Some weddings feel like they belong in a storybook. For Tiffany and Chris, that story unfolded across granite cliffs, misty waterfalls, and golden sunsets in one of the most breathtaking places in the world — Yosemite National Park.
Why They Chose Yosemite for Their Destination Wedding
Yosemite National Park wasn’t just a pretty backdrop for them; it was deeply personal. Tiffany grew up visiting the park every summer with her family. It’s where she learned to love hiking and where she first introduced Chris to the place she cherished most. Chris, an ultra-marathon runner who has completed races of over 200 miles (including a run from Kanaha Beach to the top of Haleakalā volcano), instantly connected with the wild beauty of the park. When it came time to plan their wedding, Yosemite felt like the only place that made sense; a place where their love for each other and their love for the outdoors could come together.
They reached out to me not just to take photos, but to help them design an experience. My role was part photographer, part adventure guide, and part planner, making sure the logistics, timing, and details all came together so they could focus on the moments that mattered.
Day One: Scouting and Planning the Magic
This wasn’t a single-day sprint — it was a multi-day elopement adventure. The first day was all about exploring and fine-tuning the plan. We visited the ceremony spot, worked out exactly where family members would stand, and found the perfect place for their first look. Every decision was intentional, from where the light would hit at sunrise to which overlooks we’d stop at along the way.
Day Two: Sunrise, Vows, and a Ten-Mile Hike
On the wedding morning, we started before the sun. By 5 a.m., we were on our way to a quiet spot where Tiffany and Chris would see each other for the first time in their wedding attire. The sun rose below the mountains, casting a cinematic glow over the scene.
From there, we drove deeper into the park, stopping for portraits at a couple of scenic overlooks before the ceremony. This is a perfect opportunity for the couple to connect and ease the nerves before the ceremony. And what better way to do that than surrounded by nature?
At 8 a.m., surrounded by just ten of their closest family members, Chris’s brother officiated with Half Dome standing proudly in the background. Tiffany’s dad walked her down “the isle” and they said ‘I do’ in an unconventional yet meaningful way.
The family, traveling from California, Virginia, and Florida, were all happy to be here. Celebrating love and using the wedding day as an excuse to spend the whole weekend together as a family.
After a few joyful family portraits — with both moms especially beaming — the adventure began. We set off on the ten-mile Panorama Trail, hiking past sweeping granite cliffs, open valley views, and thundering waterfalls. Tiffany hiked in her gown, switching into trail shoes and using a makeshift bustle to keep the dress out of the way. It was like walking through a living painting.
That evening, everyone gathered back at the family’s cabin in the woods for a cozy dinner, heartfelt toasts, and home-cooked food.
Day Three: Chasing Waterfalls and Sunset at Taft Point
The next day, the adventure continued. We spent the morning exploring more of the park’s waterfalls before heading to Taft Point for a short hike at sunset. As the light dipped behind the peaks, we captured their final portraits — dramatic cliffs, golden skies, and two people completely lost in the moment.
More Than Just a Wedding Day
Tiffany and Chris’s destination wedding wasn’t about sticking to a strict timeline or following traditions they didn’t care about. It was about crafting a wedding that felt like them — adventurous, intentional, and full of connection. By blending the wedding and honeymoon into one unforgettable trip, they created memories that will last a lifetime.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a wedding where the day is yours to design — whether that’s hiking ten miles in a national park, a simple sunset ceremony on the beach, or a bucket list trip, I’d love to help you make it happen!. Let’s plan something that feels less like a wedding day and more like the best trip of your life.
For Engaged Couples
Are you ready to start planning your own destination wedding? Contact us to find out how we can help you plan the wedding of your dreams!
*Please note: The photos featured in this blog have been compressed to optimize web performance. The final delivered images will be high-resolution and perfect for printing.