Yosemite National Park Elopement Photographer
So you’ve made the big decision to elope in Yosemite National Park… but you have no idea where to start.
Hey, I’m Gabriela!
I am an adventure elopement + intimate wedding photographer, that’s deeply passionate about photography and creating incredible experiences + meaningful memories for my couples.
If you’ve landed here, you are likely imagining what your day could look like, in beautiful Yosemite, CA.
Yosemite National Park is full of breathtaking and iconic landscapes! This beautiful park includes waterfalls, valleys, meadows, Sequoias, and epic views.
If you want to learn more about eloping in Yosemite, continue reading below…
Where to start the planning process…
I am here not only as your photographer, but as your co-planner. I will help you find the perfect spot to exchange your vows, help you create your day with intention, and help you include other vendors + activities to make your day more than just your vows — but an experience.
Here is a quick checklist to help you start:
Decide on a date or time of year
Find an elopement photographer
Narrow down the location
Start applying for a permit
Begin crafting your timeline and details of the day
Hire any other vendors you may need
Make it legal
Commit your lives to each other
Let’s dive a little deeper into each of these steps below!
Couples like you two, that have decided to ditch the big wedding, are what I live for.
Best Time of Year to Elope in Yosemite National Park
Overall, the best time to elope at Yosemite National Park, is May to October. Spring has warmer temperatures, and Bridalveil Falls will be in full swing.
In the winter months, many roads and trials are closed due to snowfall.
Sunrise and sunset are the best time for photos. Sunrise is great during the warm seasons, to avoid the heat in the afternoon, and sunset is great during the fall when the park is less crowded.
Finding a Yosemite Elopement Photographer
Hiring a photographer should be next on your list because they can assist you with everything to follow. Even if your date hasn’t been decided, but you have an idea of what time of year you’d like, they can help you narrow it down.
That’s where I come in!
Not only will you have beautiful and meaningful images to look back on, you also get…
+ Personalized planning assistance from beginning to end to bring your dreams and vision to life!
+ Virtual and in-person scouting to ensure we find the perfect spot for you to exchange your vows.
+ Vendor recommendations like officiants, florists, hair and makeup artists, etc.
+ A custom timeline for your day to make sure we can document everything at a relaxed and comfortable pace, without missing any of the big or small details.
+ Unlimited access to me to answer questions you may have along the way and to build a friendship together before the big day.
+ A convenient online gallery of high-resolution, edited images that can easily be shared with family and friends.
+ A sneak peek preview within one week
+ Help securing any necessary permits!
With me, you can choose from a mini, half day, or full/multi-day elopement photography package!
Packages begin at $5,000
Where to elope in Yosemite
This is one of the number one questions I’m asked when it comes to eloping. Because Yosemite National Park is such a popular destination, a permit is required.
Here are just a few location suggestions as you begin your search…
As one of the most popular locations in Yosemite National Park, Glacier Point is easily accessible.. Standing at 8,000 feet, it has majestic and spectacular canyon views. (The road to this location will be closed in 2022 and part of 2023)
Half Dome (additional permit required)
If you are an experienced hiker and want to take on the challenge, Half Dome might be for you. It’s a 14-16 mile hike with an overlook that is around 5,000 feet above Yosemite. From March 1st-31st is the only time you can request a lottery permit for a chance to be chosen (there are around 295 applicants chosen per day). The trail becomes dangerous to hike when there are heavy storms. These are more common in the afternoon, so make sure to check the weather in advance!
This point is known for being quite the adventure and risky to get to, as it’s a stunning cliffhanger that overlooks the park. However, if you are willing to plan accordingly to take your elopement pictures here, you’ll be able to capture the beautiful sunrise and sunset on the horizon. (The road to this location will be closed in 2022 and part of 2023)
At almost 188 meters in height, and being one of the most infamous waterfalls in Central California, Bridalveil Falls is a gorgeous option. When you enter the park, this is one of the first areas you’ll see. In the spring, the falls is most active and visible. (Currently closed due to construction) The falls can be viewed from Yosemite Valley as well.
When it comes to Yosemite, there is a lot to consider. However, you’re not alone in this experience. I will help you bring to life the vision you’ve been dreaming up!
Marriage License + Permitting
Below is some helpful information to guide you in making your marriage official in the state of California!
#1. You have to apply for your marriage license at one of the 58 County Clerk offices in California. You can do this in any county; it doesn’t have to be in the county where you will be married. There is also no waiting period, so you can get your marriage license in the morning and get hitched in the afternoon! If you want to get your license early, you can do so up to 90 days before your ceremony.
#3: Appointments are usually required and the cost is $60 cash.
#2. Below are the closest offices to the park:
Mariposa County Clerk, 4982 10th St, Mariposa, CA 95338 (209) 966-2007
Tuolumne County Clerk, 2 S Green St, Sonora, CA 95370 (209) 533-5573
Madera County Clerk, 200 W 4th St, Madera, CA 93637 (559) 675-7724
Fresno County Clerk, 2220 Tulare St, Fresno, CA 93721 (559) 600-2575
#3. Bring your license with you to your elopement. In the state of California, you need to have at least one witness. I can act as your witness if you’re wanting an intimate elopement with just the two of you!
Permit requirements for a wedding ceremony in Yosemite National Park are pretty straightforward. You can apply for a wedding permit with Catherine at a cost of $150.
Your Timeline, Vendors, and The Big Day!
I will assist you with creating a custom timeline that factors in travel time, locations, tourist traffic, logistics, etc. so that your day can be a seamless and stress-free experience!
You won’t have to stress about finding other vendors that you may need, because I can connect you with local vendors like hair stylists, makeup artists, florists, officiants, and anyone else so that your day can be the vision that you’ve been dreaming up.
By the time the big day arrives, your only job will be to commit your lives to each other and enjoy all of the planning we put in to craft a meaningful elopement experience, in beautiful Olympic National Park!
Kind words from one of my couples…
“We’ll always book Gabriela, until our pocketbook says negative funds — even then we’ll figure it out. The quality of her images, capture stories that we thought would take me years to find someone who could make that happen. Now that we’ve found her, we can get to grow with her for years to come!”
