Top 5 Tips For A Beautiful Wedding at Mount Rainier

your special day in a scenic place

Tying the knot is a special day; why not celebrate it with immaculate scenery? Mount Rainier National Park provides an enchanting backdrop for all kinds of events. The most exciting event is undoubtedly a wedding held in the National Park. 


A wedding at Mount Rainier provides astonishing landscapes, breathtaking views, and an unforgettable experience as you profess your love for one another. When your wedding is held in Mother Nature’s venue, you know your experience will be one of the best the Nation has to offer.


Today we will be covering some tips on making your wedding day at Mount Rainier the best it can be. 

1. Choose Your Location

The location of your wedding and reception is critical. If you're planning on Mount Rainier or a similar National Park, consider the season you'll be having your wedding as some facilities at National Parks aren't open year-round. Do you want a warm and sunny experience with lots of light? Or maybe some sparkling snow on the mountain tops to complement your beautiful white dress?


There are a variety of scenic locations hidden throughout Mount Rainier National Park for elopements and wedding ceremonies. Knowing where you want to conduct your ceremony will allow a more seamless transition as you prepare for your wedding day and send out invites.


We recommend that you have your photographer present as you pick out your location, to ensure that there are picture-perfect moments in the area of choice.

A bride and groom are standing in a field with mountains in the background.

2. Follow Park Regulations

Planning a wedding in Mount Rainier comes with rules and regulations to protect the park, visitors, and the land’s fragile ecosystem. Here is what you will need to know to abide by them:


  • Permits & Timed Entries: During peak seasons, timed-entry reservations are required, along with special-use permits for any wedding or elopement in Mount Rainier. To avoid potential fines, please make sure to fill this out on time and schedule well in advance.


  • Capacity Limits: Check the capacity limits within your area, to ensure that you remain compliant with any capacity restrictions.


  • Environmental Considerations: Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect and conserve the land’s beauty. Make sure all decorations are safe for the environment and collected afterward.

3. Pick Your Wedding Date

The day of your wedding is a big decision to make! Here are some of the top factors to consider to make your experience unforgettable:


Season

The best time for a wedding is generally late spring or early fall, to avoid extreme temperatures. For the safety of you and your guests, please avoid planning a winter or summer wedding in Mount Rainier National Park. It could provide unnecessary hardships as your group makes the trek to the destination point. 


Time of Day

Your party can additionally avoid crowds by getting married during daybreak or closer to sunset. Not only will this enhance your picture quality, but with fewer people in the park there is less distraction, noise…etc. 


Weather

Lastly, keep in mind the weather for the day of your wedding, and monitor it closely. Should rain or lightning strike, you will want to be in the know in case a backup location is needed. However, sometimes a light rain storm can make for some unforgettable photos and memories.

A table set for a wedding reception with a vase of flowers on it.

4. Coordinate with Vendors

Vendors are key when it comes to wedding planning. Research local caterers to ensure they can accommodate a venue at Mount Rainier National Park. Look at multiple portfolios for photographers to ensure that you pick out the one that will showcase your special day the greatest. 


As these vendors have experience with wedding venues, they may be able to provide you with insight into the best spots in the park for your wedding. If affordable, hire a destination wedding planner, who can create the ideal experience for you and your loved one at Mount Rainier. Or check us out at Copper Creek Inn and we can give you some expert tips and recommendations.

5. Plan the Guest Experience

For larger parties, plan on looking at appointed overlooks or the park’s amphitheater for your wedding. More intimate-sized groups can expect to use nearly any trail within the park. 


Seek out what activities your guests can do during their time in the Mount Rainier National Park when the wedding isn’t going on. Activities such as a hike, bonfire, or picnic will go a long way in ensuring your guests' experience is thought out and people don't get bored.


It is important to have cozy lodging on your sacred and special day and one that has close proximity to the mountain. Consider booking a whole weekend to maximize your time at Mount Rainier and avoid feeling rushed.

A bride and groom are posing for a picture in a field on their wedding day.

Stay At Copper Creek Inn

Copper Creek Inn provides the perfect place to stay during your wedding or elopement and is located just 2 miles from Mount Rainier National Park. Our historic cabins have been voted #1 by our guests and offer a scenic retreat in one of the most beautiful spots in the Nation. Whether you are honeymooning, or just enjoying the wedding of a loved one, consider staying with us! Our luxurious rentals can host various party sizes, providing beautiful scenic views and comfortable accommodations.


Additionally, our onsite restaurant is sure to impress you, your family, and your wedding party with homemade, delicious favorites. Make Copper Creek Inn your go-to vacation destination today. We look forward to serving you!

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