Welcome! Do you want to know how to elope in Yosemite? You’re in the RIGHT place!

Couples elect to have intimate elopements to eliminate the stress and pressures of planning a big wedding! Also, elopements became more mainstream during Covid because people had to come up with alternatives and get creative to proceed with their goal to get married. If you’re looking for an adventure elopement in Yosemite, my Elopement Photography and Planning packages, take care of all of it for you!

But hey, if you’re having a traditional wedding in Yosemite (which you can do!) and just need photographers to document your day – we can do that too! This article is mainly about eloping in Yosemite, but some of these steps/tips do apply to traditional weddings!

Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering Yosemite as a destination for your elopement:

Why choose Yosemite for your wedding or elopement?

1. Gorgeous Scenery: Imagine granite cliffs, waterfalls, and sequoias as the backdrop of your wedding photos. Yosemite offers spectacular views no matter where you are.
   
   
2. Photo Spots: Yosemite offers a variety of venues and photo spots for your elopement or wedding. Spend the day with your Yosemite wedding photographer and be sure to catch the sunset at Taft Point.

Planning Your Yosemite Elopement

1. Permits: Yosemite National Park requires a Special Use Permit for all weddings and elopements. This ensures that your wedding or elopement complies with park regulations. Be sure to apply well in advance, as permits can take sever. I will help you with all of this with my elopement photography and planning packages.
   
   
2. Reservations: Yosemite National Park has implemented their reservation system. So be sure you make your reservations to enter the park before obtaining your permit!
   
   
3. Time of Year: The best time to elope in Yosemite is late spring through early fall because of less crowds and weather. Winter can be magical but can get tricky because of road closures. If you are wanting to elope at Glacier Point, winter may not be the best time. This is where I can help you figure out the best time of year for your elopement. Summer is still gorgeous despite the crowds and we can still find a private location for you to exchange your “I do’s.” With my elopement photography and planning packages, I will help you narrow down the best location based on your vision.
   
   
4. Weather: Yosemite’s weather can be unpredictable. Be sure to have a backup plan in case of rain or other weather-related issues. When we say that the weather can be unpredictable, WE MEAN IT!
   
   

Accommodations

For lodging, you’ll want to stay in or near the park to make it easy. I highly recommend The Ahwahnee Hotel which is in Yosemite Valley. This hotel is perfect to start your elopement day as you’re already in the park, and there are photo spots already around this hotel and did I mention the hotel is gorgeous for photos too!?

Booking early is crucial, especially during peak seasons because rooms and campgrounds book up FAST. Furthermore, if you are looking for a less expensive option, there are hotels in the town of Oakhurst and Groveland to check out as well.

Yosemite Elopement Guide – Helpful Resources

• Yosemite Elopement Guide
• Yosemite Wedding Permit – How do I get one?
• California Marriage License
• Elopement Planning Checklist

Vendors

Research: Look for a team of vendors who specialize in elopements and can take the stress away. That’s where I come in! I can help you with your planning process, help you create your vision board, styling, timeline assistance, officiant, vendor referral, everything you need to plan your elopement. I can guide you through the permit process and give you the steps to get there. I make things easy, your elopement should be stress free, that is the whole reason you’ve decided to take this route!

Photographer

• Hire an expert who has knowledge and knows the best locations for lighting in Yosemite. Firstly, you will want to hire a photographer that will make your dream photos become a reality. Since you are eloping in one of the most popular locations in the World, your photos should be a top priority. It is best to hire a photographer that will photograph and plan your elopement.. this is where I can help you!
• Generally, with a location like Yosemite, you would want to book an all day adventure elopement package to take advantage of the entire park. We can begin the day at Tunnel View, then finish at Taft Point for sunset! Our most popular package is “The Ultimate Elopement Experience” where we adventure all day!
• Since Yosemite has a lot to offer, you will want to come up with a location plan. This is something that I will prepare for you after finding out your vibe and vision for photos.
  
  

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The Ultimate Elopement Experience

An All Day Adventure with Us!

Imagine hiking to your dream spot to say “I do,” or spending the day being chauffeured around by us to different locations, while we capture it all!  Let’s adventure together, we’ll make your intimate elopement fun and unforgettable.

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Need a package with less time? Don’t worry we got you covered!

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Flowers and Decor

• Local Florists: Obviously you will want flowers! Work with a florist who can create arrangements that match your vision and the environment. The right color palette matters! Light colored flowers, neutrals, whites, light blues, compliment the scenery of Yosemite, so that is something you’ll want to think about too!
• Minimal Decor: You don’t need a ton of décor which is why you choose to elope in Yosemite right? While having a ton a decor may seem desirable, you’ll want to embrace the natural beauty of Yosemite! I would suggest minimal decor to complement the surroundings rather than overwhelm them. Instead of having a ton of decor, focus on your bouquet since it will be in the photos!

Officiant

California Regulations:
California requires an officiant to sign your marriage license. You can have a friend or family member perform your ceremony or book our all inclusive elopement packages and we’ll marry you too! California requires one witness, they must be over 18, so I can be your witness if needed!

• Local Officiants: Look for local officiants who are familiar with the area and can help with permits.
• Personal Connection: Another option is, if you have a friend or family member who’s ordained, they can officiate your ceremony with proper documentation. If you need to have someone get ordained, hop on Universal Life Church, it’s so easy!
  
  

With my elopement photography and planning packages, we take care of it all!

