2026 & 2027 Yosemite photography Packages & WEDDING GUIDE
Photographing weddings in the Yosemite Valley since 2018
While I started photographing weddings back in 2009 it wasn’t until my first wedding in Yosemite that I found my lifelong passion. In 2018, I pivoted my business away from the big LA weddings and focused on adventure elopements and micro weddings in the parks. Hundreds of couples later, I know now that was the right call. I grew up visiting my family’s cabin just outside the park every chance I got. But it wasn’t until I discovered my love of photography, hiking, and backpacking that I truly began to appreciate just how incredible a place it truly is.
Why should you pick Yosemite?
Your love story has always been a grand adventure, so what could be a more fitting destination to tie the knot than the majestic wilderness of California’s Yosemite National Park? This grand, glacier-carved valley nestled in the heart of the Sierra has enthralled humanity for thousands of years with its majestic granite domes, quiet meadows, towering sequoias, and thundering waterfalls. With ceremony sites ranging from mountain tops to quiet riverbanks, whatever you envision, we can find the perfect setting. And with years of experience, I know all the best places.
But what do you need to elope in Yosemite?
Eloping in Yosemite does involve a bit of planning to ensure you have the most incredible experience possible. To make the process as easy and stress-free as possible, my guides are here to help. I’ve taken what I learned from the past sixteen years and hundreds of Yosemite weddings & elopements photographed, and put together what I’ve learned to help couples have the best experience possible. You will need a park permit, and to fill it out, you’ll have to decide where to hold your ceremony, which season to visit, and when the best time of day is. Then the rest is vacation planning! If you have a question and don’t find the answer below, let me know. I’m more than happy to help!
You can just click the links below to jump to the section you need.
My Art
Your ADventure
Client Testimonials
My husband and I were both nervous for day of because we’ve never really done pictures before but Norman made it so fun and easy. It all felt like a breeze
- Beth
Norman was knowledgeable as to where to go for great photos, kind and helpful throughout the day, and got us great shots! We would absolutely use him again. No reservations in recommending!
- Margaux
His knowledge of the area led us to the best spots for pictures across several locations, and he made two not very photogenically inclined people feel very much at ease spending hours in front of his lens!
- Laura
Yosemite wedding Photography Packages Options
An incredible adventure through Yosemite begins with the right photography package
Yosemite elopements are an incredible experience unique to every couple. So a “one size fits all” doesn’t work for your photo packages. Beyond that, your Yosemite elopement photographer has to be flexible enough to meet your big day’s unique needs and ensure your dream becomes a reality. They also should provide the help and guidance you need to have the best day of your life. Last but not least, the planning experience should be as stress-free —and dare I say, as fun —as possible. For all the above, and more, I’ve got you covered..
Ultimate Flexibility
Want to split your photo coverage between sunrise and sunset? How about a sunset at Taft Point one day and a sunrise at Olmsted the next? Perhaps you want to, or due to, say, wildfires, have to change locations? Date? No problem. So long as it doesn’t conflict with one of my other bookings, changing things up is not a problem. My goal is to ensure you have the best experience and get the best photos, whatever it takes.
-
To start, my wedding planning portal keeps all of our messages, uploads, proposals, and planning information in one place. So getting booked is as easy as it can be. With more than sixteen years of experience and hundreds of elopements under my belt, if you have a question, I have an answer for ya. We can conduct as many phone and video consultations as you would like. Want to leave the stress behind? Let me help plan the big day, from locations to itineraries to what gear to bring, and other Yosemite vendor recommendations. Location scouting, park permit research, plan B’s always included!
-
Every couple you see on this site is a real elopement. No staged model shoots here. Most of these awesome elopers went into their adventure worried it would be super awkward in front of my camera. As you can see that didn’t happen. I take pride in my ability to make your session not only un-awkward, but showcase the deep love you feel for one other and create jaw dropping images that show off the beauty of this place. Afterward its all done, I carefully comb through every photo taken, removing any duplicates, and ensuring every incredible moment is saved. Then each photo gets fully and carefully edited till it is worthy of an art gallery.
