Yosemite Elopement and Wedding Photographer
A guided Yosemite elopement experience so you can stay present and actually enjoy your day.
2026 pricing and info
So you picked Yosemite
I love that about you already.
You want a day that feels like you, in a place that feels as unique as your love.
You care more about your wedding experience in the great outdoors than the big production of a traditional wedding.
I already know you’re my kind of couple.
Hey there.
I’m Ariel
Your Local Yosemite Photographer
Think of me as your guide and photographer through Yosemite.
I help you figure out the where, when, and how so you can slow down and actually enjoy your day.
That’s why you’ll find me hiking miles, climbing over rocks, getting way too excited over the perfect lighting, and going the extra distance to get the perfect shots for my couples.
“She has such a gift for guiding without over-directing, which let us just be ourselves while still feeling confident in front of the camera.”
I absolutely LOVED my experience with Ariel! From start to finish, she made everything feel effortless, fun, and comfortable. She has such a gift for guiding without over-directing, which let us just be ourselves while still feeling confident in front of the camera. The whole day felt special, and she captured memories that we’ll treasure forever. My favorite moment was when we were hiking up in our outfits and Ariel made the whole thing feel so fun and easy—it never felt staged or stressful. She caught the in-between laughs, little glances, and the natural moments that honestly felt like us. Looking back, those candid shots ended up being some of my absolute favorites because they feel so genuine and magical.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
love note from Hailey and Ryan
Unique perks of working with me
◆ Yosemite isn’t just a place I shoot, it’s my backyard
I don’t know it from social media, guides, or Google searches, I know it from real experience. Hundreds of miles hiked, dozens of adventures, and years spent here over and over again.
◆ I’ve personally planned and photographed dozens of Yosemite elopements and intimate weddings
You only get this day once. Having someone with real experience means it’s done right, without second guessing. I got you covered every step of the way.
◆ Exploring national parks is a big part of my life
Spending months traveling to national parks across the country has taught me how to plan around real conditions. Thousands of miles, planning trips, and years of national park experiences shapes the way I help plan for my couples.
◆ I’m specialize in landscape and portrait photography
I naturally capture both the landscape and your connection, so your photos actually feel like the experience.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
5 star reviews from clients turned friends
You were amazing to work with. You guiding us through the Big Trees Trail as not just the photographer, but a friend. Your responses were timely and thorough, it was so easy to plan with you. And given the last minute weather changes the night before, you quickly responded with backup plans to ease my nervousness and stress. I cannot thank you enough for everything, from planning, to execution, and of course, the pictures themselves.
- Tejas and Mathangi ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I honestly could not ask for more. From your suggestions during planning, scouting ahead, delivering the photos so quickly (they turned out SO GOOD!)... You were such a lovely person to work with and we had so much fun being photographed. It felt like we were just hanging out with some friends who happened to take our photos. Posing in front of the camera felt so easy and natural because you were so nice and cheerful - it really made us feel so comfortable. We are so grateful and wouldn’t have had it any other way. I'm so glad we found you for our special moment and thank you, truly, for capturing it in the best way possible.
- Ardy and Fefe ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
You helped make such a special moment even better. The spot you showed us was perfect — an incredible view and no one in sight to distract from the experience. It truly did feel like we were just exploring with friends and one of us just happened to be an amazing photographer! It honestly didn't even feel like we had just met you. To add to that, I feel like you showing us around to your favorite spots let me & Steph be more carefree and allowed us to really enjoy living in the moment. This was a wonderful experience and I have absolutely no complaints! And the pictures turned out amazing!!
Zeth and Stephanie ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
SEE WHAT YOUR DAY COULD FEEL LIKE TOO!
The Elopement Experience
Yes, I am your photographer.
and I handle the planning and details…
But I’m also so much more.
More than just photos, what I really bring is presence.
Calm support.
Someone who knows Yosemite deeply and knows how to make your day feel stress-free..
My job isn’t just photos,
My job is helping you feel relaxed, seen, and connected in the most beautiful place on Earth.
From our first conversation, I want you to feel supported, because your wedding day truly matters to me,
So of course I will help bring your vision to life.
But I will also make sure to fully support you and cheer you on and make sure you have the experience of a lifetime!
✔ The Elopement Experience
◆ Personalized and Unique Activity Ideas
Unique ideas to help make your elopement feel like you.
So your day feels personal, meaningful, and not like something copied from Pinterest.
◆ Jaw-dropping Location Ideas
Locations that feel unreal, but also intentional. So you’re not dealing with crowds or stress, and your experience feels just as good as it looks.
