Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most beautiful spots to elope in Washington state. The 14,140 ft mountain is snow-covered all year long, making it a gorgeous backdrop for your outdoor adventure elopement. Eloping at Mount Rainier is an unforgettable experience, perfect for adventurous couples wanting to make lifelong memories on their wedding day.

Wondering where you should tie the knot in the park? As a Mount Rainier elopement photographer, I’ve got you covered. From Mt. Rainier’s epic mountain views and colorful wildflowers to its cascading waterfalls and dense forests, there are so many great areas of the park to celebrate your love, explore the park’s beauty, and create the epic elopement photos of your dreams! Check out the 10 best places to elope at Mount Rainier National Park. 

1. Paradise 

Famous for its stunning wildflower meadows and panoramic views of Mount Rainier, this area is truly as it sounds — a paradise! It’s an incredible Washington state elopement spot for couples who want a backdrop of colorful blooms and snow-capped peaks. 

Paradise is an ideal location if you want classic Mount Rainier elopement photos. It’s the most iconic area of the park. Skyline Trail offers stunning views of the mountain and is home to an iconic staircase with a famous John Muir quote on them. Myrtle Falls, which is located along the trail, provide a gorgeous setting for an elopement. 

Best Time to Elope: Summer offers the best conditions for an outdoor Paradise Mount Rainier wedding ceremony. Late summer provides a beautiful wildflower backdrop, while fall offers breathtaking autumn hues. Although Paradise can be accessed year-round, some trails don’t open until later in the season due to snow. *Note – roads up to Paradise can close in severe winter conditions.

2. Reflection Lakes

If you’re looking for tranquility, Reflection Lakes might be the perfect location for you. As their name implies, the lakes reflect the majestic image of Mount Rainier. The mirror-like effect makes for beautiful national park elopement photos! It’s also perfect for couples who want an intimate elopement, as many areas around the lake allow for more privacy.

Best Time to Elope: Reflection Lakes are only accessible from June through September. Early mornings are a magical time for a Mount Rainier elopement at Reflection Lakes, as the calm water and soft lighting provides a serene ambiance. *Note – stormy days may prevent the mountain or its reflection from being fully visible, but the surrounding forest is still gorgeous. 

3. Sunrise 

If you want some of the most epic mountain views you can find in your Mount Rainier elopement photos, then look no further! Sunrise, which is the highest point of the park that’s accessible by car, offers incredible views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding valleys.

As its name suggests, this area is known for its beautiful sunrises, making it an ideal option for couples who want to start their new life together with the first light of day. Sunrise is also an amazing area for stargazing! As a Mount Rainier elopement photographer, I think this area is amazing for couples who want to get some spectacular photos with the stars! 

Best Time to Elope: The area is filled with wildflowers in the summer, adding a pop of color to your national park elopement photos! Sunrise is generally only open from early July through early October. 

4. Tipsoo Lake 

Tipsoo Lake is a gorgeous alpine lake located near the entrance of Mt. Rainier. With the mountain as a backdrop in the distance and incredible nature views, this area looks like something out of a painting! It’s the perfect spot to elope if you want romantic Mt. Rainier elopement photos that give off fairytale ending vibes! 

Best Time to Elope: The area is only accessible from June through October. Whether you choose a summer or fall Tipsoo Lake elopement, you’re in for a real treat. The area offers colorful wildflowers in summer and vibrant autumn colors in fall, which make for stunning portraits! The area is particularly gorgeous at sunrise and sunset when the calm waters reflect the vibrant colors of the sky. *Note – at sunrise, you can often see wildlife from the shores of Tipsoo Lake!

5. Naches Peak Loop Trail

For couples who want a Mount Rainier elopement spot that provides them with a bit of adventure, the Naches Peak Loop Trail has so much to offer! Featuring great views of the mountain, this hike takes you through forests, wildflower meadows, and scenic overlooks.

Best Time to Elope: Naches Peak Loop is gorgeous during the fall months when the foliage turns fiery shades of orange, red, and yellow. 

6. Mount Fremont Lookout

The Mount Fremont Lookout offers one of the best viewpoints in the entire park, making it one of the best places to capture epic Mount Rainier elopement photos! Although the hike to the lookout is short, it offers dramatic vistas throughout, making it a top choice for an unforgettable national park elopement for adventurous couples! 

Best Time to Elope: With its location in Sunrise, the Mount Fremont Lookout is usually only open from early July through early October. 

7. Comet Falls 

If you’re looking for a truly epic waterfall experience, then Comet Falls is for you! It has one of the most spectacular waterfalls this national park has to offer. Cascading 320 feet, the misty environment it creates is ideal for a romantic Mount Rainier elopement! The hike is moderate to strenuous in difficulty, but the views are worth the effort. The trail winds through scenic forests, offering views of smaller waterfalls on your journey. 

Best Time to Elope: June through September is the best time to elope at Comet Falls. 

8. Spray Park

Spray Park is one of the best spots for couples looking to plan a more intimate elopement at Mount Rainier National Park. This less-traveled gem provides a serene setting with waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and scenic views of Mt. Rainier. It’s a great choice for couples looking for a less frequented spot of the park. 

Best Time to Elope: Summer is a great time to visit this trail, when the area erupts into beautiful wildflower blooms! 

9. Christine Falls 

Christine Falls is a lesser known but beautiful waterfall located in Mount Rainier. It’s known for its stone bridge, which is a great place to capture both the falls and the surrounding forest. This is a unique spot for Mt. Rainier elopement photos! Keep in mind that elopements are limited to 8 people in this area, making it a great option for a more intimate ceremony. 

Best Time to Elope: While Christine Falls is accessible year-round, though winter conditions can make it a hazardous area. The bridge over Christine Falls is part of the main road into the park, so you can expect cars to be traveling over it all throughout the day. For less bridge traffic, consider earlier or later in the day for less cars in your photos. 

10. Crystal Mountain Ski Resort 

While Crystal Mountain Ski Resort technically lies just outside the park, the views of Mount Rainier from Crystal Mountain are out of this world! There’s nothing quite like a gondola ride at this resort. If you’re looking for a venue with awe-worthy views that can accommodate a larger number of guests, this might be your best option. The resort offers elopement packages of up to 30 guests! 

Best Time to Elope: There’s really no right or wrong time to plan a Washington state elopement at this venue! Although summer and fall offer more favorable weather for outdoor ceremonies, the area becomes a winter wonderland during the colder months. The venue offers indoor reception accommodations so your guests can warm up in colder temperatures. 

Are you looking for more Mt. Rainier elopement locations? Check out the permit locations map here.

Ready to Book Me for Your Mount Rainier Elopement? 

I’m stoked you’re considering booking me as your Mount Rainier elopement photographer! I love helping couples plan fun-filled, unforgettable national park elopements that they’ll be able to cherish forever! Capturing portraits of you and creating new memories together is what I live for!

Whether you’re ready to book your Mount Rainier elopement photoshoot or you have more questions about my photography services, please don’t hesitate to reach out!