Elopement and Intimate Wedding

guide

A couple in formal attire sitting on a rock overlooking a lush, green valley with tall trees, mountains, and a partly cloudy sky in the background.

Your Elopement Deserves More Than Just Photos

Your day should be all about your experience.

You didn’t choose to say I DO in Yosemite to follow expectations.
You chose it to break away from them.

This is the moment you said no to the pressure, the traditional wedding circus, the noise…
and yes to something that actually feels like you.

You’re not performing your wedding day.
You’re living it, fully, freely, and your way.

Sunset over Half Dome in Yosemite National Park with mountain ranges and clear sky.
A woman with long dark hair wearing a green jacket and black pants hiking on a rocky trail in a mountainous area, smiling at the camera with mountains in the background and belt of sunlight creating lens flare.

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.

A couple holding hands during sunset in a mountainous landscape with trees and distant mountain ranges.

You’ll feel right at home with me if…

✓ You want a stress-free experience
I’ll guide you through everything so nothing feels overwhelming or rushed

✓ You want more than just photos
If you care about being present and actually enjoying your day

✓ You want a local adventure bestie
I’ve got you on hidden spots

✓ You want to feel comfortable
No awkward posing, just natural and relaxed

Love Letters from clients turned friends <3

  • Three people taking a selfie outdoors near a river with lush green trees, mountains, and a waterfall in the background, with the sun shining brightly.

    “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.”

  • A black-and-white photo of a couple standing close in an outdoor setting with trees and tall grass, sharing a kiss.

    You’re an angel 🥹🥹♥️♥️ literally crying looking at them all Thank you so so much!!! The black and white look like their straight out of an anthro catalog 🥲

  • Three friends taking a selfie outdoors in a mountainous area with trees and rocky terrain, smiling and making peace signs.

    Ariel made us feel completely comfortable, like we were being captured by a friend rather than a photographer. This was our first time getting professional photos taken, and we’re so glad Ariel was the one behind the camera. She knew some amazing spots. The whole experience was so memorable, and the photos turned out stunning.

  • A group of three smiling friends taking a selfie in a mountainous outdoor setting with trees and rocky terrain.

    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.

  • Three friends taking a selfie on a mountain with rocky terrain, trees, and mountain ranges in the background during the evening or early morning.

    “They are So beautiful!!! We honestly had the most amazing time. You are literally the best!!! It looks so amazing!! You weren’t lying this view is unreal 💖💖” Jenna and Tay

Every Yosemite Elopement Package Includes:

✧ Jaw-dropping Yosemite locations

✧ Unique lodging recommendations that match your vibe

✧ A full, experience-driven timeline built around your day

✧ Personalized activity ideas to make it feel like you

✧ Direct support from me from start to finish

✧ Expert guidance on seasons, weather, and logistics

✧˖ A fully guided photography experience that captures your day exactly as it felt

Experience Yosemite like a local with a unique, fully planned elopement

✔️ A full location guide with photos
See every photo spot ahead of time, with names + images so you can choose the perfect backdrop

✔️ A Hiking Yosemite itinerary guide
An online hiking guide to reference.

TIMELINE EXAMPLES

Here are a few sample timelines to give you an idea of how your day could look depending on the coverage you choose. No two elopements are the same. Some include longer hikes and more exploring, while others are slower paced with easy access spots or time with loved ones.

Having more coverage just gives you more freedom to move at your own pace and enjoy the experience.

If you’re still figuring out what feels right, I’ve got you. We’ll walk through it together and build something that fits your vision.

A couple standing close together on a large rock formation at sunset in Yosemite, with mountains and a foggy landscape in the background.
Schedule of an outdoor event set against a scenic mountainous backdrop at sunset, featuring a bride and groom, listing activities from 1 pm to 8:30 pm including getting ready, sightseeing, portraits, picnic, dance, and coverage end.
Schedule of activities for a day at Yosemite Valley, starting with sunrise at Glacier Point, family portraits, breakfast, exploration, scenic drive to Taft Point for sunset, golden hour portraits, blue hour moments, and ending with coverage at 8:30 p
Two people walk hand in hand on a rocky overlook, holding lanterns, with Yosemite Valley and mountains in the background during sunset.
A bride and groom in wedding attire are standing outdoors on rocky terrain, with a scenic mountain landscape in the background. The groom is popping open a champagne bottle with a splash, and the bride is smiling, holding him gently.

“We don’t want our day to feel like an all day photoshoot”
“We only want a few hours of coverage”

I hear this all the time, so let’s clear something up.

You are not signing up for an all day photoshoot.

You are creating a wedding day that feels like an adventure you will talk about for the rest of your life.

Think of it as your greatest adventure yet, all being documented.

When do you get to relive this moment again?

SEE WHAT YOUR DAY COULD FEEL LIKE TOO!

