An Epic Yosemite National Park Elopement

As an adventure elopement photographer, I love Yosemite National Park for elopements! It’s such an unforgettable and awe-inspiring landscape for couples beginning their happily ever after. Not only does the park give you the chance to create a day filled with adventurous and fun memories that you’ll treasure forever, but Yosemite never fails to put on a show, meaning stunning elopement photos!

When Katie and Addison asked me to be their Yosemite elopement photographer, I couldn’t have been more thrilled! This Yosemite elopement turned out to be one of the most beautiful wedding days I have had the chance to take part in! It was absolutely epic.

photo of groom spinning bride around at their Yosemite National Park elopement with Half Dome behind them

An Adventurous Couple Ties the Knot in Yosemite!

Katie and Addison booked me 1.5 years before they eloped in Yosemite. During that time, we planned all of the details of their elopement and talked about so much more! By the time their elopement finally came, it felt like we were old friends.

One of my favorite parts of being an elopement photographer is hearing your love stories. For these two, it all began at the gym! He was interested in her first, but she made the first move (when you know, you know!). Their first date was in 2020, and they’ve been together ever since! When Katie’s contract as a travel nurse ended, she and Addison decided to explore the West Coast together. They got engaged in November of 2022 at Cannon Beach, Oregon.

photo of bride and groom holding hands and walking along a fallen tree in Yosemite

With their hunger for adventure, it’s no surprise that this couple decided to embark on their new journey together as husband and wife with a national park elopement! When planning their elopement, Katie expressed that she and Addison wanted a stress-free, fun-filled day that they could enjoy in the great outdoors. (Oh and some absolutely epic elopement photos at Taft Point!)

As we headed to Yosemite for their wedding day, I was so stoked for them because they’re my sweet friends now. Forming friendships with all of my clients is one of my favorite things about being an adventure elopement photographer!

photo of wedding details for Yosemite elopement with park map, bouquet, hiking boots, perfume, vow book, and rings

photo of bride and groom linked arm in arm while she holds her train and they look off in the distance

This Texas couple put so much trust in me to help them plan their special day. They were well prepared for their elopement day. Katie was hiking in boots, they had their snacks and water, and they brought headlamps — all keys to a successful national park elopement, especially when you’re staying out past sunset!

photo of father having first look with daughter on wedding day on porch

photo of father looking stunned at daughter for first look

photo of father and daughter embracing as he's emotional for their first look

photo of bride tapping groom on the shoulder for first look

photo of groom looking at bride with tears in his eyes during first look

photo of bride and groom staring into each others eyes as they embrace and she holds his face

Two Special First Looks

Katie had a request. She wanted to do two special first looks: one with her dad and one with Addison. We chose to do her first look with her dad on the front porch of their Yosemite West Airbnb and before we all headed up to Glacier Point, Katie & Addison shared their first look in the nearby forest.

Both men teared up as they saw Katie in her wedding dress for the very first time! It’s sweet moments like this that make being an elopement photographer so unforgettable!

photo of father walking his daughter down the aisle of Yosemite elopement

photo of groom watching as father of the bride and bride walk towards him on wedding day

A Breathtaking Yosemite Elopement Ceremony

Addison and Katie chose to say “I do” at the Glacier Point amphitheater, one of Yosemite National Park’s approved ceremony location spots. (You can learn more about obtaining a wedding permit for Yosemite here).

Glacier Point is the most popular spot in Yosemite to get married — and for good reason! The overlook provides stunning views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and so much more. As a Yosemite elopement photographer I helped these guys choose between the many approved ceremony locations, but was excited they chose Glacier Point!

Katie and Addison’s wedding ceremony was an emotional one. Katie’s dad had two very special roles in this Yosemite elopement. He walked her down the aisle and then quickly put on his officiant stole and married these two!

photo of bride and groom standing at Glacier Point for their Yosemite wedding ceremony

photo of bride and groom surrounded by family with Half Dome in the distance for their Yosemite elopement

Addison honored his late father by wearing a photo of the two of them inside his tie. Katie and Addison’s personal wedding vows had both of them in tears and laughter. They each chose a Bible verse to share with each other during the ceremony. Both of their moms were the ring bearers and passed on the rings during the ceremony, while Addison’s nieces held onto the vow books!

After the ceremony ended, I was able to capture these two basking in their newly wedded bliss with a breathtaking view of Half Dome in the background. <3 Talk about gorgeous Yosemite elopement photos! We were also able to take some beautiful photos with their families.

photo of bride and groom holding hands with view of Yosemite valley behind them

The Perfect Day for a National Park Elopement

It can be hard to predict what the weather will be like for your elopement day — especially when you plan your special day so far in advance. You never know if it’s going to rain or shine. You can’t control the weather at all, but Addison and Katie were ready to roll with whatever happened — but man, it was so amazing!

photo of bride and groom staring into each others eyes in the woods with veil flowing behind her

photo of bride and groom kissing in the woods at Yosemite

photo of bride and groom laughing while standing next to a tree stump

photo of bride and groom standing in woods holding hands and staring into each others eyes

We lucked out because Yosemite put on a show weather-wise for these two! The weather was truly perfect. It was a balmy June temperature all day. The somewhat overcast weather during the middle of the day cooled everything down. As a national park elopement photographer, I was ecstatic! It made the lighting so beautiful for their ceremony! The gray skies softened the normally harsh midday light and made a Half Dome pop in the background.

photo of bride and groom holding hands and walking along Taft Point for their Yosemite Elopement

A Gorgeous Sunset at Taft Point to End This Yosemite Elopement

After Katie and Addison’s Yosemite wedding ceremony was over, we all hiked out to Taft Point to take in the sunset. It was my favorite to witness the couple taking in the view down to the valley at Taft Point for the first time. Coming from Texas, these two had only ever seen photos of Yosemite National Park. They trusted me completely with helping them have the adventure of their dreams. It was so special to witness them taking in the gorgeous views for the very first time!

photo of bride and groom holding hands at Taft Point with sun setting behind them

photo of bride and groom watching the sunset while embracing

photo of bride and groom embracing and groom kissing her on the cheek with sunset behind them

photo of bride and groom in the distance on a cliff at Yosemite National Park at sunsest

Out at Taft Point, these two danced and loved on each other as we captured more Yosemite elopement photos. The clouds cleared, revealing gorgeous colors that made for such breathtaking sunset photos of their special day and one I’ll cherish forever!

photo of bride and groom facing each other, holding hands and smiling with sunset in the background for Yosemite elopement

Ready to Book Me As Your Yosemite Elopement Photographer?

I’m truly honored that you’re thinking of hiring me to photograph your Yosemite elopement! As an adventure wedding and national park elopement photographer, there’s nothing I love more than helping you plan a fun-filled wedding day that you’ll cherish forever — while capturing epic photographs that you’ll get to treasure for the rest of your lives!

Ready to plan your elopement? Check out my top 10 tips for planning your Yosemite elopement!

Whether you’re ready to book me as your Yosemite elopement photographer or you have more questions about the process, please don’t hesitate to reach out!