Yosemite National Park, CA, Relaxed Adventure Elopement, Dan and Jessica

Adventure Wedding and Elopement Photographer 

I visited Yosemite National Park for the first time to capture Dan and Jessica’s laid-back elopement. Dan and Jessica flew from the east coast to celebrate this new chapter in their lives together. They created an intimate wedding experience to exchange their vows during a vibrant sunrise at Half Dome. Their relationship faced many challenges when dating and their unconventional love story made a destination elopement the perfect fit for their unique love story. 

Dan and Jessica requested that I stay at a distance while they exchanged wedding vows in the secluded ceremony location I found. I loved the setting for this special moment. It allowed them to be fully present with each other. So much so, that they forgot I was there, which is always my goal. I absolutely loved walking them through the elopement planning process to create a wedding ceremony and day true to them!

Even though they eloped in August, a traditionally busy time in Yosemite National Park, the sunrise was peaceful and the crowds were minimal. I’ve learned that a wedding dress has the power to keep people at bay out of reverence for the couple. People respect a couple getting married, especially while wedding photography is being done. 

After my five-day trip to Yosemite National Park, I know the park very well and gained tips and tricks for couples that want to elope or have a small wedding there. These tips include wedding ceremony locations and the best times of the year to visit Yosemite! Crowds, tourists and lines of cars to enter the park are a very real thing! I don’t want any of my couples to spend their destination elopement stuck in the crowd.

Below are some words from Jessica about their elopement package experience with Map + Compass Photography: 

“With a non-traditional love story, my husband Dan and I knew we wanted to do something different for our wedding. We saw photos of adventure elopements online and never in our wildest dreams did we think we could be that picturesque couple amidst mountaintops, cliffs, and valleys - but Nicole made that vision a reality with an adventure of a lifetime that we will truly never forget. From the moment we first connected with Nicole, she made us feel so at ease and made the process so easy by guiding us every step of the way. We communicated regularly where she got to know us and helped us craft a timeline of events for the day-of that would tell our story, that would represent us. She guided us through decisions, provided thoughtful input and made sure that the day-of was all about us and celebrating this big milestone in our relationship. Her ability to pinpoint breathtaking locations that portrayed exactly what I envisioned, and the way she allowed us to have fun and laugh throughout the shoot resulted in photos that showcase us exactly the way we want to remember for years to come. Nicole became more than a photographer, but a friend and confidant - and it was an absolute pleasure to be able to work with her!” 

Planning your Elopement

Did you love this elopement at Yosemite National Park? Are you thinking about eloping but have no idea of where to start with planning or what your day could look like? Check out my Elopement and Intimate Wedding Planning Timeline and Checklist and this intimate desert elopement for inspiration! 

I am the owner of Map + Compass Photography. As an adventure wedding photographer and guide, it’s my passion to create customized weddings unique to each couple’s story and desires for their wedding day. Contact me to begin planning your dream wedding.