Yosemite Wedding Photographer

Weddings and Elopements in Yosemite National Park

Hey There!

I’m Katie Dawn, your Yosemite wedding photographer

And I can’t wait to show you around all the breathtaking cliffs and valleys when you marry in Yosemite. Yosemite is one of the most visited national parks in the US for a reason- there’s really no other landscape like it anywhere in the world. I spent my first time visiting Yosemite in awe of the landscape. The views were just like what I’d seen photos of, but even more dizzying seeing it in person. The cliffs around the park are impossibly steep, you can see the whole valley from the edge of them. And don’t get me started on the way sunrise and sunset looks- watching Half Dome both glow pink at sunset and then watching the sun beams bursting from behind it at sunrise for the first time were a couple of the most memorable moments of my life. I can’t wait to share these experiences with you on your wedding day.

Let’s do this!

How to plan a Yosemite wedding

Pick a Venue:

If you want to have photos in Yosemite, you’re going to need a venue IN the park, and you’re gonna want to make sure it’s on the right side, or you’ll be spending a lot of time that day driving just to get to iconic viewpoints- or you don’t get to take those photos at all, and what’s the point of getting married in Yosemite if you don’t get those epic views?

Pick up your license and permit:

You need to make an appointment to stop by a county clerk office, pay the fee, and sign the paperwork with each other as well as a witness and officiant. They can tell you all the steps and rules at the office, and once everything is all said and done, you can be on your marry way.

Celebrate:

Pop champagne, dance the night away with all your friends and family, do something outdoorsy with your more outgoing guests, and take in all the amazing scenery all around you. Just be sure to celebrate responsibly: don’t leave any litter in your wake, don’t cause any wildfires, and remember there’s no Ubers in the area, so make sure everyone gets home safe!

Best time to elope in Yosemite

Summer: Late June-early August

Summer in Yosemite is when all roads and hiking trails become accessible to many of the iconic locations and views in the valley. However, this is also the most crowded season, so if you’re getting married at this time, be sure to book everything well in advance, and consider taking photos at sunrise to avoid tourists at scenic locations. If you do take photos at popular spots at different times of day, just keep in mind you might have to wait your turn and navigate around other people. Keep in mind, summer can also be very hot, so consider this when choosing a dress, and make sure to pack lots of water.

Fall: September-early October

Fall is a lovely time of year in Yosemite, and it’s the season I suggest when planning a wedding- it’s cooler, crowds have died down, and most trails and roads are still accessible for most of the season. You’ll have an easier time booking things, and won’t have to worry as much about crowds or wildfires.

Winter: November-March

Winter will have significantly less accessibility than other seasons. Both Glacier Point Road and Tioga road close for the season, along with many hiking trails. The snow looks beautiful in the valley, and there’s significantly less tourists, but there’s less to explore, most of the epic views are inaccessible, and many businesses in the area are closed.

Spring: April-early June

Late spring is a lovely time in Yosemite, and a great time to see the waterfalls in the valley. Many hiking trails open up, and seasonal roads often open in up June, so you can access all the typical views Yosemite has to offer if you plan your trip right.