How to Plan a Last Minute Elopement in Yosemite

Zack and Jessica reached out about six weeks before their elopement with a permit already submitted, and zero clue what to do next. And honestly? That’s exactly what I’m here for! Whether you’re a detail-obsessed planner or someone who just wants to show up and have a good time, I’ve got you. We walked through a few date options together and landed on one that worked for all of us. Since they already submitted their permit (which you need to do at least 30 days out), I just gave the Yosemite permit office a quick call and had the time and date changed, super easy!

Pro tip: as long as you get it submitted in time, you can adjust the details later. And yes, the permit is $150, but it’s included in all of my Yosemite elopement packages. One less thing for you to worry about! Here’s how to plan a last minute elopement in Yosemite (hint: I’ve got you covered for most of it)

A bride and groom stand together on a rocky cliff edge overlooking a vast, hazy canyon landscape for their last minute yosemite elopement
A bride and groom stand together on a rocky cliff edge overlooking a vast, hazy canyon landscape for their last minute yosemite elopement

bride and groom stand together on a rocky cliff edge overlooking a vast, hazy canyon landscape for their last minute yosemite elopement

Zack & Jessica’s Laid Back Adventure in Yosemite

Zack and Jessica didn’t want anything fussy. No formal reception, no extra pressure. Just the two of them, the mountains, and some really good vibes. I planned their full six-hour timeline so they could just show up and enjoy the ride. Jessica did her own hair and makeup, picked out a dress from Etsy, and brought fake flowers and everything looked stunning. Sometimes simple really is best! We started with a sunrise first look at Tunnel View, then wandered through Yosemite Valley chasing waterfalls and soaking it all in. Later, we made the hike up to Taft Point and had their ceremony there. Just us, their best friend (who shared a few sweet words), and views that stretched for miles.

Since we arrived about 90 minutes before sunset, we pretty much had Taft Point to ourselves (highly recommended if you want privacy). After the ceremony, they shared a first dance at one of my favorite secret spots! We wrapped up their day with lantern photos at Glacier Point right as the sun dipped behind the horizon. It couldn’t have been more perfect.

A bride and groom stand together in a grassy field with mountains and pine trees in the background under a clear blue sky for a last minute elopement in Yosemite

So… Can You Really Plan a Last Minute Yosemite Elopement?

Absolutely. Just because you’re planning on a shorter timeline doesn’t mean your day has to feel rushed or thrown together. If you’re thinking, “I have no idea how to make this happen,” that’s literally what I’m here for.

A person stands on a rocky ledge holding a camera, looking out at a sunlit mountain landscape in the background.
A person stands on a rocky ledge holding a camera, looking out at a sunlit mountain landscape in the background.

I’m not just your Yosemite elopement photographer, I am a Yosemite expert! Here is what I do for you when you book with me! 

  • Submit and update your Yosemite permit 
  • Choose the best time of day + locations that match your vibe
  • Build a relaxed, stress-free timeline that actually flows
  • Scout dreamy locations AND backup locations. Just in case Mother Nature has other plans
  • Officiate your ceremony, if you need someone!
  • Recommend vendors if you’re needing florals, cake, hair + makeup! Whatever helps bring your vision to life

Whether you’re pulling this together in a few months or a few weeks, we can make it happen!

A bride and groom stand on a rocky outcrop holding lanterns, with a large mountain peak and a twilight sky in the background.
A bride and groom stand on a rocky outcrop holding lanterns, with a large mountain peak and a twilight sky in the background for their last minute elopement in Yosemite

Ready to Plan your Yosemite Elopement? Book me as Your Yosemite Elopement Photographer!

Whether it’s a few months or a few weeks out, we can make magic happen. Zack and Jessica are proof that it doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful! So if you’re dreaming of epic views, and adventure let’s get you married in Yosemite! See more of my work on the blog and contact me here! 

A groom in a suit stands on a rocky ledge with trees and mountains in the background, while a bride in a white dress approaches from behind.
A groom in a suit stands on a rocky ledge with trees and mountains in the background, while a bride in a white dress approaches from behind.

