How to Elope in Yosemite National Park

Tips for Eloping in Yosemite National Park | California Elopement

Yosemite Elopement

If you and your partner dream of an elopement filled with natural beauty, adventure, and intimacy, eloping at Yosemite National Park might be the perfect place for you. Yosemite National Park is filled with granite cliffs, sequoias, waterfalls, and overlooks of the park. But before you start planning your adventure elopement in Yosemite, there are some things you should know, and I’m here to help!

Here are some tips to help you plan your perfect elopement at Yosemite National Park:

1. Choose the Best Time to Elope in Yosemite

Yosemite is gorgeous all year, but the park’s different seasons can impact the feel and ease of your elopement, especially when it comes to your photos! Here’s a look at what each season is like in Yosemite:

- Spring (April-May):Waterfalls are at their fullest due to the snowmelt, making it the best time for dramatic waterfall photos. However, some higher elevations and roads may still be closed.

- Summer (June-August): You’ll enjoy warm weather and access to most areas, but the park can be crowded. Consider an early morning or weekday elopement to avoid peak visitor times. Summer typically requires a reservation to get into the park.

- Fall (September-October): With fewer crowds and beautiful autumn colors, this is a favorite time for many. It’s also cooler, making it ideal for long hikes.

- Winter (November-March): Yosemite turns into a winter wonderland. If you love the idea of snow-covered landscapes and cozy vibes, this could be perfect. Keep in mind, Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are closed during winter.

I recommend spring, summer, or fall for your adventure elopement in Yosemite. The time of day we take photos is also extremely important. Sunrise and sunset are my favorite times for photos, and I tend to shoot until it’s fully dark for a dramatic setting and experience.

#2. Get the Necessary Permits

To elope in Yosemite National Park, you’ll need a special use permit. The permit ensures that your ceremony does not interfere with the natural beauty or public enjoyment of the park. I’m happy to help get the permit for my couples. You’ll want to have your top 3 elopement spots in mind and the time you hope to elope. The sooner you send in your permit application, the sooner you’ll get approval, and the more likely you are to secure your favorite spot at the best time for photos.

- Cost: As of 2024, the special use permit fee is $150. I highly recommend applying for the permit at LEAST 3 months in advance, but ideally 6+ months prior to your elopement.

Additionally, if you’re hiring a photographer or any other vendor who will be operating in the park, they’ll need a commercial use authorization (CUA) permit.

Adventure elopement in Yosemite

#3 Decide which Location is Perfect for your Yosemite Elopement

Yosemite has countless breathtaking areas, so deciding on where to say your vows can be challenging. Here are some popular (and some less known) elopement spots in the park:

- Tunnel View: Famous for its sweeping views of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall, this is an iconic spot for a Yosemite elopement. Star-gazing at Tunnel View is especially stunning.

- Glacier Point: For one of the most dramatic views in the park, head here. It’s especially stunning at sunrise or sunset. However, access is typically limited to late spring through fall.

- Yosemite Falls: The tallest waterfall in North America provides a jaw-dropping background. The falls are most powerful in the spring and early summer.

- Taft Point: A less crowded alternative to Glacier Point, this spot offers epic views of Yosemite Valley with a quieter, more intimate atmosphere. This spot does require hiking there and back, approximately 45 minutes each way.

- Cathedral Beach: If you prefer a serene riverside setting with El Capitan towering in the background, this might be your spot.

Adventure elopement at Cathedral Beach in Yosemite

-El Capitan Meadow: The easiest spot for photos and most picturesque in the summer is the meadow by El Capitan. It’s easy to access, requires no hiking, and has far fewer people than the other spots I’ve listed. (Hoping this post doesn’t reach too many people so it stays that way!)

Yosemite elopement photographer

For a more private and intimate experience, consider venturing off the beaten path. You can always ask park rangers for recommendations for lesser-known locations.


#4. Plan for the Elements

Yosemite's weather can be unpredictable, especially at higher elevations. Here are some things to consider when planning your day:

-Bring layers: Even in the summer, mornings and evenings can be chilly in Yosemite. Make sure to pack some warm layers to keep comfortable between photos.

