— YOSEMITE WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE —

Yosemite National Park is breathtaking - it’s beautiful in a vast variety of ways, from jaw dropping clifftop views, to crystal clear creeks, and magnificent granite walls that line the valley floor! If you’re getting married in Yosemite, then I’m always YES to joining you in that adventure — it would be an honor!

I want you to have the best elopement ever, and for the whole planning process to be effortless. I’ve learned a lot from photographing in Yosemite, and I want to share that all with you.

Yosemite+Elopement+photographer — THE GAL BEHIND THE LENS

*hey I’m corrie!*
*I’m so excited that you’re here!*
I’m an elopement photographer living life in Oregon, but Yosemite might just be one of my FAVORITE spots to jump in the car and head to! I would live every day with dust covered Teva sandal lines, looking at the valley from Taft Point if I could! ;)
I love every piece of documenting love stories and adventuring in some of nature’s grandest places. There is a magic that comes with that pairing — the story + the experience. So, I take every chance I can to be a part of those journeys with you!
*Can’t wait to chat more and hear all about your adventure dreams!*

SOME THINGS I’LL GO OVER —

// WHAT TIME OF YEAR IS BEST?

// SUNRISE OR SUNSET?

// MY FAVORITE LOCATIONS

// PRO TIPS + ADVICE

// STORIES

// CONNECT WITH ME

Yosemite National Park Elopement — WHY ELOPE?

There is something so sacred about the intimacy and quietness that an elopement holds. It’s a brave, beautiful choice to seek adventure - just the two of you - and speak your promises with nature as your witness. This is a one of kind experience, full of treasured memories - and incredible views - that last a lifetime!

I. WHAT TIME OF YEAR IS BEST?

This totally depends on the vibe you want for your day! Because Yosemite is so diverse seasonally, this will have an impact on your day. You may be dreaming of a winter wedding, but just keep in mind that freezing temperatures and heavy snow causes lots of roads to be closed - including ones to Taft Point and Glacier Point (two main elopement locations). So, winter usually means a wedding will take place in the valley. If you want road access, spring + summer + fall are the best times of year. Another important thing to keep in mind: June - August are the busiest times of year in the park. So, to have more intimate, private spaces - think about a spring or fall wedding. September - October are beautiful months to visit!

II. SUNRISE OR SUNSET?

This may be something you’ve already thought about for vows, photos, celebrations - or maybe it’s a new thing to add to the decision list! Don’t stress, because both are BEAUTIFUL! A sunrise ceremony at Glacier point - as the sun peaks over Half Dome - is an unbeatable experience and is typically much less crowded at dawn! However, the golden magic that happens at Taft Point at sunset, moving into blue hour at dusk - there aren’t many words to describe that experience on the those clifftops. The valley can be explored at either of these times as well, and there are many beautiful spots that are scattered all over Yosemite National Park… the choices limitless! We can build your schedule to whatever fits you two best!

III. SOME FAVORITE LOCATIONS

Like I said earlier - the choices are limitless. These are a few favorite "popular” locations (for good reason)! BUT, if you want something totally different - message me and we can plan your wedding in a space that is truly unique and special to YOU.

GLACIER POINT: beautiful at sunrise, incredible view of Half Dome (easy access if you have any family attending)
TAFT POINT: a short walk out, but stunning clifftop views (best at sunset)
EL CAPITAN MEADOW: breathtaking meadow with El Cap towering above you
VALLEY FLOOR + CREEKSIDE: there are many gorgeous locations all along the valley floor
HALF DOME FIELD: any easy access spot, surrounded by Yosemite’s greatest clifftop faces (can be crowded)
TUNNEL VIEW: an easy spot to pull over for a full valley view (can be crowded)
MAJESTIC YOSEMITE HOTEL WOODS: A place to stay, for more of a cozy + cabin vibe in the woods

IV. PRO TIPS: SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

FIRST //
Lodging - while many of the places IN Yosemite are quite pricey, Yosemite West has good options and a full kitchen to help with other aspects of travel! You also could look at Airbnbs near the park, or smaller Inns and Hotels that are close by - simply making your wedding day a trip into the park… or maybe a weekend. ;)

SECOND //
Vendors - you may have a specific florist that you’ve been dreaming of, or a person you just HAVE to have do your hair and make up… but maybe that feels a bit tricky with travel! I would recommend checking out vendors in the near by cities: San Jose or Sacramento.

THIRD //
Permits - this is an important part of protecting these beautiful lands. Read here, to learn all about applying for your wedding permit, it’s super easy! Simply, download the application - it costs $150 and can be applied for up to a year out from your wedding date (but you need to have it sent 21 days before your wedding day!).