YOSEMITE ELOPEMENTS & COUPLES ADVENTURES
Yosemite has a way of changing the pace on your wedding day
It will never rush you or tell you, you need to leave by 10 PM.
Even on busy days, there are moments when everything slows down. The way the light moves across the granite. The quiet stretch of trail where it’s just the two of you and the sound of your steps.
The feeling that nothing else is required of you right now.
For couples like you, that’s exactly why Yosemite feels perfect.
An elopement here is less about creating a production and more about giving yourselves a day that feels steady and intentional. A day where you can breathe, move at your own pace, and experience the park in a way that feels personal instead of performative.
If you’ve been drawn to Yosemite but feel unsure where to start, you’re in the right place.
And you don’t have to figure it out on your own
As your Yosemite elopement photographer, my role is equal parts guide, planner, and calm presence.
I know the park well, but more importantly, I understand how overwhelming it can feel to plan something meaningful in a place with so many rules and moving pieces. My job is to help carry that weight so you can stay present with each other.
I approach Yosemite elopements slowly and thoughtfully. We plan with intention, leave room for rest, and allow the day to unfold naturally rather than forcing it into a rigid schedule.
When you work with me, support feels steady, human, and grounded.
HERE’S WHAT I CAN HELP YOU WITH ALONG THE WAY
Thoughtful location guidance based on season, permits, and the timeline you’d like to see unfold
Gentle guidance during the day for you and your small gathering so the day transitions smoothly
Clear help with Yosemite’s elopement permit process so nothing slips through the cracks
Leave No Trace planning that honors the park and keeps things respectful for all
Timeline planning that allows space to wander, pause, and adjust to ensure you have an intentional day
Candid and posed-style photography, with just enough hours of coverage to tell your story and showcase the views
And someone who notices when you need a break, a sip of water and a moment for you two together
If planning feels like a lot, we’ll take the first step together.
Yosemite elopements come with a lot of moving pieces: Where you can go, how many people can join, and what’s realistic in a single day.
It’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed trying to figure it all out on your own. So that’s where I come in.
I’ve guided couples through Yosemite elopements many times, and I know what works, what to plan for, and how to make the day flow smoothly. I can help you navigate the logistics so you can focus on what really matters: your experience together.
Think of this as sitting down with someone who’s already done it many times before, who understands the park and the process, and wants to make it easier for you. Together, we can take the first step toward creating a day that’s both meaningful and manageable.
“I am so thankful my path brought me across Sara. She is such a down to earth, kind, humble, and overall amazing human being with an amazing eye for photography.
From day one when I was inquiring to the last day where I met her in person we just had the same ideas, values, and vision for my elopement day. We traveled 7+ hours to elope and she made this whole process so seamless. She provided all of the answers we needed, helped us capture the perfect pictures and she was so professional during the whole process. She was so informed on the location we chose and helped us from scouting spots to grab the perfect image down to bringing us snacks because she knew we had not eaten all day! 🤍
I am sad I don’t get to have those monthly meetings with her anymore but I am so thankful for everything she accomplished. I made a life long friend! I cannot recommend her enough.
Thank you for EVERYTHING!”
J+A
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT
Eloping in a national park looks different than eloping anywhere else. These are some of the most common questions couples have early on to help you get started on the right foot!
Do we need a permit to elope in Yosemite?
Absolutely! All elopements in Yosemite require a special use permit to set your date and ceremony time, even if it’s just the two of you. The good news is that it only costs $150 and I can help you navigate all that!
How many guests can we bring?
The number of guests you can bring to your ceremony depends on the location you set and get approved for!
Some locations allow up to 50 guests, while others can only be requested if you have less than 11 guests (including your officiant, photographer, and other vendors you need onsite).
Can we decorate our ceremony space?
Yosemite requires couples to keep things simple so you won’t be permitted to bring arches, chairs, or other decor that alters the environment or blocks access to the public.
But trust me, the landscape is already doing the work!
How much planning time do we need?
A few months can work, especially for weekday elopements. That said, planning 6 to 9 months out usually allows for more flexibility with permits, locations, and dates. Popular seasons may book up to a year in advance.
Choosing Your Yosemite Elopement Photo Coverage
The amount of coverage you choose shapes how your day unfolds. In Yosemite, timing doesn’t only affect how photos turn out, it also affects how rushed or relaxed the experience feels.
So before thinking about coverage, it helps to think about the pace you want.
Yosemite is larger than it looks. Travel time adds up, weather can slow things down, and the park rarely moves on a tight schedule. So once you have a sense of how much space you want, choosing the right amount of coverage gets easier.
FOR MOST COUPLES THIS ISN’T ABOUT WANTING TO DO MORE, BUT ABOUT FEELING LESS RUSHED.
These Yosemite elopement packages were designed with that in mind.
Use this as a starting point to explore pacing and possibilities for your day.
Multi-Day & Custom Elopement Adventure of up to 15 hours
$7000 | Sales tax included
For the adventure-seekers who’d like to spend a couple of days exploring several areas of Yosemite at different times (like sunrise, sunset, and everything in between).
