Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Elopement and Wedding Photographer

For the couples who would rather stand on the edge of something wild than at the end of an aisle.

Plan Your Adventure

Of every place I have traveled, Yosemite is the one I know best.

Yosemite is the National Park I have documented more than any other, with over 20 weddings, micro weddings, and elopements photographed among its granite domes and waterfalls. I know this place, not from a scouting trip, but from returning to it again and again.

That means I know the permit process inside and out. I know the packing lists that save the day, the locations that catch the best light in every season, the timing that keeps you ahead of the crowds, and the local vendors worth recommending.

I know the small things that decide whether a day feels rushed or feels effortless.

So when you hire me for your Yosemite elopement, you are not just hiring a photographer. You are hiring someone who has done this here, many times over, and who will walk you through every step. From your first inquiry to your final gallery, I help carry the planning so the process feels easy, and so the day itself is yours to simply enjoy. Present, unhurried, and free of stress.

Your Wedding Day is Not a Photoshoot

Your wedding day is more than just a photoshoot, it’s a reflection of your love, filled with meaningful moments that truly matter. You deserve a celebration that feels effortless, intimate, and filled with pure joy.

Your day should be a true expression of your love story, one where every moment is felt, cherished, and lived fully. It’s about being present with the one who means the most, embracing the emotions, and experiencing one of life’s most beautiful milestones in a way that feels authentic to you.

Half Dome catching the last gold light. Waterfall mist on your skin. The kind of quiet you only find high above the valley floor. Eloping in Yosemite means trading the guest list and the seating chart for vows, a view, and each other. No stiff poses. No fake smiles. I believe in directing, not posing, so you can be fully present while I document the real thing, the way you look at each other, the nervous laugh before the vows, the stillness right after.

Reach out and let’s create your dream day together.

by the numbers

40

countries visited

100+

5 Star Reviews
from happy couples

400+

Couples
Photographed

17+

Years behind
the camera

45+

My work featured in publications

a photo of a bride and groom at taft point in Yosemite at sunset
Wedding photos of a couple in Yosemite at night under a starry sky

Your love. Your moments. Documented with intention.

No stiff poses. No fake smiles.
Just honest storytelling through candid, emotive photography.

What it’s like to work together

More than photographs. A day handled beautifully, start to finish.

O1

Reach out!

Whether or not you fully know when you want your Yosemite day to be doesn't matter!

Let's get chatting and I can help you with everything along the way.

If you already have thoughts or plans, go ahead and share those in your message. The more details the better!

O2

planning

I have planned and organized many elopements, weddings, and photoshoots.

I don't expect you to be an expert, and I can help you every step of the way! Packing lists, permits, travel details, location scouting, and anything and everything in between.

All my Yosemite clients receive my full Yosemite Planning Guide that has everything to help you plan out your day!

O3

Your Big Day

The day is here!

I’ll document every special moment, look of love, the stunning beauty of Yosemite, and of course you and the love of your life.

Don't feel comfortable in front of a camera?

ME EITHER! I direct my couples in a way that loosens everyone up and draws out real emotions and moments rather than poses!

O4

delivery

For all weddings and elopements, you’ll receive a sneak peek within 48 hours so you can share your big news as soon as you’d like. As well as an album of polaroid photos you get to take home the day of your big day!

For all weddings and elopements, full galleries will be delivered within 6 weeks of your day in a beautiful and easy-to-use online gallery.

Contact Me

Yosemite awaits.
Let’s create some memories.

  • The best ceremony and photo locations, from Taft Point and Glacier Point to the chapel and quiet riverside spots, with the light, timing, hikes, parking, and permit details for each.

  • How to choose the right location for your season and your light.

  • Sample timelines for every kind of day, from a quiet two-hour session to a full-day elopement to a two or three day adventure, with or without family and friends.

  • What to wear, with dress and suit guidance, plus complete packing lists.

  • Getting ready and first looks, and why those quiet moments matter most.

  • Where to stay, hand-picked from luxury lodges to design-forward glamping to cozy cabins.

  • My trusted local vendors: hair and makeup, florals, officiants, private chefs, planners, picnics, and film.

  • Permits and day-of logistics, handled together so the morning runs smoothly.

