My favorite thing to photograph is the joyful, gentle romance of two lovers lost in each other -- mix that with the insane Yosemite cliffs and beautiful foliage, and your Elopement is sure to be stunning!
Yosemite is the perfect place for adventurous couples looking to elope somewhere epic and breathtakingly beautiful - it's so stunning!
Planning your Yosemite Elopement can feel overwhelming or confusing, but don't worry - I'm here to help! I'll walk you through the entire process, including building your timeline, guiding you on finding the perfect location to elope in Yosemite, logistics, and helping everything run smoothly for your elopement! I can't wait!
I'm Kim,
your Yosemite Elopement Photographer!
HI, THERE!
Elopements, Intimate Weddings, and Couples Sessions
YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
- Intimate - very few people attending, if any
- Stunning views
- Adventure to multiple park locations for photos
- You don't have to book a venue
- Affordable wedding alternative
- Unforgettable experience
- Tourists
- Seasonal constraints
- Must be selective of guest list
- Weather considerations
- All attending must pay entrance fee
- Must book travel and lodging
Pros & Cons
Yosemite National Park is the perfect place for the adventurous, outdoorsy, madly in love couple who is looking for an intimate way to say "I do" in one of the most beautiful locations in California.
With gorgeous cliff mountains and incredible scenery, Yosemite has so many places to choose from for your elopement! Your intimate Yosemite elopement day will not only be the day you start your lives together, but an experience you won't forget!
Why
SHOULD YOU ELOPE IN YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK?
5. BOOK YOUR TRAVEL
4. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
3. BOOK YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
2. PICK YOUR LOCATION
1. CHOOSE YOUR DATE
Time of year makes a huge difference in how the location looks - greenery vs snow, wildflowers vs fall colors. Take that into consideration when picking a date!
Consider choosing a date that is meaningful to you and your relationship.
5. BOOK YOUR TRAVEL
4. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
3. BOOK YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
2. PICK YOUR LOCATION
1. CHOOSE YOUR DATE
There are so many beautiful locations in Yosemite National Park that you could elope at!
Scroll down to Yosemite Elopement Ceremony Locations for more advice about picking the best spot and permits!
I'd love to help you find the perfect spot!
5. BOOK YOUR TRAVEL
4. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
3. BOOK YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
2. PICK YOUR LOCATION
1. CHOOSE YOUR DATE
Your photographer will make all the difference to your elopement day!
I love taking care of my clients, helping you plan the perfect timeline, to finding the most stunning locations, to answering your questions about permits. I would love to be your Yosemite Elopement Photographer!
5. BOOK YOUR TRAVEL
4. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
3. BOOK YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
2. PICK YOUR LOCATION
1. CHOOSE YOUR DATE
- Permits
- Entrance fees
- Marriage license
- Officiant & Witnesses
5. BOOK YOUR TRAVEL
4. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
3. BOOK YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
2. PICK YOUR LOCATION
1. CHOOSE YOUR DATE
Some great places to stay near Yosemite:
Yosemite Elopement Permits
Regardless of where you elope in the park or how many people are attending, all weddings and elopements in Yosemite National Park require a permit and non-refundable fee of only $150.
This means you can elope with as few people as possible, or bring as many people as your elopement location will allow! The permit cost stays the same no matter what your elopement looks like.
I strongly recommend applying for your dream date and location as soon as possible, so you have a greater likelihood of securing it.
Visit this link for more info from NPS on Yosemite Wedding Permits
INQUIRE
Any weddings, elopements or sessions booked for these dates will have travel fees waived!
Reach out for more details
June 5-10, 2024
Sept 18-25, 2024
I'm so excited to be traveling to Yosemite National Park during the following dates:
TRAVEL DATES TO YOSEMITE, CALIFORNIA
Opening and closing dates for different locations
It's important to be aware of the different important dates for each Yosemite location!
