Adventuring & Eloping at Mt Rainier National Park
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about eloping or adventuring in and around the park. In the meantime here are a few of the questions we get asked most often.
Yes! Here is the process the NPS outlines on it’s website:
A permit is required for all wedding ceremonies held within Mount Rainier National Park. Most ceremonies in the park are brief and simple; elaborate ceremonies do not work well in the park’s natural setting. Weather in the park is unpredictable, and at higher elevations such as Paradise and Sunrise, snow often remains on the ground well into July.
How to Apply
Complete an application form and email it to mora_special_use@nps.gov.
Applications must be submitted at least four weeks before the requested date. Please contact the Permit Coordinator via email if expediting of your application is requested (less than four weeks advance submission).
Once your application is received by the Permit Coordinator, you will be given instructions on paying the non-refundable $250 application fee online.
Application fees must be paid before the permit will be processed/approved.
Mt Rainier National Park and the NPS do place limits on the number of guests. In our experience weddings within the park become challenging with a guest count over 10, at this point it becomes hard to find areas where you can all stand without either being off trail or impeding the use of the trails.
The following is directly from their website as of 2024: “Party size determines which locations may be used for wedding ceremonies. Please visit the Special Use Permits Location Map for more information.
1-12 participants: may use certain pre-determined locations, which may include select trails, picnic areas, roadside locations, and campground amphitheaters.
13-24 participants: may use certain pre-determined locations, which may include picnic areas, roadside locations, and campground amphitheaters.
25-60 participants: may use certain pre-determined locations, which may include roadside locations and campground amphitheaters.
60 + participants: may use campground amphitheaters.
Ceremonies may not:
Impede the activities of other park visitors.
Areas may not be roped off or blocked in any way to the general public.
Include the throwing of rice, confetti, etc.”
One of the many special things about Mt Rainier is it’s accessibility. With multiple park entrances and 100s of trails and vistas there are amazing locations only a few minutes from parking lots. However, if you are looking for more of an adventure there is plenty of that as well, and we would be thrilled to chat about some of our favorites hikes in the park.
If you don’t mind a “bit” 100+ FEET of snow then the Paradise area of the park is open year round. However, for those seeking the beauty of Rainiers alpine meadows we recommend planning a date in late July, August, September, or October. Peak wildflower bloom in the alpine meadows and the Paradise area typically occurs in late July or early August. In September and October the park makes another colorful transition to fall as the short season quickly turns to snow by the end of October.
Also be mindful that the park can become very busy on weekends during the summer, and parking and permits become increasingly limited.
Sunset and Sunrise are absolutely stunning inside of the park, and we highly recommend shooting for the few hours prior to sunset or just after sunrise.
Absolutely! However, don’t be fooled Mt Rainier might seem close to Seattle as it casts it’s mighty shadow over the city, but 2-3 hours of driving separate it from the amenities of the city. The 3 main towns around the park that tend to offer the best lodging, dining, and activities are Ashford, Packwood, and Crystal Mountain Resort. Options can be a bit limited in these areas though and cell service around the park is sparse at best, so if you have any specific needs make sure you do a bit of research ahead of time. Personally, we love the Ashford area, and it’s eclectic Airbnb offerings!
Locations in and around Mt Rainier National Park
While not an exhaustive list, here are a few of our favorite general areas of the park with some more information.
Paradise Area Trails
Group Size: 4-10
Hikes: Easy to Moderate
Time of Year: July – October (Open Year Round)
Paradise is perhaps the most iconic part of the park, offering incredible views of Mt Rainier, and the nearby Tatoosh range. The alpine meadows are what Paradise is famous for, and they do not disappoint. As an elopement location, we love it, but be prepared for occasionally crowded trails, a few steep but accessible hikes, and pushing a bit further down the trail if you want to leave the pavement and crowds behind. You truly can’t go wrong here, but don’t be fooled by it’s accessibility as group sizes larger than 10 can be extremely hard to accommodate on the busy trails.
Sunrise Area
Group Size: 4-12
Hikes: Easy to Moderate
Time of Year: August – October
The Sunrise area of the Park offers a bit of contrast to the lush green meadows of Paradise. The area is far drier, and more rugged with steep drop offs, and tall dry grasses. The mountain views are just as amazing though. What really makes sunrise special is it’s seclusion, the area is significantly less visited than Paradise, while offering many of the same amenities, and a similar level of access. The area is a bit higher in elevation though, and as such is prone to harsher conditions, both hot and cold. Finally as the Sunrise name suggests, the area has truly amazing sunrises, and unfortunately the sunset view is blocked by the mountain for much of the year.
Reflection Lake
Group Size: 4-6
Hikes: Easy
Time of Year: June – October
Reflection lake works as an amazing ceremony location for smaller groups. The reflection of the mountain in the calm waters of the lake are spectacular, and it’s ease of access is unparalleled. The location works great as a stop on the way to Paradise, and often pairs very nicely with the idea of finishing your elopement with a sunset hike leaving from Paradise.
Lake Tipsoo
Group Size: 4-15
Hikes: Easy
Time of Year: July – October
Just on the edge of the national park, Lake Tipsoo offers a more distant, but equally stunning view of Mt Rainer and the surrounding area. The area is centered on a pair of alpine lakes and surrounding meadows with beautiful trails winding their way through the meadows and encircling the two lakes. Again this is a very accessible area, and it doesn’t take much to feel like you are miles into the wilderness. Lake Tipsoo also has the unique distinction of being half in the park and half outside of the park, so there are areas near the lake that are slightly more pet friendly than any other location on this list.
Mowich Lake
Group Size: 4-10
Hikes: Moderate
Time of Year: August – October
One of the least visited areas of the park, Mowich Lake itself is a relatively large alpine lake situated in a steep bowl and surrounded by lush meadows. However, the true magic of Mowich Lake is the hike to Tolmie Peak, which at 7.5 miles round trip is no small task for a wedding day. Mowich works great as a spot in the park if views of Mt Rainier are not your primary concern, unless you are willing to set aside the time and energy to hike up to Tolmie Peak.
Suntop Lookout
Group Size: 4-16
Hikes: Moderate
Time of Year: July – October
One of the most accessible and iconic fire lookout towers in Washington State. Suntop lookout sits just outside of the National Park, and as such is pet friendly. Access to the Lookout is relatively easy, but does require a 20ish minute walk up a typically gated access road. The views from the lookout are some of our favorite in the park, and the iconic lookout makes for an amazing backdrop for photos.