Olympic vs Mount Rainier vs North Cascades elopement, Photographer’s opinion
If you’re deciding between Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades for your Washington elopement, you’re not alone. These are the three most iconic places to elope in the state, and on paper they all look unreal.
In reality?
They photograph differently.
They feel different.
And they require very different planning strategies.
I’ve planned and photographed elopements in all three, and here’s the honest breakdown I give my couples when they’re choosing where to elope in Washington.
The Quick Answer (If You’re Overwhelmed)
- Choose Olympic if you want variety, moody drama, and flexibility
- Choose Mount Rainier if you want iconic alpine views and wildflowers
- Choose North Cascades if you want rugged, remote, and jaw-dropping mountain energy
They’re all stunning, but the right one depends on your priorities, your tolerance for unpredictability, and how you want your day to feel.
Olympic National Park Elopements
Best for: couples who want options, atmosphere, and backup plans
Olympic is the most diverse national park in Washington. In one day, you can go from mossy rainforest to rugged coastline to mountain views, which makes it incredibly forgiving when weather shifts.
Photography & Planning POV
When I plan Olympic elopements, I love that:
- There are multiple backup locations within driving distance
- Overcast weather actually enhances the mood
- Rain feels intentional instead of disappointing
Olympic is where I send couples who want to relax into the experience instead of stress about forecasts.
Things to Know
- Weather can change quickly, but rarely ruins the day
- Coastal wind is real, plan layers
- Permits are straightforward but location-specific
My honest take: Olympic is the most versatile option and the easiest to adapt on the fly.
👉🏻 Read my full guide on How To Elope in Olympic National Park
Mount Rainier Elopements
Best for: couples who want iconic views and are flexible with timing
Mount Rainier is the postcard. Alpine meadows, massive peaks, wildflowers, it’s what most people picture when they think “Washington elopement.”
Photography & Planning POV
Rainier photographs best when:
- You’re willing to start early or go midweek
- You’re open to sunrise or off-peak timing
- You understand that access changes fast with snowpack
I’ve seen Rainier be absolutely unreal, and I’ve seen it socked in all day. Planning here is about timing, not forcing conditions.
Things to Know
- Shorter season than people expect
- Crowds peak hard in summer
- Some locations require flexibility year to year
My honest take: Rainier is worth it if you trust the process and don’t expect control, and don’t mind people. This park will always have people!
👉🏻 Read my full guide on How To Elope in Rainier National Park
North Cascades Elopements
Best for: couples who want remote, dramatic, “we really did this” energy
North Cascades is wild. It’s less polished, more rugged, and feels like you earned it.
Plus as a bonus we could do a multi day elopement between North Cascades and Mt Baker (pretty ~2 hour drive)
Photography & Planning POV
When I plan North Cascades elopements:
- Weather matters more, but so does perspective
- The scale is insane, even in imperfect conditions
- Fewer people = more freedom
This is where couples who want something raw and adventurous absolutely thrive.
Things to Know
- Access depends heavily on season
- Fewer services nearby (planning matters more)
- Not ideal for guests with limited mobility
My honest take: If you want epic and don’t mind unpredictability, this is the one.
👉🏻 Read my full guide on How To Elope in North Cascades National Park
Side-by-Side Comparison
Weather Flexibility
- Olympic: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Rainier: ⭐⭐⭐
- North Cascades: ⭐⭐⭐
Crowds
- Olympic: ⭐⭐⭐
- Rainier: ⭐⭐
- North Cascades: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Iconic Views
- Olympic: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Rainier: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- North Cascades: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Planning Complexity
- Olympic: Low
- Rainier: Medium
- North Cascades: High
What I Recommend (Honestly)
I don’t recommend locations based on what looks best on Instagram.
I recommend them based on:
- Time of year
- Weather tolerance
- How much flexibility you want
- Whether you want calm or challenge
If you want the least stress: Olympic
If you want the most iconic single backdrop: Rainier
If you want the most adventurous experience: North Cascades
This is why planning matters more than the park name (or sticker at the visitors center).
The Bottom Line
Washington elopements aren’t about choosing the “best” park — they’re about choosing the one that matches how you want to experience your day.
When I plan elopements here, I’m not just thinking about views. I’m thinking about:
- Light
- Access
- Weather behavior
- Backup plans that still feel intentional
That’s how your elopement feels grounded instead of risky.
Ready to Plan This the Right Way?
If you want help choosing the right location — and building a plan that works no matter what Washington does — I’ve got you.
👉 Start planning your Washington elopement
👉 Learn more: How to Elope in Washington
Olympic vs Mount Rainier vs North Cascades Elopement Guide
Washington elopement photographer, planning an elopement in Washington
