Bre Ann Photography

Overview

If you’re thinking about having a Washington elopement and visiting Mt. Rainier national park, the little town of Packwood is a great place to stay. From Packwood, it’s about an hour long drive to the Paradise visitor center, and about an hour and 10 minute drive to the Sunrise visitor center. (This is subject to change based on construction, road closures, the season, traffic, and weather conditions.)

There are so many cabins in the Packwood area available for rent that would make for a perfect Washington elopement getaway. Renting a space such as a cabin allows for a place to have hair and makeup done, get ready, and even have your ceremony at if you want to. The cabin pictured here is located along the river, which made for a stunning ceremony backdrop. The deck had space for a small catered dinner, and it was completely private! If you do choose to have your ceremony within Mt. Rainier national park, staying nearby takes a lot of stress out of driving to the location.

If you are renting a cabin, be sure to ask if the hosts allow small events and if there are any rules or regulations you need to know about. Mt. Rainier national park may also require special use permits to get married within the park. This is something I’d be happy to help you research before your elopement day.

A groom twirling his bride on the deck of a cabin in Washington

Example Cabin Elopement Timeline

Key factors for this 8 hour Washington elopement timeline: Takes place in August (for warmer weather and less snow at the mountain) – Takes place on a weekday (to help avoid crowds), takes place on or near a new moon (so we can get epic star portraits)

– 2:30pm – Photographer arrives at the cabin for getting ready and detail photos
– 3:30pm – Private first look in front of the river at the cabin property
– 3:45pm – Private ceremony and vow exchange in front of the river at the cabin property
– 4:15pm – Signing of the marriage certificate followed by couples portraits
– 4:45pm – Riverfront picnic at the cabin property
– 5:15pm – Celebratory champagne pop and cake cutting in front of the cabin
– 5:30pm – Break and get ready to drive up to Paradise for adventure photos
– 6:00pm – In the car and ready to start driving up to Paradise
– 7:00pm – Arrive at Paradise to start hiking around the lower trails and take photos along the way
– 7:30pm – Sunset portraits at Myrtle Falls
– 8:00pm – Blue hour portraits with lanterns
– 8:30pm – Snack break and wait for the stars to come out
– 9:00pm – Star portraits
– 10:30pm – Photography coverage ends – Drive back down the mountain

Does this sound like your Washington elopement day?! I’d love to chat about it!

A flower arrangement at a table for a Washington elopement in Packwood
A table arrangement in front of a cabin for a Washington elopement
A table setup for a reception dinner with flower arrangements in front of a cabin in Packwood, WA
Candles in rectangular enclosures on the stairs of a cabin in Packwood, WA
A table set up for an elopement day dinner in Washington
A dining setup for a Washington elopement
A light pink wedding cake with florals in the front
A boho bouquet sits on the steps of a cabin in Packwood, WA
Wedding day details including a ring, hat, and invitations
Washington elopement featuring a flower arch along the river at blue hour.
A floral arrangement for a Washington elopement with the river in the background.
Flower arrangements for a Washington elopement
A bride sitting in front of a cabin in Packwood, WA
A groom sits on the steps in front of a cabin in Packwood, WA
A groom fixes his boutonnière
A groom fixing his jacket in front of the river on his elopement day in Washington
A groom standing in front of a bonfire
A couples portrait on their elopement day
A couple eloping in Washington along the river in Packwood, WA
A Washington elopement on the river
A couple twirling on their elopement day along the river in Packwood, WA
A bride holding her bouquet while the groom hugs her from behind
A couple having a Washington elopement in front of a flower arch along the river.
A couple embracing under a flower arch along the river in Washington
A couple smiling at each other while twirling under a flower arch at their Washington elopement along the river
A couple embracing each other on their elopement day in Washington
A couple on their elopement day under a flower arch along the river in Packwood
A black and white photo of a couple hugging each other under a flower arch on their elopement day
A groom picking up his bride on their elopement day along the river in Washington state.
A bride and groom smiling at each other on their elopement day along the river in Packwood, WA
A couple sitting down in front of the river on their elopement day in Washington
A bride and groom looking out at the river and mountains on their elopement day
A bride and groom kissing while sitting on a small couch in front of a river in Washington
A bride and groom going in for a kiss at their Washington elopement
A groom kissing his bride on the temple while sitting down on a small couch in front of the river in Washington state
A bride and groom going in for a kiss on their elopement day in Washington
A bride and groom embracing each other in front of the river in Washington on their elopement day
A bride and groom getting cozy on a couch outside in front of the river in Washington
A groom dipping his bride and going in for a kiss on their elopement day in Packwood
A groom twirling his bride on the deck of a cabin in Packwood, WA
A bride and groom kissing in front of a cabin in Washington on their elopement day.
A bride and groom sitting in front of a cabin at their Washington elopement in Packwood
Washington elopement along the rive in Packwood, WA

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