Monique and Jonathan’s Yosemite elopement was an unforgettable journey of love and adventure from the very first moment. We began the day before sunrise, setting off on a peaceful hike to their first elopement location in Yosemite National Park. As we reached the spot, the sun started to paint the sky with soft, golden hues. Monique slipped away behind the trees to change into her wedding dress, while Jonathan took a quiet moment to write down his vows in a beautifully leather-bound journal.

Sunrise Vow Exchange & First Dance in Yosemite

With the sun rising over the horizon, they stood at the edge of a majestic cliff, where the world seemed to fall away beneath them. In this breathtaking Yosemite elopement setting, they exchanged deeply personal vows, their words carried on the morning breeze. Tears were shed, laughter shared, and then, in the quiet of the moment, they had their first dance together—just the two of them, with the vast landscape of Yosemite as their witness. It was one of those moments that felt like pure magic.

Intimate Wedding Ceremony with their Family by a Yosemite Creek

Afterward, we hiked back down together, feeling the warmth of the sun as it rose higher in the sky, and made our way to their second location where their family had gathered. By a serene creek, surrounded by towering trees and framed by granite peaks, they shared an intimate ceremony with their loved ones. The sound of the creek flowing beside them added to the peaceful ambiance, and as they exchanged rings, it felt like time slowed down for a moment, capturing the essence of what truly matters. They sealed the ceremony with cake, champagne, and the joyful cheers of their closest family.

Yosemite Sunset & Stars Elopement Adventure

As their Yosemite elopement day drew to a close, we made our way to Glacier Point for sunset photos. The sky turned vibrant with color, casting an ethereal glow on Half Dome, which made for the perfect backdrop. We explored the area with lanterns as the light faded, and then we ended the day stargazing beneath the clear night sky. It was the perfect end to a day filled with love, connection, and the awe-inspiring beauty of nature in Yosemite.

This Yosemite elopement wasn’t just a celebration; it was an experience—a reflection of who Monique and Jonathan are as a couple, blending adventure with the most meaningful moments of their relationship. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate, cliffside vow exchange or a heartfelt ceremony surrounded by family, elopements like this remind us that the best days are those that truly reflect your love story. If you’re planning your own Yosemite National Park elopement, imagine starting your day with a sunrise hike, exchanging vows with breathtaking views, and ending it under a blanket of stars. Yosemite offers the perfect mix of adventure and romance for couples who want to create a day that’s all about them.

If you need more information on planning your Yosemite elopement, check out my Yosemite Elopement & Intimate Wedding Guide here! It even has tips if you want to include your dog in your special day!

If you need a Yosemite Elopement Photographer to help you plan and capture your big day, feel free to contact me here!

Huge thank you to the following vendors!

MUA: @nubianbeautyonline
Cake, Florist, and Table Design: @cakewalkyosemite
Photographer: @sherylannephoto

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jay & bansuri

"Sheryl is the absolute best! She has great upbeat energy yet makes you feel calm and confident during the photoshoot. She is the perfect combo of hype and grace. We were both so nervous to be in front of the camera, but Sheryl provided great suggestions for poses and movement. Eventually, we became so comfortable that she captured some of the most candid moments that didn’t feel forced. We both were so happy with how natural and candid the pictures turned out. Sheryl captured such beautiful memories that we are going to cherish for a lifetime. Her pictures stand out because it feels so organic and her editing is timeless. We are so grateful for Sheryl and her photography skills!"

annika & Michael

"I could try to describe how wonderful Sheryl is as a photographer both artistically as well as personally, but I don’t think I command enough mastery of the English language to do her and the magic she creates with her camera justice. Sheryl is an artist and a savant at that. She is to the digital photograph what Saragent is to the canvas, in addition to being a genuinely pleasant, incredibly kind, and unbelievably thoughtful person to work with."

JENN & KAI

"I could not recommend Sheryl enough!! Me and my husband were so nervous to have our photos done because of how awkward we can be, but Sheryl made us feel so comfortable and gave us prompts that were so fun! She has the best energy & her excitement and passion for photography is so amazing to work with. We are so grateful we had the opportunity to meet and work with her, and can’t wait to reach out to her for future photos! If you are looking for a sign to book her, this is it!!"