Galen & Amanda's
YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT PLANNING GUIDE

WELCOME TO YOUR ONLINE PERSONALIZED PLANNING GUIDE!

In your guide, you'll find your photography timeline, packing list, vendor recommendations, and location recommendations! You'll have access to this guide throughout your elopement planning process and you can conveniently reference it anytime and anywhere as long as you have internet access! By the way, this is a live document so it will change overtime once we nail down all the details & vendors! If you have any questions or need more assistance, feel free to reach out via email! I'm here to support you and help make your elopement a stress-free experience! Happy planning!

In your guide, you'll find your photography timeline, packing list, vendor recommendations, and location recommendations! You'll have access to this guide throughout your elopement planning process and you can conveniently reference it anytime and anywhere as long as you have internet access! By the way, this is a live document so it will change overtime once we nail down all the details & vendors! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out via email! Happy planning!

xo Sheryl

Hey Galen & Amanda!

Elopement Day Photography Timeline for TUESDAY, AUG 5, 2025

ELOPEMENT DAY PHOTOGRAPHY TIMELINE FOR TUESDAY, AUG 5, 2025

UP TO 8 HOURS OF COVERAGE: 1:30pm-9:30pm

DETAIL PHOTOS & GETTING READY
1:30pm-2:20pm Getting Ready & Detail Photos
2:20pm Leave for El Capitan Meadow

FIRST LOOK
2:25pm-2:45pm Drive to El Capitan Meadow
2:45pm-3:15pm First Look & El Capitan Couples Photos

PRE-CEREMONY ADVENTURE
3:30pm-4:30pm Vernal Falls Bridge, Valley View, Sentinel Bridge, or Cook's Meadow Loop
4:30pm-4:50pm Drive to Cathedral Beach

CATHEDRAL BEACH CEREMONY
5:00pm-5:30pm Ceremony
5:30pm-6:00pm Group Photos
6:00pm-7:00pm Celebratory Picnic, Champagne Pop, and Light Bites

SUNSET PHOTOS
7:05pm-7:30pm Drive to Tunnel View
7:35pm-8:05pm Sunset Photos
8:02pm Sunset
8:00pm-9:30pm Lantern & Star Photos at Tunnel View and/or drive back down to Yosemite Valley View for Lantern/Star Photos (weather dependent & needs to be dark).

ADVENTURE SESSION (up to 2 hours) AUGUST 6, 2025
GLACIER POINT (PROS: No hiking required & better lighting since sun rises behind Half Dome)
6:06am Sunrise
6:00am-8:00am Sunrise Photos- chilling on a blanket, drinking coffee, reading letters from loved ones

OR

TAFT POINT (PROS: More adventurous)
5:15am Begin Hike (approx. 30 minute hike to Taft Point, extra buffer time)
5:45am Arrive at Taft Point
5:45am-5:55am Change into Wedding Dress
6:00am Sunrise Photos (Sunrise at 6:06am)
6:45am Hike back & take more photos along the trail (approx. 30 minute hike to trailhead)
7:15am End of Coverage

Note: This is a draft timeline that will be reviewed together and approved by you two when ready! Feel free to provide feedback via email! We will have a timeline review prior to your elopement. Also, I will manage your photography timeline to ensure we stay on schedule so you don't need to worry about keeping track of time (:

summary of recommended PHOTO LOCATIONS from timeline

permit information

***Noted that you already have your permit!***

A Special Use Permit is REQUIRED for any elopement taking place within Yosemite National Park, Here is the information needed for to apply for your permit. Please let me know which location you have decided on BEFORE applying or if you have any questions.

For a wedding permit, download the application found on https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/weddings.htm and mail the original application with non-refundable payment of $150 (check or money order) to:

Special Park Uses/Film and Weddings

Yosemite National Park, National Park Service

P.O. Box 700

El Portal, CA 95318

After favorable review of your application, a special use permit will be prepared and mailed to you for signature. Upon receipt, review, sign and return the permit for final approval. The application fee and permit processing fees are non-refundable once the permit office has received your permit application. The applicant's Social Security number (bride or groom) must be listed on the wedding application. If the Social Security number is not listed, the permit will not be processed. (If you do not have a Social Security number, please contact us.) If your ceremony plans change, notify our office immediately. After the permit is approved we will send you an authorized copy. The approved permit must be in your possession at the time of the ceremony.

Here is a list of Ceremony Locations to choose from in Yosemite: CLICK HERE!

El Capitan Meadow (First Look)
Vernal Falls Bridge
Valley View
Sentinel Bridge (Sheryl Recommended)
Cook's Meadow Loop (Sheryl Recommended)
Tunnel View
Glacier Point (Sheryl Recommended)
Taft Point

FLORIST

HAIR & MUA

CAKE & Catering

VIDEOGRAPHER

VENDOR RECOMMENDATIONS

I highly recommend the vendors below! Let them know @sherylannephoto sent you their way!

PACKING LIST FOR YOUR Yosemite ELOPEMENT

WEDDING NECESSITIES

OTHER TRAVEL NECESSITIES FOR YOUR TRIP!

Dress
Wedding Veil
Suit and Tie
Garment Bags to put dress and suit in.
Hiking Shoes with good traction and stability at ankle, waterproof is best!
Vow Books
Rings
Jewelry
Sunglasses
Light Rain Jacket (just in case)
Nippy covers or bra insert for wedding dress
Water bottles
Champagne or celebratory drink!
A hiking backpack to put everything in on elopement day (if we end up hiking)!
Copy of National Park Permit

Headphones
Light jacket
Phone tripod (for your own personal photos or videos)
Any medication you may need
Phone chargers
Portable Chargers
Tooth Brush & Toothpaste
Hat
Underwear
Socks
Make Up / Make Up Remover
Shampoo, Conditioner, Soap
Sun lotion
Lip balm
Perfume / Cologne
Hair Brush
Hair Ties
Face Wash
Shaver
Q Tips

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