Why Two Days are Better than One for Your Elopement

Embarking on a journey to celebrate your love in Yosemite, especially from halfway across the country, calls for more than just a single day. Take a cue from Diane and Kevin, who transformed their Yosemite elopement into a two-day adventure. let’s dicuss why it’s the ultimate way to tie the knot in this stunning national park.

Opting for a two-day celebration opens up a world of possibilities. Imagine exploring multiple breathtaking locations in Yosemite, each bathed in perfect light, without any time constraints. Diane and Kevin chose this path, starting their adventure with a 7-hour round-trip hike into the Tuolumne Meadows backcountry.

A two-day Yosemite elopement is not just about capturing moments; it’s an opportunity to create a unique celebration. One that reflects your values and love story. So, why settle for one day when you can have the freedom to embrace the beauty of Yosemite at your own pace and in your own way?

The Tioga road offers some of the best access Yosemite has to offer to its stunning high country. And the Cathedral Lakes basin is one of the most beautiful backcountry hikes out of Tuolumne Meadows. We took a lesser known fisherman’s trail up to Cathedral Lake. This is one of the great perks of working with a seasoned local. I spent my entire 20’s living summers in Tuolumne. And I absolutely love exposing people to its hidden gems. The fisherman’s trail to Cathedral Lake not only has better views, it also has a side adventure up to Lake of the Domes. We made sure to take advantage of seeing this stunning lake in person.

For our second day we met at Glacier Point for sunrise, where Diane and Kevin wore their wedding garb. They actually eloped in San Francisco just before coming up to Yosemite, but knew they wanted to get some beautiful images in their wedding clothes at various locations in the park. This morning was special because from the very beginning we started planning their trip around the moon so we could capture images with it. And wow did it work out great! Being at Glacier Point for sunrise with the moon low in the sky was so beautiful, and we captured some stunning images.

After sunrise at Glacier Point we headed down to the Valley floor for the beautiful fall colors. Yosemite has an amazing color palette in October, and put on quite a show for us. We went to several different meadows and each one had gorgeous autumn hues.

After two amazing shoots, for our third we finished with a gorgeous hike and sunset out at Taft Point. It’s always such a great way to end the day. And a great way to end three incredible and memorable photo sessions. From the Tuolumne backcountry, to Yosemite Valley, to Glacier and Taft Points. I love clients who want to have a deep, meaningful experience in Yosemite. Thank you Diane & Kevin for choosing me to be your adventure elopement photographer. And for sharing in such a memorable experience.

If you’re looking for your own adventure elopement photographer here in Yosemite and the Eastern Sierra, please be in touch so we can discuss your vision and dream up a perfect adventure for you!

Click here for more information on having a wedding or elopement in Yosemite National Park. To see more wedding photography you can check out my portfolio. I also love sharing my nature photography and filmmaking on my personal website here.

You can find more information about permits on the National Park Service website here.