Intimate Yosemite Elopement at Glacier Point and Taft Point
Yosemite Elopement Photographer | Glacier Point Sunrise | Taft Point Sunset
When Monique and Jon imagined their elopement, they didn’t picture a crowd, a timeline, or a production.
They pictured quiet.
They pictured space.
They pictured a day where they could speak honestly to each other without distraction — surrounded by one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.
And Yosemite gave them exactly that.
Their elopement unfolded in two chapters — a peaceful sunrise ceremony at Glacier Point, followed by a sunset hike to Taft Point to close the day in stillness and awe.
A Sunrise Elopement at Glacier Point
There’s something deeply grounding about Yosemite at sunrise.
The crowds haven’t arrived yet.
The air is cool and still.
The valley below feels endless and untouched.
Monique and Jon met at Glacier Point just as the first light touched Half Dome. Wrapped in the quiet of early morning, they exchanged personal vows — words they had written privately, just for each other.
No microphones.
No onlookers.
Just two people speaking from the heart as Yosemite slowly woke up around them.
For couples choosing a Yosemite sunrise elopement, this time of day offers something rare: space to breathe and be present.
As a Yosemite elopement photographer, these are the moments I love most — when everything slows down enough for emotion to take center stage.
Personal Vows with Half Dome in the Distance
Their vows weren’t rehearsed or performative.
They were thoughtful.
Quietly emotional.
Honest in a way that only happens when you feel safe.
Monique spoke about the way Jon makes her feel steady in a busy world.
Jon shared how loving Monique had changed how he sees everything.
With Half Dome standing silently behind them, their words felt even more meaningful — grounded in something timeless.
This is what a Glacier Point elopement does so beautifully: it creates a setting that feels important without ever feeling overwhelming.
A Midday Pause — Letting the Day Breathe
After their sunrise ceremony, Monique and Jon went their own way for a few hours.
They had breakfast together, rested, and simply let the day unfold naturally — something you don’t often get with traditional weddings.
One of the biggest benefits of a Yosemite elopement is that your day doesn’t have to be rushed. You’re not moving from event to event. You’re simply moving with the light, the landscape, and each other.
And later that afternoon, they met me again for the second half of their story.
A Sunset Hike to Taft Point
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, we headed out on the trail to Taft Point — one of Yosemite’s most breathtaking overlooks.
The hike itself was part of the experience.
Quiet conversations.
Laughter.
Moments of stillness between steps.
This is why couples choose a Taft Point elopement — it feels like a shared adventure, not just a photo location.
When we reached the edge, Yosemite opened up in front of us. Golden light washed across the valley, and the world felt wide and peaceful all at once.
Closing the Day Where the Sky Meets the Valley
At Taft Point, Monique and Jon took a moment to read more of their thoughts to each other — reflections they hadn’t shared that morning.
Standing at the edge of Yosemite, it felt like everything came full circle.
Sunrise had been about beginning.
Sunset was about grounding into what they had just promised.
This is the beauty of a full-day Yosemite elopement experience — you’re not limited to one place or one moment. Your story has space to unfold naturally.
Why Yosemite Elopements Are So Meaningful
Yosemite doesn’t just give you epic views.
It gives you permission to slow down.
For couples like Monique and Jon, that’s what made their elopement unforgettable — not just where they were, but how they were able to be together.
If you’re dreaming about a Yosemite elopement, whether at Glacier Point, Taft Point, or somewhere quieter, your day can feel just as intentional, personal, and grounded as theirs did.
Planning Your Yosemite Elopement
If you’re thinking about eloping in Yosemite and want a day that feels peaceful, supported, and true to you, I’d love to help.
From permits and locations to timelines and photography, I guide you through the entire process so you can focus on what matters most — being present with each other in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
👉 Reach out here to start planning your Yosemite elopement.
