This Tuolumne Meadows elopement photography coverage took place on a clear fall afternoon at Tenaya Lake, with a small group of family and friends gathered along the shoreline.
The couple planned a simple ceremony with fewer than 15 people. I drove in from Lake Tahoe that afternoon, coming over Tioga Pass into Yosemite National Park, and met them at the lake.
They booked my hourly wedding photography package for two hours. The plan was to photograph the ceremony, a few group portraits, and then spend some time on couple’s portraits up near Olmsted Point.
Tenaya Lake Elopement Ceremony
The ceremony took place on the sandy shoreline of Tenaya Lake. Their guest list was small, and included their parents, siblings, and a few close friends. Since it was fall, the weather was cooler and there weren’t any crowds.
When I arrived, I photographed the groom on the beach as he pinned a boutonnière to his jacket and greeted guests.
The groom’s dad came over to help adjust the boutonnière.
The beach at the east end of Tenaya Lake sits below Stately Pleasure Dome. All of these granite formations make a stunning backdrop for Tuolumne Meadows elopement photos.
The bride arrived from the trees with her dad. She carried a bouquet of wildflowers and wore a matching flower crown. The setting did most of the work. No setup, just the natural surroundings and the people who were there.
During the ceremony, the sun backlighting the bride made this one of my favorite angles during the ceremony.
Partway through photographing the ceremony, I backed up to the forest and switched to a wide-angle lens. I wanted to capture the scene from a distance, family gathered on the sand, the lake directly behind them, and granite domes rising in the background.
The ceremony itself was short. They read handwritten vows. The bride started to tear up as she read hers, holding the paper in one hand as the wind moved through her hair. The groom stayed more reserved, listening and responding in his own way.
Meanwhile, the groom’s parents stood together with their arms around each other, watching quietly.
After they each read their vows, they exchanged rings.
Tuolumne Meadows Elopement Photos: Couples Portraits
Following the ceremony, we drove a short distance toward Olmsted Point for portraits.This area opens up onto large granite slabs with a wide view looking out over Tenaya Lake and the surrounding domes. It is a stunning view of Tuolumne Meadows for any visitor.
Over the years, I’ve spent a lot of time in Tuolumne Meadows and I know some great spots for photos. Since the bride and groom are rock climbers as well, they had no trouble navigating the steep granite slabs.
One of my favorite images frames them against the open landscape, with Tenaya Peak and granite formations stretching out behind them.
Tuolumne Meadows Elopement Photography
If you’re planning a Tuolumne Meadows elopement, I’d love to connect!
I photograph elopements throughout Yosemite National Park, including Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, and the high country along Tioga Road. Coverage is flexible and can be built around the timing and locations you have in mind.
You can reach out through my contact page to check availability and start a conversation about your plans. If you’d like to see more, visit my Elopements Gallery to view additional work from Lake Tahoe and other locations.
