I’m Dani, the photographer behind Ronny & Rene Photography and Mount Rainier is one of my favorite places of all time. Elopements on the trails just hit different. The experience is raw, intimate, and deeply meaningful: just you, the landscape, and the promises you are making to each other.
Based in the Willamette Valley and regularly documenting celebrations along the Pacific Northwest, I help couples navigate tides, weather, and timing so the day feels calm, intentional, and true to who you are. My approach is relaxed and supportive, giving you gentle guidance when you need it and space when you don't, so your photos reflect how it actually felt to be there.
If you are dreaming of an adventurous elopement day that feels both meaningful and a little wild, I'm your photographer!
mount Rainier elopement photographer specializing in timeless, nostalgic, documentary style imagery.
Mount Rainier Elopement Photographer
Why elope at Mount Rainier?
Mount Rainier National Park is one of those places that feels almost too beautiful to be real. Every time I drive around that corner up to the mountain, it takes my breath away. And, the mountain doesn't even have to "be out" for an epic elopement day. From alpine meadows covered in wildflowers to dramatic mountain views, old-growth forests, waterfalls, and winding mountain roads, there are endless ways to make your elopement day your own.
You also don't have to spend the entire day hiking to have an incredible experience. There are so many beautiful locations to exchange vows in both the National park and National forest nearby. Whether you are a "15-minute to the best spot" or "let's meet at 3am for a two hour sunrise hike" type of couple, your elopement day and your photos will be absolutely epic.
There's no right way to elope at Mount Rainier and no two days will ever look the same. That's why I am obsessed with it.
AS YOUR Elopement photographer, I help craft your day to look and feel like you.
Paradise
Paradise is one of the most iconic areas of Mount Rainier National Park and is especially beautiful during wildflower season. With expansive mountain views, alpine meadows, and access to several trails, it's an incredible option for couples who want that classic Mount Rainier experience. It also has several beautiful spots that don't require extensive hiking making it one of the most accessible for elopements with more than a couple of guests.
Sunrise
Located on the northeast side of the park, Sunrise offers some of the most dramatic views of Mount Rainier. At the highest point accessible by car in the park, the area is surrounded by alpine scenery and expansive views in nearly every direction. This is home to two epic fire lookout locations as well.
Reflection Lakes
For couples looking for a quieter, more relaxed experience, Reflection Lakes offers beautiful views of Mount Rainier reflected across the water when conditions are right. It's especially magical around sunrise and sunset. Reflection Lakes is beautiful from both the top and bottom of this epic trail.
Tipsoo Lake
Near the park's northeast entrance, Tipsoo Lake offers mountain views, alpine meadows, and a relatively accessible way to experience the landscape around Mount Rainier.
Beyond the Famous Spots
Some of the best parts of a Mount Rainier elopement aren't necessarily the places you've seen all over Instagram. Some favorites include Mrytle Falls, La Wis Wis Campground and Silver Falls. We will meet to talk about the views and experience that inspire you as a couple and then craft your day from there.
Mount Rainier Elopement Locations
Mount Rainier Elopements
SERVING
the PNW +
BEYOND
In general, a Special Use Permit is required for all wedding ceremonies, including intimate elopements with just the couple. The current permit cost is $275, which includes a $25 application fee and a $250 wedding management fee. Wedding permits allow for a three-hour timeframe, including travel to and from the ceremony location, a 30-minute ceremony, and photography or videography in the same general area.
Permits can be requested up to one year in advance, and requirements and fees can change, so we always recommend checking the current information directly with the National Park Service before applying.
Requirements can vary depending on what you're planning, where you're planning to go, and the size of your group. As your elopement photographer, I reach out to park services for you and together, we get necessary permits for both eloping and photography.
Do I need a permit to Elope at Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier Elopement Permit Information
Because of mountain conditions and accessibility, Eloping at Mount Rainier is usually recommended from June to October. Even then, those early summer months can be unpredictable and a random snowstorm can happen, even in August. The mountain has it's own little weather system so checking conditions regularly is part of the experience. In general, Juy, August and September are the best months to elope at Mount Rainier.