Glacier Point Road (including Glacier Point and Taft Point) opening date varies depending on the snowfall that year, typically opening in April or May, sometimes even June! It closes typically Nov - Dec.
Click Here to view historical opening and closing dates for different Yosemite locations.
important dates
Monday - Thursday, early morning
To avoid crowds, the best time to elope in Yosemite is Monday - Thursdays, preferably at sunrise or early morning. These early hours will give you the most intimate experience for your elopement, and will help you avoid the hours-long lines to get into the Yosemite National Park.
Eloping the the earlier hours of the day also lets you avoid the Yosemite temperatures that get so high in the summer.
day of the week & Time of Day
Spring / Early Summer or Fall
The best time of year to elope in Yosemite is Spring and early Summer! The months of May - Early June are perfect for lots of lush greenery for your elopement.
If you're looking for Fall colors, September is the best month to elope in Yosemite!
Keep in mind: summer months are very popular at Yosemite, so there will be less privacy for your elopement as well as your photos. But we can totally work with that!
Time of year
When to Elope in Yosemite
Yosemite National Park allows you to elope in 12 specific locations if you have 11 people or more (including yourselves, your officiant, and photographer).
If you have less than 11 people attending your elopement, you are allowed to elope practically anywhere you like!
My Favorite Yosemite Elopement locations For 12 people or more:
bridalveil falls
cathedral beach
One of the most iconic views in Yosemite National Park.
Guest Count: 50 people max
Available: April - June, September
Accessible
No hiking required
GLACIER POINT APHITHEATER
Gorgeous beach featuring El Capitan's majestic view.
Guest Count: 50 people max
Available: Memorial Day - Oct 31
Limited parking
No hiking required
Forest surrounding a clearing with a gorgeous waterfall view behind.
Guest Count: 50 people max
Available: Memorial Day - Sept 30
Accessible
Short walk, no hiking
Adventure Session
Whether you book an Adventure Session for your Engagements, or we're exploring the park for your Bridals on Elopement day,
the good news is:
You can take photos practically anywhere in the park when there is no commitment ceremony taking place.
This means that, even though your ceremony has to take place at one of the NPS approved locations, our Bridals photos after the ceremony can be taken anywhere!
-
Every couple will receive my Locations Guide and assistance picking the perfect spots for your Elopement, Bridals, or Session!
Locations
Every couple will receive my Locations Guide and assistance picking the perfect spots for your Elopement, Bridals, or Session!
Whether you book an Adventure Session for your Engagements, or we're exploring the park for your Bridals on Elopement day,
the good news is:
You can take photos practically anywhere in the park when there is no commitment ceremony taking place.
This means that, even though your ceremony has to take place at one of the NPS approved locations, our Bridals photos after the ceremony can be taken anywhere!
How much does a Yosemite Elopement Cost?
A wedding permit to get married in Yosemite National Park costs $150, regardless of where you get married or how many people attend.
To get married in Yosemite, you also need a $60 marriage license from Mariposa County.
Each car that enters Yosemite will need a park pass, which costs $35 per vehicle (unless you have a National Parks Pass)
Aside from those three things, the rest of the cost of your wedding is entirely dependent on your vision for your special day and what YOU value! This typically includes photography, videography, wedding attire, florals, hair and makeup. Don't forget about travel costs as well!
Of course! As long as it works with my schedule, I'd be more than happy to add your wedding or elopement to my travel dates. Just reach out and let me know what date you are eloping in Yosemite!
Our elopement date is not currently on your travel dates. Will you travel to Yosemite for our elopement?
Yes! I have an entire Yosemite Location Guide to help you pick where you would like your photos taken during or after your ceremony or for a session!
We aren't sure where to elope or where to have our photos taken. Can you give location suggestions?
Absolutely! I will walk through your elopement timeline with you and make any suggestions needed based on my experience as an elopement photographer!
Will you help us plan our Yosemite Elopement?
If you plan to visit the park twice or more on your trip, or you plan to visit other national parks this year, I recommend getting the America the Beautiful annual pass. Make sure to bring your ID to the park as well!
