M+S came all the way from sunny Florida to the Pacific Northwest, and could there be a better excuse to take some epic Mt Rainier engagement photos? They knew they wanted something more than just a cute park or beach back home—they wanted the mountain. And let me tell you, Mt. Rainier did not disappoint. The sun cast a dreamy, golden glow across the snow-capped peak. The mountain showed off, M+S laughed their way through the session, and together we created magic in a backdrop that screams once-in-a-lifetime. It was one of those evenings that reminded me exactly why I love what I do—I’d happily shoot a million sessions like this and never get tired of that mountain showing off at sunset.
The Myrtle Falls Adventure
The “hike” out to Myrtle Falls is one of those trails that makes you feel like you’ve just scored the jackpot of easy-access mountain views. I put “hike” in quotes because, let’s be real, it’s more of a scenic stroll than a sweat-dripping, pack-your-headlamp kind of adventure—but that’s the beauty of it. You get these jaw-dropping alpine views without needing to train like you’re climbing Everest. As we made our way out, M+S kept cracking each other up. We paused to admire the wildflowers blooming along the trail, and even spotted a couple of hummingbirds zipping around. To top it all off, a pair of deer casually wandered by. The entire experience was the perfect blend of romance, adventure, and pure joy, and it translated so effortlessly into their photos. This session felt way too fun to be work.
Check out my Mount Rainier National Park elopement guide!
Timing Your Mt Rainier Session
Timing is everything when planning your Mt. Rainier session. Showing up in February expecting wildflowers? You’re gonna be very disappointed (and very cold). M+S nailed it by coming in mid-July, which meant the trails were completely snow-free and the landscape was lush and green.
If you’re dreaming of wildflower meadows that look like they’ve been Photoshopped, early to mid-August is your sweet spot. That’s when the alpine fields explode with color, and honestly, it’s hard to take a bad photo when the mountain and flowers are equally giving you a 10/10 show.
From mid-September through mid-October, the hillsides transform into a mix of fiery reds, oranges, and golden tones. This is your perfect moment for fall Mt Rainier engagement photos.
So whether you’re envisioning crisp greenery, technicolor flowers, or moody autumn vibes, the season you choose will totally shape the feel of your engagement or elopement photos. The good news is there’s no wrong answer here—just depends on what makes your heart beat faster (besides your fiancé, of course).
Mt Rainier Elopement Photographer | Before Our Eyes Photography
After spending 10 days hiking the entire Wonderland Trail (yep, all 93 miles of it—my legs are still recovering), I can confidently say I know Mt. Rainier like the back of my hand. That trek gave me such a unique perspective of the mountain and all its little hidden gems. So whether you’re dreaming of an easy walk with epic views, a tucked-away overlook where it feels like it’s just the two of you, or a full-on adventurous hike to earn those panoramic shots, I know exactly where to take you.
The thing about Rainier is that it never gets old. Every season, every trail, every sunset brings something new. It’s hands-down one of the most breathtaking places for engagement or elopement photos. I’ll never stop being in awe of it.
Oh, and hi—I’m Mattie! I specialize in PNW elopements, and nothing makes me happier than helping couples create memories that feel like an adventure. Whether that means scaling trails, chasing sunsets, or just laughing our way through a mountain meadow, I’m here for it. Because at the end of the day, it’s about telling your story in an unforgettable place. Click here to get started!
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