Yosemite Elopement Timeline Ideas for an Unforgettable Day

When you choose to elope in Yosemite, you’re not just planning a quick ceremony and a few photos—you’re creating an entire experience.

One of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) parts of elopement planning is figuring out how the day will flow. But don’t worry—we’re here to help you dream up the perfect Yosemite elopement timeline, whether you’re planning a sunrise hike, a sunset ceremony, a two-day adventure, or a relaxed day with loved ones.

Here are some real timeline ideas to help you imagine what’s possible.

Half-Day Yosemite Elopement Timeline (4 Hours)

Perfect for couples who want a beautiful, meaningful ceremony and portraits without a full-day adventure.

Taft & Glacier Point Example: (Autumn)

4:00 PM: Meet to start hike out to Taft Point
5:00 PM: Ceremony & vow exchange at a semi private spot
5:30 PM: Sunset portraits along the cliffs
6:45 PM: Hike back to the car and make the 5 minute drive to Glacier Point
7:30 PM: Nighttime portraits under the stars at Glacier Point
8:00 PM: We finish for the day

Tuolumne Example: (Late summer)

5:00 PM: Meet in Tuolumne to start a tour where we’ll visit multiple amazing locations
5:30 PM: Ceremony & vow exchange at a private spot
7:00 PM: Sunset portraits with mountain views
8:30 PM: Lantern portraits before it gets dark
9:00 PM: We finish for the day

Yosemite Valley Example: (Late Spring/Early summer)

5:00 AM: Meet at Artist Overlook
5:30 AM: Pre-Sunrise ceremony & vow exchange at a private spot
6:00 AM: Sunrise portraits at Artist Overlook
7:00 AM: Drive around Yosemite Valley to multiple locations for portraits
9:00 AM: We finish for the day

Full-Day Yosemite Adventure Elopement Timeline (8 Hours)

For couples who want to soak in every moment and experience multiple locations and lighting conditions.

Glacier Point, Yosemite Valley, & Taft Point Example: (Late Spring/Early Summer)

5:00 AM: Meet at Glacier Point
5:15 AM: Sunrise portraits all throughout the Glacier Point region
6:30 AM: Ceremony & vow exchange at a semi private spot
7:00 AM: Drive down to Yosemite Valley
7:45 AM: Start a Yosemite Valley loop to hit a few different locations
10:00 AM: We’ll conclude the morning session and take a midday break to meet later for the afternoon light

6:00 PM: Meet to start hike out to Taft Point
6:45 PM: Sunset portraits along the cliffs
8:45 PM: Hike back to the car and make the 5 minute drive to Glacier Point
9:30 PM: Nighttime portraits under the stars at Glacier Point
10:00 PM: We finish for the day

All-Day Yosemite Adventure Elopement Timeline (12 Hours)

For couples who want to soak in every moment and experience multiple locations and lighting conditions.

Glacier Point, Yosemite Valley, & Tuolumne Example: (Mid summer)

5:15 AM: Meet at Glacier Point
5:30 AM: Sunrise portraits all throughout the Glacier Point region
6:45 AM: Ceremony & vow exchange at a semi private spot
7:15 AM: Drive down to Yosemite Valley
8:00 AM: Start a Yosemite Valley loop to hit a few different locations
11:00 AM: We’ll conclude the morning session and take a midday break to meet later for the afternoon light

3:30 PM: Meet in Tuolumne to start a tour where we’ll visit multiple amazing locations
7:00 PM: Sunset and lantern portraits with mountain views
9:15 PM: Nighttime portraits under the stars in Tuolumne
10:30 PM: We finish for the day

Two-Day Yosemite Elopement Experience (16 Hours)

Best for couples who want both adventure and relaxation OR who want to split time between solo adventuring and celebrating with friends/family.

Example Day One – Yosemite Valley & Taft Point: (Summer)

7:00 AM: Getting ready with friends/family at your AirBnb in Yosemite West
7:45 AM: Drive into Yosemite Valley
8:30 AM: Small gathering ceremony in Yosemite Valley at Cathedral Beach
9:00 AM: Group portraits
9:30 AM: Start a Yosemite Valley loop to hit a few different locations while friends and family setup lunch
11:30 AM: We’ll conclude the morning photo session and meet friends and family for lunch at Cathedral Beach
12:00 PM: Candid moments are captured while you and friends/family enjoy a midday meal
1:00 PM: We’ll conclude the morning overall session and take a midday break to meet later for the afternoon light

6:00 PM: Meet to start hike out to Taft Point
6:45 PM: Sunset portraits along the cliffs
8:45 PM: Hike back to the car and make the 5 minute drive to Glacier Point
9:30 PM: Nighttime portraits under the stars at Glacier Point
10:00 PM: We finish for the day

Example Day Two – Tuolumne:

4:00 PM: Meet in Tuolumne to start a tour where we’ll visit multiple amazing locations
7:00 PM: Sunset and lantern portraits with mountain views
9:15 PM: Nighttime portraits under the stars in Tuolumne
10:00 PM: We finish for the day

Two days = time to breathe, connect, and have it all.

Ideas to Personalize Your Timeline

First look at sunrise at Glacier Point
Evening ceremony with a champagne toast & sunset portraits
Adventure hike to a secret high country dome
Stargazing session to end the day
Flying Dress Experience for epic engagement or elopement portraits
Post-vow letters exchange or private vows at sunrise

The day should reflect YOU and your story—wild, romantic, intentional.

A Few Tips for Crafting Your Yosemite Elopement Timeline

Plan around the best light: Early morning and late afternoon/evening are key for photography.
Build in breathing room: This is your day to soak it in—not rush.
Consider the seasons: Some roads and areas (like Glacier Point and Tuolumne) are only open late spring to fall.
Allow time for adventure: Hiking, driving, or even just savoring the view takes longer than you’d expect.
Trust your team: We’re here to guide you every step of the way!

Let’s Craft Your Dream Day

Whether you’re dreaming of a sunrise ceremony, a sunset portraits session, a day under waterfalls, or a starlit adventure, we’ll help you create a Yosemite elopement timeline that feels intentional, joyful, and unforgettable.

Ready to start planning your dream day? Contact us here to begin!