A bride and groom in wedding attire stand on a rocky overlook, embracing while facing a scenic view of mountains, cliffs, and forest in Yosemite National Park.
A bride and groom in wedding attire stand on a rocky overlook, embracing while facing a scenic view of mountains, cliffs, and forest in Yosemite National Park.
A bride and groom in wedding attire stand on a rocky overlook, embracing while facing a scenic view of mountains, cliffs, and forest in Yosemite National Park.
A bride and groom in wedding attire stand on a rocky overlook, embracing while facing a scenic view of mountains, cliffs, and forest in Yosemite National Park.
A bride and groom in wedding attire stand on a rocky overlook, embracing while facing a scenic view of mountains, cliffs, and forest in Yosemite National Park.

A bride and groom in wedding attire stand on a rocky overlook, embracing while facing a scenic view of mountains, cliffs, and forest in Yosemite National Park.
A bride and groom in wedding attire stand on a rocky overlook, embracing while facing a scenic view of mountains, cliffs, and forest in Yosemite National Park.
A bride and groom in wedding attire stand on a rocky overlook, embracing while facing a scenic view of mountains, cliffs, and forest in Yosemite National Park.
A bride and groom in wedding attire stand on a rocky overlook, embracing while facing a scenic view of mountains, cliffs, and forest in Yosemite National Park.
A bride and groom in wedding attire stand on a rocky overlook, embracing while facing a scenic view of mountains, cliffs, and forest in Yosemite National Park.

A bride and groom in wedding attire stand on a rocky overlook, embracing while facing a scenic view of mountains, cliffs, and forest in Yosemite National Park.
A bride and groom in wedding attire stand on a rocky overlook, embracing while facing a scenic view of mountains, cliffs, and forest in Yosemite National Park.

A bride and groom stand hand in hand, facing a green meadow with a tall waterfall and rocky cliffs in the background for a last minute elopement in Yosemite
A bride and groom stand hand in hand, facing a green meadow with a tall waterfall and rocky cliffs in the background for a last minute elopement in Yosemite
A bride and groom stand hand in hand, facing a green meadow with a tall waterfall and rocky cliffs in the background for a last minute elopement in Yosemite
A bride and groom stand hand in hand, facing a green meadow with a tall waterfall and rocky cliffs in the background for a last minute elopement in Yosemite
A bride and groom stand hand in hand, facing a green meadow with a tall waterfall and rocky cliffs in the background for a last minute elopement in Yosemite

A groom lifts a bride in a grassy field with mountains and a waterfall in the background. The bride holds a bouquet and they both smile.
A groom lifts a bride in a grassy field with mountains and a waterfall in the background. The bride holds a bouquet and they both smile.

A bride and groom hold hands while walking in a grassy field, with mountains, trees, and a waterfall visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A bride and groom hold hands while walking in a grassy field, with mountains, trees, and a waterfall visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A bride and groom hold hands while walking in a grassy field, with mountains, trees, and a waterfall visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A bride and groom walk up the steps of a small wooden chapel surrounded by trees and sunlight.
A bride and groom walk up the steps of a small wooden chapel surrounded by trees and sunlight.

A bride and groom stand together on a sandy riverbank with a waterfall and forested mountains in the background.
A bride and groom stand together on a sandy riverbank with a waterfall and forested mountains in the background.
A bride and groom stand together on a sandy riverbank with a waterfall and forested mountains in the background.
A bride and groom stand together on a sandy riverbank with a waterfall and forested mountains in the background.
A bride and groom stand together on a sandy riverbank with a waterfall and forested mountains in the background.

A bride and groom stand together in a grassy field with mountains and pine trees in the background under a clear blue sky for a last minute elopement in Yosemite

A bride and groom stand together in a grassy field with mountains and pine trees in the background under a clear blue sky for a last minute elopement in Yosemite
A bride and groom stand together in a grassy field with mountains and pine trees in the background under a clear blue sky for a last minute elopement in Yosemite

A bride and groom stand on a path surrounded by tall trees with a large waterfall cascading down a mountain in the background.
A bride and groom stand on rocky terrain in front of a waterfall and tall cliffs, surrounded by trees.
A bride and groom stand on a path surrounded by tall trees with a large waterfall cascading down a mountain in the background.
A bride and groom stand on rocky terrain in front of a waterfall and tall cliffs, surrounded by trees.
A bride and groom stand on rocky terrain in front of a waterfall and tall cliffs, surrounded by trees.

