How to Elope in Mt. Rainier National Park
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How To Get to Mt Rainier National Park
The Best Time of Year to Elope in Mt. Rainier
Best Places to Elope in Mt. Rainier National Park
How to Get an Elopement Permit for Your Mt. Rainier Elopement
2024 Timed Entry Reservation Information
How to Get a Washington Marriage License
Eloping in Mt Rainier National Park is a breathtaking, memory-making experience. Among the rugged mountain terrain are diverse ecosystems, including old-growth forests, subalpine meadows (home to vibrant wildflowers in the summer), and glaciers. With over 260 miles of trails, ranging from leisurely strolls to challenging alpine hikes, there’s something for every couple.
This comprehensive article includes everything you need to know about eloping in Mt Rainier National Park. That includes navigating the landscape, the practicalities, and a few inside tips from a professional elopement enthusiast — me! So get ready to set a trail for your special day.
How To Get To Mt Rainier National Park
By Plane:
The easiest way to get to Mt Rainier National Park is to fly into the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The airport is the closest to the park, located just 2 hours away. You can also fly into the Portland International Airport or the Yakima Airport — both about 2.5 hours away. However, because these airports are smaller than Seattle, flights tend to be more expensive.
By Car:
No matter which airport you choose to fly into, the best way to get around Mt Rainier National Park is by renting a car. The park has 3 main entrances — the Southwest, Northwest, and East entrances.
Pro Tip: Download offline Google Maps directions on your phone so that even when you lose service as you get closer to the park, you can still receive navigation. As beautiful as the scenery is, getting lost probably isn’t on your to-do list!
The Best Time of Year To Elope In Mt. Rainier
Whatever the season, Mt Rainier National Park provides a gorgeous and romantic backdrop for your elopement. It’s worth considering your personal preferences; the vibrant wildflowers are a stunning addition to the day’s photoshoot in summer — but it is extra busy. If you’re eloping for intimacy and low-key vibes, October is better for avoiding crowds. Things to keep in mind per season:
Spring
Weather is extremely unpredictable in the springtime, and more often than not, the roads are closed until June. The snow within the area usually doesn’t melt until July. That being said, spring can be an incredible time to visit if you’re envisioning a winter wonderland, and want to avoid the summer rush.
Summer
WILDFLOWERS!! The end of July into early August is Mt Rainier’s famous wildflower season, coloring the park in a million different ways.
The dry summer months are ideal for time outside. However, the park’s busiest time of year sees 70 percent of its 1.6 million yearly visitors. Traffic congestion is so bad, many people end up having to park 1-2 miles away from the start of a trailhead, and timed entry was introduced in 2024.
If you’re set on the summer, plan your ceremony during sunrise or sunset to avoid larger crowds, or brace yourself for unintended photo-bombing…
Fall
My personal favorite time of the year for elopements in Mt Rainier! The park is covered in gorgeous fall colors and there is a serious lack of people in comparison to summer. While you’ll still encounter groups of people, it’s much easier to find parking, emptier trails, and lodging.
The temps can be a bit chillier and snow can come as early as late October, so be sure to bring plenty of layers and plan ahead this time of year.
Winter
If you want a winter wonderland elopement, this is THE time to elope in Mt Rainier. The park is notorious for its snowfall — averaging 645 inches annually (making it one of the snowiest places in the United States!). While it’s a great time to visit, it does require a lot of planning.
Only two park entrances remain open through the winter — Southwest and Northwest entrances. All vehicles are also required to have chains during this time.
Best Places To Elope In Mt. Rainier
Pro Tip: View all approved ceremony sites and how many people they allow on this super helpful map on the national park’s website.
Max Capacity: 8 People
This 5.6-mile round trip hike is known for the ending viewpoint at Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout. Enjoy the sights of endless mountain ranges, alpine lakes, and forests while hiking on this trail. This trail is especially great at sunset and is incredible for stargazing afterwards. Though this trail is an incredible feast for the eyes (and camera), be prepared for steep inclines and lots of other people on the trail during the summer months.
Max Capacity: 12 People
This 2.7-mile round-trip hike is perfect for very small groups who don’t want to hike a ton on their wedding day, or need a more accessible ceremony location. The hike itself takes just over an hour, is fairly flat throughout, and you don’t even need to hike very far into the trail to get incredible views.
Max Capacity: Ranges depending on location ~15 people
By far Mt Rainier National Park’s most infamous (and busy) hiking trail — taking you through some of the most scenic spots of the park such as Myrtle Falls. It’s a 5.7-mile round-trip loop, but you don’t need to hike far for epic views of Mt Rainier.
If you’re visiting the park, this trail is an absolute must-do — even if you decide to skip it for your ceremony. Just know this trail is insanely popular, and a fairly challenging physical workout, so it’s best to visit during off-peak times like sunrise and sunset to have a more secluded experience.
