Yosemite Elopement Photographer – Jeff and Christine

Yosemite Elopement Photographer for Christine and Jeff

Christine and Jeff’s elopement—my last elopement of the season—was hands down one of the best days I’ve had as a Yosemite elopement photographer! Not only was this my last trip to Yosemite for the season, but because the roads are closing for repairs for two years, this chance to celebrate one last “I do” in my favorite national park was a gift! And what a day it was. The weather was perfect. The skies were clear. The temperature was moderate…which is amazing, considering it was the end of November. In short, everything about their day was a dream come true!

Planning a November Elopement in Yosemite

Magic was certainly at work in Yosemite on Christine and Jeff’s elopement day. Not only was the weather cooperating in the most remarkable way, but all of the roads were also open! For those of you who are not familiar with Yosemite, certain roads close seasonally due to snow and ice. The roads to Glacier and Taft Point tend to be closed from October to May. So, when Christine and Jeff told me they wanted to plan a Glacier Point elopement in November, we worked together to come up with a few alternative ceremony sites. In case Glacier Point wasn’t accessible for their elopement. One of them being Yosemite Falls, a location more likely to be open at that time of year. But remarkably, when their elopement day dawned, all the roads were open, and we were able to go with their first choice! And as luck would have it, the falls were overflowing because of all the recent storms, too!

A Dream Yosemite Elopement Day

As the morning sun smiled down on the morning of their wedding, I arrived at their cabin in Yosemite West. Where Jeff and Christine were staying with their parents. Everyone was in great spirits and so excited for the day. Jeff and Christine were both relaxed and enjoying their time. We photographed their getting ready and first look photos, before heading off to Tunnel View for a few quick photos on our way to the breathtaking Glacier Point.

Jeff and Christine told me early on in the planning process that they didn’t want to do a ceremony where everyone was looking at them. They were looking for something a little more private. So, when we saw the crowds around the amphitheater, we decided to do a bit of hiking. We eventually got to the perfect spot—a tiny overlook with a stunning view for their wedding backdrop! They were able to get the privacy that they wanted as well as the view of Half Dome as their backdrop. As soon as they saw it, they knew it was the perfect ceremony site. There wasn’t a single soul in sight!

Their ceremony was beautifully written by Cindie Wildling, an amazing officiant! It was sweet and brought so many tears to Christine and Jeff. I especially loved capturing Jeff wiping the tears from Christine’

We ended our night together with a hike around Sentinel Loop, which offers great views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Sentinel Rock. And what would a Yosemite elopement be without a jaw-dropping sunset? We found the perfect spot to watch the sun dip below the mountains and enjoyed every last bit of the alpine glow before night fell. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Reflecting on A Yosemite Elopement To Remember

As I look back on their day, I love that Jeff and Christine’s elopement really captured everything that was most important to them. They found a way to include their families while also having a private, intimate ceremony in nature. I think a common misconception about elopements is that they’re spur of the moment. Their wedding day was deeply intentional and never felt rushed in the slightest.

I had such a blast getting to know Christine and Jeff throughout this process, helping them find the perfect location, and bringing their elopement day vision to life. Guiding couples through this potentially very stressful experience and bringing them a sense of peace throughout is honestly the best part of what I do. Jeff and Christine’s elopement just embodied everything I love most about my work! I couldn’t have asked for a better way to wrap up the year.

Looking for a Yosemite Elopement Photographer and someone who would guide you through the planning process? Contact me here!