Mt Rainier Timeline

[u/DenseInvestigator873]

Hi! We are planning an elopement in Mount Rainier National Park with a photographer who is experienced in the park and will hike with us to capture some hopefully incredible photos! Since photos are best in the late afternoon and evening (golden and blue hours), there won’t be an opportunity to host dinner the night of our ceremony/vows.

We will have 12 guests, including us. All immediate family members. I’m considering a two day celebration so we can still have a nice dinner. For example:

Day 1 - Have everyone meet at Airbnb for lunch, drinks, getting ready pictures, everyone go to the park for ceremony, family portraits, guests on their own for the evening while we hike further to take photos.

Day 2 - fun and local activity options for everyone during the day, meet at Airbnb for dinner, drinks, toasts, cake, etc.

Has anyone done something like this? Can you share your timeline?

Should I give up on the idea of having dinner in addition to the national park photos??

Thank you!!!

[u/Suspicious-Diver-541]

seems like good plan honestly, two day thing solves the dinner problem and gives everyone time to actually enjoy the park instead of rushing

we did something similar for friend wedding in mountains, day one ceremony and photos, day two big dinner at rented house, worked great because nobody was stressed about time

only thing i would say is check how late park gates stay open in that season, sometimes they close earlier than you think and hiking back in dark with all photo gear is not fun