- Comfortable shoes: You’ll likely be walking or hiking to your ceremony location. Opt for shoes that are both comfortable and stylish (or bring a second pair for photos). You might even have to cross over water in some areas.

- Prepare for wildlife:*While it’s rare to have any wildlife disruptions, be mindful of Yosemite’s bears. Don’t leave food or scented items out. And make sure to follow “leave no trace” principles.

Yosemite adventure elopement

#5. Consider Your Guest List (or Lack Thereof)

One of the beauties of eloping is that you get to decide whether to keep it just the two of you or include a small group of family and friends. If you do invite guests, keep it small to avoid overcrowding and minimize your environmental impact.

Yosemite has specific rules about group sizes in certain areas, so make sure to check with the park if you plan to have a few guests present.

#6 Hire an Adventure Elopement Photographer who knows the park

Yosemite is a big park, and working with a photographer who knows the ins and outs of the best locations will make your day go much more smoothly. I specialize in adventure elopements and can guide you to hidden gems in the park.

If you’re planning to bring in any other vendors, like a florist or hair/makeup artist, consider using someone local to the area.

#7. Leave No Trace (LNT)

Yosemite is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s important to minimize your impact on this precious ecosystem. Follow the Leave No Trace principles:

- Pack out everything you bring in, including decorations, food, and waste.

- Avoid using confetti, rice, or anything else that can harm the environment.

#8. Embrace the Adventure

One of the greatest things about eloping in a place like Yosemite is the sense of adventure. Don’t stress about small details. Whether it’s a sudden shift in weather or an unexpected wildlife sighting, remember that these moments make your day unique. Embrace the spontaneity and go with the flow.

Cathedral Beach Elopement in Yosemite

An elopement in Yosemite is the perfect spot for adventurous couples who want an epic backdrop for an elopement. With the right planning, you can create a wedding day that feels true to who you are as a couple while surrounded by one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world. Yosemite is a stunning place for eloping!

If you’re thinking of eloping at Yosemite National Park, I would love to chat more with you! I’m an adventure elopement and wedding photographer and my husband is a wedding and elopement videographer. Fill out a contact form and let’s chat!

Best Place to Elope?

Where is the best place to elope?

Our top 4 favorite spots for elopements as elopement photographers

Best spot to elope #1- Redwoods National Park

This blog covers everything you need to know about finding the best place to elope in the United States, especially if you don’t want to hike 10 miles for epic views.

The best 4 places to elope from an elopement photographer are: Redwoods national park (near Fern Canyon), Olympic national park (we will focus on Ruby beach here), Glacier national park, and Yosemite national park. All of these parks have gorgeous scenery, photograph well, and have multiple options for scenery within each park. All of these parks are relatively easy to access, don’t require strenuous hiking, and have gorgeous views for an iconic elopement experience.

Glacier National Park Elopement

All of these national park spots to elope will give you amazing photos. This list is in reverse order, with our top favorite being last. Keep reading for examples of the best places to elope in the U.S.

Best place to elope #4: Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park Elopement

Glacier National Park is an epic place for eloping. It’s a popular national park, but there are countless options for your elopement ceremony and photos. Glacier National Park is similar to Yosemite National Park in its crowd sizes, wait time to get into the park, some similar views, drive time, ease (or difficulty) of lodging, lodging pricing, etc. However, the scenery is greener than Yosemite and has amazing lakes with gorgeous blue-green hues. There are spots that require hiking, but there are many spots that require almost no hiking.

Why we love Glacier National Park

Scenery

The scenery in Glacier National Park gives you a diverse feel, with some areas providing mountain landscapes and others with water. And others, with water as well as mountain landscapes.

There is a giant looping road that goes from one of four entrances. The most popular locations are on the West side, however, the East has some iconic spots worth visiting, and crowds aren’t quite as big. However, keep in mind, the wind is stronger on the East and hair will be flying.

