Mt Rainier National Park Elopement: Forest Floors to Mountaintops

Before I share the amazing details of this Mt Rainier National Park elopement, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. I love pulling off surprises! There’s something about the hidden details and built up adrenaline that make the moment of surprise so fun! One of my favorite surprises I’ve ever accomplished was a choreographed dance with Drew at our wedding! No one had any idea, and we had such a blast! Want to see me and Drew in our newlywed glory? Click here to check out our killer dance moves (lol!).

This blog post is all about an epic surprise that I am stoked to finally get to share! Layne and Brandi officially eloped at a courthouse on July 11. But, SURPRISE, they had the most beautiful Mt Rainier National Park elopement back on a bluebird day in May! No one knew that Layne and Brandi were eloping in Mt Rainier National Park, which had my surprise-loving heart hooked from the beginning. I have been dying to share this amazing elopement story with you all, so keep scrolling!

I met Layne about a year ago through the creative world (she’s an incredible macramé artist; click here to see an amazing deep woods boho elopement backdrop she created!). We are both from Missouri and ended up in Washington, so naturally we became instant friends. As I got to know Layne more, she shared with me how she had just started dating Brandi. Just by listening to her speak about Brandi, you could see the love she had already developed for her. I remember thinking to myself, “I hope I can take their photos one day!” Well, dreams do come true, friends! 

I knew that Layne and Brandi loved the forest and epic mountain backdrops. As I was location scouting, I was able to find incredible pockets in Mt Rainier National Park that offered all of their favorite settings. We started their Mt Rainier National Park elopement at the base of the mountain, where they got ready together. There was a trail lined with huge Douglas firs and old growth trees. We headed up the mountain and into the snowy forest, where an epic sunset awaited us. After some beautiful, golden sun-kissed photos, we headed back down the mountain to the valley to end the evening by watching the sun dip behind Mt Rainier.

how to elope at mt rainier National Park

Elopements are the freaking best! They are some of my favorite moments to capture as a photographer. One of my favorite things about elopements is that no two elopements are the same. The mountain backdrops and the details of the day are always unique to the couple (like this rock climbing elopement in Oregon!). I loved how Layne and Brandi created an Mt Rainier National Park elopement experience that was perfect for them. They had this amazing Mt Rainier elopement months before making their marriage official at the courthouse; your timeline does not have to be traditional! Keeping their Mt Rainier National Park elopement a secret was such a fun way to experience their wedding day in a super intimate setting. Another unique detail that I loved about their elopement were their stunning outfits. Not only were their looks styled to complement one another, but they also didn’t break the bank. Layne found her stunning dress for under $200! Weddings and elopements can be stunning and not cost a fortune; wedding myth busted!

Want to know more tips for how to plan an elopement at Mt Rainier National Park? Read this elopement resource, because I’m sharing everything you need to know about eloping at Mt Rainier National Park, including:

• the Mt Rainier elopement checklist

• best locations for your elopement in Mt Rainier National Park

• where to stay for your Mt Rainier elopement

• … and more! Click the link above!

Best Places to Elope Near Mt Rainier National Park

Planning your Mt Rainier elopement or dreaming up your own adventure session? Planning an elopement or adventure can be overwhelming, so I’m here to help! Click here to read my list of top places to elope near Seattle. Is your heart set on Mount Rainier? I don’t blame you! Click here to check out a Mt Rainier engagement session with sunset views that will cause your jaw to drop. Have questions about eloping or booking an adventure session? Let’s talk!

---

How to Make Your Mt Rainier Elopement Unique

At the end of their elopement session, Layne surprised Brandi by asking me to add a special song to their elopement session playlist. Tears were falling as they danced in the valley to their favorite song. Creating couple-specific playlists is one of my favorite things to do for my couples! I’ve seen time and time again how music can instantly create a more relaxed environment and cause my couples to feel more comfortable in front of my camera. What song would you play to surprise your loved one at the base of a mountain? I would likely surprise Drew with a rap song (lol), and I hope he’d surprise me with Old Pine by Ben Howard.

 

ready to explore more elopements, weddings and adventures? wander away below!

Between the Pine is an adventure elopement and wedding photography brand created by Mollie Adams. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Mollie travels with her camera in hand to document “I dos” in epic landscapes including Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii.