June is one of my favorite times of year in Yosemite National Park. The waterfalls are still flowing, the meadows are bright green, and the weather is hard to beat. As a Yosemite elopement photographer, I’ve photographed the park in every season, but there’s something special about June. The park feels full of life. You can spend the morning watching the sun rise over Half Dome, cool off by the Merced River in the afternoon, and end the day hiking to an incredible sunset viewpoint. That’s exactly what made Allie and Jason’s June Yosemite elopement feel so unforgettable!
From our very first conversation, I knew these two were my kind of people. Every planning call felt less like work and more like catching up with friends. They trusted my recommendations, stayed flexible throughout the planning process, and were excited to build a wedding day around experiencing Yosemite instead of rushing through it.
A Sunrise Ceremony at Glacier Point
We met well before sunrise at Glacier Point. Since Allie and Jason wanted to save their first look for the ceremony, they drove separately that morning. When I arrived, Allie let me know Jason was waiting in the amphitheater so there was no chance of accidentally seeing each other. It was such a thoughtful plan.
I met Jason first and led him, along with their family and close friends, to a more private ceremony location away from the busiest viewpoints. Before bringing Allie over, I made sure everyone was in place so everything would flow naturally once she arrived. Watching her walk toward the ceremony with Glacier Point waking up behind her was one of those moments that reminds me why I love intimate weddings so much.
Their close friend, Ben, officiated the ceremony, making the entire experience feel even more personal. There were happy tears, traditional vows, and so much excitement from everyone who had traveled to celebrate with them. Afterward, we spent time taking family photos before exploring Glacier Point together for portraits.
Private Vows at Tunnel View
Although they exchanged traditional vows and rings during the ceremony, Allie and Jason wanted to save their handwritten vows for a quieter moment. After leaving Glacier Point, we drove into Yosemite Valley and stopped at Tunnel View. With fewer people around in the early morning, they finally had a chance to slow down, read their vows, and simply enjoy being together.
Afterwards, we explored more of the Valley together before their picnic lunch with their guests.
A Picnic at Cathedral Beach
One of my favorite parts of the day came just before our midday break. Allie and Jason planned a catered picnic at Cathedral Beach, and it was every bit as incredible as it sounds. Cakewalk Bakery handled everything, from the setup to the food, so all Allie and Jason had to do was arrive and enjoy it. They shared lunch beneath the trees, cut their wedding cake, and spent time relaxing by the river before we wrapped up the morning portion of the day.
Little moments like these transform an elopement from a photo session into an experience you’ll remember forever.
Ending the Day at Taft Point
After taking a few hours to recharge (with an amazing view of Half Dome, as you can see!), we met back up at the Taft Point trailhead two hours before sunset. The trail itself is one of my favorites. The forest creates beautiful pockets of light, making the hike feel like part of the adventure instead of simply a walk to the viewpoint.
Once we reached Taft Point, Allie and Jason shared their first dance overlooking Yosemite Valley before pouring glasses of whiskey and celebrating together as the sun began to sink behind the mountains.
The cliffs, warm evening light, and quiet atmosphere created the perfect ending to a day that never felt rushed. We stayed through sunset before hiking back together. This day was truly one of the most intentional and relaxed elopement days I’ve photographed!
Why June Is My Favorite Time for a Yosemite Elopement
Every season in Yosemite has something to offer, but June continues to be one of my favorites.
The waterfalls are still incredibly powerful from the spring snowmelt. The meadows are vibrant and green. Glacier Point and Taft Point are typically open, which gives access to some of Yosemite’s most iconic views. The weather is comfortable enough for long hikes, picnics, and spending an entire day outside.
There are also so many ways to personalize your experience. You can hike, enjoy a picnic by the river, float down the Merced River later in the season, or simply spend hours exploring together without feeling like you’re on a tight wedding schedule.
Allie and Jason embraced every part of that experience! Their elopement day reflected exactly what they hoped for from the beginning. They wanted an intentional celebration surrounded by mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and the people who mattered most.
Planning Your Own June Yosemite Elopement?
If you’re dreaming about a June Yosemite elopement, I’d love to help you create the perfect celebration. From choosing the best ceremony locations to building a timeline around the light, permits, and seasonal conditions, I’ll guide you through every step so you can focus on enjoying the experience. Get in touch today, and let’s start planning!
Their June Yosemite Elopement Vendors
Hair and Make up: Sierra Jane Studios
Groom’s Suit: Men’s Wearhouse
Groom’s Shoes: Thursday Boots
Wedding Dress: A Royal Moment
Bride’s Shoes: Adidas
Catering: Cakewalk Bakery
