Sunrise Elopement at Mount Rainier National Park | Foggy Mornings & Wildflower Magic
46° 47.4067' N 121° 44.3817' W
This sunrise elopement at Mount Rainier National Park will forever be one of my all-time favorite galleries, and for good reason:
Just before dawn, I met Caitlyn and Austin at the trailhead parking lot - all of us buzzing with that quiet, excited energy that only an early morning in the mountains can bring.
We started our hike surrounded by stillness, the kind that only exists right before the world wakes up. As the sky slowly lightened behind us, we began spotting the famous Mount Rainier wildflowers lining the trail, and the higher we climbed, the thicker the fog rolled in. Caitlyn and Austin wanted to find a ceremony spot that felt right - not just beautiful, but meaningful. We stopped to explore a few places along the way until we found it: a soft, open meadow ridge just below a panoramic view of Mount Rainier that made everything feel intimate and untouched.
They helped each other get dressed right there on the trail, laughing through the chill of the morning air. And then, just as they were ready, the mountain disappeared into the dreamiest fog. a quiet, cinematic backdrop that made their ceremony feel like it was happening in another world. Mount Rainier only revealed itself a few times that morning, almost like it was keeping its distance to give them this private, sacred space.
After they exchanged vows, we lingered for a while - soaking it all in, breathing the crisp mountain air, and taking portraits among the wildflowers before making our way back down the trail. The fog began to lift as the sun warmed the trees, revealing soft golden light and glimpses of the mountain through the haze. On the way down, we spotted wildlife, sunlight streaming through the forest, and of course - more wildflowers.
Every part of their morning was intentional, natural, and full of heart. It's the kind of elopement that reminds me exactly why I love documenting love stories out here in the mountains.
xx
**While these photos look straight out of a dream, it’s important to remember that some trails have been edited out of these photos to give the gallery a more wild, untouched feel. Please always follow Leave No Trace principles - stay on marked paths, respect the landscape, and keep these beautiful spaces protected for everyone who comes after you. Nature gives us the most beautiful backdrop imaginable - it’s our job to take care of it.
Looking to Book Me for Your Own Adventure?
I'm all about giving my couples my undivided attention and wholehearted dedication, which is why I only take on a limited number of weddings and elopements each year. So, no matter where your dream wedding takes us - whether it's close to home in Middle Tennessee or some far-off corner of the globe - get in touch, and if I have your date available we'll make your incredible adventure happen, together!
And here's the best part: I don’t charge travel fees for any of my wedding collections. Wherever your love takes you, I’ll be right there capturing every moment, no extra costs, no boundaries.