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Temperatures are generally cool, getting colder the farther up the mountain you get. Some parts of Rainier are always snowy, with the heaviest snowfall occurring between 5,000' and 11,000' elevation. If a winter wonderland look is what you're after, you may find it here -- but beware that weather conditions can change rapidly, and many parts of the mountain are inaccessible in winter.

Mount Rainier is a short drive from either Seattle or Tacoma, Washington, both of which are served by Sea-Tac International Airport and have plenty of lodging for guests who prefer to stay in a city rather than on the mountain. In fact, if you prefer to hold your wedding in the city, Mount Rainier is still a gorgeous backdrop on a clear day.

For venues on the mountain itself, you've got lots of options:

• How about a wedding in Paradise? Paradise, Washington, that is -- an area on the south slope of Mount Rainier at approximately 5400 feet. The historic Paradise Inn, built in 1916 and newly renovated over the last two years, would be a lovely place to hold a wedding. Can't you just read the invitations now? "Join us in Paradise...." Call (360) 569-2275 for reservation information.
• Copper Creek Inn, just two miles outside of the national park, has beautiful indoor and outdoor wedding settings on six acres of property. Your guests can stay at the inn or in retreat-style cabins throughout the property. Catering is provided by Copper Creek Restaurant.
• For small weddings, Alexander's Country Inn and Restaurant in Ashford, just outside the national park, is one of Washington's oldest inns and a beautiful setting for your intimate wedding or elopement. You can have an indoor ceremony at the inn's rustic parlor, or go outdoors to exchange vows by a waterfall, pond, or in the fern grotto. Elopement packages at Alexander's start at just $300.

Each of the hotels listed above has restaurants that would work well for receptions as well as rehearsal dinners, but if you want to get off the mountain and into the city for your rehearsal, Seattle has terrific selections:

• Qube is a hip local favorite. The modern space features an innovative menu of multi-course Asian-inspired meals, and the unique cocktails are beautifully presented, often garnished with edible orchids.
  
• For relaxed, upscale Seattle dining, 94 Stewart is a winner. The whole menu of fresh, local cuisine sounds amazing, but we were hooked when we read about the best cheese list in Seattle. Yum!
• Ponti Seafood Grill was voted Best Regional Cuisine in 2007. You can't visit the Pacific northwest without dining on seafood, and you can do it by the waterfront at Ponti -- a gorgeous setting for your rehearsal party.

Mount Rainier is a national park, and therefore a major tourist destination. You will have no problem finding activities for yourselves and your guests while you're in the area. In the park, you'll find lots of educational programs and guided tours with naturalists. People of all levels can find hikes, which range from nature walks to serious mountain climbing excursions. Mountain biking, fishing, and boating are also popular activities. To plan your recreation and see what activities are available, visit this page.

To legally marry in Washington state, both the bride and groom must apply in person for a license, but no medical exams or blood tests are required. There is a three-day waiting period before the license is valid, and then the couple has sixty days to marry. In addition to the officiant, two witnesses must be present at the wedding.

For help planning your wedding, we suggest going through your venue of choice, but if you want a wedding planner who will handle every detail, your best bet is to look someone up in the Seattle area.