Yosemite Elopement Planning Guide
Yosemite National Park is one of the top five most visited parks in the nation. Don’t let the crowds photobomb your Yosemite elopements! Throughout my many visits to Yosemite, I’ve nailed down exactly what month, day of the week, and time to have an intimate and adventurous Yosemite elopement.
ps. it’s my favorite national park!!
Table of Contents:
Month of the Year
Yosemite National Park drastically changes with each season. In the winter, the park is unlike any other setting when the trees and granite rock are snow-dusted. However, many hiking trails close due to the snow. The snow is around until March. If you’re willing to brave some snow, Yosemite experiences Firefall. In mid-February, the sun hits Yosemite Valley at the perfect angle to illuminate Horsetail Fall. The official peak of Firefall is February 17 to 19th. From late May to early June, Yosemite waterfalls roar because of the freshly melted snow. In September, the summer crowds start to fade and the heat cools off, making the hiking trails much more enjoyable. May and September are easily the best months to visit Yosemite.
Weekday vs Weekend
Visiting Yosemite during the week is MUCH less crowded than the weekend. If you’re planning on booking your Yosemite elopement during the summer, make sure to leave at least a six-month buffer; many of the campsites and hotels are quickly reserved.
AM or PM
The coveted golden hours are essential to your Yosemite elopement photography. Just like being crowded on the weekends, sunsets are a high-traffic time for tourists. Waking up early and catching the sunrise is the best way to avoid crowds and have an intimate Yosemite photography session. Yosemite National Park recommends holding your ceremony before 10 am.
Best time to elope in Yosemite
Overall, the best time to elope in Yosemite is on a weekday during either May or September because it offers the best scenery and the least amount of crowds. Don’t compromise your elopement photography and get amazing photos captured during both sunrise and sunset.
Capture Yosemite and more importantly YOU at your best; pick the right photographer.
For your Yosemite elopement photography, I bring the hype (and coffee + champagne!!) to your experience— and yes, you’ll need some excitement for that 3 AM sunrise shot. I offer my adventurous elopers a special Yosemite elopement package, with both sunrise and sunset so we don’t miss out on any of that golden light heavenliness. I’ll tell your Yosemite love story from start to finish, from getting ready to epic backdrops and loved-filled moments. I want your images to remind you of the best day ever!! So you will remember how you felt with the wind in your hair to the flips in your stomach as you and your partner stand along the edge of Taft Point. My approach reflects what is unique and special about you two!
For that secret Yosemite elopement Pinterest board I know you have ;)
