Days like these, sunrise first looks + a ceremony with your favorite people, then adventuring up a gondola on the side of the mountain for the most delicious meal. . . the most unreal, dreamy wedding day in my eyes. And then to end it with sunset vows on the other side of the mountain, with the meadows all to yourself, is pretty freaking epic. I still can’t get over this incredible all-day mountain elopement at Mount Rainier; it’s going to give you all the inspo for your own elopement and how you can celebrate all the way from sunrise to sunset.

Leave No Trace disclaimer: No wildflowers were affected by these photos. Every photo follows the Leave No Trace rules—which you can learn about more in my Leave No Trace Elopement Guide—and the couple had a Special Use Permit through the National Park.

Bailey + Taylor’s All-Day Mountain Elopement

An epic all-day adventure at Mount Rainier

Instead of choosing between sunrise or sunset, family or no family, wedding or elopement, B + T said they wanted all of it, and chose only the aspects of an elopement that they truly wanted. They said vows with their family at sunrise + ended their day with private vows at sunset, giving them time to themselves as well as quality time to be with their loved ones.

I keep telling y’all, you can really do ANYTHING you want on your elopement day, and seeing the mountain wake up + go to sleep while saying your vows with your favorite people celebrating your love, doesn’t get much better.

I documented B + T’s day on a mix of digital, film, and Polaroids—shooting on film has been my favorite thing lately, so I def recommend checking out my brand new blog about Why You Should Add Film Photography to Your Elopement.

A sunrise first look at Paradise

Like I said, Bailey + Taylor started their day at sunrise, waking up with the sun as it rose over the majestic landscapes of Mount Rainier. The area just outside Paradise Inn was the perfect spot for their first look, with magical views of Rainier as the morning fog slowly began to lift in the background. First looks aren’t for every couple, but dang do they create the most beautiful moments together at the beginning of your elopement; the opportunity to connect and be present with each other before meeting up with your guests is so special. 

Breathtaking Myrtle Falls elopement portraits

Once the sun was shining down on the lush green meadows and B + T had felt all the feelings seeing each other for the first time, we crossed the bridge at Myrtle Falls for a few portraits—we even had a cutie deer cross right in front of us on the path! Myrtle Falls is one of the most iconic spots at Rainier, just 0.4 miles away from the Paradise parking area via a super easy, almost totally flat and paved trail. You can’t miss it if you’re eloping in Paradise or spending time at Paradise Inn; the way the falls cascade down over the rocks is so enchanting.

An intimate ceremony with loved ones

We drove to the other side of the mountain for Bailey and Taylor’s ceremony, where a few of their closest friends and family were waiting, so thrilled to be celebrating these two. The views from the Sunrise side of Rainier were spectacular, with the sun lighting up the meadows + tree-lined hills and giving Rainier the most magical glow as Bailey and Taylor said their vows.

Looking for ways to include your loved ones in your elopement like B + T did? Click here for a list of my favorite ideas.

A yummy elopement dinner at Crystal Mountain Resort

As if this day weren’t already epic enough, B + T decided to add an extra adventure with a ride up the Mount Rainier Gondola, where they enjoyed dinner with a view at Summit House Restaurant. This gondola is an AMAZING way to get unbeatable views of Mount Rainier without having to go on a long hike, taking you over 2,400 feet up to the summit of Crystal Mountain. The panoramic views are to die for; what an epic place to enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones after officially tying the knot!

Dreamy portraits at Tipsoo Lake

B + T truly wanted to experience + explore as much of the area as we could, so next we made a stop at Tipsoo Lake for evening portraits. The wildflowers were at their peak, boasting such vibrant colors just as the bright blue lake was; the views of Rainier from Tipsoo are absolutely breathtaking, and easy to access—which is why this is one of my favorite locations for down to earth, low-effort adventure elopements. Take a look at another beautiful Tipsoo Lake elopement here!

Private sunset vows among the wildflowers

Finally, B + T’s day came to a close with private vows at sunset, where they admired the wildflowers, exchanged sentimental words, and strolled around the trails hand-in-hand, taking in all the emotions + beauty of the day. Truly the most magical way to end this grand mountain adventure and send these babes off into married life!

If you want to get married among the wildflowers just like B + T did, here are 25 Wildflower Elopement Locations in the PNW that I’m obsessed with.

B + T might be the sweetest, most incredible couple ever; I’m truly in awe that I got to capture their day and be included with their family and friends for the whole adventure. Truly meant the world to me and I hope the story of their day inspires you to plan your own all-day elopement! Don’t miss my Full Mount Rainier Elopement Guide if you want to learn more about eloping in this enchanting part of Washington 🙂 Then, reach out here and share all your dreams with me so we can make them happen!

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Find more Mount Rainier elopement and wedding inspo below:

Dreamy Mount Rainier Adventure Elopement at Sunset

Intimate Mount Rainier Wedding | Mountain Wedding Inspiration