Winter Hiking Elopement | Washington Elopement Photographer

Cowlitz River + Mt. Rainier National Park Elopement

When it comes to elopements, I just get all the feels. The privacy, the authenticity that comes along with an intimate day, the outdoors of course…all just get to me. Cate said it best…”We wanted to make our wedding about what truly mattered: our love for each other.” I couldn’t agree more and truly think that should be the center around all marriage celebrations. Cate and Brandon both love the PNW and the mountains, so it was only fitting for them to choose a destination elopement at Mount Rainier with a few of their closest friends! They are both very quiet natured, so a small, private ceremony was perfect for them!

We started out with a private first look along the Cowlitz River and then ventured our way to the mountain. Mt. Rainier didn’t make an appearance but honestly, I don’t think anyone cared. Between the beautiful fall colors to the light snow – the day couldn’t have felt dreamier. That’s right – it snowed in the beginning of October and I literally was bouncing around with glee! If I’m being honest, I love crazy weather. It typically comes with a little stress but always comes with the biggest rewards. From beautiful clouds to the amazing texture of snow falling, I was literally in photographer’s heaven and I’m pretty sure I made it well known. But if not, the photos can speak for themselves. 😉

Lately, I have been asking my clients in a questionnaire after their elopement what their favorite part of the day was…sometimes we share the same moments, other times I am surprised and then sometimes I cannot decide because the whole day is just that amazing. Since I can’t decide, I’ll let Cate and Brandon tell you their favorite parts of their special day!

Brandon: “This is really hard to pick! I could not wait to kiss my beautiful bride and to top it off it was it was snowing when I finally got to do it. This is my favorite moment.”

Cate: “I don’t know how to pick just one! I think I have to say our first look. Words just can’t express the feelings I had when we got to see each other. We were in the most beautiful setting; it was private and just perfect. And I can’t leave out the fact that it snowed.”

 Congratulations Cate + Brandon! Thank you for venturing to the PNW and trusting me to capture your day!

Any DIY projects or anything extra meaningful you incorporated that made your day special?

Advice for couples planning a destination elopement? HIRE MEGAN! No, seriously. Be open to changes; especially in the mountains because the weather, etc, is always changing. Make your day about what matters the most to you, whether eloping or not. It’s easy to get caught up in what everyone else wants you to do. I know that we made the best decision for us, and it turned out beautifully.