly easy hike to complete on your elopement day and great for bringing guests along.
Other Locations
Tipsoo Lake/Naches Peak Loop
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 3.2 mi
Elevation Gain: 600 ft
ADA-Accessible? No
I absolutely adore Tipsoo Lake, which is by far one of the easiest locations to access in the area. Located on the eastern edge of the park, Tipsoo Lake is a super popular destination in the summer—so beware of the crowds! Naches Peak Loop is a beautiful trail that begins at Tipsoo, following a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail and taking you to insanely picturesque views of Rainier; I highly recommend spending some time at the lake (maybe have a romantic little picnic?) and then heading off to explore this scenic route.
Mount Rainier Wedding & Elopement Permits
Remember when I mentioned that you’ll need a Special Use Permit to elope at Mount Rainier National Park? Let’s talk about what that actually looks like!
This Special Use Permit is required in order to protect the natural beauty and setting of the park, making sure that all visitors follow the rules put in place to minimize impact and keep the landscapes beautiful. If you’d like to learn more about Leaving No Trace with your adventure elopement, you can read this blog post that I put together!
You’ll need to apply for this permit no later than four weeks in advance of your desired date by filling out this application form. Once you’ve completed it and emailed it to mora_special_use@nps.gov, you’ll be given further instructions on how to pay the non-refundable $250 application fee. Then all you need to do is wait for your permit to be approved, and follow any final instructions given to you by the permit coordinator!
Note that this permit allows you to have a ceremony at any of the predetermined locations listed on this page, and any other locations will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Make sure that your ceremony doesn’t involve any throwing of rice/confetti/etc., loud noises or music, or large equipment, and you’ll be good to go.
Where to Stay for Your Mount Rainier Elopement
Mount Rainier has a huge range of options when it comes to finding accommodations for your elopement, whether you’d prefer a cozy cabin in the woods, a campground under the stars, or a luxury Airbnb with a hot tub and sauna to relax in. Below are a few incredible cabins, vacation rentals, and hotels near Rainier that I’d recommend checking out for you and any guests you’re inviting!
Accommodations in Ashford
Accommodations in Packwood
Accommodations in the park
- The historic Paradise Inn
- Campgrounds
Mount Rainier Elopement Photography Packages
I can’t wait to hear what you’re dreaming up for your Mount Rainier elopement—it’s truly such an unbelievably beautiful place to tie the knot, and create memories with your loved ones that you’ll cherish forever. I’d love to tag along on your adventure and help you plan every little detail; learn more about my Mount Rainier elopement photography packages to get an idea of what I offer, and if you’re feeling like we’re the right fit, then let’s connect!
Still searching for your perfect elopement location? Browse through additional location guides below:
