As a Pacific Northwest elopement photographer, I’ve had the honor of capturing some truly captivating love stories—but Kate and Riley’s Mt. Rainier adventure elopement is one I’ll be smiling about for a long time. Their day was full of laughter, heartfelt moments, moody mountain vibes, and the kind of warmth and love that you can just feel in the air.

If you’re dreaming of an adventure elopement, you’ll want to read this. I’ll share some tips for planning your day, inspired by Kate and Riley’s epic Mt. Rainier elopement—including lessons from weather, timing, and how they made their day feel exactly the way they wanted: easygoing, natural, scenic, cozy, and just a little silly.

1. Pick a Location That Speaks to You

For Kate and Riley, being surrounded by nature was non-negotiable. They wanted a day where they could hike, explore, and soak in the beauty of the mountains—and Mt. Rainier absolutely delivered. We started their day at the Sunrise area of the park and later hiked to a more remote lake near Tipsoo Lake for their intimate vow exchange.

Mt. Rainier in late September is a bit of a gamble—sometimes you get sunshine, sometimes moody fog, and sometimes all four seasons in one day. But that’s part of the adventure! Kate and Riley lucked out with a warm afternoon and a clear view of the mountain, followed by misty, atmospheric fog rolling in as the evening went on. It was the perfect mix of sunny and cozy, and let me tell you—those misty mountain photos? Cinematic and fit for a love story!

Tip: When narrowing down locations, consider what kind of scenery and experience you want. Love alpine lakes? Go for it! Want ocean cliffs or dense forests? The PNW has it all. It helps to work with a photographer who knows the area and can guide you to hidden gems (hi, that’s me!).

2. Be Flexible—and Embrace the Adventure

One of the best things about Kate and Riley’s elopement was how relaxed and go-with-the-flow they were. From Kate changing into her dress and painting her nails in the car (yes, really!) to hiking up a trail for their vow exchange, they embraced the little quirks and surprises that come with an adventure elopement.

The thing about the mountains is they don’t care what’s on your Pinterest board. Weather can change in an instant, trails can be muddier (or steeper!) than expected, and your timeline might shift as you soak in the scenery. Kate and Riley laced up their hiking boots, and we were off! That’s part of the magic!

Tip #1: I always recommend having layers on hand (hello, cute jackets, umbrellas, or wraps!) and being ready to roll with whatever Mother Nature throws your way. 

Tip #2: Build extra time into your day for unexpected moments, whether pausing to take in the view or chasing the last rays of sunlight for that golden-hour glow. And don’t be afraid to lean into the unpredictable—it’s often where the best memories come from.

3. Create a Timeline That Feels Natural

Kate and Riley’s elopement day felt like it unfolded naturally, and that’s because we built their timeline around what mattered most to them: spending time together in the mountains and soaking in every moment.

Here’s how their day flowed:

• Midday: We started with sunny, daylight photos in the Sunrise area. Kate stepped out in a beautiful boho gown (her excitement was contagious!), and we walked to their first-look spot.
• Afternoon: After some exploring, we hiked to a more secluded lake near Tipsoo Lake for their intimate vow exchange. Just the two of them, the mountains, and me—they poured their hearts out, and it was so beautiful.
• Evening: The fog rolled in as we took dreamy sunset photos in the misty mountains. It was chilly, but Kate and Riley were total troopers, snuggling up and laughing as we captured the magic.
• Night: Back at their cozy A-frame Airbnb, they cooked frozen pizza, popped champagne, cut their cake, and roasted s’mores by the fire. They even had a sweet first dance in the cabin. It was intimate, fun, and so them.

Tip: Your elopement doesn’t need to follow a rigid structure. Think about how you want to feel throughout the day—adventurous, laid-back, romantic, or a mix—and plan your timeline around those vibes.

4. Focus on the Details That Matter to You

One of my favorite things about Kate and Riley’s day was how much it reflected who they are as a couple. From their heartfelt vows to the scenic hikes and s’mores finale, they did their day in a way that brought them joy. They didn’t stress about perfection or traditions that didn’t resonate with them—they chose the details that felt meaningful and let go of the rest. Kate’s boho gown and cathedral veil with hiking boots matched the vibe they were going for: effortless, elegant, and authentic. The handwritten vows and colorful bouquet added personal touches to their day. It wasn’t about doing things “by the book” but creating a celebration that felt uniquely *them*.

Tip: Think about what elements of a wedding day actually matter to you. Is it the location? The intimacy? The food? The photos? Once you decide, prioritize those, and don’t feel pressured to include traditions or details that don’t spark joy.

Your Adventure Awaits, And My Lens is Ready!

Your elopement is a blank canvas—paint it with the things that make your heart happy! Kate and Riley’s elopement epitomized why I love what I do. It wasn’t about the fluff or the fanfare; it was about two people deeply in love, stepping into their next chapter in a way that felt authentic and free. If you’re considering an elopement, take it from Kate and Riley: follow your hearts, embrace the unexpected, and make the day unmistakably yours. 

Dreaming of a PNW adventure elopement? I’m with you each step of the way from booking and planning to holding your wall-worthy portraits in your hands.

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