When it comes to spring in Yosemite, this park is nothing short of incredible. The waterfalls are roaring, the meadows are glowing green, and everything feels alive in a way that only happens this time of year. For Lauren & Kaleb, who flew in from Houston with their families, Yosemite was the perfect place to combine their love for National Parks, hiking, and exploring together with one of the most important days of their lives.

From private vows under Yosemite Falls to sunset portraits in El Cap Meadow, their spring elopement day in Yosemite was filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

What to Expect in Spring in Yosemite

Spring in Yosemite is stunning, but it can also be unpredictable. In early May, Glacier Point Road and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias are often still closed due to snow. Lauren & Kaleb had hoped to see the Sequoias, but Mariposa Grove wasn’t accessible yet, so we ended up staying at the Valley Floor. There are so many places to visit, so they still had a beautiful day!

Here’s what to know if you’re planning a spring elopement in Yosemite:

• Waterfalls are at their peak with the snowmelt this time of year.
  
  
• Crowds are lighter than during summertime, so you can find quiet moments in iconic spots more easily. As the season goes on, parking becomes more challenging, and you are sharing the locations with other people.
  
  
• The weather is unpredictable, so you should definitely bring layers!
  
  
• Roads being still closed are common, so be prepared to pivot and stay flexible with your plans and locations.

Lauren & Kaleb’s Spring Yosemite Elopement Story

Lauren & Kaleb LOVE to travel, camp, and explore National Parks. They had never been to Yosemite before, so planning their elopement here felt like the perfect way to start their adventures together! They flew into San Francisco and walked 50 miles exploring the city together, a couple of days before their elopement, so you know just how much they love seeing the world side by side. 

They also brought their families along, staying together in a cozy Airbnb in Mariposa. That allowed them time for private moments and plenty of room for their parents to join in on the adventure! They also enjoyed a split-day timeline. This allowed them to soak in a first look at sunrise and the morning light under the falls.

First Look at Tunnel View

We started the morning with a first look at one of Yosemite’s most iconic overlooks—Tunnel View. It has sweeping views of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome! 

Private Vows in the Meadow Below Yosemite Falls

Before the official ceremony, they wanted to exchange private vows. We found a peaceful meadow right below Yosemite Falls, where the water was thundering down with spring force. Just the two of them, handwritten vows, and the sound of rushing water.

Ceremony at Superintendent Bridge

Lauren & Kaleb’s parents joined them as we gathered at the Superintendent Bridge for their ceremony. I had the honor of officiating and creating a personalized ceremony for them, which made it even more meaningful.

Midday Break & Family Lunch in Mariposa

After the ceremony, everyone took a break to regroup and refuel. Back at their Airbnb in Mariposa, the family shared lunch together before heading back into the park. It was the perfect pause to catch their breath and enjoy some quiet family time before round two of adventures.

Afternoon Adventures Around Yosemite Valley

The second half of the day was all about exploring more of Yosemite Valley! Together with their families, we wandered to Bridalveil Falls, Sentinel Beach, and the El Capitan Meadow. What made it extra special was having their parents along. And they did such a great job hiking, laughing, and celebrating every step of the way together!

Sunset in El Capitan Meadow

As the sun dipped low, we ended at El Capitan Meadow. The light turned golden, the granite cliffs glowed, and the valley felt almost empty. It was one of those wonderful spring nights where Yosemite felt like it was just ours. I captured detail photos, portraits, and quiet moments of the couple soaking in the end of their elopement day. It truly was the perfect finish of the day!

Tips for Eloping in Yosemite

• It is important to choose the right season for you. Each season has its own vibe and challenges. Spring in Yosemite is great if you want those roaring waterfalls and fewer crowds, but I’d say my personal favorite time so far has been the end of June/July and September/October.
  
  
• Be flexible with your locations, as road closures are common in the spring (and winter too, of course)! Having a plan B is always important!
  
  
• Arrive early, since parking gets tricky as the season moves into summer.
  
  
• Book your permits early! Especially between June and September, which is the high season for people.
  

If you’d like more planning tips and ideas on how to plan your day, check out my ultimate Yosemite elopement guide here!

Kind Words from the Couple

“Christina did an absolutely incredible job capturing our wedding day! It was just us and our parents in Yosemite Natl. Park, she met with us the day before to scope out locations, she kept our parents engaged throughout, she was very communicative, and guided us through taking photos all day. More than that, she helped us plan the wedding for months leading up to the big day! The photos she took are so stunning, and we were so excited to share all the pictures we got! She truly captured our dream day, and we are so thankful! We cannot express how grateful we are for all she did to make our wedding special!”– Lauren

“Christina did an incredible job capturing the moments that made up our big day in Yosemite. She is very personable and professional. She even helped us plan everything out and was there the day before our wedding to help scope out spots. If you are considering selecting her for your photography needs, just do it! I promise you will not regret it.”– Kaleb

Let’s Plan Your Spring Yosemite Elopement!

Hi! I’m Christina! Documenting love in the great outdoors and helping my couples create an unforgettable, meaningful experience is my everything! That is what this is all about! I’m here to celebrate you and get to know what is most important to you so we can make it happen! Eloping in Yosemite is truly an amazing way to celebrate the future you are building together.

My Yosemite elopement packages offer a half, full or multi-day experience. I’m here to help you design the celebration of your dreams! If you can dream it, we can make it happen. To learn more, head over to my pricing page or if you are ready for next steps, fill out my contact form and we can get together on a call! I can’t wait to make your day so special!

Every elopement package includes:

• Custom location scouting and on-the-ground research
• Timeline options that create breathing room and magic
• Permitting help, vendor recs, and meaningful add-on options
• Joyful guidance from the start, along with swoon-worthy photos in your own online gallery (plus sneak peeks in 72 hours)