  • Optional add-ons, like blue hour and night portraits under the stars.

Your Yosemite planning guide, so nothing is left to chance.

Every couple I work with in Yosemite receives my full planning guide. It is the kind of thing I wish every couple had, and it is part of why your day feels effortless instead of overwhelming. Here is a glimpse of what is inside.

Yosemite National Park Photographer's Guide

And that is only the guide. From your first message to your final gallery, I am beside you for all of it.

When you work with me, the planning is never something you carry alone.

Contact me

“Julia is an amazing photographer and we so so happy with our experience. We hired Julia for our elopement in Yosemite. She is so easygoing and helped my husband and I feel comfortable as we traveled throughout Yosemite Valley and Taft Point. She provided more than photos, we created beautiful memories of climbing over rocks and admiring the views of our favorite national park. You will not regret hiring Julia to capture your adventurous special day.”

Diana and Zach

“While my now husband Jake and I were set on eloping to Yosemite and knew we wanted a photographer to capture our very small and intimate wedding, we had no idea where to start. From the very beginning Julia was so kind and helpful, she planned our day for photos based on the time and location I was able to get a permit for. She went above and beyond and offered to bring her lanterns for some incredible night shots before our ceremony; she corralled the 4 of us and my dog with ease and even thought of things that I didn’t when it came to my dog and I will forever be grateful for that. Julia is truly a master at her craft. There is zero chance you could ever regret asking her to be a part of any photography you need.”

Leela, Jake, & Kalea

Yosemite Elopement and Wedding Collections

THE INVESTMENT

Starting at $5,000

Every collection includes

  • My complete Yosemite planning guide

  • Customized planning of your entire day, together

  • Creation and consultation of your day-of timeline

  • All my travel fees included, so no hidden extra fees

  • No limit on your images, with a minimum of 50 per hour

  • Every photo edited with care. I remove the distractions like stray people, trash cans, and cars, and gently polish the details so you look and feel your best

  • Candid Polaroids taken and delivered the day of, in a keepsake Polaroid album

  • 48-hour sneak peeks

  • Your full online gallery with full printing rights, delivered within six weeks of your wedding day

Inquire
Polaroid photos from a wedding in Yosemite National Park

Take Home photos ON Your Big Day!

I know it can be incredibly difficult to wait for your photos! You just had the best day of your life and you want to see your photos IMMEDIATELY!

As part of my Yosemite packages, I include a special touch to make your day even more memorable: Polaroid photos taken throughout your celebration.

These instant prints document candid moments and raw emotions in real-time, offering you a unique, tangible keepsake. You’ll get to take these Polaroids home with you the same day, creating immediate, beautiful memories that you can hold onto forever. It's the perfect way to relive your day in a personal, nostalgic way!

Let’s Create
Your Dream Day Together.

When you book with me my top goal is to make you feel as comfortable as possible every step of the way.

I get to know each and every one of my clients so I can create the right experience for you. Every couple is unique and wants something different from their special day and I truly take this to heart.

When you book with me, you are booking someone who will be on your side, take the stress out of planning, and turn your big day into something incredible, giving you that time back to focus on all the fun parts of your elopement!

Explore my Elopement Portfolios
Two brides in wedding dresses sitting on a rock ledge overlooking a Yosemite landscape, with long veils flowing behind them, in a black and white photograph.
Black and white photo of a couple embracing and looking into each other's eyes, with the sun behind them at Big Sur

Ready to Start Planning

Your Dream Day?

Contact me!

  • "My partner and I enjoy being outdoors and hike a good amount, but this was a new, fun, and special experience. Julia was able to give us such a sweet and romantic elopement day. The pictures came out beautifully, but the experience is what I will remember and cherish the most. People at Yosemite were very kind and hyping us up, the views were spectacular, we got a great hike in; the whole experience was healthy and wholesome, which was a great vibe to have for our special day and to start our marriage off with. Thank you Julia for planning the day and leading us. We appreciate your hard work all day (and night!) with artistic angles and lighting, great direction so we felt comfortable, keeping us on time, and crowd control while my husband and I just got to skip around happily and enjoy each other's company without a worry. I could tell you listened to us about what we wanted, which I really appreciated! Julia also gave us access to our photos ASAP, so we could enjoy them right away. You could not pry those polaroids out of my hands for the first day lol. Our families and friends also enjoyed the sneak peek, we got lots of wow's and some great laughs. Great times! Thank you Julia!!!"