-
The package prices listed below represent the total costs. There are never any additional travel expenses or hidden costs. So you won’t have to worry about price changes in airfare or accommodations. Split coverage, change the venue, or switch dates - you can have peace of mind knowing you won’t get nickel-and-dimed.
-
I never limit the number of photos I deliver, and each and every one is carefully edited to perfection, then uploaded to your private online elopement gallery. And not just for a limited time only, but forever. With no download limits, you can download your images right away, and then again in twenty years. There, you can also order a variety of prints from my favorite professional print lab. Already have a favorite printer? No problem. With a print release, get your prints at your preferred photo lab and share your images to your heart's content. And lastly, all your photos are delivered via a USB drive.
| Package | Price | Coverage | Avg Photos |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Hour | $3,500 | 1.5 Hours | 100 |
| Wayfarer | $4,000 | 3 Hours | 250 |
| Wanderlust | $5,500 | 6 Hours | 300 |
| Grand Adventure | $6,500 | All Day | 600 |
| Expedition | $7,500 | Two Day | 800 |
Popular Options
Ceremony and photos At one of these great locations
Popular Options
Olmsted point and Tenaya lake is the most popular option for this package. Taft point comes in right at second!
Popular Options
This is my most popular package! I also offer the option to split the coverage between a sunrise and sunset session to get you the best light for your photos. and as always at no additional cost.
Popular Options
With this we can cover most of the park. I also offer the option to split coverage over two days. Giving you up to twelve hours to divide up. Great if you have a reception one day but still want those sunset photos.
Popular Options
Best used for adventures involving big hikes or hitting every location in the park.
Alright, but what elopement photography package do you need?
When it comes to photography coverage you might be thinking that spending six hours in front of the camera might be too much. However, when it comes to adventure elopements and destination weddings, time really does fly. Not only will we be taking photos, but we'll also be traveling from one location to the next and hiking out to our destinations. So consider what kind of experience you want to have, what activities you might want to do and how many locations you’ll want to visit. Then you can pick the photography package that works for you.
Example Elopement Itineraries for my photography packages
-
One hour for the ceremony and family/friends photos at Glacier point
Two hours for hiking out to Taft point and doing photos there.
-
One hour for the ceremony and family/friends photos at Cathedral beach
Two hours hitting Cooks meadow, El capitan meadow and bridalveil falls.
One hour Drive to North Rim
Two hours at Tenaya beach and Olmsted Point
-
One hour Sunrise ceremony at Glacier point
Two hours for hiking out to Taft point and photos
One hour drive to Valley
Two hours for Cooks meadow, El Capitan Meadow and Bridalveil Falls
Lunch Reception
One hour Drive to North Rim
Two hours Tenaya beach and Sunset at Olmsted
Dinner
Star Photos
HAVE A QUESTION? READY TO BOOK? SEND ME A MESSAGE AND I'LL GET BACK TO YOU RIGHT AWAY.
About My Experience
-
I'm Norm Roberts the Fifth, an elopement photographer and nature lover who has been perfecting the medium of light since 2009. I’m an avid dog Lover, burrito coinsure, bikepacker and hiker. While I love photography I also thoroughly enjoy guiding couples through the national parks. There’s nothing like introducing people to nature’s wonders.
-
While I love all the National Parks, Yosemite is very near and dear to my heart. It is one of my favorite places on Earth. In addition to the twenty or so weddings I photograph a year in the park, I grew up spending every Easter right outside the park with my family near the quaint little town of Mariposa. Being so close, expeditions into the park were a regular occurrence. I still frequently head up to the little cabin my great grandfather bought so long ago. In fact, those wondrous granite peaks inspired my love for nature and instilled in me a great appreciation for the wild places of this world.
Having had all that time to explore, I know where we can find the best spots; from grand mountain vistas to tiny riverside hideaways, I can lead you to the perfect location for your ceremony or romantic portraits.
