2026 mt. rainier elopement guide
A Bride's Ultimate Guide to eloping at Mount Rainier National Park
ELOPING IN 2026
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Eloping in 2026 means choosing a personal wedding experience that prioritizes adventure and authentic moments over tradition.
It’s about celebrating your love in a breathtaking location, free from expectations!
And what better place to elope than Mt. Rainier?!
WHY ELOPE at MOUNT RAINIER?
Let's start by setting the scene with the allure of Mount Rainier. Imagine: towering glaciers, alpine meadows, old-growth forests, and cascading waterfalls. Mount Rainier is ideal for couples who want an intimate experience surrounded by nature. It’s also a great destination for outdoor lovers. The best months are typically July through September for accessibility and weather, but the park is beautiful year-round.
Stunning scenery – Broad views of Mt. Rainier, wildflowers, and trees
Secluded Feel – While Mt. Rainier is accessible by road, it is away from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can exchange vows with only Mt. Rainier and the big sky as witnesses.
Adventure for All Levels – Whether you’re an avid hiker or prefer a more leisurely experience, Mt. Rainier National Park has options.
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO ELOPE AT MT. RAINIER
Peak Season (Mid-July to Mid-September): Best for wildflowers (especially in Paradise and Sunrise), clear trails, and minimal snow. The most popular time for elopements due to accessibility and stunning scenery.
Late Spring/Early Summer (June): Snow is still melting, but some lower elevation areas are accessible. Great for couples who want fewer crowds and moody alpine backdrops.
Fall (Late September to Early October): Golden fall colors, fewer tourists, and cooler temperatures. However, weather is more unpredictable.
Winter (November–May): Heavy snow, limited access, and road closures—but dreamy for a snowy, cozy, private elopement (especially for snowshoeing or skiing elopements).
WHAT ARE THE SEASONS LIKE?
HOW CAN WE AVOID CROWDS?
The busiest months are July-September, and the busiest times are the weekends. If you want to get married during those months and avoid tourists/crowds, I suggest a weekday for your elopement. You'll have a unique wedding date! To be as close to prime weather as possible while remaining in tourist low season, pick a day in late May or October.
WHAT'S THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO ELOPE AT MT. RAINIER?
Honestly, anytime you want! I always recommend full-day adventure elopements to my couples. That way they can spend an entire day exploring together with no time constraints. When it comes to your elopement ceremony, sunrise is especially beautiful at Skyline Trail (up-close view of Mt. Rainier). If you're having some close friends and family members join in, you can make it an adventure for them too!
Your day could look like: sunrise ceremony with your 10 people, private vows, an outdoor breakfast celebration, take a break, go for a hike, afternoon picnic, sunset with a view, then stargazing under a candlelit dinner.
BEST MT. RAINIER ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS
- Paradise Valley: Known for its alpine meadows and panoramic views of the mountain. Great for spring and summer weddings with wildflowers in full bloom.
- Sunrise point: One of the highest points accessible by vehicle in the park. You’ll have a spectacular view of Mount Rainier and the surrounding valleys, perfect for a sunrise ceremony.
- Tipsoo Lake: A smaller, more intimate location with the iconic Mount Rainier backdrop. Great for a peaceful ceremony with fewer crowds.
- Tatoosh Ridge: For a more adventurous couple, this hike leads to sweeping views of the park and the mountain.
- Mowich Lake: A crystal lake surrounded by tall trees; the trail begins at a nearby campground parking lot and loops around the lake.
- Skyline Trail: This trail is a 5.5 mile loop, with Mount Rainier prominent from every angle. I recommend this trail for sunrise-the views are unbeatable!
getting to MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
CLOSEST AIRPORTS
- Sea-Tac International Airport (Seattle, ~2-3 hours away)
- Portland International Airport (~3-4 hours away)
MAIN PARK ENTRANCES
- Nisqually Entrance (Southwest – best access to Paradise)
- White River Entrance (Northeast – best for Sunrise)
- Stevens Canyon Entrance (seasonally open – connects Paradise to Sunrise)
ROAD CONDITIONS
- Some entrances and roads are seasonal—Paradise is typically accessible year-round, but Sunrise and Stevens Canyon close in winter.
- I highly recommend renting an AWD vehicle, especially in shoulder seasons or winter.
- Be prepared for switchbacks and roads at high elevations.
RENTAL CAR NEEDED
LET'S TALK ABOUT PERMITS
LET'S TALK ABOUT PERMITS
- Special Use Permit: Required for all weddings and elopements in the park, regardless of size.
- Cost: $175 (subject to change) plus a $250 management fee
- Processing time: Apply at least 4 weeks in advance
- Official NPS permit page for Mt Rainier
- Photography Permit: Often included with the Special Use Permit, but double-check.
- Park Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle (or an America the Beautiful Pass for $80/year if visiting multiple parks).
YOU'LL NEED:
BONUS TIPS FOR YOUR
mt. rainier ELOPEMENT
Where to stay, what to pack, and more
bonus tips FOR YOUR MT. RAINIER ELOPEMENT
WHERE TO STAY
Ashford: 3 bedroom cabin
Packwood: Cozy Cabin 3 beds
Ashford: A-frame cabin on 10 acres
AIRBNB
HOTELS and B&B's
Paradise Inn
Stormking Spa Hotel
Mountain Meadows Inn
THINGS TO DO
Mt. Rainier elopement activities
When choosing what to do on your elopement day, remember what's most important to the two of you. Think about how you want to celebrate and enjoy your day! Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Hiking
- Share a picnic
- Morning coffee
- Painting
- Private dinner
- Camping
- Kayaking
WHAT TO PACK
Mt. Rainier elopement essentials
- Warm layers (it can get chilly at higher elevation)
- Plenty of water (the altitude can make you feel dehydrated quickly)
- Snacks for a post-ceremony picnic
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- A blanket or picnic mat for a comfortable break
- Any necessary marriage license paperwork
"Anna did such an amazing job at creating an experience that we will reminisce on for the rest of our days! For the outdoorsy couple who likes authenticity and creating memories with your best friend!"
Hannah & Ethan, 2025 couple
