Mount Rainier Elopement | Josh Hartman Photography

It’s not every day you get to photograph a Mount Rainier Elopement.

I have been attracting a lot of adventurous couples lately. I photographed Liz and Adam’s elopement in Icleland near the Dyrholaey Cliffs. I captured Lorra and John’s intimate wedding at the base of a waterfall near Hotel Budir in Iceland. And recently I captured Tiffany and Nate’s Colorado elopement on a frozen Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. But Josh and Ashley’s Mount Rainier Elopement takes the prize for the most adventurous wedding.

I documented 5 days of serious hiking. I shot an impromptu proposal in front of a waterfall. I captured the most breathtaking hike to a glacier. And the most epic day of all was when I documented Josh and Ashley’s Mount Rainier elopement right up close to this magnificent mountain.

I met Josh and Ashley back when I was a second grade teacher in North Carolina. Actually, this was when Josh and Ashley met each other too. These two wonderful people have been my friends ever since. I was so excited to be a part of their special day. At first Josh and Ashley were going to have a wedding in Raleigh, but that just didn’t feel right. So, Josh and Ashley decided to fly me to Seattle, Washington for their Mount Rainier Elopement. And later have a reception in Raleigh. From Seattle I drove out to Packwood, Washington, just outside the awe inspiring Mount Rainier.

For the next 5 days I would capture Mount Rainier from all angles. Josh and Ashley planned 5 days of hiking for all their guests. And I have to say that I was impressed how well everyone hiked. These were some serious ascents, but the views were definitely worth the climb.

Thanks Josh and Ashley for flying me out to your Mount Rainier Elopement. It was an adventure like no other. And thank you for your hospitality. I had a blast hanging out with you guys and getting to know your friends and family.

Check out some of my favorite photos from this Mount Rainier Elopement in this blog post. And learn a little bit more about Josh and Ashley below. Planning a wedding in Washington? Check out Kim and Kevin’s wedding in Winthrop, Washington.

Josh Hartman – Traverse City Based Wedding Photographer

Questions for Ashley

How did you two meet?

“Josh and I met working together at Holly Ridge Elementary. He was the cute 4th grade teacher down the hall. 🙂 We got together one night before the Christmas Party and the rest is history! We spent all night talking and have not left each other’s side ever since.” ~Ashley

What was your favorite memory from your Mount Rainier Elopement?

“My favorite memory from the wedding was the view of Mount Rainier. Josh and I were both emotional during the ceremony… myself especially. It brought a calm to me every time I stared off at the mountain. It is just the most amazing place in the world and to have the view that we did while I stood marrying my best friend… it was the ultimate wedding to me!” ~Ashley

Why Elope at Mount Rainier?

“Mt Rainier is so special to me. Josh planned an entire cross country trip 2 years ago and showed me the most amazing places in the world. Of all the 26 parks that we visited though… Mt Rainier blew me away the most. The hikes that we did, although they were difficult… were the best views I had ever seen. To get the chance to not only go back, but share those views and the experience with family was one in a lifetime. We were excited to bring them somewhere that they may have never visited on their own. It couldn’t have been more perfect.” ~Ashley