I’m Kristin, a Lake Tahoe elopement photographer who helps couples plan stress-free, unforgettable days.
Lake Tahoe & Yosemite elopement photography with personalized planning support.
yosemite national park Elopement Photographer
based in tahoe region, serving northern california
Creating relaxed, meaningful wedding days that feel like the best date of your lives.
as seen on
Wedding days created from the heart.
Thoughtfully planned, personally guided, and created with genuine care from the first call to the final gallery.
Calm.
Present.
Unreal in the best way.
When nature shows up and it’s just the two of you thinking,
“I can’t believe this is ours.”
One of my couples kept saying this on their elopement day and I smiled because:
“That’s exactly how your wedding day should feel.”
That's the feeling.
“This entire day has felt like dream."
We can’t wait to come back and do it again!
Thank you SO MUCH for everything! 10000/10 experience!!!"
- tony and lauren eloped in lake tahoe
"Love love love !!!!!
Seriously the best time ever!
We can’t wait to come back and do it again! Thank you SO MUCH for everything! 10000/10 experience!!!"
And a story beautifully told from start to finish.
A wedding day that feels like the best date of your lives.
You're in the right place.
FOR COUPLES WHO WANT
You and your love in a breathtaking location in Yosemite National Park, exchanging vows with the perfect backdrop of mountains, forests, or lakes, and feeling completely in sync with nature and each other.
An elopement experience that is adventurous, meaningful, and stress-free, allowing you to focus solely on each other and the journey you're embarking on together.
Just Imagine...
Meaningful & Authentic
That's how your wedding day should be.
MEET THE WOMAN BEHIND WEDDING EXPERIENCES
THAT FEEL
LIKE A FIRST DATE
Your Yosemite elopement and intimate wedding photographer, helping you plan the day, keep everything running smoothly, fix your dress, and probably tear up behind the camera.
Your elopement should feel fun, real, and like you actually get to be in it, not stuck worrying about what’s next.
I want to know what lights you two up and what makes your connection yours, so we can create a day that feels like it was made just for you.
Beyond Yosemite, some of my favorite California elopement locations include Lake Tahoe, Mt. Shasta, San Francisco, Big Sur, and Monterey.
Hey, I'm Kristin!
"We really wanted someone that was going to make our pictures fun while taking them and that’s exactly what we got."
- Hailie & Justin
"Kristin we cannot thank you enough! It was truly just the most perfect day, thank you for all your hard work making everything come together. You made it so EASY and the ability to feel relaxed and just be able to enjoy every second of our wedding day is such a gift. We are so happy, thank you so much!"
"The ability to feel relaxed & just be able to enjoy every second of our wedding day is such a gift."
- cody & jaime eloped in lake tahoe
Epic Photography
Real emotion and those in-between moments you didn’t even realize were happening.
Full Planning & Design
Your entire day is thoughtfully planned so everything flows naturally from getting ready to sunset.
Faux Florals That Are Photo-Ready
Bouquets and boutonnières designed to match your colors and location.
Cake + Toast
Celebrate your “just married” moment with a styled cake cutting and toast.
Timeline Creation & Day-of Guidance
Every moment is intentional, but nothing feels rushed.
Permit Help + Vendor Recommendations
I guide you through permits and connect you with trusted vendors so everything feels easy.
I'm not just your photographer.
I’m your guide, planner, & your calm in the chaos.
Epic photos are just the beginning.
You also get real support, intentional planning, and a day that actually feels relaxed.
Real Moments.
Epic Views.
Elopements, Made Easy.
serving yosemite & northern california locations
Epic Photography & Planning Support
Planning & design is included.
No need to hire a separate planner for your wedding day.
Faux florals, Mini Cake, & Toast
are always included.
your story beautifully told in a chill way.
Yosemite offers something unforgettable: towering granite cliffs, giant sequoias, waterfalls, and alpine meadows all in one place.
You can exchange vows beneath El Capitan, watch the sunrise from Glacier Point, or celebrate with a quiet picnic overlooking Yosemite Valley.
From Taft Point to Cathedral Beach and peaceful forest trails, there's no shortage of breathtaking ceremony locations.