Sunrise and sunset are typically the best times for lighting. Early morning offers privacy and soft light, while sunset brings warm tones and glowing skies when conditions are clear. Weekdays are a good idea for couples seeking a quieter experience.
Tips for Eloping at Mount Rainier
When to elope at mount Rainier
To legally marry at the Mountain, you will need a Washington marriage license obtained from any county clerk’s office in the state. Both partners must apply in person, and there is a standard three day waiting period before the license becomes valid unless you request a waiver.
The license is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in Washington. After the ceremony, your officiant submits the signed license to the county for recording. All ceremonies require an officiant and two witnesses. I am ordained if you need someone official to sign your license!
Marriage License for a Mount Rainier Elopement
Protecting National parks is a big deal to us PNW people. Alpine meadows are part of a fragile ecosystem, it's important to follow Leave No Trace principles.
Simple guidelines include packing out everything you bring, avoiding confetti or loose materials, staying on established trails, and respecting wildlife and plantlife. Even biodegradable items can disrupt the environment, so minimal impact is always best.
Leave No Trace at Mount Rainier National Park
Featured Elopement Love Stories:
Mount Rainier Elopement at Paradise
Sunrise to Sunset Mt. Rainier
How to Elope : A Planning Guide
Places to Elope in WA
Olympic National Park
Let's do this thing. Pop the bubbly, cue the confetti!
I Can't Wait To Begin This Journey With You
- Photography Coverage based on hours needed for the day
- A customized online gallery of 75+ images per hour
- A 1-4 week gallery delivery turn around
- 24-48-hour sneak peeks to share your day
- An Elopement guide full of tips for planning your elopment
- Timeline consultation and vendor recommendations
- Permit and licensing Guidance
- An officiant to sign your license if needed (me)
- Help throughout the planning process
Chat soon,
Dani
i'll be in touch
Thank You
I would say hire her for any and all important moments! The photos are beautiful and working with her was a treat. We couldn't have asked for someone more kind, thoughtful, generous, and truly passionate about her work and the people she was working with - everything felt so specific to us as a couple and the wedding that we wanted and the things we wanted to capture. The process from start to finish couldn't have been more seamless, easy, and enjoyable. And now we have memories we will be able to look back on and feel right in the moment again.
TAYLOR
"COULDN't have been more seamless."
We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Dani made everything feel easy and natural. I had no idea how she captured the moments she did, they were truly a gift to look at when everything seemed like a blur!I still get teary-eyed when we look at these photos. We will cherish these forever.
KATIE
"EVERYTHING WE COULD HAVE ASKED FOR."
Thank you so much for the absolutely gorgeous photos for Kim & Josh's wedding. You are so incredibly talented, and your gift and sweet, sweet spirit blesses so many people. The moments you captured are truly a reflection of your heart, and I just can't tell you how grateful we are! Thank you so much & God Bless.
SHARON
"TRULY A REFLECTION OF YOUR HEART."
Dani has been there for so many of our special moments.. engagement photos, wedding, maternity and first family photos!! We LOVED her from the moment we met her and I obsessed over her photos on Instagram before hiring her over 4 years ago and I continue to obsess over her photography. She is not only an extremely talented photographer but she is truly an amazing human. We have no talent for having our photo taken and are both fairly awkward during the process, but she somehow finds a way to capture the sweetest moments and guide you to make photos turn out spectacular! I wouldn’t go to anyone else for future photos and Highly recommend her! Remember you get what you pay for and the quality and overall experience you get with Dani is worth every penny!!
BRITTANY
"YOU CAPTURED THE BEST MOMENTS!"
I knew we needed to go with Dani after seeing her pricing guide, it was so beautiful! Her whole process from start to finish made me feel so important and like I was her only bride even though I know she had tons! She captured the best moments, was not a "diva" about it but like a friend who knew exactly what I needed at every moment. She even helped get me sometime alone after the wedding when everyone was coming up to us! The photos were just the cherry on top. They were, of course, beautifiul and beyond what we could have imagined. I think we even got them back in less than two weeks. Thank you Dani for being exactly what we needed and beyond!
JENNY