◆ Unique Lodging Recommendations
Thoughtfully chosen places that match your vision and location. So your whole experience, not just the ceremony, feels comfortable.
◆ Full, Experience-Driven Timeline
A timeline built around how your day should feel, not just what to fit in.
So nothing feels rushed and you have space to slow down and actually enjoy it.
◆ Personalized Mood Board and Styling Support
Guidance to help everything feel cohesive and true to you. So your photos feel natural, connected, and not forced or overstyled.
◆ Local Itinerary and Trip Planning
Recommendations for how to spend your time beyond just your wedding day. So your whole trip feels like an experience, not just a few hours of photos.
✔ Your Own Yosemite Consultant
✧ Direct Support From Me
From the moment you book, you get me in your corner. Have a question? Send me an email or we can schedule a phone call.
✧ Unlimited Planning Help
You’re not planning this alone. With my expertise, I’ll suggest ideas and recommendations. You can trust me.
✧ Trusted Local Recommendations
Want a florist for a bouquet? A cozy cabin close to the park? A luxury picnic? The best coffee spot before your session? I’ll recommend my trusted local vendors.
✧ Expert Insight on Seasons, Weather, and Safety
Growing up exploring Yosemite means I understand this park in every season. I’ll guide you through what to expect, when to avoid crowds, how lighting changes through the day, and how to stay safe in mountain conditions. And yes, O always have a backup plan ready.
✧ Your Personalized Experience Guide
You’ll get custom wedding planning unique to you.
All tailored to your season, your comfort, and your vision.
✧ I Take Care of the Details So You Don’t Have To
I track timing, lighting, weather, crowds, and directions so you can stay totally present. You never worry about what comes next. I guide, direct, and handle all the logistics.
✧ A Wedding That Feels Like an Adventure, Not a Photoshoot
I don’t just take photos I help you experience Yosemite like a local. You’ll explore beautiful spots, enjoy the moment, and leave feeling like you spent the day on an adventure with a friend who happened to have a camera.
✔ Adventure Elopement Photography
✧˖ A Guided, Stress-Free Wedding Experience
I keep track of everything so you don’t have to. Lighting, timing, weather shifts, ceremony flow, and all the little moments that matter. I adjust in the moment so you two can stay present with each other and actually feel your wedding day.
✧˖ Natural, Comfortable Posing
My approach is simple: I create a comfortable space where you can just be yourselves. With gentle direction and natural prompts, I help you move, laugh, and connect so we capture photos that feel true to who you are not stiff or staged.
✧˖ Creative Storytelling That Honors Your Day
Whether it’s movement, tiny moments, or the scenery around you, I capture a mix of beautiful wide shots, intimate close-ups, and playful in-between moments that make your gallery feel alive and personal.
✧˖ Thoughtful, Hand-Edited Images
Every photo is edited by me with intention and care , true-to-life colors, and a timeless style that feels like your day, not a trend. Your images are crafted to feel emotional, honest, and completely you.
✧˖ Your Wedding Memories to Keep Forever
You’ll receive all your high-resolution digital images in a clean, easy-to-use online gallery , ready to download, print, and share as much as you want. These memories are yours for life.
✧˖ Complementary Album Design + Print Shop
If you want your photos to live off your phone, I can help design a simple, beautiful album that tells your story. You can also order high-quality prints directly through your gallery whenever you’re ready.
“Having a photographer we felt comfortable with. It felt very light hearted and you made it easy for us to enjoy the moment even though we aren't very comfortable in front of a camera.”
Loved it! We felt very comfortable throughout the entire experience and appreciated all the guidance provided. We also really appreciate the timeline as it allowed for a private moment and also time for us to explore Sequoia National Park before the crowd came through. Communication was top notch and the whole process felt very complete. Having a photographer we felt comfortable with to share our proposal with.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
love note from Rich and Winny
“We don’t want our day to feel like an all day photoshoot”
“We only want a few hours of coverage”
“We are so awkward in front of the camera”
I hear this all the time, so let’s clear something up.
It sounds like a lot, but here is the truth.
You are not signing up for an all day photoshoot.
You are choosing a once in a lifetime way to celebrate your love in one of the most unforgettable places on earth.
And honestly? I get it.
The idea of a camera in your face for hours sounds terrible. I would hate that too.
But that is not what this is and that is not how I work.
You are not props in a long photoshoot.
You are creating a wedding day that feels like an adventure you will talk about for the rest of your life.
I am simply there documenting it as it naturally unfolds. Think of it as your greatest adventure yet, all being documented. When do you get to relive this moment again?
Here is what your Yosemite day actually feels like.
Packing your wedding clothes and heading into the valley with the windows down and your favorite song playing.
