If you’re looking to plan a Mt. Rainier wedding, you’ve come to the right place.
Mt. Rainier National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Washington. You’ll be floored by the alpine lakes, epic mountain views, and dense forests you can find within the park. It’s a great place for couples looking to have an intimate wedding in nature.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Mt. Rainier, including wedding venues, places to stay, marriage license laws, and permit information.
Mt. Rainier Wedding Venues
Mt Rainier doesn’t have a specific list of ceremony locations, meaning you can practically get married anywhere within the park! Keep in mind though that this rule only applies to weddings with a maximum of 12 people.
Silver Forest Trail
The Silver Forest Trail is one of the most popular trails within the park, but as soon as you see the pictures, you’ll understand why. This trail offers incredible views of Mt. Rainier, pine tress, and wildflowers, making it the perfect location for a wedding.
Summerland Trail
The Summerland Trail is another one of the most popular trails in Mt. Rainier. It’s an 8.4 roundtrip hike and fills up fast during the summer, but it’s a great wedding venue for sunrise ceremonies if you’re wanting to avoid the crowds.
Tipsoo Lake
Tipsoo Lake is one of the most breathtaking wedding venues in Mt. Rainier, and one of the most epic places for pictures. It’s one of the many alpine lakes within the park to choose from. It’s personally one of my favorite places to have a Mt. Rainier wedding!
Grove of the Patriarchs
If you feel most alive in the forest, consider checking out the Grove of the Patriarchs. There are multiple areas for wedding ceremonies and pictures. This trail is also very popular in the summer, so consider having your ceremony during sunrise.
Naches Peak
Naches Peak is a more strenuous hike in the park, but it’s well worth it. This trail is one of the most beautiful wedding venues in Mt. Rainier, especially during the spring or fall where you’ll be surrounded by vivid colors. I highly recommend adding this one to your list!
Mount Fremont Lookout Trail
The Mount Fremont Lookout Trail is another strenuous trail that provides you with epic views. It’s the perfect wedding venue for a sunrise ceremony. The views at the top of the trail will completely blow you away if you decide to have a Mt. Rainier wedding.
How to Get a Mt. Rainier Wedding Permit
The process of getting a permit is extremely easy. All you need to do is fill out the application found on the park’s website and email it to mora_special_use@nps.gov at least 4 weeks before your wedding date.
If your application is accepted, you will then be given instructions to pay the $60 permit fee online.
Hot to Get a Washington Marriage License
To get a marriage license in Washington, you’ll need to visit the County Clerk’s office 3 days before your wedding with your photo ID and $72. Simply fill out the application, wait 3 days to pick up the license, and you’re good to go!
If you don’t live in Washington, you can fill out the online application, have it notarized, and send it back with a check or money order.
To see more information and step-by-step instructions on how to get a marriage license in Washington, check out this County Clerk’s site.
The Best Time of Year For Your Mt. Rainier Wedding
The busiest, yet best time to visit Mt. Rainier for your wedding or elopement is during mid-July to mid-August. This is when the weather is best and when you’ll be able to see all the beautiful wildflowers.
However, if you’re looking for a less busy time to visit, September and early October will provide you with fall colors and less tourists.
Winter is perfect for the snow-lovers, and spring is a good time to visit the lower regions, but the weather can be pretty unpredictable which can cause road closures.
The Best Places to Stay in Mt. Rainier
Mt. Rainier is known for having some of the most epic places to stay. Below are some of my favorite Airbnbs for wedding ceremonies, or just to stay for your visit.
Cozy River Cabin at Mt. Rainier (a personal favorite for ceremonies on the patio and pictures)
Mt. Rainier Wedding Packages
I’m a Pacific Northwest elopement photographer who specializes in creating unforgettable elopement experiences for couples in California, Oregon, and Washington. To see my different packages, check out my pricing page here.
- 4 hours – 1.5 days of elopement coverage anywhere in Mt. Rainier National Park.
- A hands-on elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
- personalized elopement locations and questionnaires
- vendor recommendations
- permit assistance
- customized elopement timeline
- Online gallery with full resolution and printing rights
- 24-48 hour sneak peak images
- Travel fees to ANYWHERE in Washington are already included
- Starting at $3,000
Want more elopement inspiration? Check out this Olympic National Park Wedding Guide, Glacier National Park Wedding Guide, and Iceland Wedding Guide.
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I’m Brianna, a California elopement photographer who inspires, encourages, and empowers couples to push traditional boundaries and create experiences they’ll remember forever.
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