Carla + Alexis
Yosemite National Park
September 14, 2026
Carla + Alexis, let’s elope.
A Guide to Your Yosemite NP Elopement
Planning a September elopement in Yosemite National Park? You’re in for something truly special! With cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and wide open spaces, Yosemite in the early fall is perfect for couples looking for an epic and laid-back way to tie the knot. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make your Yosemite elopement magical.
Why Yosemite in September?
Mid-September in Yosemite is that in-between moment when summer is winding down but fall hasn’t fully arrived. The busy summer season has eased up, making the park feel more open and calm, yet the weather is still warm and comfortable for exploring. You’ll get those sweeping views from Taft Point’s cliffs, the iconic Half Dome backdrop at Glacier Point, and the quieter 360-degree lookout from Sentinel Dome without the heavy crowds. While it’s technically still summer, you’ll start to notice softer golden light and maybe even the very first touches of color on the trees. It’s that perfect transition where Yosemite feels peaceful, spacious, and absolutely stunning.
Be sure to check out our complete guide on How to Elope in Yosemite - it covers everything from picking your perfect ceremony spot to grabbing permits and finding the best places to stay. And don’t worry, we’re here to help you through every step of the process!
Mid-September Conditions
to Consider
Weather
By mid-September, Yosemite usually feels like late summer with daytime highs often in the 70s or even low 80s in the valley, while higher elevations can be cooler in the 50s–60s. Evenings and mornings bring a crisp edge, especially up at Taft Point or Glacier Point, so layering is still your best bet. Think warm days, cool nights, and plenty of sunshine.
Road Access
All major roads, including Glacier Point Road and Tioga Pass, are still open and easy to access this time of year. It’s one of the last chances before fall and winter storms start changing road conditions. We’ll still double-check the National Park Service’s updates, but closures are rare this early.
Gear Up
No traction devices or heavy winter gear needed yet. Instead, focus on solid hiking boots with good grip, breathable layers you can peel off as the day warms up, and maybe a headlamp if we’re catching sunrise or sunset on the trail. A light jacket will go a long way once the sun dips.
What to Wear
Mid-September is perfect for flexibility. you can go sleeveless or short-sleeved during the day, then throw on a denim jacket, leather jacket, or cozy wrap when it cools down. Grooms can keep it relaxed with a blazer, light sweater, or flannel for texture. Shoes or boots that can handle dirt trails are a must.
Hey, there!
We’re Jenny and Helder!
We’re your Yosemite adventure elopement photographers, off the beaten path wedding planners and your new besties!
So why choose us? Here is why we’re the PERFECT addition to your elopement day.
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Passionate
We are passionate. This isn't just a job for us; it's a way of life. Every opportunity we get is spent exploring new areas, discovering epic hiking trails and breathtaking views to photograph. We consider ourselves incredibly blessed to do this as a job and to share these experiences with you!
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Locations
We know our way around Yosemite. Really! Over the years, we've immersed ourselves in the park during all the different seasons, seeking out the most spectacular views. Constantly studying maps, weather, sun and moon positions, we're always on the lookout for locations that will serve as epic photo backdrops.
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Experience
We are experienced. With over 25 combined years of capturing love stories and beautiful landscapes, we've learned a thing or two in delivering the most stunning photos. We'll be your guides through every step of your adventure, sharing our secrets to help you plan a day that you'll cherish forever!
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Company
We are big on connections, especially when it comes to intimate adventures elopements. Nothing excites us more than meeting kindred spirits who share our love for the beautiful outdoors. Whether we're swapping trail tales, sharing a couple of beers or epic views, we can't wait to stand by your side and celebrate with you.
Whether you and your partner are super adventurous who love to explore new locations every weekend or a more chill couple who prefer a simple, shorter hike with your pup or anywhere in between, we’ll help plan that Yosemite amazing elopement that is just perfect for you.
We are so excited to capture jaw-dropping photos of your
Yosemite elopement and in addition, we will…
Do all photography locations scouting: We will find the perfect place beforehand that matches your unique vision.
Give you vendors suggestion: We have done all the vetting so you don’t have to. These are the vendors we love and trust to be a part of your day.
Create a customized timeline: We will create a all timeline tailored just for you to be able to do all the things you want to do as well as moments to soak it all in.
Ensure a weather backup day: We offer a guaranteed weather backup day to make sure we capture those epic photos.
Make it official: Need an officiant to make it official? Don’t worry, Jenny is ordained and can sign your marriage license!
Support and fun: We'll provide guidance, friendship, and ensure you have a great time throughout the process.
As if everything we have told you wasn’t enough, here’s the best part…
Rarely will you find a team that consists of an experienced wedding photographer AND a landscape photographer. You won’t find many (if any) other photographer team with this sort of background & experience.
Our photos are absolutely beautiful and unique because one photographer is a pro at capturing love stories and human connections and another photographer that can find and photograph even the most stunning backdrop that is good enough for the National Geographic, it’s literally a match made in heaven (and Earth)!
