An intimate elopement at Yosemite National Park in the Fall | First look at Tunnel View and Sunset portraits at Taft Point | Yosemite Adventure Elopement Photographer

Meet Rachel and Josh. These two had the dreamiest elopement day, intimate yet adventurous, in the beautiful Yosemite National Park this fall. We met in the morning for their first look overlooking Tunnel View and ended at sunset with epic bridal portraits at Taft Point, with a whole lot of beautiful moments in between. 

Rachel and Josh live in Southern California, and decided to promise their vows to each other in Yosemite, with only their closest family members there to join. We met just shortly after sunrise for their first look overlooking Tunnel View, and headed into the valley to take some portraits and breathe in the cool, crisp, fall mountain air. After some time exploring, we headed to their ceremony! 

Their ceremony was at Lower Yosemite Falls trailhead. Rachel’s father walked her down the trail to meet Josh and the began their ceremony. They chose to write their own vows, and as they recited them, there wasn’t a dry eye in the space. 

After their ceremony, we headed to a little picnic spot along the Merced River where we took some family portraits as Josh’s mom took charge in setting up the breakfast picnic area. There was SO much attention to detail in this day and it turned out beautifully. They cut cake, had coffee, and picnicked in the most beautiful forested area with their family. That bouquet? Josh’s mom whipped it up the morning of the elopement - no floral design background at all. WHAT THE HECK RIGHT!? 

We wrapped up the morning with a first dance between Rachel and Josh, and then dances with Rachel and her dad, and Josh with his mom.

I hope these photos convey the emotion and feeling in this day, because I cannot tell you enough how special everything felt. I think when things are kept intimate and intentional, you’re more present in what’s happening because there isn’t hustle, bustle and crowds distracting you from those feelings. Everything about Rachel and Josh’s day was felt times 10, and it was such an honor to be a part of it. 

We separated for the day, and met back a little before sunset to hike into Taft Point. We spent the sunset soaking in the last bits of light and and marveling at how incredible Yosemite is from above. We stayed as the sun went down, and until the stars came out so I could try a little starry night portrait work. This was a first try, and there’s still lots of things to work on, but we got a decent shot of them below the stars! 

Yosemite still knocks my socks off every dang time I’m there. If you’re looking for a place to have an adventurous elopement or an intimate wedding, you can’t go wrong with Yosemite. The sunsets, the granite, the views and valley will envelop you with a sense of wonder and gratitude for what surrounds you, and its nothing short of magical.

Enjoy these images x

Planning an intimate elopement in Yosemite National Park? Intereted in an adventure session at Taft Point or in Yosemite Valley? Get in touch below and let’s start planning your best adventure yet! 

Yosemite National Park Fall Elopement with a First Look at Tunnel View and Sunset Portraits at Taft Point | Adventure Elopement and Wedding Photographer