The Complete Guide for Your Mount Rainier National Park Elopement (Updated for 2024 with Info About Timed Entry Reservations!)
One of Washington’s most iconic and notable mountains, Mount Rainier is one spot to elope that you’ll fall in love with. I’ve got all sorts of tips and tricks for you to learn about the park, when the best time of year is to get married is, areas of the park to explore, what the different seasons are like, things to see like fire lookouts, alpine lakes, different sides of the mountain, and so much more. Let’s dive in!
Top 3 Reasons to Elope at Mount Rainier National Park
The vast differences in terrain and scenery lets you really experience it all! You can get that stunning mountain backdrop, lush evergreen forests, serene and clear lakes, fire lookouts, wildflowers in late summer, rolling hills, waterfalls, and a view of the Cascade range. You don’t have to just choose one feature because you can drive to several in a single day.
If you want to get away from everyone, there are plenty of quieter trails to hike ranging in distance and elevation gain that will all but guarantee a peaceful elopement for you and your partner.
The seasons are all SO different! Looking for rich fall colors? Autumn is going to blow your mind. How about endless fields of wildflowers in late summer? Check. Want to go all out and snowshoe to your ceremony location? Rainier has that, too.
Your checklist to eloping at Mount Rainier National Park
We’re going to break down each one of these bullet points below, but here is an overview of what to expect!
Pick the season and general time of year you want to elope
Choose a general area for your ceremony
Secure a Special Use Permit at least four weeks before your elopement
Book accommodations in or around the park
Book your photographer
Apply for a marriage license
Pack your bags (with a checklist!)
Plan ahead to Leave No Trace
Seasons at Mount Rainier National Park
With constantly changing conditions (especially in the shoulder seasons!), Mount Rainier’s weather might surprise you. Roads close for 7-8 months of the year, snow plows can delay gates opening, chilly mornings can turn to scorching afternoons, and the list goes on. Make sure you check the road status before heading to the park!
Summer
By and large, the most popular time of year for the park, July through September are probably the best months to say your vows at Mount Rainier National Park. All roads are open to visitors, you’ll have no trouble getting on your favorite trails, late summer brings those stunning wildflowers that are worth visiting at least once in your life, and the mountain is out just about every single day (aside from rainy or foggy days because this is still Washington!).
Summer popularity also brings tons of visitors to every location, so you may need to strategically plan your elopement during off-peak days or at sunrise to beat the crowds. Parking lots fill up, trails get crowded, and finding a quiet place to say your vows is a little more challenging.
Fall
If you’re looking for reds, oranges, and gold colors as your backdrop, early fall is your best bet! The wildflowers will have passed their peak but the rich colors linger into early November. The number of visitors drops off at the end of September/early October, which allows for more options when it comes to secluded places to elope.
Early snowfall can happen, so be prepared to make a change to your gameplan at the last minute. Roads near Paradise and Sunrise can close early in the season depending on the severity of the weather so be cautious!
Winter
Mount Rainier is truly a winter wonderland during the winter months, so if you’re planning to snowshoe from your car to your ceremony location (and don’t mind bringing hand warmers!), then winter is going to be the perfect season for you to elope. There are endless snowshoeing trails in the park and you won’t be disappointed with how Rainier looks in the crisp winter air.
Spring
Another shoulder season that brings unpredictable weather, Spring can give you 70-degree temps OR freezing temps below 30 degrees! Bring plenty of layers if you’re planning to elope between March and July. Most of the lower elevation trails will be snow-free and you’ll have a jaw-dropping view of Rainier and the cascades with plenty of snowcapped peaks.
Choosing a General Location for Your Elopement Ceremony
Paradise area
Probably the most popular area of the entire park, Paradise gives you an amazing view of Mount Rainier from the moment you step out of your car in the parking lot. A short hike up to a rolling meadow will give you the view everyone loves Paradise for.