Minimal Hiking options

Just like our other favorite spots to elope, you have the option to hike or not hike. Some locations are a long drive, while others are close together. And when it comes to hikes, there are long treacherous hikes and also easy hikes on paths without hills.

Recommended for multi-day elopements

Because a lot of driving is involved, I recommend doing a multi-day elopement in Glacier, so that you can explore the East side on one day and the West side on the other. Glacier can be fairly bright and the time of day is important for photos, so for that reason I do recommend timing your elopement to do first look and vows with portraits on day 1 and more adventurous portraits on day 2.

Best spot to elope #3: Yosemite National Park in Mariposa County, California.

Best place to elope: Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park has lots of areas within the park that look very different from one another. There are the popular spots up top, including Taft Point and Glacier Point, and then there are other gorgeous spots below, including El Capitan and Cathedral Beach.

Why we love Yosemite National Park

Of course, Yosemite has amazing views for your elopement. But it also has a very unique feel, with all the outdoorsy vibes.

Epic spots to elope without in sane hiking: While hiking is popular for eloping, not everyone wants to hike a mountain and sweat before saying their vows. The great thing about Yosemite National Park for eloping is you have the option to do a long hike or just walk a few steps from your car to a scenic view.


Scenery will always be our number one reason our favorite spots make these lists. I mean, we’re photographers and videographers… the view matters.

Real elopement in Yosemite National Park

I have lots of tips and information on eloping at Yosemite National Park, including things to avoid and advice I wish I knew in another post found here.

Best spot to elope #2: Redwoods National Park in Humboldt County, California.

Redwoods National Park Elopement

Redwoods National Park has amazing spots  for eloping everywhere you go, but my favorite way to photograph the Redwoods is near Klamath, California.

We start off by having you two get coffee, documenting you both writing your vows down, and then some getting ready portraits. We do an intimate first look and then head off to a spot with plenty of Redwoods to say your vows.

After your vows, we head a few minutes over to Fern Canyon, for an epic “hike” (if you can call it that) where several Jurassic Park scenes were filmed. It’s really a walk with amazing photo-opps. After Fern Canyon, we walk over to Gold Bluffs Beach and have you do your first dance, a “champagne” spray (sparkling water to be compliant with leave no trace principles) or crack a couple bottles of beer, whichever you decide in the planning process. And then we set up a delicious charcuterie board for the two of you to munch on. (We send a questionnaire in the planning process where you can choose between a few options if charcuterie isn’t your thing.)

Why I love Redwoods National Park for elopements:

Scenery

-Redwoods National Park is one of the best places to elope because of it’s scenery. I think this is obvious, but the views are one of a kind. With giant sequoias, ferns, greenery, and beaches, it makes our list for “best spot to elope” for a reason.

Beach in Redwoods National Park

Intimacy

-Eloping at Redwoods National Park is an intimate experience. We go to the right spots at the right times for minimal crowds, and you’ll get to enjoy the presence of your significant other without distractions.

Proximity

-There are several locations close together that have different vibes. Having all 3 locations gives your day a diverse feel and helps the final gallery tell your elopement story in a unique way.

Intense hiking not needed

-While walking will definitely be happening, you don’t have to hike a steep 7 miles to get gorgeous views.

Best place to elope #1: Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park

Ruby Beach is a stunning spot for your elopement, and is where we spend a lot of our time! We do an elopement package where we adventure with you two for vows, first dance, charcuterie, and star gazing if the weather permits.

Why we love it: Ruby Beach is similar to the Redwoods in many ways (they’re basically tied for us.)

Scenery:

The scenery at Ruby Beach has mountain vibes and forest on one side and a beach with sea stacks and amazing sunsets on the other. Ruby Beach is near Forks, Washington, which Twilight fans love.

Ease of access:

While there is walking involved, again, there is no in sane sweat-inducing hiking. It’s fairly chill, although there are logs throughout the beach and natural terrain we’ll navigate through.

