Mt Rainier Winter Wedding Day 1: A-Frame Cabin & Snowshoe Elopement

A-Frame Cabin Elopement Getting Ready

At sunrise, Adam and I met Katie and Chase at their sweet A-frame cabin in Ashford, Washington. Ashford is the closest town to the Nisqually entrance of Mount Rainier National Park.

When we got to their Airbnb, we set up our gear and took some fun clips of their wedding details. Of course, we had to get their snowboards in the shots, especially since we would be snowboarding with them later! They made coffee and started to get ready while we were on the front porch taking photos/video. Keep scrolling to here more about their details, first look, ceremony, and the rest of their epic snowshoeing adventure elopement!

Ashford Airbnb Elopement – Getting Ready Photos

These two chose the most special details for their big day! Everything from Chase’s topographical Mount Rainier tie to Katie’s jewelry was beautiful and had meaning. While Chase finished getting ready on the front deck of this stunning cabin, Katie got ready inside. We had her sit by the window, so we could see her and Chase, while neither of them could see each other. Once they were ready, we had Katie come out onto the deck for their first look.

First looks always get me! It’s so special to see the love a couple shares RADIATE when they see each other all dressed up on their wedding day. These two kissed, twirled, and hugged. Then, we enjoyed the quiet morning a *little* bit longer by snapping some sweet moments at the cabin.

Mount Rainier Snowshoeing Elopement Ceremony

These two originally wanted to do the Panorama Point Snowhoe at Mount Rainier and then snowboard back down part of the Muir Snowfield trail. But about 2 weeks before their day, Mount Rainier released information about a park closure during the week. Unfortunately, they didn’t have enough staff this past winter to keep the park open Monday-Friday. We gave Katie and Chase the option to move their wedding to that Saturday, but they wanted to stick with Friday the 3rd.

It’s easy to get discouraged with bumps in the road, but these two shifted effortlessly. Adam and I found them the perfect snowshoe trail that we’ve never seen anyone elope at! It’s a unique spot near Ashford that only locals really know about. If anyone wants to hike this with us again, hit us up! We’d love to go back here. It’s a very challenging trail with a lot of vertical gain and 6 miles of hiking roundtrip. But the peacefulness of the trail and the views at the top make it SO WORTH the trek!

Would you believe me if I said these two had to shift again on their wedding day?? Unfortunately, their officiant wasn’t able to make it to the trailhead, but instead of letting that stop them, they went with the flow. I got ordained online to marry them at the top of the hike! But when we finally made it up there, a skiier offered to marry them! She was ordained, and they got a random couple (celebrating their anniversary by doing this trail) to sign as witnessed. It was totally spontaneous, but one of the most epic adventures that we truly will never ever forget.

Keep scrolling to see how the group of random skiiers helped celebrate Katie and Chase’s union, and to see the literal BLIZZARD they got married in! It’s pretty awesome.

What To Pack For Your Backcountry Snowboarding & Snowshoe Elopement Adventure

Okay, so not only did we snowshoe this hike, but we intended to spend more time snowboarding and skiing down the groomed trail (there are also backcountry trails at the top of this hike) after their ceremony. Unfortunately, due to circumstances out of everyone’s control, it got late, so we had to bomb down the hill. BUT, here are the things we packed for that adventure:

Snowshoeing Gear

Good Snowshoes

Snowshoe Poles or Trekking Poles (with snow baskets)

Hiking Boots or Snowboots

Backcountry Snowboarding & Skiing Safety Gear

Split Board or Skiis w/ Touring Bindings

Touring Boots

Avalanche Safety Gear: Beacon, Shovel & Probe

First Aid Kit & Headlamp (make sure to have extra batteries)

Backpack/Airbag

Food & Water

Navigation Equipment (compass, map, etc.)

Satellite Phone/Radio

Winter Snowshoe Attire

Wicking Base Layers

Down or Synthetic Jacket (insulation)

Waterproof Outer Layer

Snowpants or Bibs

Warm Socks

Hat

Gloves

Sunglasses/Goggles

Neck Gaiter

Check out Day 2: White Pass Snowboarding Elopement