Yosemite National Park Elopement Inspired Anniversary Photos

Hi hello I am here to remind you that you can get photos done whenever you dang-well feel like it. Okay? Okay.

Ian and Catherine had a classic pandemic wedding that required them to hold off on taking a honeymoon. But – better late than never, right? So fast forward about a year, and they were finally able to take that long-awaited honeymoon in the form of a road trip across the United States! Were they also visiting Las Vegas for a family member’s wedding? Maybe. But did the timing work out perfectly? Absolutely.

So we jetted off to Yosemite for their short and sweet anniversary session! They had done the big wedding, so they envisioned these photos looking more like an elopement. What’s better than an elopement in Yosemite??

Here are some quick facts to know about Yosemite, whether you’re planning your elopement there, or just a vacation!

• Yosemite has been a protected area since the mid 1800s, and it spans about 1200 square miles total. It butts up next to Ansel Adams Wilderness, which is a DREAM photo location of mine (hint hint).

• Between May and September, you absolutely need a reservation to even enter the park. That’s busy season, baby!

• There are a handful of hotels inside the park, but staying outside of the park and driving in gives you some of the best views out there. I absolutely recommend it (but bring snacks)!

This particular area of Yosemite was called Yosemite Valley View. I really love this section of the park because it has everything, all without any strenuous hiking! The meadow of lush greenery and tall trees is on one side of the road (with a bathroom right there for ya), and the river bordering the valley with a waterfall in the background is on the other side! You really can have it all in Yosemite National Park!

Ready to book your Yosemite adventure elopement session? Don’t forget your favorite photographer!