I may be a bit biased, but I think Mt. Rainier National Park is the best place to Elope. I’m excited to share a little about why I love it so much and give you a ton of info to help you plan your perfect elopement day at Mt. Rainier.

Quick intro to get us up to speed: I’m Mary, an elopement photographer based in Oregon. As I’ve explored more of Washington the past couple years, I’ve really been amazed by the beauty and all the state has to offer, and I think you will be too! Get more info about working with me here!

Mt Rainier National Park is located in Washington state, just a couple hour drive from Seattle. 

Until you actually go to Mt Rainier, I think it’s a little hard to picture how vast this park is. Mt Rainier in itself is a giant reaching a height of 14,410 feet. This is truly a place that will remind you of how small you are, but in the absolute best and most refreshing way. There are four visitor centers inside of Mt. Rainier. Sunrise, Paradise Jackson, Ohanapecosh. When I say this park is vast, it’s vast! All of the visitor centers have visitor centers and picnic areas, with so many trails. Paradise and Sunrise are very popular and often it can be difficult to find parking in these areas, so be prepared to spend a little extra time if you are there in peek season. You can find a map of the park here.  

Another thing to keep in mind when planning your elopement at Mt. Rainier is to allow some extra time at the start of the day to get into the park, and for driving within the park. Depending on what time of year you wish to visit, timed entry may be required, you can find more info about timed entry here. 

Okay we love Mt Rainier too, but whats it like to plan an elopement there? Let’s talk about what actually goes into making the experience you’ve been dreaming about a reality.

Pick a date – Best times to elope at Mt. Rainer 

Lots of factors to keep in mind when choosing your date, but the biggest to keep in mind that at this elevation (5000-8000 feet) there is snow roughly Nov – July. Late July – August are considered the ideal months to visit, as they are warmer and dryer overall. But I personally really love Sept and early October right as some fall color is starting to pop out at those high elevations. However, thee summer months are really a sweet spot, more sunshine and warmer days as well as sunset being later during those months! No matter when you choose, having a mindset to embrace whatever the day brings in terms of weather and other variables is a must. We will go with the flow and have the best time no matter what!

Choose your vendors and your stay 

The great thing about an elopement is that it can be as complicated or low key as you desire and you can incorporate the things that are most important to you as a couple. Maybe that means splurging on a really nice stay with a hot tub and a view. Maybe it means hiring your dream photographer and videographer. Or maybe you want to have a fancy meal catered after you elope. PS, this is something I can help you plan, and give you recommendations for trusted vendors in the area!

How to get legally married – Apply for a WA marriage license

Step 1 – fill out your marriage application. In the state of WA you can apply for a marriage license in person or online here https://e-docs.clark.wa.gov/LandmarkWeb/MarriageIntro 

Step 2 – Both parties go in person to a county clerks office and present government ID which includes (passport, driver’s license, state issued ID card, military ID) to confirm age, name spelling, and other information. You will also need to pay the application fee $172.00 which can be paid by cash, card or money order/cashiers check. 

NOTE: There is a 3 day waiting period from when you receive your marriage license to when you are able to have your ceremony. Please keep that in mind if you plan to complete step 2 in person. If you don’t have time to complete step 2 in person, there is a mail option that you can learn more about here.

Step 3 – Have your ceremony! You will need to sign and fill out your marriage license, and have your officiant and 2 witnesses sign as well. Then make sure to return it by mail within 60 days of your ceremony, and request a copy if you need one! 

Special use permits

You may need a special use permit for your wedding ceremony within the park! You can find more info here. Don’t even stress though, I will guide you through this process to make sure it’s easy and worry free every step of the way! 

Packing list for a Mt. Rainier Hiking Elopement 

• Hiking packs
• Head lamps
• Hiking boots
• Hiking poles (highly recommend) 
• Waterbottles
• Electrolites 
• Hand warmers
• Jacket
• Warm base layer 
• Swim suit 
• Backpacking stove 
• Coffee 
• Snacks 
• Travel Mugs for hot drinks

• Florals 
• Ring box 
• Vow box 
• “Just Eloped” sign 
• Jewelry 
• perfume/cologne 

Picnic/Dinner inspo

• Goat cheese 
• Sourdough bread
• Salami 
• Grapes 
• Chili 
• Cornbread  
• Crackers
• Cheese 
• Strawberries 
• Grapes 
• Dried fruit

Sample 10 hour elopement timeline – 

11:00am – Drink coffee together at airbnb 

12:00am – Getting ready together in Ashford 

(Stop for photos at the entrance with “Mt Rainier” gate)

1:00pm – Arrive at Paradise – write letters to each other for 1 year anniversary 

2:00pm – Get ready (at the trailhead) 

2:30pm – Hike to location 

4:00pm – Vows

5:30pm – Picnic and cake + Champagne + Hot chocolate

6:30pm – Sunset photos until blue hour

7:30pm – Hike back with headlamps

9:00 pm – Star photos (Weather permitting) or Hot tub back at airbnb 

Okay lets review the steps we talked about above!

How to elope in Mt. Rainier 

• Pick a location/vibe that works for you two 
• Pick a date 
• Choose your vendors (Photographer, florals, cake, dress, suit etc stay) 
• Apply for a WA marriage license 
• Applying for special use permit to get married inside of mt. rainier national park 
• Go have the best time eloping! 
• Pick a location

THATS IT! 

That was a ton of information to get you going in the right direction, asking yourselves the right questions to start to plan your dream elopement day at Mt Rainier National Park! I’d love to help with any other questions you have and help you plan an elopement that embodies the things and places you love! Feel free to reach out to me when you are ready to make your dream experience a reality!