My favorite types of elopements are the ones that just feel so personal and authentic to the couple. Days that include activities, people, details that hold so much meaning to the couple, whether that means hosting a group of 10 loved ones or exploring just them and their dog. Sierra and Matts day was exactly that: so customized to them and the beautiful life theyve created together. They truly had a little bit of everything during their adventure elopement at Tipsoo Lake + Mount Rainier: sunshine, trails, wildflowers, river views, a private mountain top ceremony, and so much more. Cant wait to finally share more from this epic day with yall, and I hope it encourages you to create a day that feels so, truly YOU + reflects your unique love story from beginning to end.
Sierra + Matts Private Mount Rainier Elopement
Getting ready at a cabin in the woods
Sierra and Matts day was intimate and focused on them from the get-go; instead of getting ready separately with their own groups, they spent the morning getting ready at the same cozy cabin in Packwood, being present with each other + their sweet Aussie.
Sierra wore the most breathtaking gown, covered in delicate lace detailing, glittering sequins, and beautiful floral patterns. It perfectly matched the boho bridal robe she wore while getting ready, which featured similar lace detailing and loose, airy, sheer sleeveslove seeing brides add their own accessories throughout the day! Her hair & makeup artist, Allie, killed it with her minimalist makeup + loose, free-spirited braid.
Matt chose a classic navy suit, paired with a white undershirt to add a bit of contrast and a black vest underneath for moments when the sun came out. These two did the most amazing job of choosing outfits that represented their individual personalities + tastes, and looked so good doing it!
After they had gotten completely ready, they had a sweet gift exchange + first look out on the deck of the Airbnb; one of my favorite moments of the day to capture for sure.
And I was obsessed with this Airbnb they rented out; the Heartwood Cabin in Packwood, WA. Its this beautiful, brand new A-frame along the Cowlitz River, with views of Butter Peak and easy access to White pass + Mount Rainier. Its hella cozy, and the outdoor ambiance is to die for, with two covered decks and a spacious back deck with a built-in cedar hot tubthe perfect spot for stargazing on clear nights. I couldnt have imagined a more amazing place for Sierra + Matt to have as their home base during their time in the area!
An adventurous elopement day hike up Naches Peak Loop
We had quite a bit of time before we planned to have Sierra and Matts nighttime ceremony, so we hiked up Naches Peak Loop just for fun! Naches Peak Loop is a 3.2 mile round trip hike that begins at Tipsoo Lake, and follows along a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. It took us through vibrant green grassy meadows + hillsides, and gave us the most STUNNING views of Mount Rainier; we were seriously so lucky to have such incredible weather and blue skies! The wildflowers were out and looking absolutely gorgeous, covering the lush valleys and mountain slopes in colorful blooms at their summer peak. Seriously cant recommend this loop enough if youre looking for an easy to moderately-challenging trail to explore on your elopement day; its short enough that it wont leave you too sweaty in your elopement attire, but you still get spectacular mountain views and a fun adventure to look back on.
Dreamy Tipsoo Lake elopement portraits
Tipsoo Lake is by far one of the top elopement locations in the Mount Rainier area, as it is SUPER easy to access + absolutely breathtaking. Located at Chinook Pass, its a bright blue subalpine lake surrounded by luscious greenery, wildflower meadows, and trees galore. Tipsoo Lake typically gets pretty crowded because of how easily accessible it is + how stunning the views are, especially during the warmer summer months, so if yall want to stop here for your elopement, Id recommend doing it early in the morning or on a weekday! Sierra + Matt looked sooo dreamy cozying up on the trails, walking through the meadows (on designated paths, of course), and just being present in the moment with each other, enjoying the unforgettable scenery around them. What a freakin dream come true.
A romantic riverside picnic
After our hike up Naches Peak Loop + spending some time exploring Tipsoo Lake, we headed to a river spot that Sierra + Matt had scouted out a few weeks prior. They changed into more comfy outdoor attire, and sipped on cold beers + snacked on homemade food theyd brought with them! You can truly never go wrong with a romantic picnic on your elopement day, whether its at the top of a mountain, in the middle of a forest, or next to a winding river; whether you have a luxuriously-decorated tablescape or a simple picnic basket with PB&Js. As long as you stick to what feels authentic + right to the two of you, you cant go wrong!
A magical blue hour elopement ceremony at High Rock Lookout
Finally, once evening arrived, we hiked up to High Rock Lookout for Sierra + Matts blue hour elopement ceremony. With the sun already set, these two exchanged their vows as the last light of the sky slowly faded away, lit only by 30 battery-powered candles and surrounded by unbelievable panoramic mountain views. Ive photographed so many elopement ceremonies that have each been magical in their own way, but this was really a whole new level; I think candlelit, mountain top ceremonies at blue hour need to be the new elopement trend?!
After they made things official, we headed back down the mountain + back to their Airbnb for a relaxing evening in the cedar hot tub. This was such a fun way to end a super adventurous and excitement-filled day; they deserved every moment of this romantic, laid-back evening soaking in this gorgeous tub!
So so grateful that I got to spend this day with Sierra and Matt, and that I got to capture their incredible Tipsoo Lake + Mount Rainier elopement. It was just such a cool day where they prioritized moments that felt real to them; hiking, spending time with their dog, and creating new memories together. Seriously a day I will never forget!
Hey yall, Im Dawnyour PNW-based elopement and micro wedding photographer, obsessed with all things love, adventure, romance, and nature! Id be so honored to document your Tipsoo Lake/Mount Rainier elopement; reach out to me here, and lets start planning your once in a lifetime adventure together! Cant wait to create some magic with you
Looking for more Mount Rainier elopement inspiration + resources to help you plan your own? I got you, friend!