And most importantly..

LEAVE NO TRACE: I am passionate about this one. No trash, no “biodegradable” confetti, NOTHING that leaves a trace that you were there. Yosemite is protected, so it’s important for us to be the best humans we can possibly be and Leave No Trace. You will hear me talk about this at least 100 times because I truly care about the land. Everything you take in with you, you take out with you!

We must respect all the wildlife, stay on designated trails, and clean up thoroughly after.

Yosemite Wedding Tips

• Celebrate Your Way: This is your wedding day, which means there are no “rules” and you can do whatever you want! I would highly recommend adding personal touches that reflect your relationship, like a special picnic or a custom ceremony script and I can help with all of that fun stuff!
  
  
• Relax and Enjoy: Elopements and small weddings are meant to be intimate and personal. Take time to be present and savor the experience with the stunning surroundings.
  
  

Helpful Resources

• Yosemite Elopement Guide
• Yosemite Wedding Permit – How do I get one?
• California Marriage License
• Elopement Planning Checklist

How much does it cost to elope in Yosemite?

Yosemite elopements are intimate, romantic, and are becoming more popular. This stunning destination location offers a variety of venues, ranging in cost and style. Depending on the type of elopement ceremony you are looking for, the cost of eloping in Yosemite can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on what you want to do.

Here are a few costs to consider:

• Yosemite Elopement Photographer | $4,000+
• Yosemite Elopement Planner | $1,500+
• Park Wedding Permit | $150+
• Marriage License | $70+
• Officiant | $500+
• Hair & Makeup | $500+
• Florist | $500+
• Lodging/Hotels (Per night) | $150+
• Dinner | $300+
  
  

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Helping couples from all over the United States plan their dream elopement in Northern California!

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Yosemite Elopement Packages

We offer Yosemite Elopement Photography and Planning Packages so you don’t have to worry about finding an elopement photographer and an elopement planner separately. With our vendor recommendations, we arrange it all and make it easy for you!

I will guide you through your entire elopement process, planning, and photograph your special day. We will capture all the raw moments, emotions, and feels.

Our most popular elopement package includes an intimate picnic where we can provide a picnic setting after exchanging “I do’s!” Picnics are customized to your vibe, I send a “Picnic Vibe Questionnaire” to all couples! We can provide a champagne/sparkling soda toast, beer/wine toast, or heck, maybe you would prefer some ganja and snacks, either way, we got you covered (21 and over).

Elopement Photography and Planning Packages

People from around the world are drawn to Yosemite because of its stunning variety of landscapes and beauty. Let’s celebrate your elopement day together in the most beautiful place and I will capture all of it.

What do elopement packages include?

• Elopement planning
• Elopement Guide and Checklist
• Timeline assistance
• Easy communication – always available by text
• Wedding day photo coverage
• High resolution images
• Online private gallery for download/viewing
• Printing rights
• Location scouting and research
• Permit assistance
• Vendor recommendations
  
  

Elopement package – add-on’s

• Officiant (my husband!)
• Second-Shooter (my husband!)
• Romantic picnic customized to your vibe
• Music set-up for First Dance
• Couples Photo Session in your elopement destination
  
  
  

Clients spend on average $5,000 for their elopement packages with us.

Please contact me for my full Elopement Pricing Guide.

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Helping couples make the process of eloping in Northern California super fun & stress free. 

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Helpful Resources

• Yosemite Elopement Guide
• Yosemite Wedding Permit – How do I get one?
• California Marriage License
• Elopement Planning Checklist

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You won’t believe how EASY it is to plan your elopement with me! Relax, and let me take care of it all! 

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How much planning is included?

Questionnaire
First, we will send a detailed questionnaire to get to know you better, so we can begin location scouting. We want to help you find the perfect backdrop for your elopement ceremony.

Location
Once I receive your questionnaire, I will put together a location guide for you. After you choose your location, next, we send an email to advise you with the following steps reminding you to book your lodging and travel arrangements.

Vendor Recommendations
We’ll send over our vendor recommendations for your area so you can start your vendor research. We want to make sure you have plenty of time to book you other vendors.

Permits
You’ll receive permit information and links to help you get the correct information for your location. You’ll need to secure special event permits for many sites. We will help guide you through the permit process.

Questionnaire #2
4 months before your elopement date, you’ll receive a second questionnaire to help us better understand your vision for your day. If you decided you would like to add on a second-shooter to your day or a toast picnic, first dance music, this is the last chance to do so.

Timeline
Once I receive your second questionnaire, I will start putting together your elopement day timeline.

Marriage License
At some point throughout this process, you’ll need to get your marriage license. We’re available to answer any questions about obtaining your marriage license— you can’t get married without it!

Final Details
Finally, we’ll reach out a few weeks before your elopement to check in on any last-minute details, discuss weather forecasts and ensure everything is ready for your elopement day!

Ready to Elope in Yosemite National Park? Let’s Connect!

I would love to chat with you about photographing and planning your Yosemite elopement. Get in touch with us by using the contact form and we will be in touch shortly.

Yosemite Elopement – Helpful Resources

• Yosemite Elopement Guide
• Yosemite Wedding Permit – How do I get one?
• California Marriage License
• Elopement Planning Checklist

BOOK YOUR YOSEMITE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER.
LET’S CONNECT!

I would love to chat with you about your Yosemite wedding or elopement! Get in touch with us by using the contact form and we’ll be in touch shortly!