What does that mean? That means you you’ll be getting the most epic photos you could ever imagine that will not only allow you to relive the moment of saying “I do” but every little part of your day.
Every elopement is unique, and your timeline should feel like you.
Based on the adventures you’re envisioning—especially the hike to your ideal ceremony spot and capturing those starry-night photos—we recommend the California 8 hours package. This gives us the time to document your ceremony, portraits, and the experiences you’re most excited about without ever feeling rushed. The preliminary timeline here shows how with an 8 hours timeline, you’ll have the freedom to slow down, explore, and fully enjoy the day. Once we connect and get to know you better, we’ll customize and refine this timeline to reflect what matters most to you—so your day feels effortless and completely yours.
Carla + Alexis Preliminary Timeline
Hour 1
Getting ready coverage at your cabin, lodge, or campsite
First look and a few portraits in a nearby meadow or forest clearing
Exchange gifts in a quiet spot for an intimate start to the day
Hour 2
Drive toward Glacier Point Road (about 1 hour)
Scenic stop along the way for portraits and a chance to read letters to each other in a different setting
Hour 3
Finish the drive and arrive at the Taft Point trailhead
Quick snack or picnic before starting the hike
Begin the 45-minute hike, capturing trail photos and candid moments
Hour 4
Arrive at Taft Point with time to explore the cliffs
Relax, take in the views, and start golden hour portraits
Hour 5
Sunset vow exchange at Taft Point with Half Dome glowing in the background
Emotional, unhurried portraits in the soft evening light
Hour 6
Blue hour portraits with moody tones as the sky deepens
Time to pause, enjoy the view, and take it all in together
Hour 7
Transition into night photography as stars begin to appear
Wide shots with the Milky Way (weather and location permitting), creative silhouette images, and cozy stargazing moments
Hour 8
Final star portraits under Yosemite’s night sky
Hike back by headlamp, ending your adventure with quiet, intimate moments on the trail
All of our packages include:
Two photographers
Unlimited assistance with locations, vendors, permits, and timelines.
High-resolution digital images with printing rights
Officiant for the ceremony and signing of the marriage license
Travel costs oncluded
Sneak peeks within 24-48 hours
Online gallery for a year
Weather backup day
Based on your questionnaire, we recommend the California package that includes 8 hours of coverage, which gives the perfect balance of ceremony, portraits, and adventure without feeling rushed. Payment plans available.
California Package
8 Hour Coverage
$5100
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US
Ideal for couples ready to explore iconic destinations across the country. Whether it’s the red rocks of Utah, the mountains of Colorado, or the glaciers of Alaska, we’ll help design a day that blends adventure, intimacy, and unforgettable scenery.
Collections begins at $5,000
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California
Perfect for couples who want to experience an epic adventure in California’s most breathtaking landscapes. From Yosemite to the coast, we’ll guide you through stunning backdrops with a personalized timeline and stress-free planning.
Collections begins at $4000
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Hourly
For couples looking for something minimal and flexible, we offer hourly coverage with a 2-hour minimum. Perfect for quick celebrations when you don’t need a full collection but still want your story beautifully captured.
Starting at $1250/hour
So are you ready to do this most epic thing ever
and get married in Yosemite?!
1
Once we've nailed down a date and spot, and if it feels like a perfect fit, we'll shoot you an email with the contract and invoice to seal the deal!
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Now the fun begins! In the days, weeks, and months leading up to your elopement, we'll work together to craft your dream wedding day.
3
On the big day, we will meet up for a day of epic adventures. You two will say, “I do!” and along the way, we will capture every beautiful unforgettable moments.
Believe it or not, most of our couples worry about this too! Being in front of the camera always feel a little weird and awkward! Trust us, we feel the same way! But no stress, we don’t expect you to be pros. First off, we’re going to make sure your day start off super chill and relaxed by taking some time to chat so that you are both comfortable. Maybe we’ll walk around a bit before we start shooting. When we do begin, it's going to be super laid-back. We promise! Part of our job is to make you forget that there’s a camera on you and we will talk you through it the entire way. We'll give you simple instructions, like how to move and be yourselves, and we'll capture those natural, candid moments.
"But we’re so awkward in front of the camera. How do you make sure we look all weird?”
Michelle + Johnny
Jenny and Helder’s passion for capturing the beauty of Yosemite's landscapes is evident in every shot. They knew exactly where to go. The resulting photos were beyond our wildest dreams. The best part was seeing the aurora borealis and they were able to incorporate it into our shoot. We would highly recommend Step Out to anyone looking for an elopement photographer in Yosemite!
Let’s make your dream elopement a reality!
Let’s create something unforgettable together! Whether it’s an intimate ceremony by a frozen waterfall or an adventure hike to exchange vows, we’re here to make your vision a reality.