As a Yosemite wedding photographer, I've had the privilege of capturing love stories in some of the most breathtaking locations. But when Tyler and Sarah, a couple from Tennessee, reached out to me for their adventurous elopement in Yosemite National Park, I knew this would be a truly unforgettable wedding day experience. Their love for national parks, and their dream of tying the knot amidst Yosemite's majestic beauty made this destination wedding one for the books.
Their intimate Yosemite wedding was in March, under the soft drizzle of rain. Tyler and Sarah exchanged vows at the Swinging Bridge in Yosemite Valley. The backdrop was overlooking Yosemite Falls. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, they stood resilient under clear umbrellas, their spirits undampened (pun intended) by the weather. The way the clouds sat in Yosemite Valley was beautiful, they rested right up to the cliffs, and every so often we got a glimpse of these almost mile-high rocks. Despite the rain, there was like a magical atmosphere for their intimate wedding.
Elopement Advice from a Yosemite Wedding Photographer
As a wedding photographer and elopement photographer, a piece of advice to any couple considering a Yosemite wedding is that you have to be willing to create a plan (more on that later) and also be willing to let go of those plans, no matter what storms you face. When you work with us, you know that we're here to walk you through everything you need to know about a Yosemite wedding or any adventure wedding you take us on. Thankfully, a little rain couldn't stop Tyler and Sarah's elopement because they truly are an adventurous couple and were down for some rain.
Over the years we've learned that being an elopement photographer really is more than just showing up with a camera in a beautiful location. It’s also like being a wedding planner. We had conversations with Tyler and Sarah for several months before the wedding, answering every single question, like where to get Yosemite National Park wedding permit. We were looking at the weather and trying to predict when the snow runoff would happen. We are here to walk you through every step of that process and make sure we pick the best picture-perfect spot when you submit your wedding permit.
Perfecting all the details for the perfect Yosemite Elopement
Going into this wedding day, I knew they were bringing in some very close family and friends from out of state. My goal was to document their day authentically, capturing not only the stunning landscapes of this Yosemite wedding but also the raw emotions shared between the couple and their loved ones. Despite the challenge posed by the cloud coverage and rain, we embraced the soft, diffused lighting it provided, resulting in some seriously romantic photographs that perfectly encapsulated the mood of the day.
Elopement What was so cool about Tyler and Sarah's elopement was their willingness to travel across the country to experience this one-of-a-kind moment in Yosemite National Park. As an elopement photographer, I see this often but it's not as common to bring so many loved ones on the adventure with you but that was important to them. Despite the rain and cloud coverage, we embraced the challenges, allowing us to discover hidden gems within the park and create memories that will last a lifetime. My favorite moment? Watching Tyler and Sarah exchange vows surrounded by their loved ones, each holding a clear umbrella, a symbol of their unwavering love and commitment.
Words from the bride and groom themselves:
"Ryan was so awesome! He did such a great job for photos for our elopement in Yosemite National Park. Prior to the day of, he met over the phone with us several times to help us plan and for him to get an idea of what we envisioned for our pictures. He was super helpful and responsive leading up to the ceremony. The day of, he did a great job organizing everyone for photos and capturing the most special moments of the day. He delivered the pictures to us quickly and was responsive to any requests we had. We absolutely love our pictures and have gotten so many compliments on how great they are. Could not ask for a better photographer for the most special day!"
Are you looking to plan the perfect elopement in Yosemite National Park?
Have you always dreamed of getting epic wedding photos up at Taft Point? If you're looking for a wedding photographer who will help you plan and capture the perfect adventure elopement, don't wait to contact us! We can't wait to hear more about the dreams you have for the day.
Love Yosemite Elopements?
Check out Shannon & Ian's sunrise Yosemite elopement here, which was featured on Destination I Do!
See Tyler and Sarahs full gallery here.
