so you decided a barn wedding wasn't your vibe...
You’re dreaming of a Yosemite elopement because you want to escape it all, right? No stress, no distractions—just pure joy, adventure, and the two of you surrounded by nature. This is your chance to create a mountain elopement day that’s entirely about your love, free from the pressures of a traditional wedding. If you're looking for help planning your elopement, you're in the right place!
and you're curious about a Yosemite Elopement.
you open the door to something way more meaningful.
When you Choose Intention Over Expectations
This isn’t just about saying “no” to the traditional wedding script—it’s about saying “yes” to slowing down, breathing deep, and making space for the real stuff: the nerves, the laughter, the adventure, the quiet moments in between. Yosemite is the kind of place that gives you permission to do that. And I’m here to help you soak up every second of it.
and do it in some of the most
gorgeous places like...
Planning a Yosemite elopement can feel a little overwhelming.
but let's be real...
Hey, I'm Salisha, and I'm here to help! Between permits, trail options, lighting, logistics, and figuring out where to even begin... it’s a lot. And it’s totally normal to feel stuck or second-guess your decisions. That’s why I don’t just show up with a camera—I’m here to guide you through it all, from location scouting to timeline building, and everything in between. You don’t have to figure this out alone. As your Yosemite elopement photographer, I’m not just taking your pictures—I’m your planner, guide, and adventure buddy.
I'll plan all the hard stuff for you!
that's where I come in!
where i'm featured:
where i'm featured:
As your yosemite elopement photographer I'm here to help you...
SAY GOODBYE TO STRESS, ANXIETY, AND THE PRESSURES OF A TRADITIONAL WEDDING
focus on the thing that matters most: your love for each other
DESIGN A fun WEDDING DAY THAT TRULY REFLECTS YOUR UNIQUE RELATIONSHIP.
PRIORITIZE EACH OTHER ABOVE ALL ELSE FOR AN ENTIRELY “JUST US” EXPERIENCE.
1. SAY GOODBYE TO STRESS, ANXIETY, AND THE PRESSURES OF A TRADITIONAL WEDDING
2. focus on the thing that matters most: your love for each other
3. DESIGN A fun WEDDING DAY THAT TRULY REFLECTS YOUR UNIQUE RELATIONSHIP.
4. PRIORITIZE EACH OTHER ABOVE ALL ELSE FOR AN ENTIRELY “JUST US” EXPERIENCE.
4.
3.
2.
1.
40+
100k+
7+
Couples photographed
in Yosemite
photos captured in yosemite
years experience shooting in Yosemite
85+
5 Star Reviews on Google
40+
100k+
7+
Couples photographed
in Yosemite
photos captured in yosemite
years experience shooting in Yosemite
85+
5-Star Reviews on Google
Your elopement isn’t just a photoshoot—it’s a real, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Photos That Feel Like You
My goal? To capture the magic of your day in a way that feels effortless, natural, and true to your story. Let's chat about how I make that happen.
My Philosophy on Photos
What it's like to work with me
Good vibes only - Through the planning process we keep things relaxed and fun, so by elopement day, it's like we're besties!
Candids > Posed: I capture you fully present—whether it's you sharing spontaneous laughter over inside jokes, or tearful vows— I'm there for the organic memories.
Low-Key Direction: I offer gentle guidance when it comes to taking those formal portraits, resulting is stunning images where you look and feel your best.
Timeless Editing: My true-to-life, cinematic approach preserves your memories authentically, so you can look back and relive those moments all over again.
- SABRINA & BRIAN
"sALISHA WAS ALWAYS THERE TO ANSWER ALL OUR QUESTIONS"
- SABRINA & BRIAN
"sALISHA WAS ALWAYS THERE TO ANSWER ALL OUR QUESTIONS"
Dreamy Yosemite Elopement photography in Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, & Taft Point
glacier & taft point elopement
HOW TO PLAN A YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT
Everything You Need to Know to Start Planning Your Dream Yosemite Elopement
Waterfall Yosemite Elopement Photography with dog witness and Taft Point sunset
YOSEMITE secret waterfall elopement
Recent Yosemite Elopements
Don’t be—I’ve got it all covered for you. We’ll keep the planning your elopement chill with a couple fun calls and a quick questionnaire to really get to know you both. I'll simplify everything into easy steps, so you can stay focused on what matters while I design a custom adventure that matches your vibe. And it's all included inside of my Yosemite elopement photography packages.
worried about figuring out permits, marriage licenses, timelines, or choosing the perfect spots?
Seamless planning,
stress-free adventure!
What’s Included in Your Yosemite Elopement Package
Once you’re officially booked, the planning magic begins. I’ll send you a super helpful elopement guide (like, 50+ pages worth of gold), scout epic Yosemite spots for your ceremony, and help build a stress-free timeline that fits your vision perfectly.