Sunrise and sunset:

The sunrise and sunset at Ruby Beach is iconic, and hits at just the right spots behind the sea stacks. Unless you have a rainy and overcast day, you’ll get the glowy golden hour of your dreams, with epic views all around.

Gorgeous on overcast and sunny days:

-Weather and lighting impact photos a LOT. And no matter what weather you get at Ruby Beach, the photos are in sanely magical.

I prefer the driving treks for Ruby Beach and the Redwoods, as you have a bit of a drive from your lodging to the scenery, but then everything is close together. Whereas the other parks do require lots of driving to get to each spot and then back to lodging, and lodging at the park can be very expensive but not very luxurious, depending on where you stay.

To summarize, all 4 of these spots are amazing for eloping due to their scenic views and intimate experience.

If we were to have a set of winners, the Redwoods and Olympic National Park are the best spots for eloping for many many reasons: the scenery, proximity of scenic areas, ease of getting around on the location, and safer driving back to lodging from the park. Olympic and Yosemite National Parks can be scary and long if you don’t stay inside the park, taking you through winding roads for what can seem like eternity. Of course, this depends on where you go in the park, but in our experience, the Redwoods and Olympic parks felt safer in comparison. While Redwoods and Ruby Beach have crowds, the crowds are much bigger at Yosemite and Glacier. Ruby Beach and Redwoods is a more intimate experience and gives you iconic photos no matter the weather.


I would love to help you plan your elopement and photograph your experience! We do all-inclusive elopement packages, or photo-only packages and would love to hear about your love story!

Contact us here to chat more about your elopement:

Cinematic + Vintage Wedding Photographer at Green Gables Estate in San Marcos

Planning a Vintage Wedding at Green Gables Estate

We had the honor of being the wedding photographer and wedding videographer for this Green Gables Estate wedding in San Marcos for S + C.

S + C put so much thought into their wedding, from the dress to the speakeasy to the hair to the ring-bearer details. Every detail matched the vibe, and we had so much fun creating their wedding photos and video at Green Gables.

If you can’t tell from the photos, S + C’s wedding truly felt like a classic Hollywood film. Green Gables in San Marcos was THE perfect spot for their vintage wedding. The vibes were immaculate.

Green Gables estate has gorgeous gardens, greenery all over the property, historic architecture, and an in sane speakeasy. Literally, anywhere you go on the property will make a great spot for wedding photos.

Keep reading for some tips on planning a vintage inspired wedding at Green Gables!

Green Gables venue will help transport the vibe back in time with its timeless beauty. Along with the historic buildings, there are manicured gardens, and upscale interiors with all the colors and vibes you want for a vintage wedding. We love being a Green Gables photographer and videographer duo and would love to document your love story!

To bring your cinematic vintage wedding to life, pay attention to details. Choose deep tones (burgundy is amazing), and elements like lace, pearls, and antique gold accents.

The details in your attire if you’re after a vintage wedding are so important. This bride had a gorgeous gown reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. The groom had pocket watches that screamed vintage. This couple nailed the vintage aesthetic for their wedding with their attire, the bridesmaids attire, groomsmen attire, all of it. The Hollywood waves, the clocks, the makeup.

After the ceremony, invite your guests to celebrate with you - vintage style. You could have a jazz or swing band, and encourage your guests to take to the dance floor. Signature cocktails of the past include a French 75 or a Moscow Mule.

Most importantly, if you want a vintage and cinematic wedding at Green Gables, hire a photographer (and/or videographer!) who specializes in capturing the timeless beauty of vintage weddings. They need to have a knowledge of lighting, eye for detail, and ability to tell stories- not just take photos. We would be honored to be your photo and video team. If you vibe with what you see here, reach out to us here and let’s chat!

A cinematic vintage wedding at Green Gables in San Marcos, California, is an amazing choice for a magical vintage wedding. You will get cinematic wedding photos that no other couple has. If you’re looking for a cinematic wedding photographer for your vintage wedding, we would love to work with you <3

Datura Photo is a photo + video team based in Utah and the PNW and travel worldwide. Datura Photo is an artistic wedding and elopement photographer obsessed with storytelling.

