We can all agree that Mount Rainier is pure magic, right? Well, it is easier than you think to take your engagement photos at Mount Rainier National Park! Here are a few quick tips that will help prepare you for your Mount Rainier Engagement session!

All About Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most popular outdoor locations to visit in the Pacific Northwest. It includes a wide variety of terrain such as wildflowers, lush rainforests, ponds and rivers, and the majestic views of Mount Rainier. This national park is fantastic because there are trails accessible for many skill levels. You can park at one of the visitor centers for an immediate view of the mountain peak, or take multi day hikes to remote locations.

Taking Engagement Photos at Mount Rainier

Taking your engagement photos are Mount Rainier can be SO much fun. There are tons of locations to choose from depending on your skill levels and desire to hike!

If you want epic views right from your parking spot, the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center is a perfect location.

If you want to take a little hike to get gorgeous views of the mountain peek, Tipsoo Lake might be more your speed.

But, if you are feeling extra adventurous and want to hike a few miles for your engagement session, there are a few hikes at Sunrise Visitor Center that can reach stunning and unique locations.

No matter your skill level, you can find beautiful views of Mount Rainier anywhere you go!

Permit Requirements for Mount Rainier

In order to take photos at Mount Rainier National Park, you may need to apply for a commercial photo permit. These are required by the park to monitor park use and ensure safe practices are being used. Sometimes permits are not required for an engagement session, but it is always good to email the permit office and check. Better safe and approved than sorry! I encourage each of my couples to do their best to follow Leave No Trace principles and apply for a permit even if they don’t think they need one.

Clothing and Gear Tips

Depending on where you want to take your photos, there is certain clothing and gear you should pack with you. If you plan to take a short hike, I highly recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes. Especially if you want to wear high heels or sandals for your photos, you want to be sure you are able to walk comfortably between photo spots. Comfort is so key to an enjoyable engagement session experience!

If you want to hike for more than a mile, it is critical to bring:

-One water bottle per person (or more)

-Granola bars or other calorie rich snacks

-Basic First Aid Kid

-Fully charged cell phone

-Extra socks and a jacket

-Map of your hike route

Hiking for extended lengths require preparedness for any possible emergency or need. Do NOT forget these things while you go on any long hike!

Unsure of what to wear for your photos? Check out my blog post on tips for picking your engagement session outfit here. It is a blog post talking about Phoenix, Arizona but the tips are applicable for any location!

Other Tips For Engagement Sessions

My biggest tip I can offer for your engagement session is to HAVE FUN!! Being engaged is an exciting chapter in your life, and you should give yourself the time to cherish and celebrate it whenever you can. Marriage is cool, yes, but that space of anticipation and excitement that is involved in engagement is SO awesome! Enjoy this time, and don’t rush to get past it!

If you are thinking of taking your engagement photos up at Mount Rainier, feel free to reach out to me on my contact page. I would love to help you plan an epic adventure for your engagement session at Mount Rainier and celebrate the crap out of your love story!