A bride and groom standing close on a rocky outcrop in a mountainous landscape during sunset, sharing a tender moment.
VIEW GALLERY
A couple dressed in wedding attire holding hands in a mountainous landscape with trees and cliffs in the background.
VIEW GALLERY
A couple dressed in wedding attire holding hands and holding lanterns during a twilight outdoor ceremony. The man wears a suit, and the woman wears a white wedding dress with tattoos on her arm. There are mountains and a large rock formation in the background.
VIEW GALLERY

Yosemite Elopement and Intimate Wedding

2026 Pricing

A couple sits and kisses on the edge of a rocky cliff overlooking a mountain landscape at sunset, with clouds and distant mountains in the background.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

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 $7200

split into 4 payments of $1800

A couple dressed in wedding attire standing on the edge of a high cliff, overlooking a deep canyon during sunset.

FULL DAY ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE

Most Popular

A Full Day Dedicated to Your Connection, Your Experience, and the Adventure You Came For

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

Eight 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 $5600

split into 4 payments of $1400

A bride and groom embrace outdoors in a forest clearing with mountains and a waterfall in the background, on a clear day.

MINI ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE

Four hours covers the key moments of your day in a simple, intimate way.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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 $3800

split into 2 payments of $1900

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!

A couple dressed in wedding attire holding hands in front of giant redwood trees in a forest.
A person standing on the edge of a rocky cliff overlooking a valley and river, with the sun setting behind distant mountains.

  • 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.

  • 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

Landscape view of a mountain during sunset, with a large granite formation and surrounding mountains.

Not sure how much photo coverage you need?

Don’t worry, we can figure it out together.

SCHEDULE A CALL WITH ME TO GET STARTED
Three people, two women and one man, standing outdoors on rocky terrain during sunset, holding lanterns with mountains and a colorful sky in the background. One woman is holding a bouquet of flowers, and the scene appears celebratory.

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.

A breathtaking view of a canyon during sunset, with a person standing on a rocky ledge at the edge of a cliff.
A couple sitting on large rocks on a mountain ledge, holding hands, with a scenic view of mountains and a sunset in the background. A small pine tree is nearby.
A man and woman holding hands outdoors at dusk, holding lanterns, with a mountain in the background.
A couple standing on a rocky cliff at sunset, with mountains in the background, a small tree, and the woman in a long white dress.
A bride and groom stand on a stone ledge on a mountain with a scenic view of forest and granite cliffs in the background.
A couple sitting on a large rock slab at sunset in a mountainous landscape with clouds and a colorful sky.
A woman and a man standing on a rocky ledge in a mountainous area, holding hands, with cliffs and clouds in the background. The woman is wearing a wedding dress and the man is in casual attire.
A couple dressed in wedding attire embracing on a rocky mountain trail with pine trees and mountain scenery in the background during daytime.
A couple sitting on a large rock outdoors during sunset, holding lanterns, with mountains in the background. The woman is dressed in a white dress with colorful floral accessories, and the man is dressed in a black suit.
A couple sitting on a rocky cliff edge overlooking a canyon, embracing and sharing a kiss at sunset with clouds and mountains in the background.
A couple dressed in wedding attire walking hand in hand along a beach with a wooded area and large rocks in the background. The sunlight creates lens flares in the image.
Two people standing on a rocky ledge, overlooking a deep valley with mountains and clouds in the background.
A man and woman sitting on a large rock ledge overlooking a mountainous valley at sunset, with dramatic clouds overhead.
A couple dressed in wedding attire embracing on a rocky path in a mountainous forest landscape, with tall pine trees and distant mountains under a clear sky.
Silhouette of a couple in wedding attire standing on a rock outcrop, holding lanterns, with a mountainous landscape and a prominent rock formation in the background, black and white image.
A person wearing a long bohemian-style dress with sandals and hiking boots, standing outdoors on a gravel path with green bushes and trees in the background.
A bride and groom in wedding attire standing close together on a dirt path in a mountainous forest, holding lanterns, with a large mountain and sunset sky in the background.
A white dress hanging on a hanger from a branch of a pine tree in a forested area during sunset or sunrise.
A wedding couple holding hands stands on a rocky ledge in a mountainous landscape with trees and a large granite dome in the background during sunset.
A newlywed couple stands outdoors, the man in a black suit and the woman in a white wedding dress, embracing each other with mountains in the background.
A couple in wedding attire standing on a mountain ridge at sunset, holding hands and lanterns, with a view of mountains and trees in the background.
A couple dressed in wedding attire sharing a kiss with a mountainous landscape, including a notable rock formation, in the background during sunset.
A couple holding hands and about to kiss with Yosemite National Park's granite cliffs and waterfall in the background.
A couple dressed in formal attire, with the man in a suit and the woman in a hat and dress, standing together and looking at a mountain landscape with towering granite cliffs and lush forests under a bright blue sky.
A bride and groom sitting on a large rock overlooking a mountain range at sunset.
A bride in a white wedding dress and veil stands on a rocky ledge overlooking a canyon at sunset, with a groom in a gray suit seated in the foreground.
A couple in wedding attire walking hand in hand on a rocky mountain landscape at sunset.
A woman in a white dress and veil stands on a large rock overlooking a canyon, as a man in a gray suit stands on another rock above her, with the sun setting behind the mountains in the background.
A black and white photo of a man and woman in wedding attire standing on a rocky edge overlooking a valley with a waterfall and distant mountains.