Eloping in Mount Rainier: A Step-by-Step Guide
Eloping in Mount Rainer can be one of the most rewarding and intentional ways to get married. However, like any other wedding or elopement,
it is so important that you plan and prepare beforehand. Because it is a National Park and “nature’s country”,
it is pertinent to know your game plan from start to finish.
Here is your step-by-step guide for eloping in Mount Rainier.
9 STEPS TO FOLLOW WHEN PLANNING YOUR MOUNT RAINIER ELOPEMENT
#1 | CHOOSE THE TIME OF YEAR
Mount Rainier has two visitor centers: Paradise and Sunrise. Before you can do anything, you need to choose which one of those areas you prefer the most.
Sunrise Visitor Center doesn’t open until later spring or early summer depending on that year's winter.
Another thing to consider is the weather. Would you rather snow, rain/moody vibes, or wildflowers?
Each of these occurs at different times of the year and will need you to plan accordingly.
#2 | BOOK AN ELOPEMENT PLANNER
So many couples want to skip this step when eloping in Mount Rainier.
I highly suggest against this. I promise I wouldn’t add it to this checklist if it wasn’t important.
Elopement planners can help you with location ideas, vendor recommendations, timeline help and so much for. There are so many logistics when eloping.
Their job is to basically help you figure out what you want and how to make those wants become a reality.
MY FAVORITE ELOPEMENT PLANNERS
#3 | FIND YOUR PHOTO + VIDEO TEAM
You are not going to want to miss getting the best day of your lives captured.
With the help of a photographer and videographer, you will be able to look back and remember those moments forever and ever.
MY PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS
Alexa Ann Photo
Emma Studly Photography
Marcella Laine Photography
MY VIDEOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS
Alexa Ann Photo and I, Kassidy Sherburne Films, have teamed up to give you the ultimate PHOTO/VIDEO collab.
#4 | DETERMINE YOUR LODGING
When it comes to finding lodging, you are in luck! There are a ton of options for eloping at Mt Rainier
The two main things you need to take into consideration are your budget and how far you want to commute when eloping in Mount Rainier.
#5 | BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS + TRAVEL
If you are planning to fly into Washington, you will need to find flights to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA-TAC)
or the Portland International Airport (PDX). Pretty much all airlines fly into these two, and they offer great options.
Prefer road tripping over flying?! GO FOR IT! Rent a van! The sky is the limit, remember?
#6 | FIND YOUR CEREMONY LOCATION
Unless you know Mount Rainier like the back of your hand, its really helpful to have an elopement planner or photographer/videographer who are willing to scout these places and give you a list of the best spots. I’ve spent the last three years since moving to Seattle scouting and backpacking around Mount Rainier so I have a list of places that I love getting to share with my elopement couples.
SOME OF MY FAVORITE SPOTS
Tipsoo Lake - a short walk from the parking area
Grove of the Patriarchs - 1.5 miles RT, easy
Naches Loop Trail - 4.5 miles RT, or 1.5 miles to portrait site, easy
Silver Forest Trail - 2.4 RT, easy
Skyline Trail/Panorama Point: 5.4 miles RT, moderate
Mount Fremont Lookout - 5.6 miles RT, moderate
Moraine Trail - 2.2 miles or take it further, moderate
Tolmie Peak: 6.5 miles RT, difficult
Interested in Learning More?
#7 | CHOOSE YOUR ACTIVITIES
This is a perfect opportunity to express yourself as a couple. Ask yourself: what do you want to do before or after your vow exchange?
This can be the day before or after. If you are having a videographer, I always recommend this!
The possibilities are ENDLESS, but here are some ideas:
Hiking
Stand-up Paddle Boarding (I can provide the paddle boards!)
Picnic Brunch with Family/Friends
Hot Tubbing
Cozy Cabin Photo Session
Fire and S’mores
Yoga with Your Guests
Taking a Motorcycle Ride
Slacklining
Horseback Riding
#8 | APPLY FOR A PERMIT
If you are eloping in Mount Rainier, you will need a special use permit which you can find here. Your application must be submitted at least 4 weeks before your requested day.
If you guys decide to legally get married while in Washington, here is more info on how to apply for a marriage license in Washington.
If you choose to instead have a “symbolic” ceremony while here, you can skip that step!
#9 | COME UP WITH A TIMELINE
Here is a sample Mount Rainier Elopement Timeline. I do recommend customizing it to yourself though!
Your relationship and your elopement are unique! Your timeline should be as well.
4 :15 coverage begins, a few getting ready photos
4 :45 leave for river pull-off spot (16 min. from Packwood)
5 :00 photos at river pull off
5:30 continue driving to Sunrise visitor center (approx. 1 hour)
6 :30 hike approx. 1 mile on the Silver Forest Trail
7 :00 vow exchange
7 :15 sunset portraits
7 :45 hike back to the trailhead (photos along the way)
8 :15 return to the cabin
9 :15 hot tub and pizza at the cabin
Want to know more about eloping at Mount Rainier? I’d love to send you all my recommendations.
All couples who book with me, get my exclusive, 80+ page elopement planning guide. It is filled to the brim with tips and resources.
What do you say? Let’s plan your epic, intentional Mount Rainier Elopement.
Meet Kass, your elopement videographer & Washington local
I’ve spent the past 7 years gaining experience as a wedding photographer and videographer; and in 2019 I took my past experience as an outdoor recreation guide and love for documenting weddings into a full time job, filming elopements. During the summer I love to rock climbing, camp and backpack all over the Cascades and Mount Rainier — fueling my own passion for adventure, but also making an extensive list of places to share with couples wanting to elope.
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