This elopement blends Yosemite’s natural grandeur with its historic heart, creating a day that feels both epic and elegant. Waterfall Vows centers on the thundering beauty of Yosemite Falls while weaving in quiet moments of heritage and luxury.
The morning begins at The Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite’s iconic four-star retreat. You’ll get ready in its spacious suites, where stone fireplaces, wooden beams, and mountain views set a timeless scene. Editorial portraits in the Great Lounge or on the hotel’s grounds add a touch of vintage grandeur before you step into your ceremony.
From there, we’ll head to the base of Yosemite Falls for your vows. In the morning light, the mist shimmers and the crowds haven’t yet gathered, leaving the moment private and breathtaking. With the roar of the falls as your soundtrack, your ceremony will feel intimate yet monumental, as though the whole valley is standing witness.
Afterward, we’ll wander to the Church Bowl picnic area, a quiet green near the historic Yosemite Chapel. Here, portraits carry the charm of old Yosemite with meadows, wooden details, and the little chapel tucked into the trees. This is the perfect spot for a styled picnic or a glass of champagne beneath Half Dome’s watchful eye.
The rest of the day is at your leisure. You can tour around the valley, visit the infamous Glacier Point, or opt for a fun activity such as hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, or whatever calls for your heart. I can help create a personalized itinerary for your wedding day.
The day closes back at The Ahwahnee, where you can savor a celebratory dinner in the hotel’s famed dining room or relax with champagne on the terrace as the sun dips behind the granite walls. It’s Yosemite at its most iconic — waterfalls, history, and luxury woven into one unforgettable day.
