Matthew and Chariese’s Cinematic Adventure In Yosemite

Matthew and Chariese’s Yosemite elopement was nothing short of a cinematic dream! From a heartfelt first look at Yosemite Chapel to exploring the breathtaking views of Cook’s Meadow, every moment was filled with love and adventure. Their journey continued to Glacier Point and ended with a sunset hike to Taft Point, where the golden glow illuminated Chariese’s glittering dress all while using her Bridal Buddy to hold up her dress! Get all the details below.

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About This Elopement

Photography by Storybook Photography

“Their day started at the Yosemite View Lodge, where Chariese’s sparkling ball gown hung by the river as she got ready. Matthew waited for their sweet first look at the Yosemite Chapel, and from there, we strolled through Cook’s Meadow, taking in views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. It was like something out of a dream!

Next, we headed up to Glacier Point, where the harsh afternoon sunlight made for some stunning high contrast and bold images. Then came our hike to Taft Point, where Chariese rocked this genius ‘Bridal Buddy’ that kept her dress clean—it was a total game-changer!” [Salisha, the photographer]

Learn more about eloping in Yosemite.

Permits and LNT

Permit info

“Yosemite National Park requires an affordable special use permit in order to have an elopement ceremony inside the park. The permit is easy to obtain and only costs $150, making it a perfect option for brides even on a tighter budget, so you can splurge on your dream dress or photographer!

What’s even cooler is that you are not limited to just their list of wedding locations if you have fewer than 11 guests, so you can literally get married anywhere in the park other than meadows that have no pathway or riparian areas, and we have some favorites that are tucked off the beaten path for couples who are more adventurous!” [Salisha, the photographer]

LNT

“Keep it simple and be mindful of the environment. Stay on the path if you’re in a meadow area and always pack in and pack out your waste. Be mindful of the flowers you use in your bouquet and steer clear of any that have seeds that could fall and become invasive.

Don’t use confetti, rice, or anything else, even if it’s biodegradable. The biggest one, and I can’t stress this enough is no smoke bombs or sparklers. Fire is a serious threat to this park, and any use of fireworks is illegal and taken very seriously. If you pop champagne, take note of where the cork falls and pick it up. Respect the wildlife, don’t approach them and especially don’t feed them. Make sure the only thing you leave behind are footprints.” [Salisha, the photographer]

Learn how to leave no trace during your elopement.

Top Tips From The Photographer

“Work with a photographer who specializes not just in photographing your elopement, but in planning it. Beautiful photos are great, and definitely a must, but you’ll be so happy that you took the stress off your shoulders of planning and had the help in obtaining your permit and finding all those hidden gems you want to visit on your day!” [Salisha, the photographer]

Memorable Moments From This Elopement

From the photographer:

“Ending our night with a hike to Taft Point at sunset. The lighting was absolutely spectacular and the way it shined through the layers of tulle illuminating the glitter on her dress was jaw droopingly gorgeous.”

Final Words of Advice

“Plan your day around activities that you already love to do together, which makes your photos feel more natural. Whether it’s hiking like Matthew and Chariese, enjoying a picnic and some wine together, grabbing beers in Curry Village, or enjoying a fire and roasting marshmallows together at the end of the night at your AirBnB or campsite.

Think of fun activities that you can share with each other and make those the story of your photos, taking the pressure off of posing and allowing you to instead document and share genuine lifelong memories together.” [Salisha, the photographer]

Matthew and Chariese are from Spruce Pine in North Carolina and their community was seriously devastated by the recent hurricane Helene. Their community is in shambles and they could definitely use our prayers and support! For more info on how you can help their community click here.

Vendors 

Photography | Storybook Photography

Dress | Francesca Avila specifically the Alondra gown
Suit | Menista Suits
Hair/Makeup | Sierra Jane Studios

Photos From This Elopement