With dramatic scenery in every season, Yosemite National Park is one of the most iconic elopement destinations in the world.
If you’re looking for intentional Yosemite elopement photography beyond just one location, learn more about the full elopement photography experience here.
Why Elope in Yosemite?
And when you work with a Yosemite elopement photographer, you’ll know exactly where to go for the best light, privacy, and views.
Can You Elope in Yosemite?
Most couples budget for:
- Marriage license
- Ceremony permit (if required)
- Photography
- Hair and makeup
- Florals
- Lodging
- Celebration dinner or picnic
Whether you're planning a simple ceremony or an all-day adventure around the park, your elopement should reflect what matters most to you—not a traditional wedding timeline.
How Much Does It Cost to Elope in Yosemite?
WITHOUT THE STRESS!
Planning an elopement in Yosemite National Park comes with a few unique details, from permits to seasonal road closures and ceremony location rules. I guide my couples through every step so their Yosemite elopement feels relaxed, intentional, and completely stress-free.
How to Elope in Yosemite
What’s the Difference?
A lot of couples searching for a “Yosemite wedding” or an intimate wedding in Yosemite are really wanting something smaller and more relaxed.
That’s where elopements come in.
Instead of a venue and a packed timeline, it’s about the experience, saying your vows somewhere beautiful and actually enjoying the day.
Whether you call it a wedding or an elopement, Yosemite National Park gives you the freedom to do it your way.
Yosemite Wedding vs Elopement:
The Experience of Working in With Me
Elopement | Intimate Wedding Ideas & Activities
Adventure doesn't have to mean hiking for miles.
It can be as adventurous or as laid back as you want, because this isn't about checking off a list. It's about creating a wedding day you'll genuinely enjoy.
- Hike to a scenic spot
- Helicopter ride for two
- Kayak or paddleboard on the river
- Explore waterfalls
- Horseback riding
- Jump in the river for a post-ceremony dip
- Roast smore's at your campsite
- Brewery, winery, or coffee shop stops
- Share a picnic, cake cutting, or pop champagne (Included!)
- Easy walk to an epic overlook
- Watch sunrise or sunset
- Bring your pup along
- Dance on the beach surrounded by towering granite
Adventurous Ideas
"keep it simple" ideas
how to elope in yosemite national park
yosemite elopement location:
mirror lake
how to get a yosemite wedding permit
Your guide to planning the perfect adventure elopement.
Mirror Lake - a stunning location in Yosemite National Park.
Step-by-step guide on getting a Yosemite wedding permit.
Download permit application HERE!
Yosemite Elopement &
Intimate Wedding Resources
Here are a few common things couples ask:
Where can you have an elopement ceremony in Yosemite?
Yosemite National Park has several designated ceremony locations, each with its own guest capacity and guidelines. Some of the most popular spots include iconic valley views, scenic overlooks, and quieter forested areas. Certain high-traffic areas have restrictions, especially during peak season. I help couples choose a ceremony location that fits their vision while staying fully compliant with park regulations.
What is the best time of year for a Yosemite elopement?
The best time for a Yosemite elopement depends on the experience you want. Spring offers powerful waterfalls and fresh greenery. Summer provides full access to higher elevation areas but comes with heavier crowds. Fall is quieter with warm tones and fewer visitors. Winter can be incredibly peaceful and dramatic, though some roads may close due to snow. I always help couples choose a date based on lighting, accessibility, and the overall atmosphere they’re hoping to create.
Do you need a permit to elope in Yosemite National Park?
Yes, every elopement in Yosemite National Park requires a Special Use Permit for weddings and ceremonies. The application process is straightforward, but there are specific rules about guest count, approved ceremony locations, and timing. I walk my couples through the entire permit process so everything is handled correctly and approved well in advance. If you’d like a full breakdown of the application steps and current requirements, you can read my detailed guide on how to elope in Yosemite.
Yosemite Elopement Frequently Ask Questions
elopement
packages & pricing
Sounds more chill, more you, doesn't it!?
Expertly crafted elopement planning and photography in Yosemite National Park and California locations.
Let’s make your elopement day a beautiful reflection of your love story.
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How to Elope
Kristin Smith is an elopement and intimate wedding photographer serving California