How to Plan a Mount Rainier Elopement:
a step by step guide

Updated April 27th, 2023

Thinking about planning a Mount Rainier elopement? Well you’ve definitely come to the right place! Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most breath-taking National Parks in the country. The park surrounds Mount Rainier, which is the highest mountain Washington (and also an active stratovolcano). Along with the endless views of Mt. Rainier, the park is filled with evergreen forests, rolling green hills, vibrant wildflowers (during peak season), and 360 degree views of the surrounding cascade mountain range. This park has two main areas that are most popular called Sunrise and the Paradise region. Both of these sections are accessible by car and have dozens of hiking trails connected to them. If you’re interested in planning a Mt. Rainier elopement, keep reading for a complete guide is filled with everything you need to know on how to plan your perfect Mount Rainier Elopement.

Table of Contents:

Step 1: Choosing a Date

Step 2: Determine your Elopement Location

Step 3: Obtain Proper Permitting & Marriage Licenses

Step 4: Find an Elopement Photographer

Step 5: Finalize Elopement Logistics

Step 6: Book Other Elopement Vendors

A Mount Rainier Elopement is an adventurous wedding day at Mt. Rainier National Park or the surrounding towns including Packwood, WA, Ashford WA or Enumclaw WA. Most couples who plan a Mt. Rainier elopement plan to do something adventurous, say their vows in front of an epic view and celebrate the day in a way that makes them happiest.

Follow along to learn everything
you need to know for your Mount Rainier elopement!

When is the best time to elope at mount rainier national park?

The best time to elope at Mt. Rainier National Park is from the end of July to the beginning of September. July, August and September months are known to have the best weather in Washington state, with minimal rain/cloudy days (compared to other months). Weather can get colder towards the end of September, but on the other hand, there tends to be less crowds in the park after Labor Day.

wildflower season

Mount Rainier National Park is known for its famous vibrant wildflowers scattered across the park. These wildflowers are typically only in season from the last week in July until mid August. It’s important to note that couples should be aware and abide by Leave No Trace principles found here, meaning no running through wildflowers, picking wildflowers, or laying down in wildflower fields- because they can take years to grow back! There are so many ways to embrace the wildflowers and take amazing photos on trail.

The next step in planning your Mount Rainier elopement is to pick figure out where you want to elope in the park! There are so many locations and trails to choose, from more intense hikes to beautiful panoramic views accessible by car- you truly cannot go wrong when choosing an elopement location!

If you’re looking for those rolling green hills scattered with wildflowers I would consider eloping in Paradise. Paradise is a region of Mt. Rainier that is filled with meadows covered with wildflowers- basically transporting you to the dreamiest spot in the whole park.

Another section of the park that offers stunning views of Mount Rainier is Sunrise (yes it’s a place). Sunrise is the highest elevation in the park and is surrounded by 360 degree views of the surrounding valleys. This spot is easily accessible by car for those looking for those high altitude views without having to do a long 10 mile hike.

If you love lake views, there are a few beautiful lakes located throughout the park. Both Reflection Lake and Tipsoo Lake have some stunning views of Mount Rainier and when the lake is perfectly smooth and you have a mirror-like reflection of the mountain. 

If you’re looking for a more adventurous Mt. Rainier elopement, the park has 4 fire lookouts that have some of the most stunning 360 degree views of the mountains. The lookouts usually include a steep hike to get there, but the payoff is SO worth it.

Best Mount Rainier Elopement Spots

1. Mount Fremount Lookout Trail-: A great medium difficulty trail with panoramic views throughout the whole hike. This trail ends with a fire lookout to really complete this 5.6 mile hike.

2. Skyline Trail/Panorama Point: The Skyline Trail is located in the Paradise region and is well known world-wide for its various terrains and wildflower views. This is a 5.4 mile look that gains 1700 feet in elevation- the perfect trail to get everything you want out of the park.

3. Tolmie Peak Hike: This elopement pictured above and below was taken at Tolmie Peak, this trail is difficult towards the end- but not impossible. Tolmie Peak Trail has a beautiful sunrise and sunset view- and a really cool fire lookout that is great for all photo opportunities.

