California Elopement Photographer

I remember this elopement so fondly! My family loves the Eastern Sierras and I grew up roaming around them. We always made time to drive through Bishop on our way anywhere North and spent some time in Mammoth whenever we could. My dad still rambles around the Sierras on his motorcycle most weekends. They’re just a sacred place for us. So when I booked this sweet morning elopement at one of my dad’s favorite fishing spots, Convict Lake, I knew I had to take everyone along for the adventure. A few days before the elopement, we all loaded up with camping gear and headed for the mountains.

My brother and I decided to get hammocks with bug netting and sleep beneath the stars while my dad opted for his comfy camp trailer and Brent, not a fan of sleeping in the trees, pitched a tent nearby. We camped for a bit near Bishop enjoying the cute mountain town before heading for June Lake where we’d opted to stay the rest of the time. We spent the days hanging by the lake and the evenings chatting about life by the campfire. It was such a happy time and I was really excited to be able to capture an elopement as well!

A Sunrise Adventure in Mammoth

On the morning of the elopement, we all woke before the crack of dawn and made a huge thermos of coffee to take with. I may or may not have also brought a little whisky for the coffee so Ashley + Greg could really keep warm against the chill 😉 We met them out on this beautiful hilltop with views of the Mammoth Mountains in the distance, the alpenglow just beginning to make the mountainside blush. As Greg took in the view while waiting for Ashley, we let the quiet moment sink in. Ashley climbed up to greet Greg and they shared the sweetest first look.

After the first look, we all headed down to the hot springs to take in some pretty amazing views. I love the way the water seemed colored by the sun and the minerals, making for the most beautiful little creek. The chilly air made the steam rising from the natural hot springs stand out even more! It made for such a beautiful scene to take portraits, just perfect for an elopement to remember.

Ashley + Greg shared about life and the things that led them to be drawn to the Sierras where we found much in common. These mountains really do have an impact on the hearts of those who visit.

Morning Ceremony at Convict Lake

After exploring the hot springs, we headed over to Convict Lake for their intimate wedding ceremony. Ashley + Greg wanted to elope, but they also wanted to include their nearest and dearest. Knowing that, we crafted the day to combine both, planning on the morning adventure elopement and the late morning ceremony at the lake. We also wanted to capture some of the magic around Convict Lake, so we made time for portraits before their guests arrived.

Once we’d explored the area, it was time to get them married! We headed back to the lakeshore for a sweet ceremony among their family + friends. I love that Ashley + Greg really went for what they loved by spending the morning in the mountains and the afternoon with their closest people by the lake!

If you’re torn between an elopement or an intimate wedding, you can have both in one day! You can choose to sneak away for some intentional time together and share your vows privately before celebrating with your favorite humans. Reach out to me to start planning your best day ever now!

Leaning toward California but looking for something different? Yosemite National Park is probably my favorite California elopement location. Check out these real Yosemite elopements: Taft Point Elopement, Glacier Point Elopement, or read my guide on How to Elope in Yosemite.