Is Tuolumne Meadows the Best Taft Point Alternative?

Are you looking for somewhere special to elope? Or have a pre or post wedding adventure session? Do you love waterfalls and soaring mountains?

Vee & Allen had a super fun adventure session in June, when the days are long and the waterfalls are still pumping. We started in Yosemite Valley by the chapel, walking out to one of my favorite beaches along the Merced River. There’s a really nice meadow and some beautiful tress. My favorite bridge to photograph on is right there. We’ve got amazing views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. We can also get some really great shots with Sentinel Rock and Glacier Point.

We then made our way to one of the Yosemite Valley’s most iconic locations, Tunnel View. I knew a spot we can walk out to that gets us away from the crowds. It also offers us a spectacular view, including the river below. We made it out there just as the very last light was able to shine down upon Vee and Allen. It was perfect timing.

Afterwards we went out to Taft Point for sunset to finish out an incredible adventure session. It was a stunning display of clouds and light, and we could hear and almost feel the rumble of Yosemite Falls across the valley.

For 2022 and 2023 Taft Point and Glacier Point are not going to be easily accessible. The Glacier Point road will be under construction. You might be wondering, what other high country options are there during the summer and early autumn?

Well let me tell you, the Tuolumne Meadows region off of the Tioga road is just spectacular. It’s often overlooked in favor of Yosemite Valley where most visitors to the park go, but it’s my favorite area of Yosemite National Park. By far.

There’s huge wide open skies, craggy granite peaks, high country lakes, the gorgeous Tuolumne River, star filled skies with the Milky Way above, and so much more. You can see some of my prior couples photographed in and out of Tuolumne linked below.

Georgie & Tanner – Tuolumne Meadows elopement
Sara & Owen – Tuolumne backcountry adventure elopement
Sarah & Nick – Tuolumne stars into sunrise adventure session

If you’re looking for your Yosemite adventure elopement photographer, or are wanting to come have an adventure session anywhere in the Sierra, please reach out through my Contact Page. I look forward to hearing from you.