Autumn in Yosemite || Yosemite National Park Elopement

Oct 19, 2018 | 11 comments

As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche. I’ll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can.

— John Muir

Steff + Matt traveled all the way from the UK to exchange vows beneath the powerfully beautiful granite walls of Yosemite National Park. They chose a beautiful autumn day in October for their vows to one another and Yosemite did not disappoint.

One thing about adventure elopements in Yosemite is that you cannot hope to control the wild weather. Nature certainly has a mind of her own and if you embrace her creativity, I can tell you it won’t matter if it rains or snows – it will take your breath away no matter what. She puts on an amazing show with the sweet vapor of clouds in the air. For this day, the clouds draped low over the valley creating a beautifully eerie feeling that is one of my favorite of all Yosemite’s moods.

Steff + Matt stayed at the Majestic Yosemite Hotel to prep for their day. They got ready together, which is really one of my favorite things when it comes to elopements. Steff did keep her dress a secret in order to share a darling first look outside the cabins.

Probably one of the most magical parts of the day was the random appearance of Yosemite Falls. I’d been camping in the valley for over two weeks before their elopement and the falls had been bone dry every day leading up to this. It was as if it showed up just for Steff + Matt.

Happy Wedding Day, you two. Love always, Yosemite.

After enjoying the falls, we headed over to El Capitan Meadow for a walk. This spot is one of my favorites, simply because you can relish in wandering through the grass while enjoying epic views of El Cap. On this day, he wore a crown of wispy clouds.

It’s also a great place to hang out because you might get to see a rock climber or two making their journey up the great granite wall. It’s super fascinating to watch them!

Later on, we played on the banks of the Merced River.

Perhaps the best thing about Yosemite is that you can spend all day traipsing meadows, wandering down paths, climbing rocks or steep trails, drinking up view after view. It doesn’t really matter where you roam, you’ll find something to take your breath away. Even just the simplicity of a wooden pathway through a meadow.

Once we’d wandered thoroughly, it was time to make things official. Rev. Carol met us in the meadow for a lovely ceremony.

Newly married, they wandered further into the valley with plans to enjoy a celebratory drink + dinner.

I found my own celebration while camping in the valley, capturing sunsets + moonrises along with what seemed like an endless amount of stars.

11 Comments

  1. BreeAnna Lasher

    oh my goodness! what a gorgeous yosemite elopement!! im obsessed!!

    Reply
  2. Autumn

    You can’t get any better than this Yosemite elopement ?. Absolutely beautiful!

    Reply
  3. Abbi Hearne

    Holy cow this moody Yosemite elopement is insane! I am so into these foggy vibes.

    Reply
  4. Madi Jeno

    HOLY MOLY. This is insanely beautiful! I’ve been wanting to do an Yosemite elopement so badly, and you can me want to even more! These two are so stinking cute!

    Reply
  5. Henry Tieu

    You are kidding me right? These photos are so epic. You made Autumn in Yosemite amazinggggggg Keep on doing amazing things Randi

    Reply
  6. Nicole daacke

    This autumn Yosemite elopement is beautiful! Obsessed with that land!

    Reply
  7. Traci Edwards

    Yosemite is all things magically! Loving this elopement there 🙂

    Reply
  8. Emily

    This is such a romantic wedding in Yosemite. It seems right out of a movie, I love it!

    Reply
  9. Cassandra

    This Yosemite elopement is literally a DREAM!! I love how you captured the essence of the location & the emotion of the couple!

    Reply
  10. Lindsay Vaughn

    The colors are to die for because they are so dreamy! I love how you captured the amazing location and the amazing couple!

    Reply
  11. Maddie Mae

    These images are so magical! Yosemite is really so stunning!

    Reply

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Hey! I’m Randi!
an elopement photographer + intimate wedding photographer based in Hawaii. I document real love stories around the world that you can read about here! You’ll also find insightful planning guides along with other resources to help you visualize your best day ever. Happy reading! ♡