-
Even if you’re a frequent visitor to Yosemite, when doing an elopement there are additional things to consider. And if you’ve never been, you’ll want the inside scoop on the best spots for photos and when to do them. Maybe most importantly, your wedding adventure should be fun! As your elopement photographer, it is my sworn duty to make the whole experience as fun and stress free as possible.
You'll find me happily driving winding mountain roads, wading through the Merced River, trekking up Half Dome, or climbing granite boulders to find the shots we envisioned. Are we doing a quick sunrise ceremony with friends and family or an all day excursion into the backcountry? No matter your vision for the day, my knowledge and experience in the park will make sure you have the best experience possible. I offer a range of elopement photography packages to fit any adventure in Yosemite.
Check out my latest Yosemite elopements on the blog
Yosemite Elopement Planning Guide and Resources
What do you need to elope in Yosemite?
A Special Use Permit is required by Yosemite national park for all wedding ceremonies taking place inside the park regardless of the size. It costs about $150 and is a relatively straight forward process. Permits cover a two hour time slot for the ceremony, and only one is given for each location during that period. It is first come first served for the permits and you can apply up to a year in advance.
Marriage licenses are most conveniently acquired from the Mariposa county clerk’s office located outside the El Portal park entrance in the town of Mariposa. They run around $65 and can be obtained the same day of your wedding, but it’s best to get them early. Both spouses must be present with valid IDs to pick up the license.
A Wedding Officiant is the last thing you’ll need for your elopement. They’ll be the ones to officiate your ceremony. You can hire a talented professional to handle things, or you can have a friend or family member get ordained online in just a few minutes.
What season should you Elope?
Spring
Spring is one of my favorite times to visit the valley. With the snowpack melting, Yosemite’s waterfalls are in full flow and a spectacular sight to behold. It is a great time to see the waterfalls without much in the way of crowds. Most of of the high-country will be closed until May or June so if you wanted to visit Glacier Point April, isn’t the time to go.
-
In springtime, the average temperatures in the high-country range from H42°F/L15°F in March to H65°F/L33°F in June. In the valley, temperatures range from H57°F/L34°F in March to H81°F/L51°F In June.
The average rainfall in the high-country ranges from 4.2in in March to 0.6in in June. Down in the valley, rainfall ranges from 5.5in in March to 0.5 in June.
Snowpack usually keeps the South rim of Yosemite closed until mid to late May. While the North rim and the Tioga Pass usually is cleared by early June.
Summer
Summertime is peak season in Yosemite National Park. You can expect big crowds and fully booked accommodations. The valley can get pretty hot in the summer months and hiking in your wedding attire won’t be the most fun. However here are ways to work around the summer crowds. Plan your elopement on a weekday, and keep to the early morning and late afternoon. You can also avoid the busier valley and head into the high-country since it will be fully open.
-
In the summer, the average temperatures rise to a high country range from H72°F/L39°F in July to H65°F/L33°F in September. In the valley, temperatures range from H89°F/L57°F in July to H83°F/L51°F In June.
The average rainfall in the high-country ranges from 4.2in in March to 0.6in in June. Down in the valley rainfall ranges from 5.5in in March to 0.5 in June.
The biggest concern in the summer months is the risk of wildfires. Rarely do they close the park, but air quality is greatly affected and visibility can be next to nothing.
Fall
Autumn is my favorite time for elopements in the valley. The summer crowds are finally gone and the valley has quieted down. With cooling temperatures come the fall colors painting the valley with an array of reds, yellows and oranges. The waterfalls are mostly dried up by this point, but there will be a trickle of water coming from Bridalveil and Nevada Falls. Mid-late October is the ideal time for autumn colors, and my busiest month for weddings in the park.
-
In fall, the average temperature in the Yosemite high country ranges from H57°F/L26°F in October to H40°F/L12°F in December. In the valley, temperatures range from H71°F/L41°F in October to H46°F/L28°F in December.
The average rainfall in the high-country ranges from 1.8in in October to 5.6in in December. Down in the valley rainfall ranges from 1.6in in October to 4.6in in December.
The park stays entirely open until mid-November most years, but storms can shut the high-country for days or weeks at a time earlier in the season.
