February 11, 2022
Are you planning a Washington State mountain elopement? Are you wondering what a typical elopement ay timeline looks like? Look no further, all the info you need for a Mt Rainier elopement timeline can be found below.
Imagine this: A slow morning spent getting ready with your partner and your closest friends at a cabin nestled in the trees. Your first look by a nearby river. A scenic drive to your ceremony location and 360 degree mountain views as you read your vows surrounded by your favorite people. A sunset hike for epic photos with your spouse. Wrapping your day up walking back to the trailhead by headlamp as the stars slowly appear in the sky above.
Let’s break that down into an hour by hour, location by location, timeline.
Typical Elopement Timeline at Mt Rainier in August
12pm Leesha arrives to your rented cabin in Ashford or Packwood
1pm Getting ready photos and detail photos
2pm First look and photos around your cabin
3pm Leave cabin, head to ceremony location
Leesha’s favs: Tipsoo Lake, Paradise, Sunrise, Reflection Lakes, Grove of the Patriarchs
4pm Arrive at ceremony location
Take a short walk to the perfect spot
4:30pm Group photos and dinner or snack
Now is a great time to do a picnic and relax a bit
6:30pm Head to sunset hike and photo location
Leesha’s favs: Skyline Trail, Fremont Lookout, Burroughs, Pinnacle Saddle
7pm Sunset photos surrounded by Mt Rainier’s stunning landscapes.
Now is a special time to read private vows if you choose to
8:30pm Photography Coverage Wraps Up
Hike back to our cars and part ways
9pm Drive back to your cabin under the stars and reminisce about the best day ever
Things To Note
This is a typical elopement timeline. It’s a good place to start but I’m also more than happy to create a unique timeline that is tailored to your vision and hope for your mountain elopement. Anything you can dream up, we can make work.
Be cognizant of travel times between locations. I always provide my clients with a detailed timeline with drive times included, but it’s good to keep in mind when choosing your locations and planning your day.
Add in lots of buffer time. Hair and makeup running a little behind, lines at park entrances, wildlife blocking the road, finding a parking spot. These are all common occurrences and good reasons to add in that buffer time.
And last, but perhaps most important, be flexible! Adventure elopements are just that, an adventure. Sometimes it’s overcast and we have to move the timeline up. Sometimes the park closes the road we planned to travel on and we have to last minute swap locations. At the end of the day, the most important element of your day is marrying your partner. With that mindset you’ll be able to go with the flow when things don’t go according to plan.
Need help planning your perfect elopement timeline? Reach out here and let’s start dreaming up your perfect day!
WANTING MORE NATIONAL PARK ELOPEMENT INSPIRATION?
If you’re dreaming up your own elopement or engagement session in Washington State, check out more inspiration below!
THE BEST PLACES TO ELOPE AT MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
5 REASONS YOU SHOULD HAVE A FULL-DAY ELOPEMENT + TIMELINE TIPS
WASHINGTON STATE ELOPEMENT PERMITS
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[…] And that’s a wrap on my favorite itineraries for a Mt Rainier day trip. Don’t hesitate to reach out or comment below if you have any questions! I’m always happy to give advice and talk about Mt Rainier!Looking for an elopement timeline? Browse this blog for a Mt Rainier Elopement timeline > […]
[…] Timelines for mountain elopements can vary widely due to different factors. Weather, time of year, drive times, specific locations, etc. Because of these reasons, the example timeline below won’t work for every single mountain elopement day. But it is a good starting point and it happens to be my favorite timeline for Mount Rainier elopements in the summertime. For more detailed timeline information, read this blog. […]