Spring Yosemite Elopement Editorial

Jami + Malik’s Spring Yosemite Elopement

The idea behind this Yosemite elopement editorial came when I sent a local photographer, Karen Vargas, a message on Instagram. I told her “Let me know if you’re ever down to put together a little elopement editorial with me. Maybe in the mountains or something?”

Needless to say, we decided on a boho vibe and the rest was history. We used Karen’s bouquet and veil from her wedding, found some amazing local vendors, hit up Rubio’s for lunch, and were Yosemite-bound a month later.

The road leading to Glacier and Taft Pointe is closed for the year at this time. The roads are currently being repaired to make the route a safer drive for everyone. While the wait is disappointing, I’m excited to see the improvements and start taking couples up again. We stayed to the Yosemite Valley Floor for this elopement editorial, which gave us several gorgeous locations.

Jami’s dress was absolutely stunning on her! Long-sleeve lace detailing is my favorite because it adds such incredible texture to wedding photos. We decided it was absolutely necessary to get some solo shots of Jami modeling the dress against the background of the gorgeous Yosemite Valley floor.

We decided to go to ones of my favorite waterfalls in the park next – Lower Yosemite Falls. It’s the perfect waterfall for your Yosemite elopement because of the stunning views and the short walk from the trailhead (less than 1 mile!)

Jami + Malik look absolutely stunning in these! It’s important to note that the temperature dropped at least 10 degrees right next to the falls. I also recommend my couples bring jackets and hand-warmers to use when we take breaks.

Jami and Malik were absolute troopers, and the ones of them under the veil is one of my favorite from the entire editorial.

If you’re planning an elopement in Yosemite National Park, there are a few things you’ll want to consider.

1. A special use permit is required for any wedding or commitment ceremony held at any location within Yosemite National Park. The permit cost is $150 (if event monitoring is required, you will be charged an additional $50 per hour).
2. There are thirteen designated wedding ceremony locations within Yosemite National Park. Entrance fees into the park will not be waived for guests or the newlyweds. If your party is fewer than 11 people, you are not limited to the above locations with exception of open meadows and riparian environments.
3. The site you choose is not monitored to prevent other park visitors from visiting. Your best chance to avoid crowds is to start your ceremony at sunrise.

While it may seem like a lot of red lines to jump through to plan an elopement, it’s actually pretty straight-forward! Pick your ceremony location, get a permit, and find an amazing photographer who will work with you to find some amazing locations and make everything so much easier for you.

The last location we visited is my favorite location in the entire park – Tunnel View. It’s one of the first jaw-dropping locations you see when you drive into Yosemite, show off the majesty of those ginormous granite mountains, and it’s super accessible for everyone!

There’s a brief period once the sun dips behind those granite peaks where there’s just enough light to keep the session going. We took advantage of this brief period of time to bring out some lanterns and finish off this elopement editorial with cozy, romantic vibes.

Ready to book your own Yosemite elopement?

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Photographers/Planners: Ashley Norton Photography, Karen Vargas Photography

Makeup: Makeup By Sonia

Hair: Hair By Alex

Dress: AW Bridal

Bouquet: Bridal Wish

Veil: Marry Bridal US