Lindsey + Preston’s Mount Rainier Elopement Day Sunrise to Sunset

We absolutely love Mt. Rainier National Park. It has big beautiful trees, rushing rivers, powerful waterfalls, abundant snow capped peaks, and wildflowers that take turns blooming all around the mountain! This is also the mountain where Bill and I eloped ourselves! Lindsey and Preston originally were set to elope in the Sedona area, but due to covid, they needed to switch up their plans. After taking to reflect on what they were looking for, they reached back out and had their eyes set on a Mountain elopement. This was originally a part of their elopement vision, but there would have been too much snow and road closures during the time of year they were first set to get married in. They planned to have a ceremony at their cozy Air BnB with family at sunset, while enjoying their own privacy in the park at sunrise and then hiking some of the iconic trails for portraits.

To start the day, we met near a popular alpine lake before the sun was up in order to hike in for their first look. We hiked through the dark, head lamps on, following the switchbacks as they led us further and further up the mountain. Upon arriving to the vista, the couple changed into their wedding clothes, shared a first look just as the morning blue light hit the mountain and then read letters together while the alpine glow was illuminating the mountain. As we started getting ready to head back, Lindsey had an extra surprise for Preston with a second dress! Now the sun was just rising over the horizon, and the first morning light allowed for that dreamy beautiful back light to grace this moment that they shared. It was so fun watching them hike back to the cars stoked on the morning so far and excited for the rest of the day as Lindsey’s dress sparkled in the sun.

After we had arrived back at our vehicles, we drove down the mountain to a waterfall to share time in another beautiful landscape offered by Mt. Rainier. The couple was able to play all around the area, from above the falls, in front of them, and even on the bridges that lead to them. Lindsey and Preston had brought a card game to play while down at the falls, which was such an awesome addition to their day as it is a big part of their relationship to play games together.

When we finished at the waterfalls, we made our way over to the grove of the patriarchs. This area was much busier than the others were due to its popularity and it now being midday, but there was still plenty of space to enjoy the trail and to capture many beautiful moments along the way. Between the suspension bridge, the towering trees, and some of the iconic root masses, it was such a great time. With all of this hiking and exploring done for the day, we parted ways for a quick break before meeting back with them for their sunset ceremony at their Air BnB with family.

The property was so charming. There was a private pond at the location, with a little deck reaching out into the water. The home was so spacious and able to accompany all of their guests. Before the ceremony started we captured Lindsey and Preston hand writing their vows in their room and getting ready. While we were adventuring in the morning hours, Lindsey’s mom had put together the most beautiful floral circle arch for a background to their ceremony. Preston’s brother officiated, and the most adorable pup was their ring bearer. He was very excited for his part! Their personal vows to on another were so well written and had so much heart behind them, it was such a gift to be able to be there and capture this moment in their now one life. Lindsey’s dad was able to FaceTime in her grandma so she could also be a part of this special moment. Following their ceremony and portraits, everyone headed inside for a delicious meal provided by a private chef during the ceremony. Before Bill and I left them to enjoy their dinner there were a few toasts and the couple cut their cake which had the cutest topper that outlined the couple on an adventure with their cats.

It was a beautiful celebration full of adventure, quality time and time with family celebrating. Lindsey and Preston designed a day that fit what they wanted as a couple, but that also included their family in a meaningful way.

Mount Rainier Elopement Vendors that made this day possible:

• Photo + Video by Adventure and Vow
• Desert by Spilled Butter Desserts
• Dinner by Jason Velasquez, @densetsu_omakase
• Hair + Makeup by Anne Timss, @mstimssmakeupartist