Max Capacity: 8 People
Not a huge fan of hiking, or prefer to save your energy for the day? I’ve got good news for you. This is one of the many alpine lakes you can access in the park without any hiking. There’s a small loop circling the lake, but it’s not the largest so this spot is best for very small groups.
Max Capacity: 8 People
This 5.7 mile round trip hike is fairly steep and rocky, but the views are so worth the effort. You’ll start out by the Sunrise Visitor Center with wildflower meadows and end at a sweeping mountainous viewpoint from the fire lookout.
This trail is another that is really popular, so expect to see other visitors any time of day you choose to visit.
Max Capacity: 12 People
This incredibly accessible 1.1-mile trail goes through an old-growth forest, offering a unique landscape vastly different from the standard mountainous views you think of when you think of Mt Rainier National Park. The hike does tend to get busy due to its accessibility, so plan to visit during off-peak times of the day.
*As of April 2024, part of the trail is closed due to flooding damages but is expected to reopen sometime in summer 2027
How To Get An Elopement Permit For Your Mt. Rainier Elopement
A “special use permit” is required for all wedding ceremonies held within Mt Rainier National Park. Failure to get the permit will result in a ranger stopping the ceremony and even banning you from the park (yes this really happens), so it is extremely important to get the permit for your elopement in Mt Rainier.
The process of getting a special use permit is extremely easy. All you need to do is fill out the application found on the park’s website and email it to mora_special_use@nps.gov at least 4 weeks before your wedding date. Once your application is accepted, you will be given instructions via email on how to pay the $250 permit fee online. In order to secure your preferred ceremony location and time, submit your permit application as soon as you can, especially if you’re planning your elopement during the busy summer months.
If you need more information, check out the official park’s website permit page.
Pro Tip: All of my photography packages include permit assistance! If any of this information is confusing, reach out!
2024 Timed Entry Reservations
As mentioned above, if you are planning on eloping or visiting Mt Rainier National Park during the summer of 2024, you will need a timed entry reservation to enter the park. Due to overcrowding, traffic, and damage to the meadows, the park is implementing the scheme to help improve the overall experience. This system will apply for the Paradise and Sunrise corridors of the park.
Paradise (via the Nisqually or Stevens Canyon entrances): timed entry reservation required May 24th - September 2nd
Sunrise (via the White River entrance): timed entry reservation required July 4th - September 2nd
These reservations will be required by vehicles entering the park between 7:00am - 3:00pm. If you will be entering the park before 7:00am or after 3:00pm, you will NOT need a reservation.
Also note that you will NOT need a timed entry reservation if you have acquired a Special Use Permit.
Reservations will allow you entrance to the park within a 2 hour time frame and cost $2 per vehicle. You can book your timed entry reservation on recreation.gov.
How To Get A Washington Marriage License
To get a marriage license in Washington, you’ll need to visit a County Clerk’s office within the state 3 days before your wedding with your photo ID. It’ll cost you $72. Simply fill out the application, wait 3 days to pick up the license, and you’re good to go! If you don’t live in Washington, you can fill out the online application, have it notarized, and then send it back with a check or money order.
You will need an officiant and two witnesses in order to elope in Washington.
Just So You Know: I am an ordained officiant and can legally sign on your marriage certificate in most U.S. states. Certain states may require additional paperwork and/or processing fees but I’m happy to help! However, if you would like an actual celebrant to verbally walk you through a ceremony, I know some great people who can do that for you.
Where To Stay For Your Mt. Rainier Elopement
Ashford
Packwood
Enumclaw
Mt. Rainier Elopement Packages
I’m much more than a photographer, I’m someone who is super passionate about supporting couples on their big day, from scouting hidden gems for the ideal location, stress-free planning, and of course capturing raw, authentic moments. As a West Coast photographer specializing in adventure elopements, you’ll be in safe hands. So, are you ready to say yes to Mt Rainier Park?! More information on my packages below:
Packages
4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, or 2 Day elopement photography
A personalized elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
Personalized elopement location recommendation list
Vendor, lodging, and activity recommendations
Custom-built-for-you elopement timeline
Assistance to help you with permits and licenses
90+ page elopement planning guide with my best tips & tricks
Optional complimentary officiant services
Online gallery with full resolution images and printing rights
5-7 day sneak peeks
Travel fees to anywhere in Washington are already included
Starting at $4000
Video Add-Ons
For an extra special, immersive reminder of your special day, I now offer the following options for video add ons to your elopement packages:
Documentary style highlight reel
Super 8 film
Ceremony recording
Hey, I’m Sally! I’m a destination adventure elopement photographer based in Washington, but traveling worldwide!
Check Out My Free Elopement Planning Guide & Checklist!
This freebie gives you a step-by-step guide on exactly how to plan your dream adventure elopement.
