First Look in the Yosemite Valley in Fall
When Alex and Sandra first emailed me about photographing their elopement and first look in the Yosemite Valley my heart skipped a beat. I had been there the year prior to photographing a beautiful wedding in Mariposa but our time in the actual park was limited. Naturally, I was thrilled to head back. Since Yosemite is so large, seriously it can take over an hour to drive from one location to the next, and their actual wedding was on the outskirts of the park we opted to meet the day before for a portrait session. We chose to spend the majority of our time in the Valley on a perfectly crisp autumn day where we barely saw another soul.
For anyone eloping in or near Yosemite National Park, make sure you leave plenty of time to explore the whole park. Since it’s so vast you really need full day coverage to fully experience the many beautiful locations that Yosemite has to offer. The Valley might not be top of mind when you think of Yosemite but it’s really so beautiful, especially in Fall. The colors have changed, the crowds are fewer, and there are many little rivers and waterfalls to explore. You still get views of Taft Point but just from down below! Plus that’s an epic place to explore for sunset if you choose to do multiple locations. Time isn’t an issue when you elope, it’s a meaningful experience where you get to relax and explore and just take in all of the beauty that surrounds you.
Tunnel View Sunset in Yosemite Valley National Park
There are so many epic places to view sunset when you’re in Yosemite it can be difficult to choose just one location. We chose Tunnel View because it was a 20-minute drive from the Valley and we were racing the light. Because it’s a drive up spot it can be a little crowded with tourists so keep that in mind when choosing your locations for your Yosemite elopement.
I’m an adventurous elopement and intimate wedding photographer helping couples craft a meaningful experience for their wedding day in nature. I focus on capturing the vibe of your day with all of the little moments that you may not remember are happening and the epic landscape views all over California, Santa Cruz, Los Angeles, and beyond.