We would love to tell your story next!

Film Wedding Photos?

film Wedding Photographer?

If you are on the hunt for a wedding photographer that shoots on film or is film-inspired, keep on reading :)

Film is everything. It’s nostalgic, whimsical, vintage. I love film. But you know what else I love when clients hire me as their wedding photographer?
I love taking photos that look like film. Throughout the wedding day, I photograph certain segments in a way to look more like film, and the magic happens when I edit the photos.

Here’s the thing about film. It’s expensive. It’s amazing, but it’s expensive. If you want a film-inspired wedding or elopement photographer, but don’t want to add an extra $1,000+ to your expenses, hiring a film-inspired photographer is your next best move.

Let’s talk a bit about film photography…

Film Wedding Photography is an ~ aesthetic ~

Film photography is a form of artistry that requires skill, patience, and an eye for detail. I love shooting on film. The colors, the softness, and the nostalgic quality of medium format film fulfills something in me that digital photos don’t. However, it is totally possible to get that same film-like aesthetic in your wedding photos without shooting on film. Not every photographer can make digital photos look like film, but it’s something I specialize in and love to do. Keep in mind, I don’t do this for the entire wedding, but you will get so many wedding photos back with that filmy vibe.

same sex wedding photos on film

Do we shoot on actual film?: We haven’t added actual film to our packages (YET), but if you hire us for your wedding, you will get a good portion of photos that look like they were taken on film. All of the photos in this post were taken digitally.

How much will film cost for wedding photos?: When hiring a film wedding photographer, keep in mind, adding actual film for your wedding does add a lot to the cost. Adding actual film on your wedding or elopement day may or may not be worth it to you. When we do add actual film to our packages, keep in mind the cost of film, developing film, and time scanning and editing the photos will go into the price. Do I think it’s worth it? ABSOLUTELY. As soon as we offer actual film, we will update all of our packages. As of right now, we don’t have an amount, but anticipate around $1,000 to add on actual film.

HOWEVER! If you are after film wedding or elopement photography because of its nostalgic aesthetic, you can hire a film-inspired wedding photographer that shoots digitally but edits in a film-like style. I would love to share full galleries with you so you can see how a full day is curated. I don’t photograph the full day to look like film, but I do like the day to feel cinematic and artistic, with particular shots photographed and edited to look like film. (Sounds complicated, but once you see a gallery, you’ll see how beautifully it flows.)

Here are some more of my favorite film inspired wedding photos from the last few weddings :)

If you love the filmy wedding vibes, and want your photos to feel like art, let’s talk. I would love to be your wedding or elopement photographer! If you have any questions or vibe with our style, fill out this contact form and I’ll be in touch <3

Tips for Photos at Cannon Beach in Oregon

Are you dreaming of getting engagement photos at Cannon Beach? Or even eloping at Cannon Beach?

Cannon Beach in Oregon is an iconic spot for photos, and has the most majestic sunsets. Here are some tips for engagement photos at Cannon Beach along with tips on how to elope at Cannon Beach in Oregon.

For the best photos at Cannon Beach, timing is everything. What is the best time for photos at Cannon Beach?: Sunrise or sunset are the best times for photos at Cannon Beach, to get the sun low in the sky for epic scenery and flattering lighting on the subjects. The lighting just after sunrise or before sunset gives a dreamy and ethereal glow, and is incredible for engagement photos and elopements.

Be Aware of Crowds: If you hire us for your engagement photos at Cannon Beach or your elopement at Cannon Beach, rest assured we will edit any extra people out of your photos. Like most iconic spots, crowds are sometimes unavoidable. We always try to get a secluded area, but the best areas for photos tend to have other people, and that’s ok!

Even if you have a crowded beach, we will find both secluded spots and have the skills to remove extra subjects out of your images, if needed.