Should we get a single day pass or an annual National Parks Pass?
Yes! Some great options are the Chateau du Sureau, The Mountain Room restaurant, and the Ahwahnee Hotel.
We want to have a reception after our ceremony. Are there reception venues nearby?
Decorations, amplified music, and throwing bird seed, flower petals or rice, are prohibited in Yosemite National Park. More info here
What are Yosemite's rules for decorations at our elopement?
Frequently
asked
questions
READ MORE
WHERE TO ELOPE IN YOSEMITE
There are so many gorgeous locations in Yosemite for you to elope! This list will help you decide which location is best for you based on scenery, guest count, accessibility, and more.
Detail photos are a beautiful addition to any wedding or elopement! This list gives you ideas for everything you may want to include in your details photos.
PACKING YOUR DETAILS BOX
CHOOSING THE COLOR OF YOUR WEDDING DRESS
The color of your wedding dress matters! The shade of white you pick can affect your wedding photos, so it's important to pick the right one!
READ MORE
READ MORE
CLICK HERE FOR MORE YOSEMITE WEDDING TIPS AND INFO
REBECCA + ZAINE
"My fiancé and I asked Kim to shoot our elopement...we were always impressed with her professionalism and
She went above and beyond to
and her attention to detail sets her apart! Our photos were stunning...we will be booking her again!!!"
"My fiancé and I asked Kim to shoot our elopement...we were always impressed with her professionalism and
She went above and beyond to
and her attention to detail sets her apart! Our photos were stunning...we will be booking her again!!!"
capture the essence of our love
willingness to help us with our planning.
Xoxo, Kim
I absolutely LOVE adventuring in beautiful places with my couples, capturing and preserving your love for you to relive the most important day the rest of your lives.
I specialize in capturing your joyful, emotional romance in both digital and 35mm film photography! Film photography has my heart, and is a beautiful addition to your Yosemite wedding day!
I'm here to help you plan your Yosemite Elopement in whatever way I can! From building your timeline, finding the perfect locations for your ceremony and formal photos, logistics, and helping everything run smoothly -- I'll be there every step of the way so you can fully enjoy the most special day of your life!
Elopements, Intimate Weddings, and Couples Sessions
YOUR YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
I'm here to help you plan your Yosemite Elopement in whatever way I can! From building your timeline, finding the perfect locations for your ceremony and formal photos, logistics, and helping everything run smoothly -- I'll be there every step of the way so you can fully enjoy the most special day of your life!
I absolutely LOVE adventuring in beautiful places with my couples, capturing and preserving your love for you to relive the most important day the rest of your lives.
I specialize in capturing your joyful, emotional romance in both digital and 35mm film photography! Film photography has my heart, and is a beautiful addition to your Yosemite wedding day!
"Absolutely obsessed with our photos and Kim is just
Fabulous editing style, 100/10 would book her again.
and we had so much fun!"
"Absolutely obsessed with our photos and Kim is just
Fabulous editing style, 100/10 would book her again.
and we had so much fun!"
ERIN + DALLIN
SHE MADE US FEEL AMAZING AND SO COMFORTABLE
SO EASY TO WORK WITH.
$1200
$4900
begin at
weddings & Elopements -
adventure sessions -
weddings & Elopements -
adventure sessions -
- Sneak peeks within 72 hours
- Engagement Session
- Posing guidance and direction as well as candid moments
- Film photography
- Timeline creation
- Planning assistance
- Location Guide to help you pick the perfect spot for ceremony and formals
- Permit information
- Wedding prep blogs
- Heirloom photo album
- Album design
all Yosemite packages include:
I would love to photograph your Yosemite Wedding or Elopement!
YOSEMITE PHOTOGRAPHY PACKAGES
Kim is a Yosemite ELOPEMENT photographer who specializes in capturing the joyful, gentle romance of lovers lost in each other.
@kimberlycrookphoto