Dreaming of an intimate elopement at Mt. Rainier National Park? Discover the best locations for your ceremony, essential planning tips, and ideas to make your day an adventure. From wildflower meadows to serene lakes, Mt. Rainier offers the perfect backdrop for your vows. Learn how to make your elopement magical and stress-free with our complete guide.
Some love stories are best told with a little wind in your hair, stars overhead, and red canyon cliffs rising around you. This is one of those stories.
Over the summer, I took a trip to Lake Powell with a few of our closest friends. We rented a houseboat, packed our bags, and set out on a five-day adventure into the still, golden waters and quiet canyon arms of Bullfrog Bay.
No signal. No deadlines. Just slow mornings in swimsuits, cliffside kayaking, dancing on the deck, and nights under the stars.
And let me just say this — Lake Powell is magical. It’s not just a backdrop. It’s the kind of place where you slow down, breathe deeper, and connect more fully — with nature, with the people around you, and with your own story.
Whether you’re dreaming of a playful, off-the-grid engagement shoot or a tiny elopement surrounded by nature, Lake Powell is a location that offers something unforgettable.
Whether you're planning a destination elopement or looking for a unique setting for your engagement session, here’s why Lake Powell should be on your radar:
Dramatic Scenery: Towering red rock canyons, crystal-clear water, and endless skies. It’s like being on another planet—in the best way.
Total Privacy: Rent a houseboat and sail into quiet solitude. It’s just you, your people, and the wide open water.
Multi-Day Adventure: Make it more than just a photoshoot. Turn it into a shared experience with built-in connection and intention.
Here’s what to know if you're dreaming up a session (or wedding) like this:
1. Lake Powell Houseboat Rentals:
This is the most seamless way to fully immerse in the Lake Powell experience. You can stay out on the water for days—anchoring in quiet coves, waking up to mirror-like reflections, and staying cool with mid-day swims. Check out: Bullfrog Marina Houseboat Rentals
2. The Best Photo Moments Happen at Sunrise & Sunset:
Golden hour here is next level. Light reflects off the canyon walls and the lake glows. Whether you're exchanging vows or popping champagne during your session, timing it with sunrise or sunset is worth it.
3. Choose Your Adventure Vibe:
Whether you want to go full-glam in the middle of the desert or barefoot boho, your Lake Powell story can be styled your way. Bring a mix of relaxed and elevated outfits if you want variety.
4. Let It Be Playful and Intentional:
Pack your favorite games, music playlists, books, or meaningful tokens. We spent late nights on the deck stargazing and belly laughing—those little moments of play and connection are what come through in the photos.
Lots of sunscreen (you’ll need it)
Wide-brim hat (iconic and practical)
Swimsuits (bonus points for fun patterns or textures)
Hydration galore – bring water jugs and electrolytes
Plenty of ice & coolers (it gets HOT)
Snacks, meals, and treats to make the trip fun
A bluetooth speaker and star map
Bug spray and light blankets
A journal or notebook to slow down and reflect
📩 Reach out to start planning your Lake Powell elopement or engagement shoot →
Golden hour is always magical — but, when you’re standing on a cliff overlooking a desert lake with mountains in the background, it’s a new level of beauty.
I had a blast exploring the central Oregon lake views with these two on this lovely summer evening. It was impossible not to take some pretty grand images with that background!
Always grateful for new friends, windy + golden evenings, and exploring this beautiful state!
THIS ADVENTURE COUPLE SESSION MADE ME WANT TO PACK UP, MOVE INTO A COOL VAN, AND TRAVEL THE DESERT AND CALIFORNIA COASTLINE!
Hello, meet the coolest van life couple EVER! Also, the kindest humans you’ll ever meet! After hanging with Lydia and Philip for that afternoon, we all wanted to just keep chatting for hours! Check out their Instagram to follow along on all their van-lifing adventures together!
Grateful for these sunny, desert adventures together in Joshua Tree National Park!
As you explore Lassen National Forest, you may stumble across this gem of a waterfall in Shasta County. It truly appears out of nowhere, and if you get there at just the right time of day, it’s grandness draws you in with the sun beans bursting through the sprays of water!
Loved getting to explore California’s beauty with these two!