Need vendor recs, travel tips, or help figuring out what permits you need? Gotchu. I even create a personalized packing list so you don’t forget anything important (like snacks... always snacks).
On your elopement day, I’ll handle the logistics and gently guide the flow so you can stay present and soak in every moment. And yes, you’ll get sneak peeks the next day — because reliving the magic should never have to wait.
What It’s Like to Work Together, Start to Finish
When it comes to how many hours you’ll need, it really depends on the kind of experience you want. I offer packages from 4 hours up to full-day and multiple-day options, each designed to fit your pace and vision. While shorter packages are great for a quick ceremony, a full-day or multi-day experience allows you to really soak in Yosemite’s beauty and share all the moments leading up to and after your vows. These packages give you time to visit multiple locations, enjoy quiet, intimate moments, and truly embrace your adventure without feeling rushed. Your elopement is more than just the ceremony—it’s about savoring every moment of your journey together.
Yosemite Elopement Photographer?
HOW MANY HOURS WILL I NEED MY
Your Yosemite elopement deserves a backdrop as breathtaking as your love story. Whether it’s Glacier Point at sunrise or a secluded riverside spot, I’ll help you find the perfect location to say your vows. Yosemite’s beauty makes every moment unforgettable, so let’s make it uniquely yours!
Here are some awesome ways to craft your Yosemite elopement into an intentional day spent together creating fun and genuine moments, so your photos will reflect the time you spent together making memories.
How to create an awesome elopement experience...
Choosing Your Perfect Vow Exchange Spot
Eloping in Yosemite isn’t just about the ceremony—it’s about crafting a day filled with adventure and meaning. From a scenic picnic with champagne to a post-ceremony hike or a cozy campfire, there are endless ways to make your Yosemite elopement special. As your Yosemite elopement photographer, I’ll help you plan a day that truly reflects your love story, and includes some fun and personalized activities that help you to make some unforgettable memories together!
Yosemite’s landscapes are a photographer’s dream, and we’ll carve out time for stunning portraits in one or two jaw-dropping locations. Whether it’s golden-hour cliffs, misty waterfalls, or an epic forest scene, your Yosemite elopement photos will be filled with breathtaking beauty and raw emotion.
We'll already have gotten so many great photos of the memories you created together, but don't worry, I also help you guys with what to do on camera to get some great posed photos for you as well, so you have a well-rounded gallery of photos to look back on together, and show your family!
The Ceremony
The Fun Part
Celebrate your way
The Bridal Photos
Capturing the magic of your yosemite elopement day
What’s Included in Your Yosemite Elopement Package
Once you’re officially booked, the planning magic begins. I’ll send you a super helpful elopement guide (like, 50+ pages worth of gold), scout epic Yosemite spots for your ceremony, and help build a stress-free timeline that fits your vision perfectly.
Need vendor recs, travel tips, or help figuring out what permits you need? Gotchu. I even create a personalized packing list so you don’t forget anything important (like snacks... always snacks).
On your elopement day, I’ll handle the logistics and gently guide the flow so you can stay present and soak in every moment. And yes, you’ll get sneak peeks the next day — because reliving the magic should never have to wait.
What It’s Like to Work Together, Start to Finish
Yosemite has dramatically rose in popularity for places to get married. According to an article published in SF Gate “Yosemite park officials have stated there is currently a crushing demand and huge number of applications for Yosemite wedding permits, so the wait may be a long one.” For this reason I recommend being more flexible about planning your Yosemite elopement date and then applying for a permit with your first date and ceremony location choice if your specific location within the park is of utmost importance to you. I also always recommend weekdays if at all possible.
1. apply for your permit in advance
1. apply for your permit in advance
Final Takeaway for Planning Your Yosemite Elopement
If you’re planning on staying at the closest places (within an hour drive) then know that these spots fill up quickly. Most folks don’t realize that most of the hotels are an hour or more outside the park, so the few that are inside the park or fairly close, book sometimes up to a year in advance. For folks who don’t mind a bit more of a drive (1.5 hours) and are wanting a bit more convenience and amenities such as great dining and shopping then we recommend staying in Sonora. Click to read more about staying in Sonora, or our favorite Yosemite lodging.
If you’ve never visited Yosemite I bet you imagine coming to the mountains to escape people, but Yosemite actually draws a substantial amount of visitors, and each year it seems to increase! For this reason we recommend dodging the masses by planning your ceremony at sunrise, if privacy and intimacy is something that’s important to you. Sunrises offer some privacy, in addition to spectacular views, and then you have the remainder of the day to explore and celebrate together!
