Mount Rainier hiking elopement
A Mount Rainier Hiking Elopement
Planning for a hiking elopement at Mt. Rainier in early July can be risky (there can still be a lot of snow), but MRNP pulled out all the stops for Samantha and Jay! Clear skies, warm temps, a golden sunset, wild flowers, and even a bucket list wildlife encounter! S & J traveled all the way from Illinois to elope in Mt. Rainier National Park! We anxiously watched trail reports during the weeks leading up to their elopement. They really wanted to elope in an area that was quiet and not crowded. Usually that means hiking a bit further and higher than other trails. This particular hike would not be very safe to do in the snow, so we really weren’t sure if it would work out. We lucked out with amazing conditions and we only saw a few throughout their elopement! The avalanche lilies were out and such a cheerful addition to the landscape. It was truly an incredible evening. Sam and Jay hiked up the steep hike in casual clothing and then changed up at the top. Then we climbed a bit more to get to a stunning ceremony spot. Sam and Jay exchanged private vows and then we celebrated with Rainier beers (of course)! Then they read letters that their loved ones sent them, which is something I always suggest for “just us” elopements! It’s such a nice way to include your loved ones and I know it was one of my favorite additions to my own elopement. As the sun was setting S & J shared a first dance in the golden light and it was so beautiful to witness and capture! Then we hiked back down the mountain with lanterns and headlamps.
Thank you to S & J for being the sweetest humans! I had such a fun time capturing your day 🥰
HMU: @mstimssmakeupartist
📍Photos taken on the ancestral (and stolen) lands of the Coast Salish and Puyallup Peoples