Mount rainier elopement permits

To get elope in Mount Rainier National Park, you have to apply for a wedding permit. Before you apply, you have to determine where in the park you want to elope first! Elopement locations vary depending on how many guests you want to invite.

Currently Mount Rainier Requires a $175 permit fee to get married in the park.

Here are some guidelines from the National Park Website:

1-12 participants: may use almost any location in the park.
13-24: may not use wilderness or primitive locations, but may use certain pre-determined locations along trails at Paradise and Sunrise; may also use locations along roads such as pullouts, picnic areas, and campground amphitheaters.
25-60: limited to roadside locations and campground amphitheaters.
Over 60: campground amphitheaters only.

If party size is over 12, weddings at Paradise, Sunrise, and Tipsoo Lake may not take place between the hours of 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm on weekends due to congestion. Additional restrictions of location may apply.
Ceremonies may not impede the activities of other visitors. Outdoor areas will not be closed off during ceremonies and parking may not be reserved. Throwing of rice, confetti, etc. is not allowed. Modest decorations are permitted. Setting up chairs or erecting tents or awnings in roadside pullouts or parking areas or on trails is not permitted.

washington marriage licenses:

Couples can either choose to legalize their marriage on their elopement day or just have a symbolic ceremony. If you are interested in legalizing your marriage during your actual elopement, Washington marriage laws require 2 witnesses and an officiant to sign the license.

Washington Marriage Laws require a 3 day waiting period before your license is active. You can apply for the license online within 60 days of your wedding date. You will need two witnesses to sign at the ceremony.

LOOKING TO ELOPE IN
MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK?

Want to plan an elopement at Mt. Rainier National Park? As both an elopement photographer and guide, I work with my couples to help plan their PERFECT elopement day. If you want to learn more about my elopement process, click the button below!

HOW TO GET TO
MT. RAINIER
NATIONAL PARK

By Plane:

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: The most convenient and closest airport if you are planning an elopement in Mt. Rainier NP, this airport is 85 miles from the park. 

Portland International Airport: Portland’s airport is 131 miles from the park- making your drive a bit longer!

Yakima Air Terminal: This airport located in Yakima Washington is about 134 miles from the park.

By Car:

No matter which airport you fly into, renting a car is the best way to get around Mt. Rainier National Park. The park has three main entrances, the Southwest, Northwest, and East entrances. PRO TIP: To navigate getting to the park- I always recommend downloading the directions on your phone so you can have them even when you lose service as you get closer to the park. Also, take a screenshot of the mapped route and the step by step directions in case anything happens and your maps stop working. You can find more detailed directions to all entrances here. https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/directions.htm

WHERE TO STAY FOR YOUR
MT. RAINIER ELOPEMENT

Even though you may not be having a big traditional wedding, a lot of couples still have multiple vendors for their elopement day. Besides a photographer, here are the other vendors I would recommend looking into:

1. Elopement Florist

2. Hair & Makeup Artist

3. Caterer

4. Baker

5. Officiant

   **If you’re looking for specific recommendations, I offer personalized vendor lists for my couples in my elopement guide!

MT. RAINIER ELOPEMENT ADVICE:

1. Get to Paradise or Sunrise early to find parking and avoid major crowds- also try to visit on a weekday during peak season

2. Hike early morning or later afternoon the summer this will keep you out of the harsh direct sunlight that may lead to overheating and exhaustion

3. Prepare for snow during all seasons especially in the Paradise area- pack long pants, proper hiking boots, and a light jacket for higher altitudes

4. Bring your own food, there are limited restaurants in the park and it takes a while to drive into and out of the park- bring your own food for both convenience and to save money

5. Check out this Mount Rainier Helicopter and Hiking Tour:
   This combined helicopter and hiking tour is great to be able to see the bird’s eye view that you cannot get anywhere else when visiting Mt. Rainier while also experiencing views that can’t be seen from up in the helicopter- a great all day experience for those who like to see the view from above.

6. Have the AllTrails app downloaded before you get to the park along with trail maps either printed out or ‘screenshotted’ on your phone. There is limited service in the park- so it’s best to be prepared beforehand

7. Always hike with proper gear and equipment very simple but SO important.

LOOKING TO START
PLANNING YOUR
MT. RAINIER ELOPEMENT?