Yosemite Elopement photography Packages
Your Yosemite Elopement Photographer
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? There's just nothing quite like a Yosemite wedding. This grand, glacier carved valley nestled in the heart of the Sierra has enthralled mankind for thousands of years with its majestic granite domes, quiet meadows, towering sequoias, and thundering waterfalls. These natural monuments create an unforgettable venue for your ceremony and provide a backdrop with which we can create something you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Whether you’re planning a small intimate wedding with your closest family in the valley, or hiking out into the backcountry to elope with just the two of you, the park’s magical landscape will ensure this next great chapter of your love story will be nothing short of incredible.
Even after traveling all around the country as an elopement photographer, I still can never get enough of this place and always look forward to my next visit. So needless to say I’m always excited to have the opportunity to get back there and explore the sights with another couple and have a blast creating awesome photos.
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. But don’t worry I’m here to help. You will need a park permit and to fill it out you’ll have to decide where to have your ceremony, what season to go, and when the best time of day is to fill the permit. Then the rest is vacation planning! 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 five years and over a hundred Yosemite weddings & elopements photographed, and put together what I’ve learned to help couples have the best experience possible. If you have a question and don’t find the answer below, let me know I’m more than happy to help!
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2024 & 2025 Yosemite Elopement Photography Packages
An incredible adventure through Yosemite
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 to 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, fun, as possible. For all the above, and more I’ve got you covered.
Planning guides, Yosemite resources and years of experience in the park
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 14 years of experience and hundreds of elopements under my belt, if you have a question I have an answer for ya. And if not, I am more than happy to research it, I love learning new things! We can do as many phone and video consultations as you want. Want to leave the stress behind? Let me assist in planning the big day from locations, to itineraries, to what gear to bring, and other Yosemite vendor recommendations I can help! Location scouting, park permit research, plan B’s always included!
Incredible Photographs in the majestic valley
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.
Never any travel fees, upcharges, ever
The wedding photography package prices listed below are the grand totals. There are never any additional travel expenses or hidden costs. So you won’t have to worry about price changes in airfare or accommodations.
Complete 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? Maybe you want to, or due to let's say wildfires, have to change locations? Date? No problem. So long as it doesn’t conflict with one of my another booking changing things up is not a problem.
Your Private Gallery + USB drive + Print release
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 USB drive.
Alright, so what elopement photography package do you need?
When it comes to elopement photography coverage, it's easy to assume that shorter packages are the way to go. After all, spending six hours in front of the camera might sound like a lot. 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. There's a lot more to an elopement than just time in front of the camera.
That's why I always recommend considering a package with a little more coverage. Three hours might sound like enough time, but it could end up feeling rushed and limited. Six hours gives us more time to explore and capture a wider variety of images. And if you really want to make the most of your elopement and have plenty of time to truly immerse yourself in the experience, all-day coverage might be the way to go.
It's always better to pad the schedule a little to allow for unexpected delays or moments of spontaneity. This way you can have a stress-free and enjoyable wedding day while still capturing all the special moments.
Example Elopement Itineraries for my photography packages
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one hour for the ceremony and family/friends photos
Two hours for either one location with a bit of hiking or two nearby locations without hiking.
While there may be opportunities for a few brief stops along the way, the focus will remain on the primary locations to make the most of our time.
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one hour for the ceremony and family/friends photos, and
three hours split between the main locations with a bit of hiking.
Two hours of drive time are required to get between locations, or you could opt for one longer hike to an amazing destination.
Keep in mind that drive and hike times may vary depending on your chosen elopement location, but this should give you an idea of how you can customize the package.
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You can opt for a 1-hour first look, followed by 1 hour for ceremony and family/friends photos.
Then, spend 3 hours close to sunrise, splitting your time between locations and hiking.
Take a lunch break and travel mid-day, and spend 3 hours in the afternoon splitting your time between locations and hiking close to sunset.
Alternatively, you could choose to hike into the backcountry or take several longer hikes. The longest wedding hike I've done so far was 15 miles!
Another option is to drive from one park to another and enjoy a sunrise in Death Valley and a sunset in Yosemite. With this elopement package, the possibilities are endless!
HAVE A QUESTION? READY TO BOOK? SEND ME A MESSAGE AND I'LL GET BACK TO YOU RIGHT AWAY.
A little about your Yosemite elopement Photographer
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I'm Norm Roberts the Fifth, an elopement photographer and nature lover who has been perfecting the medium of light for the last fifteen years. 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.
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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.
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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.
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.
When 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.
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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.
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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 national park. 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.
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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.
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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.
Where should you have your Ceremony?
Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular elopement destinations in the United States. From scenic vistas to quiet forest groves this park has no shortage of majestic backdrops to act as the setting of your Yosemite elopement adventure.
But where to have your wedding ceremony? 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.
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
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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.
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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.
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Yes. If eloping to Yosemite an elopement photographer is 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.
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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.
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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.