Yosemite is breathtaking by day — but it’s absolutely magical by night. While most couples focus on golden hour and sunset for their elopement photos, stargazing is an unforgettable way to extend your Yosemite elopement into the evening and add a whole new layer of intimacy, beauty, and awe. And as a photographer who loves shooting under the stars, I can tell you: there's something incredibly special about capturing love stories beneath the Milky Way.

If you're planning an elopement in Yosemite National Park, here’s how to include stargazing into your day (or night!) and why it’s a memory you’ll never forget.

Why Stargazing Belongs in Your Yosemite Elopement

Yosemite is one of the best places in California — and the country — for stargazing. With its high elevation, wide open vistas, and minimal light pollution, the park offers crystal-clear night skies that reveal countless stars, constellations, and even the Milky Way during certain times of the year.

Adding stargazing to your elopement isn’t just about photos (though those are stunning too!) — it’s about slowing down, soaking in the quiet of the mountains, and ending your day with the feeling that you're the only two people on Earth.

wedding photography at night under the stars

How I Capture Star Photos During Yosemite Elopements

I shoot at night often and absolutely love working with natural light and the night sky. Whether you're dreaming of artistic silhouettes beneath the stars, cozy lantern-lit moments, or long exposure shots that show off the swirling galaxy above you — I’ve got you covered.

We can incorporate stargazing photos in several ways:

As a magical final chapter to your full elopement day
As part of a two-day elopement experience (sunset one day, stars the next!)
During a laid-back evening adventure shoot before or after your ceremony

I bring everything needed for these low-light sessions — including lanterns, headlamps, and all the technical gear for long exposures — so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Best Stargazing Spots in Yosemite National Park

Not all parts of Yosemite offer equally great views of the night sky. Here are some favorite spots I recommend to my couples:

Glacier Point

High elevation, dramatic views, and minimal obstruction make this a top pick for stargazing. You can see Half Dome lit up by moonlight while the stars sparkle above.

Taft Point

While it’s a bit of a hike, the view is so worth it — especially if you’re up for a late-night trek back with headlamps. The cliff-edge views here are jaw-dropping day or night.

Tunnel View

An iconic Yosemite view — and one of the easiest to access. Great if you want to keep things low-effort after a long day, but still want the iconic skyline lit by stars.

📅 When to See the Milky Way in Yosemite

If you're hoping to catch the Milky Way, timing matters! The best months for Milky Way visibility in Yosemite are:

April–October, with June to August being prime
New moon nights give you the darkest skies (and the best visibility!)
Shoot time: 1–2 hours after sunset, depending on the season

I help all my couples plan their timelines around these ideal conditions — from picking the right moon phase to knowing when to start our star session based on lighting and weather.

What to Bring for Stargazing Photos

If you want to be prepared for this part of your Yosemite elopement, here are a few essentials:

A warm jacket or blanket (nights can get chilly, even in summer!)
Comfortable shoes or boots with good traction for walking in the dark
A small flashlight or headlamp for safety (I’ll bring extras too)
Hand and Feet Warmers!
Your sense of adventure — and maybe a thermos of tea or hot cocoa!

Don't worry — I guide you through every step, so you’ll never feel unsure or rushed. I even provide lanterns to create warm, cozy light that photographs beautifully alongside the stars.

Make It a Two-Day Elopement Adventure in Yosemite

If you're dreaming of a full, immersive elopement experience — one that lets you slow down, explore different landscapes, and capture every kind of light — a two-day elopement in Yosemite is the way to go. This approach gives you the freedom to focus on what matters most without feeling rushed, and it opens up time for more meaningful activities… like stargazing under some of the clearest skies in California.

Curious What an Example Timeline Looks Like?

Day One: Ceremony, Golden Hour & Sunset

Morning

Adventure Elopement under the Milkyway — !

Wake up slowly and enjoy coffee together in your cabin or campsite
Getting ready photos — separately or together
Maybe first look at a secluded spot near your lodging

Late Morning to Early Afternoon

Private vow exchange or ceremony at a scenic location like Taft Point, Sentinel Dome, or Cathedral Beach
Champagne toast or picnic celebration afterward

Afternoon

Portraits at a second location like Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, or at the Yosemite Valley Chapel
Break for a private lunch or scenic picnic — I can recommend local vendors who deliver right to the park!

Evening

Golden hour portraits at Glacier Point, Taft Point or Washburn Point
Sunset views, snuggles, and relaxed candid photos as the light fades
Return to your cabin, hotel, or campsite to rest and refuel — maybe even a cozy campfire and s’mores!

Day Two: Sunrise Hike + Stargazing Magic

Early Morning (Optional)

Sunrise hike to a less-trafficked location (like Mirror Lake or Valley View) for moody, misty photos in soft light
Casual, relaxed portraits in different outfits — perfect for day-after adventure vibes

Midday

Explore the park like it’s your honeymoon: rent bikes, go for a short hike, take a dip in the river, or check out Yosemite Village
You can even plan an activity like canoeing, a private chef experience, or visiting the historic Ahwahnee Hotel

Evening

Head to a high-elevation overlook like Glacier Point or Olmsted Point
Start with lantern-lit portraits as twilight sets in
As the stars begin to shine, we’ll capture long-exposure shots, silhouette photos, and breathtaking Milky Way views (especially beautiful June–August)

Why Two Days is a Photographer’s Dream

With two days, we’re not limited by time or light. We can:

Hit multiple locations without rushing
Photograph outfit changes or hair/makeup switches
Explore a variety of landscapes — rivers, cliffs, waterfalls, forests, and starry skies
Create space for rest, connection, and pure fun

You’ll get a gallery that tells your full story — not just the “big” moments, but the quiet, personal ones in between.

Final Thoughts: Say “I Do” Under the Stars

There’s something truly magical about ending your elopement day under a sky full of stars. It’s quiet, peaceful, and awe-inspiring — the perfect contrast to the excitement of the day. Star photos feel timeless, intimate, and wildly romantic. They’re not just beautiful images — they’re reminders of how expansive and limitless your love is. Whether it’s a long exposure of the Milky Way behind you or a lantern-lit kiss beneath the moonlight, these moments become some of the most unforgettable memories in your entire gallery. There’s no better way to close out your Yosemite elopement than with the stars overhead and your favorite person by your side.

Your elopement doesn’t have to be a rushed two-hour event squeezed into golden hour — it can be a full-on experience. A two-day Yosemite elopement lets you breathe, explore, and connect deeply with each other and the incredible place you’ve chosen to say “I do.”

And best of all? You don’t have to plan it alone. I help all my couples with: