YOSEMITE elopement packages

1. How much does it cost to elope in Yosemite?

My Yosemite elopement photography packages start at $6,000 and range up to $9,500, including personalized planning, location guidance, timeline creation, and photography.

Other expenses may include your park ceremony permit, officiant, florals, hair and makeup, lodging, food, and activities. It all depends on how you want to celebrate!

2. Do we need a permit to elope in Yosemite National Park?

Yes! If you're holding your ceremony inside Yosemite National Park, you'll need a special-use permit, even if it's just the two of you.

The permit costs $150. Yosemite has designated ceremony locations with different guest limits and requirements. Smaller groups may also request alternative locations, subject to park approval.

I'll help guide you through the permit process, so you don't have to figure everything out alone. The National Park Service handles the actual permit approval.

3. Can we bring guests or our kids?

Absolutely! Whether you're planning a just-us-two adventure or including your kids, family, and closest friends, we can create an experience that includes the people who matter most.

Yosemite has different guest limits depending on the ceremony location. I'll help you choose a suitable spot and plan around parking, accessibility, and everyone's comfort.

4. Do we have to hike in our wedding clothes?

Not at all! Yosemite has beautiful locations that don't require a strenuous hike. You can have an amazing mountain elopement without being an experienced hiker.

If you're up for an adventure, we can explore scenic trails that match your comfort level. And if you'd rather keep things relaxed and easy, I'm totally down for that too!

5. What if we're awkward in front of the camera?

You're my kind of people! As an introvert myself, I understand how uncomfortable being photographed can feel.

No stiff posing or pressure to perform. I'll give you gentle direction when needed and plenty of space to enjoy genuine moments together. You don't need to know how to pose, that's my job!

6. What if we have bad weather?

Yosemite weather can be unpredictable, especially with mountain storms, snow, and seasonal road closures.

I'll monitor the forecast and help us plan around the conditions. We'll have backup options where possible, whether that means adjusting our timeline or considering another approved location. If conditions become unsafe, we'll discuss rescheduling options based on availability and permit requirements.

7. Can we get sunrise, sunset, and nighttime photos?

Yes, depending on your coverage and park conditions! That's one of my favorite things about photographing Yosemite elopements.

With a thoughtfully planned timeline, we can potentially capture sunrise, golden hour, sunset, blue hour, and even night photos beneath the stars.

For longer experiences, we can also plan a midday break and return for evening photography. Yosemite prohibits nighttime photography with artificial lighting, so we'll plan around park rules, your coverage, the season, and weather conditions.

8. What's the best time of year to elope in Yosemite?

Late spring through fall are usually my top recommendations, depending on the locations you want to explore.

Spring brings beautiful waterfalls, summer offers greater access to mountain locations, and fall has gorgeous colors. Winter can also be magical, especially if you love snow, but some roads and locations may be closed.

I'll help you choose a season and time of day that work best for your vision, comfort level, and photography priorities.

9. When will we receive our photos?

You'll receive 24 sneak peek photos within 24 hours of your elopement day, so you can start reliving the experience almost immediately!

Your full edited gallery will be delivered within 4 weeks, with a minimum of 50 edited photos per hour of coverage.

You'll also receive your included same-day behind-the-scenes content, so you'll have a few special memories to take home right away.