Cheyenne + Caleb

Cheyenne and Caleb’s Washington Elopement in Mt Rainier National Park

Cheyenne and Caleb’s Mt. Rainier National Park elopement is one of those days that still makes me smile when I think about it! This was my first time in Mt. Rainier National Park and to say I was excited was an understatement! Washington is so close to me now that I live in Montana, and I feel so lucky even saying that! This life out west is truly just the best. So magical everywhere you go!

Cheyenne and I actually go way back to my time in Georgia. She worked at the hair salon I used to go to and she worked closely with my hair stylist! Months before their wedding day, I posted a video on Instagram sharing all the places I dream of photographing someday. Washington was on that list, and Cheyenne saw it and reached out. As luck would have it, it was my only open weekend in August. If that’s not meant to be, I don’t know what is!

They chose August for their elopement for one main reason: wildflowers! And honestly? Peak wildflower season at Mount Rainier is hard to beat. The meadows were bursting with color, the mountain was showing off, and the whole park felt alive! 

Cheyenne and Caleb stayed at a beautiful Airbnb just outside of Mt. Rainier National Park, and Cheyenne planned everything herself and she executed it flawlessly!  She had the most stunning Jenny Yoo dress from Anthropologie (can we talk about that cape?!?!) And the most whimsical and dreamy floral bouquet from New Leaf Floral Design. Truly wish I could re locate them to Montana! The day felt relaxed, unrushed, and easy…exactly how an elopement should feel.

They chose to include their parents and their best friend (who lives nearby!) for the ceremony, keeping things small and meaningful. It was the perfect balance of celebrating with family while still leaving space for private moments later in the day.

We headed up to the Paradise side of Mount Rainier National Park for their ceremony. This is the most popular side of the park and it’s obvious why! Stunning views of Mt Rainier and endless wildflowers. But with that comes crowds. The parking lot was absolutely packed, but somehow everything worked out. We found parking, gathered everyone up, and started the hike out to their ceremony spot.

Surrounded by wildflowers and unreal mountain views, Cheyenne and Caleb exchanged vows with their parents by their side. It was sweet, emotional, and beautiful! After the ceremony, we hiked back over to the visitor center for a much needed cool down. We all gathered in the lodge for lunch, coffee, and air conditioning!

After lunch, Cheyenne and Caleb’s parents headed out, and we ventured off to explore the park! Cheyenne had picked a few locations she loved, and then we just wandered…chasing good light, incredible views, and whatever felt right in the moment.

Cheyenne and Caleb shared private vows and it’s safe to say we all shed some tears. This was their way of sharing an intimate moment together, while still including their family in the earlier ceremony. Sharing private vows in the middle of Mt Rainier National Park is unlike any other experience! It was quiet, intentional, and epic.

Cheyenne is one of those people who would truly give the shirt off her back, and spending the day with her and Caleb felt so natural and easy. I’m endlessly grateful for days like this. I really felt like I walked away with new friends!!!

Why Choose Mt. Rainier National Park for Your Elopement

If you’re dreaming of a Mt. Rainier National Park elopement, it’s easy to see why so many couples fall in love with this place the moment they visit!

First of all, the scenery is unreal. Wildflower-filled meadows, massive mountain views, and countless quiet spots that still feel peaceful, even on busy days, especially if you’re willing to explore a little. Mount Rainier has so much variety, which is part of what makes it so special. From alpine lakes to evergreen forests and open mountain landscapes, it’s the kind of place that makes you instantly understand why Washington is such a beautiful state.

Second, there’s so much to do! Whether you want to fully relax in the mountains or spend your days adventuring, Mt. Rainier offers something for everyone. You can turn your elopement into a full week-long experience with friends or family, or extend your trip into an adventurous honeymoon. Hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing…he list truly goes on. It’s the perfect spot if you want your wedding day to feel more like an experience than a single event.

And finally, easy access. Mount Rainier is only about 1.5 hours from Seattle, making travel simple for you and your guests! You can fly into Seattle, explore the city for a few days, grab amazing food and coffee, and then head into the mountains for your elopement. It’s the best of both worlds: city and nature, all in one trip.

Cheyenne and Caleb’s elopement is such a perfect example of how relaxed, meaningful, and fun a Mt. Rainier National Park elopement can be and why this place holds such a special kind of magic! If you are looking for a photographer for your Mt. Rainier elopement, I would love to chat with you! You can contact me here, or check out more of my work on the blog here!