    Connie and Max

  • "We can’t say enough wonderful things about Julia, who captured our elopement in Yosemite. From start to finish, she was an absolute godsend. She not only scouted and took us to the most breathtaking locations, but also planned out our entire day so that everything flowed seamlessly. She truly captured every moment in a magical way, from the grandeur of the landscapes to the intimate emotions we felt. We feel so lucky to have met her! What made the experience even more special was how comfortable she made us feel. We never felt awkward or unsure; she guided us just enough, but also let our natural interactions shine through. Every detail, every laugh, was captured beautifully. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience or more stunning photos. We’re so grateful to have these memories!"

    Angela and Felipe

  • "Julia was absolutely incredible to work with. She was communicative, well-organized, experienced and talented; she literally put me at ease every time I spoke with her. She actively listened when I said I get nervous in front of a camera and made herself scarce to give us space (while still somehow capturing the most authentic candids) and then came right back to offer guidance in a pose or posture that could use slight corrections with gentle kindness which made all the difference. You can tell she cares deeply about her work and I swear was as excited as I was when we got inspired by a theme or idea! It was absolutely magical to have her with us for our elopement. She went above and beyond and we couldn’t be more grateful. She was timely yet flexible, assertive yet calm, cool and collected. An absolute joy. I’m so grateful we chose Julia to capture these incredible life-moments. I’m STILL floating from our trip. Friends and family are absolutely in awe of our photo gallery that I’m still getting texts, calls and comments. I know we’ll cherish these snapshots and moments forever. Thank you thank you!"

    Hallie and Jay

  • "Julia was incredible to work with from beginning to end. We chose to have an elopement-style wedding with a small, intimate ceremony surrounded by close friends. That vision led us to Julia could not have been a better photographer for the experience. She knew all the best locations for breathtaking photos and guided us to the perfect spot for a quick, meaningful ceremony. Her knowledge of the area and eye for capturing natural, authentic moments made us feel completely at ease. One of our favorite touches was the Polaroids she gave us at the end of the shoot — such a thoughtful and special surprise. Getting that instant glimpse of our day, followed by sneak peeks just a couple of days later, was truly a treat. We couldn’t be happier with our experience and would absolutely love to work with Julia again, especially for future anniversary milestones in new locations. We can’t recommend her enough!"

    Liana and Dino

a couple on their wedding day sitting on top of a car in yosemite with a starry sky behind them

FAQs

  • Yes. My travel to Yosemite is included in your collection, so the number you see is the number you pay.

  • I am with you from your first message to your final gallery. We build a timeline around the best light, choose locations that fit your vision, sort out permits and logistics, and I help you think through the details most couples do not know to ask about. You get to be present and calm, because the rest is handled.

  • Yes, you will need a California marriage license, which you can get from any county in the state and is valid for 90 days. And yes, if you need a witness, I am happy to sign for you. It is one less thing for you to arrange. I am also an officiant if you’d like me to sign for that!

  • Yes. Yosemite requires a special use permit for any wedding ceremony, with a current application fee of $150. You apply through the National Park Service at least 21 days ahead, and the popular spots are first come, first served, so earlier is better. It sounds like a lot, but this is exactly the kind of thing I walk you through, so the planning stays calm instead of overwhelming.

  • Not at all, and you are in good company. I believe in directing, not posing, so you are never left stiffly arranging yourselves. I gently guide you, and then I document the real thing: the way you look at each other, the nervous laugh before the vows, the stillness right after. I get camera-shy too, so I understand.

  • Same day Polaroid prints you carry home from your own wedding, sneak peek images within 48 hours, and your full gallery within six weeks, with full printing rights so you can print freely.

  • Earlier is better. I take a limited number of weddings and elopements each year, and permits for the popular sites go quickly, so once you have a season or date in mind, it is worth reaching out. If your dream date is already close, still ask, and I will tell you honestly what is possible.