Mt. Rainier Wedding // 2024 Guide
Mt. Rainier Elopement
Mt. Rainier is one of Washington’s most iconic spots, and is so grand you can actually see it from the airplane when you fly in! There’s endless scenic views in Mt. Rainier National Park and the surrounding areas, whether you’re looking for mountain views, majestic lakes, sunset overlooks, moody forests, wildflowers and lush greenery, this is the perfect spot for a Washington elopement or small wedding. Some of my favorite spots in this area can be found around Paradise, which definitely earned its name, such as Reflection Lakes, which is where this couple had their elopement ceremony!
An interesting fact about Washington is that there’s fire lookouts on several mountaintop spots due to the forest fires in the early 1900’s, and these fire lookouts actually offer some of the most scenic views for sunrise and sunset! Some of my favorite include High Rock Lookout, Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout, Red top Lookout, Suntop Lookout, and Mt. Fremont Lookout.
How to Get Married in Mt. Rainier
Step #1: Choose your location/scenery (I can help with this!)
Step #2: Book your Mt. Rainier Photographer - heyyy!
Step #3: We’ll go in depth planning together
Step #4: Obtain permits for your location(s) - I’ll help!
Step #5: Make your travel plans (flights, lodging, rental car)
Step #6: Apply for a marriage license
Get Married at Mt. Rainier!
Mt. Rainier Wedding Venues
Mount Rainier Wedding Venues
One great option for getting married at Mt. Rainier is to rent an AirBnb or cozy cabin, and you can make a vacation out of your elopement or small wedding this way! There’s lots of unique ones that make lovely ceremony backdrops, and are a great way to include loved ones if you want to! A-Frame cabins offer gorgeous ceremony backdrops and there’s lots of other options, here’s a few favorites…
Mt. Rainier AirBnbs
Small Wedding Venues Mt. Rainier
If you’re picturing a small intimate wedding with a few guests that you’d like to host at a venue, or local spots like small resorts, you have a few options for some charming and cozy mountain venues around Mt. Rainier:
Mt. Rainier Lodging
Where to Stay in Mt. Rainier
Stone Creek Lodge (this is where this couple got ready!)
P.S. Campgrounds can actually make great ceremony sites! Be sure to check with the location first, and here’s some inspiration, this couple had their ceremony on a campground!
Best Time to Visit Mt. Rainier
Best Time to Elope in Mt. Rainier
As far as the best time to visit Mt. Rainier and the best time to get married at Mt. Rainier, I would recommend some time between July and September. This is when all the park entrances are pen and you’ll have less likelihood of closures due to weather. In the summer months, you’ll find beautiful wild flowers everywhere and it’s quite a sight to see!
Although summer days usually bring clear and sunny skies, the Pacific Northwest can certainly have unpredictable weather, so I always encourage my couples to embrace whatever the day brings! If it rains, we’ll get to have some fun and I’ll bring my clear umbrellas for some epic shots, and if it snows you’ll get a magical winter wonderland - and I’ll give you tips on how to stay warm! If the summer months don’t work out, there’s still ways to plan for a winter date between October and June too, we just have to be a little more creative, which again I can help with!
Mt. Rainier Wedding Permit
If you are getting married within Mt. Rainier National Park, you will need to obtain a Special Use Permit, which I can help with! There are also lots of beautiful spots right outside the park that would be more flexible regarding permits - you can find all the info on Mt. Rainier wedding permits here.
Entering the park: A one-time entrance fee for your visit or the America the Beautiful Pass that allows access to National Parks and other federal recreation sites!
Special Use Permit: Complete this application form and email it to mora_special_use@nps.gov at least 4 weeks prior to your elopement. After that you’ll receive instructions on how to submit the non-refundable $60 application fee online.
Washington Marriage License
Getting Legally Married When You Elope
You will need to apply for a marriage license to get married at Mt. Rainier in Washington. You can either do this, or do the legal paperwork in your hometown and just have your actual elopement experience in Washington! If you choose to do the legal paperwork in Washington, you will need to apply for the marriage license at least 3 days before your elopement and you will need an officiant and 2 witnesses - I can actually sign as one of your witnesses (if we need another person, passersby and nearby hikers are usually super cool about it), and I have some officiant recommendations for you too!
Mt. Rainier Elopement Locations
As one of Washington’s most distinguishable and iconic spots, and definitely one of Washington’s must-see spots, Mt. Rainier stands over 14,000 feet tall - you can even see if from an airplane! In and around Mt. Rainier National Park, you’ll find some amazing hikes, wildflowers in the summer months, epic viewpoints, famous fire lookouts, alpine lakes, A-frame cabins, and more!
Reflection Lakes is one of my favorite elopement locations. You don’t always need to hike to reach incredible locations - you can almost drive up to your ceremony spot here with just a beautiful scenic walk to find the spot that speaks to you. There’s also a nearby trailhead that leads to a beautiful trail with a gorgeous scenic overlook! Check out this couple’s elopement where they actually had their sunrise ceremony at Reflection Lakes and then hiked up to that overlook spot for a post-ceremony breakfast picnic!
I also have lots of beautiful hidden gem locations throughout the area that I’ve been to and can help you plan through!
Mt. Rainier Wedding Vendors
Choosing the right vendors for your intimate wedding or elopement is so important, and you really want to make sure you find someone who understands the needs of your day and can deliver on helping create an awesome experience for you!
You can read more about how to choose your elopement vendors in this blog post about how to plan an elopement! Here are some of my personal favorite vendors to recommend, and I’m happy to help with other vendors and services like finding the right videographer for you, a private chef, and more!
Photographer: Oh heyyyy! ;)
Elopement Planner: The Greatest Adventure Wed
Florals: Rusted Vase Floral Co.
Hair & Makeup: Pacific Brides
Officiant: Officiant Jimmie
Cake: Sift & Gather
Mt. Rainier Elopement Packages
Elopement Packages Mt. Rainier
Your epic Mt. Rainier Elopement Package includes…
Unlimited guidance for planning your elopement
Customized location ideas
Local vendor recommendations
Personally designed timeline for your day
My exclusive in-depth “Elopement Planning Guide”
Coordinate elopement logistics
Permit research and assistance
Activity ideas, wedding attire guidance, and ways to personalize your elopement day
Laid-back and relaxed photo coverage for your elopement
I’m your PLANNER too!
I’ll help you plan your elopement from start to finish!
*You’ll have an EXPERT by your side the whole way*
Mt. Rainier Elopement Photographer
I’m your Mt. Rainier Elopement Photographer & Guide, experience creator, resource provider, planning consultant, location scouter, idea machine, and adventure buddy
I’m your personal GUIDE, your PLANNER, and your BEST FRIEND! As both your Mt. Rainier expert and your elopement expert, I’m here to help craft the experience of your dreams - and capture it all for you! I’ll be there every step of the way to help make your vision come to life…
LET’S DO THIS!!
Need help planning your Elopement?
Download my FREE elopement planning checklist!
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