Winter
With the first snows of winter the high-country of Yosemite is blanketed in white and quickly closes. Despite this, winter can be a magical time to visit the park. The valley remains open year-round and in the winter, the surrounding snow capped peaks make for an incredible elopement destination. The park is practically empty during this time but some places do close for the winter months.
-
In winter the average temperatures in the high-country range from H41°F/L13°F in January to H42°F/L15°F in March. In the valley temperatures range from H48°F/L29°F in January to H57°F/L34°F in March.
The average rainfall in the high-country ranges from 6.2in in January to 4.2in in March. Down in the valley rainfall ranges from 7in in January to 5.5in in March.
Keep in mind the valley doesn’t always have snow in winter. If you’re hoping for a snowy elopement, you’ll need to have it shortly after a storm so flexibility will be key.
The National Park service has created a list of designated ceremony locations for wedding parties of twelve or more. If your wedding will have less guests than that, or you’ll be eloping with just the two of you, you can have your ceremony more or less anywhere in the park with few restrictions.
For a complete guide on Yosemite’s ceremony location check out my guide below.
Where should you have your Ceremony?
Check it out >
Where are the best places to stay?
When eloping to Yosemite you’ll want to pick accommodations that are conveniently located near your chosen elopement destination. Especially if you are doing a sunrise session when every minute of sleep gained is precious! Luckily there are plenty of options both inside and outside the park. With options ranging from basically a tent to luxury hotel rooms you’ll find the perfect place to stay during your time in Yosemite.
In the Valley
South RIm
North RIm
My Favorite Yosemite Wedding Vendors
Donny Alexander-Officiant
Website - yosemiteadventureelopements.com
Over the last thirteen years Donny has officiated countless weddings in the Yosemite valley. Living in the valley on and off since 1996 you can definitely count on his knowledge of the park. If I haven’t been to a spot for a wedding, Donny probably has. I’ve worked with many officiants over the years but Donny stands out as one of the best. He does his utmost to make sure you’re getting the wedding ceremony you envisioned but then goes that extra step further and considers the photographers, videographers, musicians or whoever else he is working with to make sure the wedding goes off without a hitch.
Timeless Artistry - Hair & makeup
Website - timelessartistrybeauty.com
Angelia has done hair and makeup for brides all across Yosemite National Park and beyond for more than 8 years now. Her expertise is in working with your unique features to create an elegant harmonized symmetry, to enhance your beautiful face. Every bride I’ve worked with who has utilized Angelia’s services has gone out of their way to tell me how happy they were with their hair and makeup artist. She’s truly the best in the area!
Yosemite Frequently asked questions
-
Yes! Yosemite National Park is a world class elopement destination that is not only incredibly beautiful, but very accessible. Elopement planning in the park is a straightforward process and inexpensive.
-
The special event permit costs $150 for Yosemite National Park. In addition you’ll likely want to hire an elopement photographer which can range from $2,000 - $6,000. Then you’ll need to book accommodations, rental cars, and flights.
-
You can have an amazing experience with any of my packages but I typically recommend six hours for the best adventure.
-
To elope in Yosemite you’ll need; a wedding permit from the national park services, a California marriage license, and an ordained officiant. It’s also highly recommended you get a photographer as well.
-
No. but it really does help. If eloping to Yosemite an elopement photographer is often crucial to having an incredible experience. Not only can your photographer capture this incredible adventure, but they can also help guide you through the park.
-
Yosemite National Park is open year round and can be an excellent elopement destination year round. In Late fall, winter and early spring you will be mostly limited to the valley but even just there you’ll find no shortage of incredible elopement sites. In Late spring, summer, and early fall the High country of Yosemite will be open and you can access the awe inspiring vistas.
-
I have been photographing weddings in Yosemite since 2018. I’ve so far photographed hundreds of couples and loved every minute of it.
-
I try to be as flexible as possible with national park weddings so we’d have a range of options. If there weather isn’t too bad we can put our raincoats on and get some romantic photos in the storm. If it is too bad we can reschedule, change the location, or both. All at no charge.