If you’re looking for a stunning and intimate location for your wedding, consider eloping to Yosemite National Park. With its majestic mountains, towering waterfalls, and serene forests, Yosemite offers a picturesque backdrop for a romantic and unforgettable ceremony. This intimate Yosemite elopement with Michelle and Tom was the absolute best day!
Why did Michelle and Tom Choose to elope in Yosemite?
Besides the obvious of how stunning Yosemite is, Michelle and Tom chose to elope here because Tom used to be a Yosemite park ranger. So, this was a super sentimental location for the two of them I am so happy that I got to be a part of it!
A Relaxed Yosemite Elopement
Both Michelle and Tom had been married before so they knew they wanted to do it differently this time. They flew all the way from Ohio and decided that they only wanted it to be the two of them. They chose the most perfect spot to tie the know at Lower Yosemite Falls. With the water rushing in the background surrounded by one of the most breathtakingly beautiful nature, it was so special!
And because I am an ordained minister (yes I can marry you too if I am your photographer) I got to marry them. With a few “guests” watching the ceremony, the entire place erupted in applause and congratulations as Michelle and Tom shared their “first kiss.” Since I officiated their ceremony, I couldn’t sign as their witness so we asked a couple sitting on a nearby bench to sign as witnesses. The couple we asked to sign had gotten engaged at this same spot yesterday so it made it that much more perfect to have them sign!
After the ceremony, we explored El Capitan and some of the valley meadows then headed to the Ahwahnee bar and restaurant where we finished the day off with drinks and lunch!
Yosemite Elopement Q & A
Where is Yosemite National Park?
Yosemite National Park is located in east-central California which is about 140 miles east of San Francisco and about 100 miles southeast of Sacramento. The park is surrounded on all sides by national forest land and is located in the heart of the Sierra-Nevada Mountain Range.
Why should we elope in Yosemite?
Yosemite is a popular travel destination for a reason! It is by far one of the most spectacular places in California and has so many different locations for an epic elopement. You can choose to elope with the most beautiful rocky cliffsides in your background or maybe you want to do what Michelle and Tom did and do it at the base of a waterfall. Whatever you choose you won’t be disappointed with tying the knot here. And you can spend several days here hiking and exploring everything Yosemite has to offer!
Where should we elope in Yosemite?
There are a ton of different places you can elope in Yosemite, but here are some of my personal favorites!
- Glacier Point
- Taft Point
- Half Dome
- Tunnel View
- Bridalveil Falls and Yosemite Falls
- Lower Yosemite Falls
Do we need a permit to elope in Yosemite?
Yes, a wedding permit is required to elope in Yosemite. You will need to complete the application and include the non-refundable $150 application fee. You can reserve your permit up to one year in advance and must get it at least 21 days before your elopement.
Where should we stay in Yosemite?
There are plenty of options for where to say in Yosemite including hotels, Airbnb, and campsites.
What’s the first thing we should do when planning our Yosemite Elopement?
As soon as you decide that you and your partner want to elope, I highly encourage you to find an adventure elopement photographer whose style you love. Because, once you find an elopement photographer, they can be a big help when planning. As a Northern California Elopement Photographer, I also consider myself a wedding planner for my clients. From locations to permits to vendor recommendations, I want to support you every step of the way in the planning process!
So, DON’T wait on hiring your dream elopement photographer. The sooner you hire them, the more they can help you with the planning process!
Yosemite Elopement Photographer
As a Northern California Elopement Photographer, I have tons of knowledge when it comes to planning an epic elopement. As someone who is super passionate about my job, I don’t want to just be your photographer. I want to help you with the planning process, finding locations, places to stay, vendors, and most of all help you figure out solutions when things derail. It’s your wedding day and the last thing you should be doing is stressing out. I want to ensure that my couples have the best day possible and that means being a shoulder for them to lean on when problems arise!
Hey, I’m Gabbi!
I’m a wedding & elopement photographer based in Northern California. I’m a lover of the outdoors and spend most of my time with my husband and our 4 dogs camping, rock climbing, hiking, and enjoying nature!
Elopements hold a special place in my heart. They throw out the rule book on tradition and allow you the complete freedom to do what you really want to do on the biggest day of your lives!
Whatever your elopement day looks like, I can’t wait to help create the most intentional and authentic day that is perfectly and uniquely you.
I’m here to help you through the entire process of planning your elopement from start to finish. I’ll help you with everything from choosing a perfect location to creating your Day Of schedule to officiating and of course, photography!
Yosemite Elopement Packages
Multiple coverage lengths are available for adventurers who want to go for an all-day hike, or couples who want to take it easy and soak in the day with their partner. So what’s included?
- 6+ hours of coverage
- Personalized Location List
- Personalized vendor
recommendation list - Custom Day of Schedule
- Online gallery of 350+ images
- Assistance with permits
- Assistance with activity planning
- Up to 3 locations
- USB drive with your wedding
Gallery - Up to 250 miles of travel
Starting at $2,800.00
