Who said you have to limit your celebration to just one day?! Adding an after-wedding adventure session (or making it a full two-day elopement experience) is the perfect way to slow down, explore, and soak it all in. And, of course, get some gorgeous, unrushed Yosemite wedding photos like Julia and Gunnar.

Whether you’re still in your wedding attire or dressed down for an epic hike, a second day gives you the freedom to explore, be present, and capture some of the most powerful, emotional images of your story. Julia & Gunnar’s after-session in Yosemite National Park was just that, a morning full of laughter, movement, and magic. It was the perfect reminder that your wedding photos can go beyond the ceremony and that you deserve more than just a few hours to celebrate something this big.

Julia & Gunnar’s Yosemite Adventure Session

Sunrise, Mist, and Magic in the Valley

Just two days after their crazy fun wedding, complete with a live band, s’mores, and some actual wedding crashers, Julia & Gunnar were up at 3AM and ready for a sunrise adventure.

We left their cozy lodge just outside Yosemite’s South Entrance while the world was still asleep and rolled into the valley by 4:30 AM. It was early June, crisp and cool, with a golden glow just starting to peek over the horizon.

Even though we’d hoped to drive up to Glacier Point (it opens seasonally after snowmelt), the road was still closed. And honestly It didn’t even matter. The valley was completely still. Not even the early-bird climbers or campers were up yet. We had it all to ourselves.

With the softest morning light breaking over Half Dome, these two wandered through the misty fields, wrapped in flannels and each other. It was peaceful, playful, and full of those quiet, cinematic moments you just can’t get on a packed wedding timeline.

What Makes Yosemite Wedding Photos So Iconic

Yosemite doesn’t just look different, it feels different. It’s one of those places that fills you up in the best way. Where the air feels lighter, the light hits softer, and all the noise of the world just… disappears. When you have the space to explore it together, it stops being just a backdrop and becomes part of your story.

If you’re planning a traditional wedding but still craving that slow, intimate adventure of an elopement, good news: you can have both. That’s the magic of an after-wedding adventure session. Celebrate with your people, then slip away a day (or week) later for something just for the two of you. A chance to chase the light, breathe it all in, and get Yosemite wedding photos that feel personal, emotional, and completely you.

And if you’re not totally sold yet — here’s why Yosemite is the perfect spot for your after-session:

• Sunrise Stillness – Catch the valley before the world wakes up, and you might just have it all to yourselves.
  
•  Wild, Ever-Changing Light – From soft morning glow to swirling mist and bold sunshine, Yosemite’s light is so magical.
  
• Waterfalls in Full Force – In spring and early summer, the falls are roaring. Lower Yosemite Falls was wild, powerful, and totally worth getting drenched.
  
• Seasonal Show-Off – Snow-capped peaks, blooming wildflowers, golden leaves — no matter the season, Yosemite shows off.
  
• No Timeline, No Pressure – Just the two of you, with nowhere to be. No guests. No schedule. Just space to breathe, connect, and be fully present.
  

We ended Julia and Gunnar’s session drenched in waterfall mist, wrapped in towels and full of belly laughs. It was pure joy, and an experience they’ll never forget.

On The Other Hand, Here’s What a Two-Day Elopement Could Look Like

There’s something truly powerful about spreading out your elopement over two days. It gives you the freedom to embrace every moment and make it your own.

Day 1: Vows + Celebration

• A private ceremony in Yosemite
  
• A cozy picnic, private chef dinner, or hot tub under the stars
  
• Time to connect with your people (or just each other)
  

Day 2: Sunrise Session in the Wild

• Meet before dawn and hit the trail, just the two of you
  
• Let the day unfold naturally, no stress, no rush
  
• Explore multiple locations, chase the light, and celebrate your love story with freedom and intention
  

This is a way to breathe it all in. To actually feel the day. To celebrate your love in a way that’s honest, wild, and completely your own.

Client Love

“I am SO GLAD that we picked Clarissa!! We were initially drawn to her breathtaking nature photography. My husband and I were so nervous about the photos as neither of us are very comfortable in front of the camera. From the moment we met Clarissa that nervousness faded right away. She took time to get to know us, our interests, and our vision for the photos. She was so enthusiastic about the wedding and even helped me make decisions about my bridesmaid dresses, sharing her sister’s wedding photos to show me an idea similar to mine! I am so thankful for her patience, kindness, and artistic eye. Clarissa went above and beyond to make our day special, and her joy is completely contagious. We were able to completely relax and know we were in good hands. When we received the photos back we were overjoyed, they are absolutely stunning. I cannot recommend Clarissa enough, she is worth every penny!”

Ready for Your Own Yosemite Adventure?

Whether you’re planning a wedding, elopement, or just craving more space to celebrate your love, you deserve photos that feel like you. Let’s explore the valley. Chase the light. Get soaked under a waterfall. Wrap up in blankets and watch the sun rise behind Half Dome and get some epic Yosemite wedding photos. Plus make it a story you’ll never forget.

Let’s plan your Yosemite after session, or two-day elopement.

Because your love deserves more than one day.

Check out this other after session I captured for more inspo!

Vendors
Photography – Clarissa Wylde Photography
Venue – Yosemite National Park
Gown – David’s Bridal
Gown Alterations – Maya & Company