Watching Yosemite open up around you and feeling that little rush of wow we are finally doing this!
Hiking to your ceremony spot and breathing in those giant views before your vows.
Saying your I dos with Half Dome glowing behind you and El Cap standing tall in the distance.
Champagne. Laughter. A first dance tucked between granite walls.
Soft moments. Big moments. All the in betweens.Ending the night cozied up together under the stars.
Does that sound like a photoshoot to you?
Me either.
Yosemite Elopement and Intimate Wedding
2026 Pricing
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Up to 10 hours or two half days of Yosemite wedding coverage
This option gives you the freedom to have the best of both worlds — a meaningful ceremony with your family and a private adventure afterward that feels completely your own. You get enough time for slow, heartfelt moments with the people you love, plus space later in the day for just the two of you to explore Yosemite the way you want to remember it.If you want a ceremony in the valley surrounded by family, then head into the forest or up to a scenic lookout for golden hour portraits, we can do it without rushing. If you want to celebrate with a short hike, a cliffside view, or a quiet moment just the two of you, this timeline makes it possible.
More time means smoother transitions, better lighting, and a gallery that tells the full story of your wedding day from start to finish — family moments, big emotions, and your private adventure woven together. It is the most relaxed, meaningful way to experience Yosemite on your wedding day.
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You’ll get personalized planning support from someone who knows Yosemite! That means the best lighting windows, locations spots, and backup plans for weather so everything stays smooth and stress-free.
Exact google pins! I’ll save you hours of google research, all of my local knowledge in the palm of your hand!
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A 5 to 10-photo sneak peek gallery delivered within 1 week so you can relive the magic and share with family and friends!
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Every final image is hand edited with care so the colors feel true, the light feels natural, and the moments feel exactly the way they did in person. No filters. No rushed edits. Just clean, timeless photos that honor your day and look beautiful for years. The type of photos that will make your grandkids say “wow you guys were so cool when you were young!” Expect 50 an hour.
CUSTOM 2 DAY ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE
For couples who want the ultimate Yosemite experience
Ten hours or 2 half days gives you the freedom to have a full Yosemite wedding day — a meaningful ceremony, time to celebrate, and a private adventure built just for you two.
Think:
• family ceremony in the valley
• candids and celebrating
• multiple locations without rushing
• exploring a forest, a meadow, and scenic overlooks
• a one to three mile adventure trail
• a private picnic, kayaking, horseback riding, or a simple reception moment
• sunrise or sunset at Taft Point for the most breathtaking views
• ending with a quiet sunset celebration just the two of you
Best for couples who want:
a full story from start to finish, time with family plus private adventure, multiple experiences in one day, and guidance from someone who knows Yosemite like home.
FULL DAY ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE $6000
split into 10 payments of $600
FULL DAY ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE
Most Popular
A Full Day Dedicated to Your Connection, Your Experience, and the Adventure You Came For
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Perfect for couples who want a full Yosemite adventure with beautiful photos, meaningful moments, and enough time to explore without feeling rushed. Eight hours gives you space for getting-ready photos, your ceremony, portraits, and an intentional adventure afterward — all while keeping the day relaxed and go-with-the-flow.
With this amount of coverage, you can plan a dream timeline like sunrise at Glacier Point for your vows, then spend the rest of the day exploring Yosemite Valley, Cathedral Beach, Tunnel View, or one of the park’s quieter forested spots. You’ll have time to enjoy different locations, different lighting, and a variety of scenery that makes your gallery feel rich and personal.
If you want a day that feels deep, meaningful, and completely yours — without the intensity of a full-day timeline — this is the experience couples choose again and again. It’s the perfect balance of adventure, ease, and unforgettable views.
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You’ll get personalized planning support from someone who knows Yosemite! That means the best lighting windows, locations spots, and backup plans for weather so everything stays smooth and stress-free.
Exact google pins! I’ll save you hours of google research, all of my local knowledge in the palm of your hand!
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A 5 to 10-photo sneak peek gallery delivered within 1 week so you can relive the magic and share with family and friends!
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Every final image is hand edited with care so the colors feel true, the light feels natural, and the moments feel exactly the way they did in person. No filters. No rushed edits. Just clean, timeless photos that honor your day and look beautiful for years. The type of photos that will make your grandkids say “wow you guys were so cool when you were young!” Expect 50 an hour.
Seven hours is the perfect balance — enough time for a meaningful ceremony with family, celebrating together, and then slipping away for your own private Yosemite adventure.
