It’s not every day that you get to meet two people that are just as excited for the journey as they are the destination. But that’s exactly who Heather and Adam are, and having the honor of journeying alongside them, while documenting it so they can relive their hiking elopement at Mount Rainier National Park over and over, was truly an honor.

As we were preparing for their Mount Rainier elopement, Heather and Adam were pretty open. Most importantly, they knew they wanted their day to be about the two of them. The opted to forgo a traditional wedding and focus on what mattered most- their love and their commitment to each other. They wanted something intimate and private, along with a bit of a challenge they could conquer together.

Heather said, “I want to marry my best friend in a place we both love, doing something we both love, and be able to completely focus on just what is going to make the day special to us. I can’t imagine anything better!”

Well…those views at the top may have just been more than any of us could have imagined! More on that in a bit…

Forest First Look at Mount Rainier

I always ask couples what type of scenery and level of adventure they imagine for their elopement.  For some, it’s driving to find the best views with minimal walking/hiking. Others may want the views, while also seeking out the experience that comes with hiking to their final destination. And sometimes, we are lucky enough to get a little of both, mixing up the scenary.

Heather and Adam requested trees and beautiful views and were up for a hike so that’s just what we did! We started off the day at their AirBnb in Packwood. It was the cutest little place and definitely one I’d recommend to other couples looking to elope at Mount Rainier. The location is perfect and the windows made for quite the dress backdrop!

After a quick hello and final preparations for the day, we headed up to the Longmire area for a forest first look. I love that Heather and Adam chose to do a first look and some photos here before we started the hiking portion of their elopement. They took the time to just take it all in, and I think it really set the tone for their day.

The Journey to the Vows and Views

When deciding what hike to take, there are a lot of factors. We take into account your hiking experience and how long you’re willing to spend hiking. The time of year and weather also play into that decision. The hike Heather and Adam required some experience, was fairly private, and gave them that challenge they wanted! 2.5 miles of hiking and 1,200 feet of elevation later, we made it to our final destination. Trust me when I say it was worth the vertical hike!

I’ve done hundreds of hikes and spent countless hours in Mount Rainier and never have I seen the cloud coverage we had while maintaining such clear views. So with the most breathtaking backdrop, Heather and Adam exchanged their vows. They laughed, wiped each others tears, and embraced each other as husband and wife. And then just as the sun was setting, they shared a toast before heading back down.

The day was full of so much joy. I felt it all day, and you can see (and feel) it in their photos.

Heather and Adam, I hope that as you look back on these photos for years to come and reminded of your hiking elopement at Mount Rainier. But more importantly, I hope you continue to always embrace the journey! Cheers to you two, and thank you for letting me be part of your magical day!

Vendors

Hair and Makeup Artist | Anne Timms

Bride’s Dress | Ellynne Bridal

Hiking Boots | Oboz

Interested in an elopement full of adventure? Email me today for information and to reserve your date!

To see more elopements photographed by MMP, click here!

Megan Montalvo is a PNW Elopement Photographer based out of Seattle, Washington. Megan offers intimate wedding and elopement photography to surrounding PNW destinations. Locations include Tacoma, Olympia, Mount Storm King, Lake Crescent, Hurricane Ridge, Mt. Rainier, Lake Quinault, Snoqualmie, Snoqualmie Pass, Cle Elum, Suncadia, Leavenworth, Ruby Beach, Cape Kiwanda, Canon Beach and the San Juan Islands.