With the multi-day and custom elopement option you’ll make space to move slowly so that you can soak in each landscape and create more moments that feel sentimental to you.
You can include small activities to enjoy with each other, and with extended coverage, all the moments that matter will be documented.
What’s included:
Up to 15 hours of split coverage spread across 2–3 days in Yosemite
Planning support for timing, locations, and activity ideas
Candid and posed photography that captures connection and the landscape
Your online gallery will consist of approx. 750 digital images in full resolution
With these additional perks:
Officiant services provided by me are included
Flexibility to adjust if weather or conditions change
You’ll receive a 10x10, 20-spread heirloom album with design assistance
My travel across all days in Yosemite is included
Full or Split Elopement Day of up to 10 hours
$5900
When your day has more than one meaningful chapter, extended continuous or split coverage might be the best fit.
Let’s say you want sunrise photos but have a late-morning ceremony, or you prefer an earlier vow exchange with time to rest before heading back out for sunset or nighttime photos, timeline flexibility is our main priority here.
It’s a good middle ground for people who want more than just the ceremony documented (get ready, first looks, and even guests photos) but don’t need a multi-day experience. You get space for important moments, a few locations, and time to slow down through the day.
What’s included
Up to 10 hours of photography coverage + choice of continuous or split
Planning support for timing, locations, and activity ideas
Candid and posed photography that captures connection and the landscape
Your online gallery will consist of approx. 500 digital images in full resolution
With these additional perks:
Officiant services provided by me are included
Flexibility to adjust if weather or conditions change
My travel for the day in Yosemite is included
Sunrise or Sunset Elopement Experience of up to 6 hours
$5400
Built around one meaningful window of the day, this coverage makes the most of the changing light, whether it’s early morning or late evening, so your elopement story takes place in the golden glow.
A sunrise elopement might start before the park wakes, as you do a first look then share private vows as the sky brightens, and taking portraits before your morning ceremony. Or similarly, sunset coverage offers a chance to slow down after a day of exploring, capturing intimate moments as the sun dips behind the mountains.
Focusing on one area, this will give you just enough time for portraits, a simple ceremony, and a few intentional shared moments which is everything you need without feeling rushed.
What’s included
Up to 6 hours of continuous photography coverage
Planning support for timing, locations, and activity ideas
Candid and posed photography that captures connection and the landscape
Your online gallery will consist of approx. 300 digital images in full resolution
With these additional perks:
Flexibility to adjust if weather or conditions change
My travel for the day in Yosemite is included
When’s The Best Time to Get Married in Yosemite?
The truth is, there isn’t one because all seasons provide an unbelievable experience, but it all depends on your vision! Tthis is what I’ve learned from experience:
LATE SPRING
Yosemite Valley is usually green and accessible while higher elevations may still be closed off and snow-covered (typically open late May or Early June), but the waterfalls are at their strongest so the views don’t dissapoint.
EARLY SUMMER
The roads to Taft Point, Glacier Point and Tuolumne Meadows open up which is perfect because of the longer days and clearer skies. But the crowds start increasing so early starts and careful timing matter (since ceremonies are not permitted in peak summer months)!
MID-FALL
The crowds begin to fade and foliage colors start to peak. The roads to spots at higher elevation may close early if there’s snowfall forecasted, so having a back up plan is necessary.
EARLY WINTER
Access is limited to Yosemite Valley with snowfall turning it into a true wonderland. Planning requires extra care around weather and road conditions, and this season is best for couples that enjoy winter activities!
A few things I’ve learned from visiting Yosemite multiple times a year
No matter which season you choose, Yosemite tends to reward the same approach. These are the things that consistently make the day feel easier and more intentional.
AN EARLY START IS BEST
Early mornings work best for private vows. Before the park fills up, it’s often the quietest window for something just the two of you.
PLAN FOR COMFORT
Comfortable choices matter a lot more than curated ones. The shoes you bring, the layers you wear, and even the snacks you pack surely go a long way.
EMBRACE THE WEATHER
Plan as much as you can but be open to changes because the weather will do its own thing.
YOU REALLY NEED MORE TIME
There’s more distance than it looks. So book your photographer for more time so that you have space to go slower, explore areas, and create more intentional moments to photograph.
INCLUDE A PLANNED MOMENT
Exchange a meaningful object, share a first sip of your favorite drink, or have a first dance. Even planned moments can hold sentimental value and become some of your most treasured core memories.
And don’t forget to grab your Yosemite elopement checklist!
Planning an elopement in Yosemite comes with a lot of moving pieces. That’s why I created a FREE downloadable Yosemite Elopement Checklist.
It includes everything you need to think about before your day, from permits and packing to timing and personal touches. It’ll get you feeling organized, confident, and excited about your adventure!
CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR PLANS
Whether you’re just starting to research or you already have a picture of how the day might unfold, I’d love to hear your ideas.
Just fill out the form and we’ll start shaping a Yosemite elopement that will be your best adventure yet!