What to wear for engagement photos at Cannon Beach?:

Let's talk outfits! Whether you're envisioning a laid-back beach vibe or something more formal, make sure your personalities are #1 on your priority list. You don’t want to feel like you’re looking at a stranger when you view your photos. With that in mind, I always suggest including a casual outfit and a more dressy outfit for engagement photos. The biggest tips I have are to keep colors neutral, wear colors you know look good on you, and when it comes to the dressier outfit- I always suggest something flowy for a feminine vibe. You won’t get as much variety with a skin-tight dress than you will something we can move around and play with. That being said, if you want your dressy photos to be all class and more posed, by all means, wear what you feel best in! But I definitely suggest earthy and/or neutral colors, flowy materials, and to bring layers in case of weather changes.

Be prepared for weather changes: If a sudden rain shower catches us off guard or the wind decides to tousle our hair, let’s embrace it. That’s where the art happens, baby.

Make it Personal: Engagement photos should be as unique as your love story. I have couples bring things that reflect them as a couple so we can have fun together and tell their story. We’ll get all the regular shots you’d expect, but I love adding personality in my sessions! Eating pizza together, feeding each other sushi, doing something you did on your first date. I’ve had couples bring the cutest things, and it adds so much to the photos!

Leave the rest to us!: We love being trusted photographers at Cannon Beach, and are happy to give suggestions after you book us. Wether you’re getting engagement photos, wedding photos, or eloping at Cannon Beach, we are here to create epic photos for you. We’ll laugh, have fun, get romantic, and create art at a gorgeous location. We don’t JUST want to take photos, we want to create a memorable experience.

Can you elope at Cannon Beach?: Yes, as long as your guest count is under 50 people. Keep in mind you cannot bring chairs or special decor, so keep in mind guests with mobility issues, as they will need to walk on the beach and stand for your ceremony. At Cannon Beach, the scenery is so beautiful, there is no need for extra decor.

If you do want to have a ceremony with more than 50 people, you must apply for a special use permit. For intimate ceremonies and elopements, I always suggest keeping the guest count to under 25 people if possible, at Cannon Beach.

Getting to the beach requires some walking when nearby parking is full. I suggest parking downtown and walking a few blocks, if you’re able to.

Where to park for Cannon Beach: The closest parking is on Pacific Street, however, the spots go fast! To get to Pacific Street, you go west on either West Dawes Avenue, which turns into Pacific. Or go West Gower Avenue and turn left at Wayfarer Restaurant. There is access to the beach from the West end of Gower Avenue, and a path from Pacific Street to the beach just south of the intersection with West Dawes.

The best place for public parking for Cannon Beach is on the corner of So. Hemlock Street and Gower Avenue, next to the Cannon Beach City Hall. From there, you’ll walk west on Gower Avenue and cross the foot bridge to get to the sand dune. You’ll see Haystack Rock to the South. This is where I tend to park. It’s just a short walk to Cannon Beach from this lot.

If all the parking lots are filled up, you can find paths to the beach at the West end of these streets: Harrison Street; Van Buren Street. All streets from Jackson Street north to Washington Street. They will require a bit of walking.

If you are eloping at Cannon Beach, I highly suggest including guests who do not have mobility issues. It is an adventure wedding and elopement spot, and is not easily accessible by wheelchair, etc. However, if it’s just the two of you and you don’t have limitations, it is a breathtaking area that will give you stunning views.

Ecola Park is near Cannon Beach and has some incredible foresty spots for photos. Please keep in mind, if there are busses, DO NOT STOP AND LET THEM PASS. It is easier if you pass first and then provide them with the full road. I saw a near-death disaster because of a car who insisted on stopping to let a bus go first. It is not polite. It is dangerous. Please be smart! This applies to all narrow canyon roads.

Ecola Park is a great place to get some additional wedding photos after your elopement, for a different vibe, without your guests. It feels like you’re in Jurassic Park. I’m happy to share photos with any couples who are interested in engagement photos or elopement photos!

We do elopement photo and video, as well as wedding photo and video in Oregon, and would love to get to know you and your love story! Reach out here if you have any questions <3

Hey, look. It’s me! Can’t wait to meet you :)