With seven hours, you can:
• have a heartfelt valley ceremony with your people
• enjoy candids, hugs, and time to celebrate
• explore a forest, meadow, and a sunset lookout without rushing
• capture everything from getting ready moments to golden hour portraits
• choose a one to three mile trail for epic views
• or hit multiple drive up locations for beautiful variety
• end the day with a quiet sunset moment just the two of you
This is ideal for couples who want a full Yosemite wedding story with room to breathe, explore, and soak it all in. Every detail captured.
FULL DAY ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE $4600
split into 8 payments of $575
MINI ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE
Four hours covers the key moments of your day in a simple, intimate way.
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Four hours lis perfect for a portion of your elopement or intimate wedding story. It’s just the right amount of time for a first look at your ceremony spot, your vows, and a set of gorgeous portraits in the surrounding area — all focused on the big ceremony moment of your day.
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You’ll get personalized planning support from someone who knows Yosemite! That means the best lighting windows, locations spots, and backup plans for weather so everything stays smooth and stress-free.
Exact google pins! I’ll save you hours of google research, all of my local knowledge in the palm of your hand!
-
Every final image is hand edited with care so the colors feel true, the light feels natural, and the moments feel exactly the way they did in person. No filters. No rushed edits. Just clean, timeless photos that honor your day and look beautiful for years. The type of photos that will make your grandkids say “wow you guys were so cool when you were young!” About 150 photos
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To keep your experience smooth and intentional, the four hour package is offered Monday through Thursday in our calmer, off peak months.
Four hours is ideal for couples who want a simple, intimate Yosemite ceremony with just enough time to document the moments that matter most. It focuses on one main location and captures the heart of your day without the extra movement or exploration.
With four hours, you can:
• have a meaningful ceremony with your closest people
• capture candids, family photos, and a few portraits afterward
• stay in one main location to keep everything easy and efficient
This package highlights the essential moments of your elopement or intimate wedding in a calm, focused way — a sweet snapshot of your day for couples who want something simple and heartfelt.
MINI ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE $3600
split into 6 payments of $600
If one park doesn’t scream adventurous enough… this is for you.
A guided wedding experience across Yosemite and Sequoia, two of Californias best national parks!
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Day one in Yosemite.
A slow morning getting ready, coffee in hand, taking your time before heading into the valley.
Your ceremony somewhere quiet, surrounded by the kind of scenery that makes everything else fade out for a second.
Exploring a couple spots, letting the day unfold, staying for sunset when the light softens and everything feels a little more still.
Day two in Sequoia.
A completely different pace.
Walking through the giant trees, taking it all in, feeling how different it is from the valley. Slower. More grounded.
Maybe a short hike, maybe just wandering and finding a spot that feels right. No rush, no pressure, just space to enjoy it.
Two days. Two completely different experiences.
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You’ll get personalized planning support from someone who knows these parks! That means the best lighting windows, locations spots, and backup plans for weather so everything stays smooth and stress-free.
Exact google pins! I’ll save you hours of google research, all of my local knowledge in the palm of your hand!
-
A 5 to 10-photo sneak peek gallery delivered within 1 week so you can relive the magic and share with family and friends!
-
Every final image is hand edited with care so the colors feel true, the light feels natural, and the moments feel exactly the way they did in person. No filters. No rushed edits. Just clean, timeless photos that honor your day and look beautiful for years. The type of photos that will make your grandkids say “wow you guys were so cool when you were young!” Expect 50 an hour.
2 PARKS ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE
The Central California National Parks Multi Day Experience
Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon
This gives you the freedom to experience the best of Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon in one intentional wedding experience with a heartfelt ceremony, time to celebrate together, and private adventures designed just for you.
Think:
• a slow morning getting ready and heading into Yosemite
• a ceremony in the valley or somewhere quiet with unreal views
• candids, celebrating, and actually taking it all in
• exploring multiple locations without rushing
• sunset in Yosemite with that soft, golden light
• day two in Sequoia, surrounded by the giant trees
• wandering through the forest or a quiet meadow
• a short one to three mile adventure trail
• a private picnic, slow morning, or simple celebration moment
• ending with a calm, intentional moment just the two of you
Best for couples who want:
a full experience across two completely different landscapes, time to slow down and not feel rushed, a mix of iconic views and quiet moments, and guidance from someone who knows Yosemite and Sequoia like home.
2 PARKS ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE $8800
split into 10 payments of $880
Real stories. Real Experinces from my clients turned forever friends <3
Not sure how much photo coverage you need?
Don’t worry, we can figure it out together.
Ready to create the best adventure on your wedding day?
Every time a couple invites me into their Yosemite wedding day, it hits me all over again — I get to do this for real. Planning with you, celebrating with you, and capturing moments you’ll treasure for a lifetime is a privilege I’ll never take lightly.