Here’s the hard truth that no one tells you about eloping at Mount Rainier:

So you decided to elope in Washington and you’re eyeing Mount Rainier because it’s such a stunning mountain with wildflowers and easy access. But it might just be the wrong choice for the intimate elopement you’re actually dreaming of.

Hi, I’m Cherlyn, Washington elopement photographer who’s photographed couples all over the state and I’m here to share with you the local insight that no one else will share with you. Let’s dig in!

Instagram Vs Reality

What eloping at Mount Rainier is really like

You think that you’re getting a wide open meadow all to yourselves to say your private vows. But Mount Rainier is exactly one of those places where reality can be quite drastic from what you see on Instagram. As a National Park, Mount Rainier is a big tourist destination for locals and visitors. Its easy access means that many people can easily get there and so many people do visit! And even on “emptier” winter days, the network of trails make it so hard to get away from people. You might find yourself among other hikers and harder to find that privacy and intentional time to focus on each other.

Why Mount Rainier elopements are the most crowded in the PNW

While Mount Rainier is second to the Olympics in number of visitors per year, there’s far fewer access points, concentrating the people into Paradise and Sunrise. The season is relatively short when snow melts in late June or early July and coming back as early as mid September. Some years, Mount Rainier even implements a restrictive time-entry system to limit the number of visitors but it still can get crowded.

With higher crowd levels, you probably won’t get the quiet experience you’re looking for when eloping. There’ll probably be lots of people commenting on you wearing your wedding clothes. And it’s just simply distracting.

If you want to elope at Rainier, think about if you’ll feel like you’re being watched (because there are probably onlookers). Or if you’ll feel like you have to perform for an audience instead of keeping the focus on yourselves?

Can you avoid crowds when eloping at Mount Rainier?

Yes, and no. Depending on your flexibility and the timing you might be able to. There’s limitations on where you can have your ceremony and less limitations for just photography post or pre ceremony.

To follow Leave No Trace best practices, the meadows are off limits and we must stay only on trail.

If you are willing to hike, that can substantially reduce the crowd levels that usually stick closer to the trailheads and visitor center.

Sometimes going on a weekday or for sunrise and sunset are good ways to avoid crowds but lots of other people know this too. It’ll reduce the total number of people but isn’t a foolproof way for completely avoiding crowds.

But if you are able to implement all these things, you might just avoid the main crowds enough to still have that dreamy elopement.

Mount Rainier Elopement Permits and Regulations

There’s a lot that goes into eloping in a National Park. Primarily, you can’t fully plan your elopement day until you acquire your ceremony permit. Read more about park permits. Mount Rainier specifically has restrictions on all the locations from time of day to day of week to group size. All these play a factor to where you can have your ceremony. And some locations only allow one ceremony per day!

However, with the right guidance, like a local photographer who has experience in the permit process (ahem, like me), you can plan far enough ahead to make your day run seamless.

Who Mount Rainier is or isn’t Right For

So you might still want to elope at Mount Rainier if:

• You’re okay with inflexible plans due to permitting
• You don’t mind briefly passing through crowds on your elopement day
• You value iconic views over quietness
• You are willing to hike further for privacy

You might want to consider other options if:

• You prefer solitude throughout the entire trail
• You want flexibility and freedom to change plans last minute
• You don’t want strangers photobombing your photos

 

Better Alternatives to a Mount Rainier Elopement

Okay, so maybe you want to consider other locations that aren’t quite Mount Rainier but still give you that awe and wonder that you’re looking for, plus the privacy to be yourselves. There’s so many other places!

My favorite recommendation for my couples is the National Forest. Permits are less restrictive and allows for more flexibility if plans need to change. Here’s a list of amazing locations that rival that of Mount Rainier:

• Mount Baker Wilderness: Another iconic volcano in Washington with wildflowers, lakes and mountain views. And perhaps even a lookout!
• Alpine Lakes Wilderness: Usually requiring more hiking to get into but the most stunning lakes in Washington are here!
• Mountain Loop Highway: This is my favorite area of Washington, needing hikes to get into most areas but you’re surrounded by incredible peaks and super close to Glacier Peak, another volcano
• North Cascades: There’s quite a few locations here that are not in the national park, meaning no permits but still grand views. Awesome for fall colors.

Check out this amazing North Cascades Elopement

• Olympic National Park: Yes, it’s another park, but there’s just so many trails that the crowds spread out much more and it is slightly easier to strategically avoid the crowds
• Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest: Did you know this makes up a huge part of the Washington mountains? You can elope here AND get views of Mount Rainier. How cool is that?

 

Why Having an Experienced Elopement Photographer Changes Everything

I am not just a photographer. I’m also your fellow hiker and outdoor adventurer who values quiet hikes and stunning views. I spend most weekends scouting and exploring new locations so that I can give the best suggestions to my couples.

• I also help every couple with navigating permits if you do decide to elope at Mount Rainier. There’s a lot that can change year to year and that’s why it’s my priority to make sure you feel confident when filling out the permit application. I do most of the leg work for you but ceremony permits must be applied by the couples according to the national park.
• And if you do decide that Mount Rainier is still for you, I’m here to make sure we do our absolute best to minimize the crowds so you can have the most seamless day that is focused on you and not on avoiding people.
• And with minimizing crowds, I also plan all my couple’s elopement day timeline and make sure you have space to breath, to relax, to soak in the little moments, the grand landscapes.
• And if the national park decides to close an area, I’m here to make sure that we have a solid backup plan that is just as good (if not better) than our original plan and help you be the most prepared on your elopement day so you show up excited and ready to live out the day we planned together for

Your Elopement Deserves More Than a Checklist Location

It’s not just about saying “we eloped at Mount Rainier”. It’s about how your day felt. It’s about making new memories. It can also be something epic.

You can still elope with views of Mount Rainier without the hassle of the national park.

You can have a honeymoon on Mount Rainier trails.

You can still have a magical elopement in Washington without it being at Mount Rainier.

And don’t get me wrong, Mount Rainier is still a stunning National Park. It just might not be the right place for every couple.

 

Ready to figure out your unique Washington elopement location? Let’s start planning!