Two people hiking on a rocky path surrounded by evergreen trees on a sunny day.
Two hands reach towards each other with a gentle touch against a backdrop of blooming purple lupine flowers.
A romantic couple kiss on rocky ground in a sunlit forest setting with river behind them during their elopement.

An Intimate spring time Packwood Elopement


L + E wanted to prioritize intimacy on their wedding day. Which meant it was just the two of them and two of their friends as witnesses. They knew they wanted to be by a body of water of some sort, evergreens, and maybe even a view of Mt. Rainier. The two had actually booked their Airbnb cabin in Packwood, WA before booking me and we soon discovered afterward their their hopes of a Mt. Rainier elopement would most likely not happen. Packwood is just outside the Stevens Canyon Entrance of Mt. Rainier which is closed October through May. The exact closing and opening dates of this entrance varies each year as it is based on the weather. Looking at the past several years, there was a possibility the entrance may be open the day of their elopement in May but we wanted 100% certainty that we had a plan for their day, and because you need a permit to get married in the park that needed to be submitted in advance, we opted out Mt. Rainier as a location all together. So I ended up scouting a couple of local Packwood trails and locations near the Cowlitz River for them that didn't involve going into the park or acquiring any permits. But first, the two wanted a first look at their cabin.

First Look at A Packwood Cabin


After getting some detail photos of the couple's little details, like their Dr Marten boots, jewelry, vow books, and stunning bouquet the two shared a tearful first look. I am preety sure I cried myself. Of course they shared their love with their fur-child as well (lot when dogs get to be apart of your big day!).

Wedding details with mint invitations, rings, floral decor, and Doc Marten boots arranged on moss
Two vintage-style diamond engagement rings displayed on green fern leaves in a romantic nature setting.
A delicate pink and white floral wedding bouquet with roses and greenery arranged in a romantic garden style.
Two brides share a first look moment on a wooden deck surrounded by lush green forest scenery.
Close up of two brides hug while tears roll down their face.
A couple shares a romantic moment during their wedding ceremony in a rustic wooden cabin surrounded by forest.
Two brides hold their dog wearing a pink bowtie as it kisses one of them on the mouth as they both laugh.

Hiking to their Secluded Cowlitz River Ceremony


Then we drove to the trailhead where L + E and their two witnesses all followed one another to their absolutely private location through a magical forest (while also stoping occasionally to take photos). We had the whole trail to ourselves, only seeing a couple other hikers. There was lots of moss, creek crossing, forests, lupine flowers, and ultimately we landed at the location where they would say their vows to one another. It was a bit windy but it made it that much more romantic as the two of embraced each other's faces to say their vows so that they could hear one another. After their vows and ring echange, we hiked back to our cars and headed back to their cabin to sign the license and eat some cake! We ended their day at a second cool location (no hike for this one) for some some more couple's photos before the sun set.

A couple in wedding attire walks together in a sunlit outdoor forest setting.
A couple walks together on a scenic mountain trail surrounded by evergreen trees and natural landscape.
Two brides kiss captured in a sunlit forest setting with pine trees and a small river in the background. A rainbow sun flare shows up.
A bride wearing a black pantsuit balances while crossing a fallen log over a shallow forest stream.
a couple crosses through a stream in a heavily forested setting
A couple walks along a scenic forest trail surrounded by tall evergreen trees and dappled sunlight and a stream
A couple shares an intimate moment along the Cowlitz River during their elopement. Photo by Washington Elopement Photographer, Pine + Vow
A couple embracing in scenic natural settings with mountains and river behind them on a windy day
A romantic wedding couple embraces with yellow wildflowers and lush greenery
Close up of ring exchange during elopement ceremony on a rocky shoreline.
A bride goes down on one knee during elopement ceremony on a rocky riverbank with mountains in the background.
Two brides kiss during their Packwood elopement on the Cowlitz River bank
A couple embraces in a field of purple lupine wildflowers with evergreen trees and mountains in the background.
Two people walk along a rocky beach with majestic mountain peaks and evergreen forest in the background.
Two brides in front of a scenic mountain landscape with pine trees and a rocky riverbank in the foreground during their Packwood elopement
Two brides poss among vibrant purple lupines and yellow wildflowers with evergreen trees in the background. Photo by Pine + Vow
Two brides walking on a forest trail surrounded by towering cedar trees and lush green ferns in Washington.
Two brides walk hand in hand through a lush forest setting surrounded by tall moss covered trees
A couple in wedding attire playfully poses in a sunlit forest setting next to a flowing river.
Two brides walk along a dirt trail surrounded by evergreen trees and mountain scenery.
Loving what you see? Don’t forget, I would love to help you find the perfect Packwood Elopement photographer for your elopement or intimate wedding! Click here to book a free consult!

Two people share a joyful moment at a rustic wooden table with a floral centerpiece and cake plate.
A chocolate cake decorated with pink frosting and the word 'love' is being sliced on a wooden surface.
two brides kiss each other on the cheek while cutting cake in a rustic wooden cabin setting.
Two brides share a joyful moment while eating chocolate cake at a rustic cabin
A dark and moody cabin interior scene with two brides gathered around a table illuminated by warm lighting.
A couple in wedding attire stands on a rocky riverbank surrounded by lush forest and turquoise water.
A couple in wedding attire shares a joyful moment together in a scenic forest setting with tall pine trees.
Two brides stand on a fallen driftwood tree trunk during their Packwood elopement in Washington.
A couple shares an intimate moment on a fallen log over a serene turquoise river
Two brides on a fallen log by a serene river, one wearing an elegant white lace gown with a flowing train and the other a black pantsuit
A wedding couple stands on a rocky forest path surrounded by tall evergreen trees while spraying champagne from a bottle
A bride poses among twisted driftwood branches while drinking from a champagne bottle
Two brides share a laugh by a scenic forest river with rocky cliffs in the background.
If you’re dreaming of your own hiking elopement in Washington, I’d love to help you plan something just as intentional as this Packwood hiking Elopement on the cowlitz River.

Looking for more river elopement inspiration? Check out this Dungeness River Elopement and be sure to check out my Washington Elopement Photographer page!

Packwood Elopement Photographer

Hi! I am Tori

Your Elopement Photographer

I'm Tori, the photographer behind Pine + Vow, specializing in intimate weddings and elopements for couples who feel most at home in nature. Based in Washington, I document meaningful celebrations in beautiful places...from mountain views and forest trails to cozy cabins. Whether you're planning an experience for just the two of you or celebrating with your closest loved ones, I'm here to help create a day that feels true to your story. Be sure to check out my full pricing and packages to learn more!

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