A couple wearing wedding attire and backpacks walk on a dirt trail through a forest, with trees and sunlight in the background.
A couple wearing wedding attire and backpacks walk on a dirt trail through a forest, with trees and sunlight in the background.

A couple wearing wedding attire and backpacks walk on a dirt trail through a forest, with trees and sunlight in the background.

A couple dressed formally stands in a forest, facing each other closely. The woman holds a bouquet of orange and white flowers.
A couple dressed formally stands in a forest, facing each other closely. The woman holds a bouquet of orange and white flowers.
A couple dressed formally stands in a forest, facing each other closely. The woman holds a bouquet of orange and white flowers.
A couple dressed formally stands in a forest, facing each other closely. The woman holds a bouquet of orange and white flowers.

A bride and groom dance together in a sunlit forest, surrounded by tall trees and scattered rocks.
A bride and groom stand close together in a forest, facing each other, with sunlight filtering through the trees.
A bride and groom dance together in a sunlit forest, surrounded by tall trees and scattered rocks.
A bride and groom walk through a forest, surrounded by tall trees and greenery on a sunny day.

A bride, groom, and officiant stand on the edge of a rocky cliff at sunrise or sunset with mountains in the background.
A bride, groom, and officiant stand on the edge of a rocky cliff at sunrise or sunset with mountains in the background.

A bride, groom, and officiant stand on the edge of a rocky cliff at sunrise or sunset with mountains in the background.

A bride, groom, and officiant stand on the edge of a rocky cliff at sunrise or sunset with mountains in the background for a last minute elopement in Yosemite
A bride, groom, and officiant stand on the edge of a rocky cliff at sunrise or sunset with mountains in the background for a last minute elopement in Yosemite

A bride, groom, and officiant stand on the edge of a rocky cliff at sunrise or sunset with mountains in the background for a last minute elopement in Yosemite
A bride and groom stand hand in hand on the edge of a rocky cliff, overlooking a vast mountainous landscape under a hazy sky for a last minute elopement in Yosemite
A bride and groom stand hand in hand on the edge of a rocky cliff, overlooking a vast mountainous landscape under a hazy sky for a last minute elopement in Yosemite

A couple in wedding attire stands on a rocky cliff at sunset, overlooking a vast mountainous landscape for a last minute elopement in Yosemite
A couple in wedding attire stands on a rocky cliff at sunset, overlooking a vast mountainous landscape for a last minute elopement in Yosemite

A couple dressed in wedding attire sits on a rocky cliff at sunset, holding glasses and looking at each other with mountains in the background for a last minute elopement in Yosemite
A couple dressed in wedding attire sits on a rocky cliff at sunset, holding glasses and looking at each other with mountains in the background for a last minute elopement in Yosemite
A couple dressed in wedding attire sits on a rocky cliff at sunset, holding glasses and looking at each other with mountains in the background for a last minute elopement in Yosemite
A bride and groom stand on a rocky ledge overlooking Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, surrounded by mountains and forest for a last minute elopement in Yosemite

A bride and groom stand on a rocky ledge overlooking Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, surrounded by mountains and forest for a last minute elopement in Yosemite
A bride and groom stand on a rocky ledge overlooking Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, surrounded by mountains and forest for a last minute elopement in Yosemite

A bride and groom stand on a rocky ledge holding lanterns, with a mountain and twilight sky in the background for a last minute elopement in Yosemite
A bride and groom stand on a rocky ledge holding lanterns, with a mountain and twilight sky in the background for a last minute elopement in Yosemite

A bride and groom stand on a rocky ledge holding lanterns, with a mountain and twilight sky in the background for a last minute elopement in Yosemite
A bride and groom stand on a rocky ledge holding lanterns, with a mountain and twilight sky in the background for a last minute elopement in Yosemite

A bride and groom stand on a rocky ledge holding lanterns, with a mountain and twilight sky in the background for a last minute elopement in Yosemite

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