Shannon & Channon’s Joyful, All-Day Elopement at Mount Rainier

Some elopement days feel like a full story arc—and Shannon* and Channon*’s all-day elopement at Mount Rainier was exactly that. We started in the early morning at Tipsoo Lake, surrounded by blooming wildflowers at their absolute peak. Next we wandered into the forest for dust-kicking, waterfall-dancing moments that felt straight out of a summer dream.

Midday, we headed back to their A-frame cabin in Packwood for a full reset. They changed into cozy clothes, cooked breakfast for each other — an acai/granola bowl, eggs, veggie bacon, toast — and ate together on the deck we decorated for them. The whole break felt warm, intimate, and exactly what they needed before the next adventure.

We met back up for the evening hike — a tough trail with big payoff. They kept the energy high the whole way up, stopping to breathe, laugh, and take in the views. We timed the ascent perfectly, reaching the top just as the sun dipped into its warmest golden tones. Just in time for their ceremony: a private vow exchange with lots of tears and giggles.

As the light faded, we pulled out our camp stove so they could cook ramen together on the mountain. A celebratory joint, a warm meal, and a slow exhale as blue hour settled in. On the hike back down, the stars came out in full force. The Milky Way opened above us and they ended the night dancing beside their car headlights — a perfect closing chapter to a day defined by presence, laughter, and love.

If you’re dreaming of an all-day elopement at Mount Rainier that blends adventure with slow, meaningful moments, let this day be your inspiration!

*Both pronounced Shan-nun; yes I know it’s so freaking adorable—and as if that isn’t cute enough, they share the same middle name too!!

Trip report

Timeframe — late July
Location — Mount Rainier National Park
Weather & conditions — sunny and lovely, highs around 70, lows around 45 round dusk
Guest count — none!
Lodging — The Frame in Packwood
Hair & makeup — DIY by the brides
Photography, planning, & officiating — Wilderpines Elopements

Morning Amid the Wildflowers at Tipsoo Lake

peak blooms — lupine & paintbrush — morning light

Forest Wandering & Waterfall Dancing

golden dusty light — evergreens — waterfall spray

A Quick Stop at the Park Entrance Sign

my favorite national park entrance sign — first stickers on their new national park water bottles

Relaxing Break & Homecooked Lunch at Packwood A-Frame Cabin

getting “unready” and into cozy clothes — cooking together — little details — intimate moments

Sunset Hike in Mount Rainier

marmots — views out the wazoo — giggles

Ceremony Overlooking the Mountain

golden hour light — heartfelt vows — all the colors

Blue Hour, Ramen Dinner, Stargazing, + Dancing

dusky light — ramen noodles + a celebratory joint — milky way marveling — dancing to T-swift by the car

What Made This Day So Powerful

Shannon and Channon’s elopement felt emotionally rich because it was fully theirs — no stress, no expectations, just the freedom to move slowly, playfully, and intentionally through the day. The intimacy, the laughter, the meals shared, the slow moments in between… it all created a day that felt lived-in, tender, and deeply connected.

Want to Elope at Mt. Rainier? Here’s What You Should Know

If you’re dreaming of a day like this, plan for flexibility and build in space for rest, meals, and weather changes. Communication tools like satellite messengers can be helpful in remote areas, and warm layers are always a good call — even in summer. Most importantly, give yourselves permission to slow down and be present. The magic happens when you’re not rushing from one moment to the next.

Book your photographer early — Especially in peak season. Even if you’re flexible on dates or locations, I help couples navigate trail conditions, permits, and the best timing for alpine light. Local knowledge matters on a mountain as moody as Rainier.

Choose a weekday — Sunrise elopements + weekdays are the secret to privacy. Weekends get crowded, and trailhead parking becomes its own boss fight—especially during peak season (July through October).

Permits & Passes — Rainier requires a special use permit for ceremonies inside the park (typically Tue–Thu only, with restrictions on group size and decor). You’ll also need a national park pass and, in summer, possibly a timed-entry reservation.

Seasonal access — Many high-elevation trails don’t melt out until late July. Wildflower season hits late July–mid Aug. Fall color is best mid–late September. For snowshoe elopements, winter and early spring are magical but require extra planning for weather and road closures.

Leave No Trace — Rainier is fragile alpine terrain. Stay on durable surfaces, avoid confetti or petals, pack out everything, and skip the drone—NPS rules.

Ready to plan your Mt. Rainier elopement? Get in touch and let’s begin!