2. Book your stay ahead of time
2. Book your stay ahead of time
Most folks imagine the mountains as a cool place to escape the summer heat, but as a Yosemite local I can tell you, summers here can get HOT, not to mention, it’s one of the busiest times of the year to visit the park which means dealing with additional park reservations, crowds, and parking difficulties. I always tell my brides that late-spring (April-June) and early-mid fall (October) are some of the best times to plan your big day for mild temperatures and to avoid snowstorms that make travel difficult. Also keep in mind that winter storms can also close the park for days at a time so keep that in mind if you’re envisioning a winter wedding. We actually just had a park closure due to a blizzard in March of 2024, and oftentimes we get quite a lot of snow in February-March so keep that in mind!
3. ELOPE IN SPRING OR FALL
3. ELOPE IN SPRING OR FALL
4. plan a sunrise ceremony
5. hire Someone Experienced
Salisha made our special moment go over the top!
"I booked a surprise photo shoot for my proposal in Yosemite and Salisha absolutely hit this one out of the park! Not only did she [help us] pick great spots for all the photos, but she gave us the freedom to have fun and be comfortable with all of our poses and it definitely shows in the end product. I cannot recommend Storybook any more, she made our special moment go over the top!"
- Graham and Marissa
THE HAWAII ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER OF YOUR DREAMS!
"Salisha’s talent and attention to detail is beyond words incredible! Her communication during the planning process was so amazing and made everything stress-free leading up to the big day! Salisha also knows her way around Maui which was such a relief to us since it was our first time on the island. All the photos turned out better than I could’ve ever imagined! She made all of our visions and dreams come to life even better than we had hoped."
- Isabella and Titus
We got our photos back and they are INCREDIBLE!!!
Salisha photographed our wedding and it was incredible! She was calm and collected and was so sweet and professional! We got our photos back and they are INCREDIBLE!!! Highly recommend her as your photographer!
- Chloe and Daniel
Do you need a permit to take wedding photos in Yosemite?
HOW DO I CHOOSE AN ELOPEMENT LOCATION?
What is a Yosemite Wedding Permit For?
ARE YOUR PACKAGES CUSTOMIZABLE?
WHAT DOES AN ELOPEMENT TIMELINE LOOK LIKE?
How many hours will I need my photographer?
How expensive is it to get married in Yosemite?
Can I include family at my elopement?
how do I elope/get married in yosemite?
frequently asked questions
Of course! You can definitely include members of your family in your elopement plans, as long as they are up for the adventure! I recommend inviting only the people you know will help keep the day’s focus on YOU! Some couples prefer to include a very small group (or no one) at the elopement ceremony and then they plan a reception or party to follow on the date or at a later date. There are no rules when it comes to elopement weddings, and that’s part of the freedom!
ANSWEr
A Yosemite Elopement will likely cost you much less than a traditional wedding, in fact, the wedding permit is only $150! Your budget will likely solely consist of these few things: a photographer/planner, travel costs/lodging, wedding attire, bouquet, and your permit/marriage license and of course food! Most Yosemite elopements cost between $7k-$15k, which is about what you'd spend on a typical wedding venue.
ANSWEr
Most couples really value having all the memories from their elopement day together, from getting ready, until sunset, which is why most of my elopement packages include all-day photography coverage. A few couples may just want some photos from their ceremony, as well as bridal photos inside the park, which can take some time when you're traveling through Yosemite's vast regions. For less photography coverage opt for 6-hours or a "half-day" package.
ANSWEr
Your day can be exactly what you want to make of it, but in most cases we will need to plan out travel time to the locations (including drive time, parking, and hiking to the spot) time for getting ready, the vows, and the post-ceremony celebration, as well as any special activities you want to plan to share together on your big day.
ANSWEr
Yes! My goal is always to serve you as best as I can, so I want to make sure that you’re getting everything your heart desires when it comes to your wedding day photography. If there’s something you desire that isn’t included in your package (extra hours, albums, 2nd shooters, whatever!) then we can absolutely add it on. In our initial consultation, we can discuss each package and decide which option (or in-between option) will best suit your needs!
ANSWEr
Yosemite's wedding permit or "special use" permit is basically a document signed by the park office that says you’re allowed to do your ceremony there. Permits are pretty simple to obtain and they help assure that no one else is getting married at that time/place while also protecting the land and wildlife. They are currently about $150, so super affordable!
ANSWEr
Not if you're only coming to take photographs, and not actually "getting married". This is what we call a bridal photography session, and in Yosemite bridal photography is allowed to be captured without a special use permit (for now!). If you're interested in coming to the park to take bridal photos then I have specific packages just for you! Just fill out an inquiry form on the contact page and indicate that you're interested in an Adventure Bridal session! :)
ANSWEr
This is the fun part! Are you envisioning sand in your toes, a gorgeous mountain range, a high-sierra meadow at sunrise, or a cliffside ceremony? If you can dream it, we can make it happen! We'll have to keep in mind travel time, getting ready, and locations that are only for avid hikers. I also have a free quiz I can send to help you narrow the location for you. Just know, I’m always down for an adventure, so don’t be afraid to dream BIG!
ANSWEr
Elopement Photography
FAQs
