A Yosemite National Park Elopement

When Ashley and Dean reached out about booking their elopement experience with me, they weren’t exactly sure what they wanted for their day. Ashley knew that Yosemite was calling her name, although she had never visited, and Dean knew that he didn’t want to pose for photos all day long. They also knew that they wanted a unique and intentional experience that they could share in together. Other than that, the options were endless! And I know just how endless of an adventure one can have in Yosemite, so I started brainstorming with them. I asked what they envisioned seeing and doing on their day, if they wanted to have guests, and what feelings and intentions they wanted to foster. It’s always such a sweet experience working with my couple to help them create a day completely tailored to their story together.

It wasn’t long before Ashley and Dean settled on taking in all the views! They wanted to experience the fullness that Yosemite offers and wanted some totally insane photos to show for it! Lucky for them, Yosemite just so happens to be one of my absolute favorite places ever, and I knew the perfect locations to bring their vision to life!

I helped them secure lodging at the CUTEST Airstream park as well as created a customized timeline for their day that optimized the time we had around the best lighting for their photos and walked them through the Special Use Permitting requirements for the National Park (each National Park has slightly different Special Use Permit requirements for photography and events and it is so important that this permitting be handled efficiently).

Ashley and Dean’s day started early before the sun was even up. I met them at their Airstream and we headed into the park! They shared a tender first-look with Half-Dome as their only other witness and then they read their private and personal, handwritten vows to each other. With the surrounding Blue-Jays being Ashley’s “something blue,” her and Dean kissed to their life together. They explored through the breaking morning light and watched as the sun beams washed over Half-Dome and bathed the valley in golden light. It was an extraordinary morning and an inspiring way for them to ring in their elopement day!

After a mid-day break to grab some coffee and sneak in a nap, it was time for us to explore the other side of Yosemite Valley. We headed back up Glacier Point Road for an afternoon hike! Ashley tucked her flowers into her backpack, Dean had the celebratory champagne, and they set off on a casual stroll down one of Yosemite’s iconic trails! And that’s the thing, for those couples who might be worried that hiking on their wedding day will result in a lot sweat, ruined makeup, and dirt–well, I can’t promise anything about the dirt, except that it will leave a totally rad natural ombre effect on a wedding dress, but I can say I always allow for extra time on the trail so that we can take our time and not over-exert ourselves. Taking our time also allows for you to be fully present in the moment and take in each little detail of the trail and what is offers!

As Ashley and Dean made it to the end of the trail, it finished with an absolutely breathtaking view looking down over Yosemite Valley and El Capitan. It felt surreal. I watched them as they walked cautiously up to the end and made the brave decision to peer over and take in the view. Joy and excitement filling their faces, they couldn’t believe they were here.

They danced the evening away and watched the sun fade the valley from shades of yellow to blue. They toasted to their story and this next chapter as the sun finally set over the horizon. They had seen both the sun rise and set on their elopement day, and had celebrated it to the fullest and did it in the most unique and intentional way.

It really was… the perfect day!