Magical Snowshoe Hiking Elopement in the Washington Mountains

Snowy Mountain Elopement at Mount Rainier | Hiking Elopement Photographers

Bride and groom exchanging vows in front of Mt Rainier during their hiking elopement ceremony

The Couple and Their Decision to Plan a Snowy Hiking Elopement in the Washington Mountains

One of my favorite things about wedding and elopement photography is getting the chance to meet my couples and hear their stories. Learning how they met and learning more about their love story and their journey to this point is one of the greatest honors of being an adventure elopement photographer. In all the years I’ve photographed, I’ve met a lot of couples who met through apps and social media but Sarah and Julian were the first couple I photographed who had met through a Craigslist ad. I’ll have to save that story for another time, but I knew right when I first read their story that their day was going to be magical!

When they first inquired, the couple shared with me that loved the idea of having an adventure elopement as it seemed untraditional, resembling the rest of their love story. They had always envisioned getting married on a mountain summit surrounded by snow. They wanted a day of adventure and experience and they were willing to do whatever they needed to in order to make that happen (even if it meant breaking out the snow shoes 🙂)

I shared with them that the PNW weather can be tricky, especially in winter and it can often affect the visibility of places like Mount Rainier. Sarah and Julian decided that they wouldn’t let the weather stop them from having their dream day and they ultimately decided to plan for a snowy hiking elopement at Mount Rainier.

Bride and groom cheering on a bridge after snowy mountain elopement at Mt Rainier

From Dealing with Unexpected Weather To Snowshoeing in the Washington Mountains, This Is How To Elope In Mount Rainier Adventurously

It’s more than just an honor to experience an elopement day with my couples. It’s absolutely an incredible emotion that words can’t fully explain whenever I get to be a part of someone’s story, adventure, or life chapter.

For their snowy mountain elopement, Sarah and Julian placed all their trust in me. From dealing with the unexpected PNW weather to snowshoeing for the first time, we did it all and we did it with all our hearts.

One of my absolute fav moment was when Julian and Sarah helped each other get dressed instead of doing a first look. You see, the thing with weddings is that we tend to stick to traditions. But with elopements, you can and should have your day the way that is true and honest to you and your relationship. This is not to compare between “getting ready together” and “first look”, but rather, an honest insight into the freedom you get when you elope. Do what is true and meaningful to your heart.

After the couple finished getting ready together, they face-timed with family and read letters from loved ones.

Then up the mountain we went for their ceremony. Sarah and Julian wanted to experience adventure and were willing to try anything on their elopement day. We brought our snowshoes and the couple got to go snowshoeing in the mountains for the first time on their elopement day. ❤️

After the adventure, we went back to the cabin for some more intentional moments and moody images. Over charcuterie I got to sit down with the couple and share life stories.

We ended the night with lanterns, rain, hot tub and all the best moody PNW vibes.

Thank you Sarah and Julian for such an amazing day and for these kind words. I am beyond humbled and honored to have been a part of your day. I miss you both and I can’t wait to see you guys again in the PNW!

– Henry

Henry helped us with every detail, he was always easy to communicate with whenever we had questions, and he helped to make our day virtually stress free.

You can’t find a more talented, kind, and fun photographer than Henry! I found him via instagram as someone I follow hired him for her wedding and his talent was jaw dropping. I knew instantly that when it came time to plan our elopement, he was going to be the first person we called. From the very first time my husband and I spoke with him, we knew he was the one we wanted to share our day with and trust to capture it in the most magical way possible. Henry helped us with every detail, he was always easy to communicate with whenever we had questions, and he helped to make our day virtually stress free. On the actual day of our elopement, it was as though we were seeing a friend after a long time gap. My husband had never been professionally photographed and is an introvert but he said it took no time at all for him to feel at complete ease with Henry and being photographed. One of my favorite parts of working with Henry the day of was how excited he got during the day knowing he captured some awesome photos. We were already having so much fun and excited but his visible display of excitement made our excitement multiply x100! Then, not even 24hrs after we said our goodbye, we got sneak peak pics!! What wizardy is that even! And good lord were the sneak peak pics GORGEOUS! I can’t wait to see the fully gallery, I don’t know how our hearts will be able to handle reliving the best day of our lives. Henry Tieu is the best elopement photographer you will find because he exudes passion for his craft and understands how important it is to the couples he works with to have these memories captured in a way that tells your story but also makes it art. Thank you for everything Henry!! <3

Sarah & Julian

PNW hiking elopement