Paradise is known for its wildflowers in late summer and it’s a sight not to miss - trails that lead right through massive fields of purple lupines, white avalanche lilies, orange and pink paintbrushes, and yellow cinquefoils.
Plan to stop at Reflection Lakes, hike all or part of the Skyline Trail, and hike past the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center.
Sunrise area
Personally my favorite area of Mount Rainier National Park AND the highest point you can get to in the park via car, the Sunrise area gives you a totally different perspective of the peak and lets you walk along Sourdough ridge where you can see not only Rainier but Huckleberry basin and Mount Fremont too! This is the perfect place to start if you want to hike out to Mount Fremont Lookout for your ceremony at sunrise or sunset!!
Plan to stop at Tipsoo Lake, Sunrise Point, and hike all or part of the Sunrise Nature Trail for some spectacular views of Rainier.
Longmire area
The perfect place to stay after a Paradise elopement, Longmire has the National Park Inn, visitor information, and a super cute bridge going over the Nisqually River, plus plenty more to see. There are also camping and picnic areas perfect for after-ceremony activities.
Plan to stop at The Longmire Museum and walk all or part of Trail of the Shadows.
Ohanapecosh area
A less popular but still beautiful area of the park is the Ohanapecosh area! Closest to Packwood, Washington, this area has rushing waters, a suspension bridge, and plenty of views that will leave you breathless.
Plan to stop at Inspiration Point, Grove of the Patriarchs (closed for the 2021-2024 season!), and Box Canyon.
Permits and Fees Required to Elope at Mount Rainier National Park
Just about any national park is going to require some form of permitting for you to hold your ceremony and take photos throughout the park, so I’m here to make it SUPER easy for you as I have for countless couples in the past.
The National Park Service website outlines all the different types of permits you need for different activities in the park. You’ll need a Special Use Permit that is $250 to hold your ceremony within park boundaries, which allows you to have an approved ceremony and allows your photographer to work in the park as well. Once you’ve downloaded and filled out your application, submit it to mora_special_use@nps.gov. Make sure it’s at least four weeks before your elopement date to allow the park time to process it.
The areas you’re able to hold your ceremony vary based on how many guests you’ll have in attendance, but here’s a breakdown:
1-12 participants: may use certain pre-determined locations, which may include select trails, picnic areas, roadside locations, and campground amphitheaters.
13-24 participants: may use certain pre-determined locations, which may include picnic areas, roadside locations, and campground amphitheaters.
25-60 participants: may use certain pre-determined locations, which may include roadside locations and campground amphitheaters.
60+ participants: may use campground amphitheaters.
As of January 2024, Mount Rainier National Park has created an interactive map that outlines all restrictions and guidelines for Special Use Permits in the National Park. You can highlight a trail you’re interested in getting married on and see what days and times permits can be approved for that area. Many locations will only allow one permit to be approved per day per trail, so be sure to apply as early as you can!
Also, don’t forget about the entrance fee to the park! It’s $30 per vehicle, or you can get a year-long America the Beautiful pass for $80 that gets you into all U.S. National Parks, plus you get reduced rates to camp in national forests and other perks!
Book Accommodations in and Around the Park
Obviouslyyou’ll want somewhere to stay before and after the ceremony, so I’ve put together a list of some of the best cabins, campgrounds, and hotels to stay at in the area!
Cabins:
Longmire/Paradise area- This a-frame cabin (with a hot tub for post-wedding-day relaxing!), this brand new a-frame cabin, or this modern cabin.
Sunrise area- This small lodge, this cuuuute villa, or this rustic cabin!
Ohanapecosh/Packwood area- This chic cabin or this a-frame cabin!
