Waking up before the sun. Watching the sky turn from deep blue to soft gold. Saying your vows as the sun sets behind Taft Point. Andrea & Josh’s mountain elopement in Yosemite was a full-on adventure. And it was stunning.

These two wanted it all: sunrise lantern photos, wildflower meadows, waterfalls, ancient sequoias, golden hour vows—and we made it happen. If you’re dreaming of a summer mountain elopement that feels both grounded and epic, Yosemite is hard to beat.

Let’s take you through their day and talk about what makes summer in the park so incredible (and how to plan around the busy season).

Why Choose a Mountain Elopement in Yosemite?

Yosemite in the summer is absolutely dreamy. The weather is steady, the roads are open, and you have access to some of the most iconic trails and lookouts in the entire park. Think: Glacier Point, Taft Point, Mariposa Grove, and lush valley meadows all in one day.

But summer also means long lines, full parking lots, and a reservation system that can trip you up if you don’t plan ahead. That’s why Andrea & Josh opted for a split-day elopement—sunrise and sunset coverage with a mid-day break to rest and reset. It gave them time to experience the park without the crowds, soak in each moment, and end the day feeling fully present with each other.

Andrea + Josh’s Elopement Timeline: Sunrise to Sunset

Andrea & Josh stayed in a private cabin at Tenaya Lodge, which made for the perfect base camp. It’s a beautiful, cozy cabin in the woods, close to the National Park.

Sunrise at Glacier Point

There’s just something about waking up before the world that makes elopements feel extra special. Andrea & Josh hiked out in the dark, lanterns in hand, and watched the stars slowly fade into dawn at Glacier Point.

One of the best parts about a summer mountain elopement in Yosemite is how clear and steady the mornings can be. The soft pink skies and golden glow made their photos feel like something out of a dream.

Exploring Yosemite Valley

After sunrise, we headed down into Yosemite Valley. With most of the summer crowds still making their way into the park, Andrea & Josh had quiet moments wandering through the meadows, chasing views of Yosemite Falls, and soaking in just how massive and wild this place really feels.

Split-day timelines work wonders here in summer. Not only do you get the best lighting, but you also avoid the heaviest lines of incoming traffic. Andrea & Josh took a midday break to reset a bit. Split days are seriously underrated when you want to fit in both sunrise and sunset without crashing halfway through.

Pro tip: if you’re planning a Yosemite mountain elopement in July, weekdays can be your best friend (these two eloped on the Monday after the 4th of July, which ended up being a surprisingly calm day in the park!).

Afternoon in the Sequoias

Later, we met up at Mariposa Grove to wander among the ancient Giant Sequoias. It’s hard to put into words what it feels like to stand next to trees that have been alive for thousands of years. Hugging the trunks, wandering the shaded trails, and sharing quiet moments here felt grounding like stepping into another world.

Sunset at Taft Point

To close out their day, Andrea & Josh hiked to Taft Point for sunset. This is one of Yosemite’s most iconic spots, and for a good reason! With wide views of Yosemite Valley below, the couple shared private vows just before the sun dipped behind the cliffs.

The light was unreal! As the sun set, we captured some of the dreamiest portraits you can imagine, and even snuck in some more lantern photos as twilight set in. Absolutely breathtaking!

Kind Words from the Couple

“Thank you again for joining us out in Yosemite. We absolutely love the photos you captured of us. Blown away by how they turned out. We had a vision, and you definitely nailed it. They’re amazing! We had so much fun with you. Thank you for spending the day with us and capturing all of these special moments.”

Planning a Summer Mountain Elopement in Yosemite: What You Need to Know

If you’re dreaming of a summer elopement in the mountains, Yosemite is a top-tier choice—but there are a few key things to keep in mind:

• Expect crowds: Summer is peak season. Early mornings and late evenings are your best friends.
  
  
• Make reservations early: Entry reservations are required during the summer months. Here’s a guide to help you plan your Yosemite elopement timeline!
  
  
• Go for a split day: You’ll avoid the mid-day rush and get the best light twice.
  
  
• Stay somewhere peaceful: Cabins like Tenaya Lodge or other spots tucked into the woods make for a calm, cozy home base.
  
  
• Summer is my favorite season for a gorgeous elopement here! July especially brings the blooms, and they were out of this world this year! And overall, you get more trails, more waterfalls, and more access. BUT it will be quite crowded, so plan for weekdays and go for an expert Yosemite elopement photographer who will help you plan around the crowds and find secret, less-traveled trails!
  
  

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

Let’s Plan Your Mountain Elopement in Yosemite!

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)