48 hours. 30 miles. 2 sunrise elopement spots. I don’t think anything gets much better than this. When a couple asks you to go backpacking with them for their adventurous elopement in Yosemite National Park–you say yes! I always say that I’m down for the adventure of your dreams, sometimes, couples actually take me up on it. Here’s the story of my first ever Yosemite backpacking experience with the greatest couple ever! 

Getting Ready for a Once-in-a-Lifetime Yosemite Backpacking Event

This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that the couple actually got to have in two different ways. First with a sunrise portrait session at Taft Point followed by a Glacier Point elopement ceremony the next morning. Even though this was my first backpacking trip ever and my first Yosemite backpacking trip for an elopement ever, the park to me is like a home away from home.

I was grateful that this very unfamiliar experience happened in a very familiar place! Emma and Sam are also seasoned veterans when it comes to adventuring in the great outdoors. They were on top of elopement planning, in great physical shape, and prepared even with the gear to get fresh water from a river!

When Emma and Sam told me that they wanted to elope at Taft Point and Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park, I knew that this was going to be an adventure. At the time, there were road closures to both of these usually easily accessible locations. But, Sam and Emma still wanted to go big, hitting both points within a two-day span.

To access the amazing views, we had to journey on an 11-mile hike up to Taft Point (with 4,000 ft elevation gain) on day one and a four-mile hike up to Glacier Point on day two. With moving fast to catch the light and hitting more miles than we expected everything just hurt by the end! But, the views on the way up were unmatched, and we saw parts of the park we never would have traveled through otherwise.

Hiking 11 miles uphill with a 40-pound backpack to get those views? 100% worth it.

How to Have an Elopement by Backpacking at Yosemite

Yosemite Backpacking: Taft Point

By the time we reached the top we were so sore. We were on the most beautiful overlooks with the most aching feet! The closures ended up working to our advantage because it meant that these super popular locations were empty for our sessions! We made it to Taft Point by sunrise and had the entire place to ourselves. On the way back down was the only time we ran into some other hikers.

After the new experience of Yosemite backcountry camping for the night, we got up early the next morning for the 4-mile trek to Glacier Point. For the entire last mile of the hike a mountain lion (or possibly a bobcat) stalked us! It was right in front of us and we could see its glowing eyes from our headlamps. We used our bear horns, made loud noises, and eventually saw it retreat back. After that we just stayed close together and walked slowly!

Yosemite Backpacking: Glacier Point

Glacier Point was also completely isolated which is so rare. Emma and Sam had their official elopement where they read their vows to each other and I officiated! The sun rose over Half Dome in the background and we took beautiful photos of them in the surrounding area following the elopement. After this, they changed back into their regular clothes and just hung out, ate some breakfast together, and enjoyed the sights of their Yosemite backpacking adventure.

After hiking a total of 30 miles to Taft Point then to Glacier Point and back down again, it was a heck of an exhausting trip! What made it worth it wasn’t just the beauty of our surroundings or the many adventures we had (listen here for the full elopement story on the podcast!). It was witnessing their love.

These two were rock stars when it came to mountain climbing and backpacking. Seeing them spend their first day together as husband and wife doing what they love in the spot that they loved–it was a completely pure moment. The more removed we were from cell service and distraction, the more they could focus on each other and what they were starting together that day. It was an honor to capture this amazing Yosemite backpacking elopement.

What to Consider for a Yosemite Elopement

Emma and Sam’s Yosemite wedding was one of the coolest experiences, and I’m so stinking grateful for clients who put their trust in me to help plan the best day of their lives. Following this experience, I have a few tips for my couples and fellow elopement photographers who are ready for an adventure!

A Note to the Photographer

Listen to the whole story of this Yosemite backpacking elopement on the podcast  for why I think backpacking isn’t something you have to offer as an elopement photographer. I also discuss what I had in my pack and what I learned from the experience!

A Note to the Couple

I flesh out my full tips for How to Elope in Yosemite in my Elopement Tips! For starters, here are some things to consider when planning any wedding at Yosemite National Park especially a Yosemite backpacking elopement:

• Pay attention to the season (there are so many mosquitos in the summer!), time of day, and road closures.
• You need a permit to get married in the park and a wilderness permit to stay overnight. Rangers will stop you to check!
• Plan extra time and space out your adventure, hiking to two locations in two days was a lot!

Are you already picturing the Yosemite elopement of your dreams? I want to hear all about it!

The Team

Photographer | Dani Purington Photography
Videographer | Oak & Pine Media