Campgrounds:
Longmire/Paradise area- Cougar Rock Campground or Big Creek Campground
Sunrise area- White River Campground (first come, first serve), Silver Springs Campground, or Lodgepole Campground
Ohanapecosh/Packwood area- Ohanapecosh Campground or La Wis Wis Campground
Hotels/Inns:
Longmire/Paradise area- Paradise Inn or National Park Inn
Sunrise area- Crystal Mountain Lodge
Ohanapecosh/Packwood area- Mountain View Lodge or Hotel Packwood
Book Your Mount Rainier Elopement Photographer
You’re going to need someone who knows the lay of the lands, knows trails that are off the beaten path, and knows a ton about Mount Rainier.
Luckily for you..
I can be your Elopement Photographer!
I’ve spent countless hours hiking, driving, exploring, and adventuring around Mount Rainier and have taken many native Washingtonians around the park to show them what it’s all about. Trust me, I’ve got you.
My elopement packages all include the following:
An unforgettable experience where you’ll feel comfortable as ever in front of the camera
Elopement planning (just like this guide!) specific to your location, plus vendor referrals, permit assistance, timeline planning, and general guidance and consultation!
High-resolution downloadable digital images ready to print and share
Travel within Washington state is included!
Take a peek at my pricing page if you wanna get this show on the road and start planning your perfect elopement already!
Get a Timed Entry Reservation (New for 2024!)
If you’re hoping to elope at Mount Rainier National Park between May and September of 2024, you’re going to want to look into the National Park’s new Timed Entry Reservations. Basically the park has become too busy with visitors to manage, so certain areas of the park will require an advance reservation to get you in the entrance gate.
Luckily, for couples who already are approved for a Special Use Permit, that serves as your timed entry reservation for the day of your elopement! You’ll need to refer to the permit you received from the park, as only the dates and times on the permit itself will allow you to bypass the need for a timed entry reservation.
For all other recreation in popular areas of the park (before or after your elopement!), you’ll need a timed entry reservation to get into the park. Keep reading for more info about or visit the Mount Rainier National Park website.
Paradise area:
To enter the Paradise corridor on the south side of the park, you’ll need a timed entry reservation between 7:00am and 3:00pm. Entering at the Nisqually entrance, this corridor includes popular trails like Narada Falls, the Skyline Trail, the entire Longmire area, and Comet Falls. Entering the Paradise corridor from the east side of the park at the Stevens Canyon entrance, you’ll need a timed entry reservation for hikes like High Lakes Loop around Reflection Lakes, Bench and Snow Lakes, Pinnacle Peak, and other trails.
Sunrise area:
To enter the Sunrise corridor on the northeast side of the park, you’ll need a timed entry reservation between 7:00am and 3:00pm. Entering at the Sunrise entrance, this corridor includes popular trails like Sourdough Ridge, Mount Fremont Fire Lookout, Burroughs Mountain, and places like Sunrise Point and the Sunrise Visitor Center.
The park is releasing dates for both areas in waves for advance reservations, plus there will be next day timed entry reservations starting on May 24th, 2024. Head to Recreation.gov to secure your timed entry reservation!
Areas that do not need a timed entry reservation:
SR410 (Chinook Pass) and SR123 (Cayuse Pass) on the east side of the park.
Ohanapecosh, including the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center and Ohanapecosh Campground, in the southeast corner of the park.
Tipsoo Lake on the eastern border of the park along SR410.
Carbon River, including the Carbon River Ranger Station, at the northwest corner of the park.
Mowich Lake in the northwest corner of the park along SR165.
For more info about timed entry reservations, Mount Rainier National Park has created an FAQ page to answer all of your questions!
Apply for a Marriage License
It is a requirement for you to apply for your marriage license yourself - thankfully in Washington, getting a marriage license is pretty straightforward! You can apply for the license as soon as you're within 60 days of your elopement, and you can apply for it in any county, as marriage licenses are valid anywhere in Washington.
When you're ready, head to any county's marriage licensing website (King County, Snohomish County, or Pierce County are great options). The state will then mail you a packet containing all the paperwork you'll need, so don't forget to bring that entire envelope with you on your elopement day.
