Corinne & Zach are locals to Seattle who are inspired by their daily view of Mt. Rainier and their frequent trips up to Rainier in the winter for backcountry skiing. These two wanted to celebrate their day with a elopement doing their favorite things in their favorite place: camping, coffee, hiking to one of their favorite views of a glacier, and saying vows in one of their favorite spots they visit together every year. I absolutely loved the nostalgia and memories they had in Mt. Rainier and how that led them to get married here.
They started their morning in their awesome camper van getting ready together before making their way to the gushing river in the blue hour before sunrise. Mt. Rainier was towering upriver in the valley in front of us. Even in the dark, the sight of Mt. Rainier, snowcapped, is such a beautiful sight.
We hiked up along the river to their favorite spot. The river so strong, we could often hear the river tumbling along large boulders in the rapids. It was a calm, quiet morning with bluebird skies and nobody else in sight. While Mt. Rainier is such a popular destination, I absolutely love when couples want to explore places off the beaten path (especially if that makes it more special for them too).
They exchanged vows together next to the river with Mt. Rainier towering in the distance behind us. If you’ve never seen Mt. Rainier, it’s so massive and snow capped, that even when it’s still dark, it’s still completely visible. These two were so sweet on each other, and it was clear how much they were soaking in this moment together. Taking moments to pause and gather themselves during vows, and reaching out to each other.
Mt. Rainier slowly started to glow with morning alpenglow with such vibrant shades of orange and pink. It was such a beautiful contrast against the shadowed valley we were standing in too. After their sweet vows, we made our way to a log so they get enjoy some hot coffee together and wrap up in a blanket. They slowed down, reflected on their relationship, and had a cozy start to their elopement day.
Corinne & Zach made their way back to their camper before driving up to a higher elevation spot to enjoy sweeping views of Mt. Rainier while they cooked breakfast together–something they do often. As someone who used to live in a van full-time for work, I felt right at home with their camper van set up as they made breakfast. Having a travel van is such a great way to explore these amazing landscapes but always have everything with you. They cooked breakfast, cracking jokes and being playful with each other. And then of course, after a warm, tasty breakfast it was time to sign their marriage license before heading on our hike for the day.
We got very lucky with such clear weather, and it made for a spectacular hike through the forest to one of their favorite glacier views. I had hiked along this trail before, but had never made my way down this fork in the trail to lower elevation. I loved hearing about all of their past adventures in Washington together and how special Mt. Rainier was for them. I was so happy that they were getting to revisit these places for their elopement. Getting down to the alpine lake with up close views of Emmons Glacier was such an incredible perspective of Mt. Rainier. This was more about celebrating and hiking than getting elopement photos–but it was an incredible time nonetheless. After which, they had snacks on the trail before heading back to their van to go camp for another night.
I’m so happy these two got to fully be themselves and do exactly what they wanted to celebrate. They ended up celebrating back in Chicago and on the East Coast with family for some small get togethers in the Fall. But for such a beautiful summer day in Washington, it was a beautiful day camping, hiking and celebrating alone in their favorite place. I want to thank both of them for staying true to their quiet and quirky personalities (just like me). I always want couples to feel comfortable and to be their silly, playful selves on their day.
Elopement Tips:
- Rent A Camper Van (assuming you don’t have a rad camper van already) from somewhere like Outdoorsy. Prime camping spots, less driving, and you always have everything with you.
- Have a cozy coffee moment in the morning where you can be cozy and slow down together. Especially after your vows when there was a lot of build up for that moment.
- Celebrate with small get togethers with family, but don’t feel pressured to plan a reception if that’s not your thing.
