Kate +Phillip’s Winter Elopement in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park | Winter wedding

Winter Wedding Inspo // Yosemite National Park Photographer

Kate and Phillip had the most amazing winter elopement in Yosemite National Park! We spent our time together exploring various locations within Yosemite, from Cathedral Beach to Tunnel view, the Sequoia grove, and beyond, making sure to take in every single second of the day. Our time together started at the Ahwahnee Hotel where Kate and Phillip wrote their vows to one another on note paper. From there, we ventured over to Cathedral Beach where the pair read their vows aloud with a stunning view of El Cap behind them.

One thing to keep in mind about eloping in any national park is that we are always at the will of Mother Nature. While stunning and beautiful, she can also show us her stormy side, which is exactly what happened on Kate and Phillip’s day. We originally planned to trek off to visit the Sequoias that morning, but due to a winter storm that quickly moved into the area, we had to pivot those original plans quite a bit. Instead, we headed back to the Ahwahnee Hotel to enjoy a post-ceremony beer and cake, while Kate surprised Phillip by playing a song that she wrote specifically for him on her Ukulele. Talk about a beautiful moment!

Later that day, we ventured back into Yosemite Valley to take some blue hour portraits with the coolest lanterns. After, Kate and Phillip opted for a stop at Curry Village for their "reception" of pizza and beer! Kate even purchased a wedding pizza topper!

Since the winter storm hindered our plans to hike to the Sequoia grove on day one, we opted to hike the next morning in the beautiful, freshly fallen snow. Kate and Phillip really enjoyed getting to play in the snow and take in the gorgeous scenery and weather that day. One of the coolest things about an elopement is how you have the freedom to create a shift in the schedule if need be. I’m super glad that Kate and Phillip were down to check out the giant Sequoia’s the next day! After playing in the snow among the beautiful trees, Kate and Phillip decided to slip back into their wedding attire and finish out their coverage with the most epic scenery at Tunnel View and Sentinel Beach. Although the temps were chilly, these two made the most out of it and ended up with the prettiest snow-capped Yosemite in the background.

If eloping in Yosemite National Park is on your radar, let’s chat! As someone who is well-versed in what it takes to pull off an elopement in Yosemite, I can walk you through all of the ins and outs of exploring this beautiful park. You can also check out my other blog post, How to Elope in Yosemite National Park, for more info. Happy trails!

Vendors:

Florals: Sola Wood Flowers

Dress: David's Bridal

Suit: Men's Warehouse

Boots: Blundstone

Hotel: The Ahwahnee Hotel