On your day, I (or whoever your officiant is) will fill out everything on the license and show you where to sign, then I'll take the license and submit it to the state, as the officiant is legally required to submit it themselves. I'll drop yours in the mail within just a couple of days of your elopement. Most counties say to plan for 2-3 weeks for the license to be processed, and then you'll be able to order official copies right from them online or over the phone.
In Washington state, you need two witnesses to sign your marriage license. If you're eloping without any guests, we can always have other people in the area sign as witnesses. It's never been an issue in the past for my couples who elope alone!
**Don't forget! There is a three day waiting period for marriage licenses in Washington, meaning from the day you make the payment for the license, you must wait three days before getting married.
Pack Your Bags for Your Elopement!
You probably won’t forget to bring your wedding attire or the wedding rings, but eloping has its own set of logistics! I’ve made this list for you so that when the day comes, you’ll be prepared, comfortable, and look gooooood.
LAYERS. Yes, even under/over your wedding attire. This could mean a winter jacket if it’s snowy, a rain shell for any other time of the year, and at least something to throw on if the temperature drops. If your ceremony is at sunset or sunrise, I’d recommend gloves and earmuffs (and maybe even fleece leggings to go under a dress or long johns to wear under pants!) because there’s nothing worse than being cold when you just want to be outside. That being said, it can get warm even up in the Sunrise area! Plan ahead.
Sunscreen and bug spray because you’re definitely going to be exposed to the elements at such a high altitude
Headlamp or flashlight, especially if we’ll be on any trails close to sunrise or sunset
SNAAAACKS. Seriously, even if we’re doing a short hike out to your ceremony spot, you’re gonna want at least water and something to give you a little energy. Some folks bring a beer to crack open immediately after making it official, or you could get creative and put together a mini-charcuterie board to snack on!
Bear spray and/or knife. I’ll always be carrying both in my pack, but extra protection never hurts.
Extras that I always pack for elopements:
The 10 hiking essentials - GPS, headlamp, sunscreen, basic first aid kit, knife, waterproof matches, emergency bivy, food, water and extra water, and layers of clothes!
A client emergency kit including things like Bobby pins and safety pins, a comb, a can of hairspray, hand warmers, a corkscrew, a lint roller, and so many other fun surprises.
How to Leave No Trace at Your Mount Rainier Elopement
Aside from a deep love for our planet, I truly believe any outdoor-goers should be observing the Leave No Trace Center’s 7 principles. This means we’ll always stay on trail to keep the wildflowers alive and protect the environment, refrain from shooting off confetti cannons, pack out all of our trash, leave wildlife alone, and respect other people visiting the park!
Planning ahead is key! Know where you’re going, bring the 10 hiking essentials if we’re leaving the car behind, research where you can’t go off trail, and how to stay safe in this specific environment.
Stay on the trail, especially in fragile alpine environments! The wildflowers that pop up at Mount Rainier are so delicate, that walking through or sitting down in them will damage them for up to a decade. It’s not worth it for a photo, PLUS I’m not too shabby at getting creative angles to make it look like you’re in a field of wildflowers without ever touching them.
Pack everything out that we take into the wilderness. If we stop for a snack, put the wrappers in your pack and throw it away later. If you want to celebrate after the ceremony, wait to pop a confetti cannon until you get back to your AirBNB or on the pavement (with a broom present!).
We likely won’t come too close to any wildlife because we’ll be talking and letting animals know we’re around, but if we do stumble across something we will make a plan to exit the area and leave it alone.
Respecting other visitors is so important! While your elopement is super duper important to you, it might be just another day to anyone else, and they deserve to have the same great experience in the park as you, so we won’t be blocking off any trails or asking folks to move or leave the area for a photo.
Do the damn thing!
Now that you know exactly how to go about eloping in Mount Rainier National Park, start planning! Or if you want someone to do the work for you, contact me and I’ll do everything from location scouting to timeline planning (and everything in between!). Grab your boo, dream up your perfect elopement, and do the damn thing.
