Allison and Emmett’s Stunning Villa Cetinale Wedding in Tuscany
Why This Sunrise Elopement in Yosemite Is the Ultimate Glacier Point Wedding Inspiration
We’ve always been suckers for a jaw-dropping elopement in Yosemite National Park—but Tyler and Kristen’s sunrise shoot at Glacier Point? It completely stole our hearts. The light, the views, the vibes—everything about it was straight out of a dream. So of course, we had to get the scoop. We caught up with Hannah and Michael from Stay Golden Collective Photo & Video (aka the creative genius couple behind the lens) to hear all about how this magical morning unfolded.
Trust us—you’re going to want to see every last frame. And if you’re planning your own Glacier Point wedding? Stick around ‘til the end—we’ve got some golden tips to help make your Yosemite elopement just as unforgettable.
Stay Golden Collective Photo & Video
Stay Golden Collective Photo & Video
Stay Golden Collective Photo & Video
Stay Golden Collective Photo & Video
“Kristen and Tyler’s Yosemite elopement was a breathtaking blend of adventure, love, and personal meaning. Their story began years ago on a camping trip to Yosemite with friends after graduation, and this special place would come full circle for them on their 11th anniversary. After getting engaged during a weekend getaway to Big Sur, they knew they wanted their wedding day to reflect their love for the outdoors and the simplicity of being surrounded by nature.
Stay Golden Collective Photo & Video
Stay Golden Collective Photo & Video
Stay Golden Collective Photo & Video
Stay Golden Collective Photo & Video
Stay Golden Collective Photo & Video
On a stunning July morning, they woke up before the sun to kick off their big day with an intimate first look at Glacier Point, where the early light painted the sky over the valleys below. The day continued with a beautiful ceremony at Cathedral Beach, nestled among Yosemite’s majestic granite cliffs, followed by a relaxing breakfast reception with family photos in the meadow. Their wedding day was filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, and stunning landscapes. Just the way they imagined it.
Stay Golden Collective Photo & Video
Stay Golden Collective Photo & Video
Stay Golden Collective Photo & Video
Stay Golden Collective Photo & Video
Stay Golden Collective Photo & Video
Tyler and Kristen’s wedding day was the perfect balance of adventure and calm, their love shining through in every moment. From their heartfelt first look to their emotional exchange of gifts, every detail of their day reflected who they are as a couple. They focused on leaning into the simplicity and beauty of the moment. We loved this because we firmly believe in choosing a location that means something to you both. Your wedding is about celebrating your connection, so make it as personal and joyful as possible.
Kristen and Tyler’s Yosemite elopement was not just a wedding, it was a beautiful adventure that celebrated their love for each other and the wild landscapes that have always been a part of their story.”
Stay Golden Collective Photo & Video
Stay Golden Collective Photo & Video
Stay Golden Collective Photo & Video
The Vendors
Makeup Artist: Enhance Artistry // Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Allure Bridals // Dress Designer: Jenny Yoo// Ceremony Location: Yosemite National Park // Photographer: Stay Golden Collective //
Tips and Ideas for Planning Your Yosemite Elopement or Glacier Point Wedding
Let me tell you—there’s nothing quite like hearing wedding vows echo through the pine-scented air of Yosemite at dawn. I’ve attended my fair share of weddings as a blogger over the last decade, from tropical barefoot ceremonies in Tulum to rainy-day elopements in the Scottish Highlands—but a Glacier Point wedding at sunrise? That one stuck with me like sap on hiking boots.
Let’s talk about how to make your Yosemite elopement just as unforgettable—and a whole lot less stressful.
Arrive Early. No, Earlier Than That.
You’d think arriving at 5:30 AM would be early enough. Wrong. The best light at Glacier Point starts to hit around the tail-end of blue hour, and if you’ve ever seen Half Dome glow in that soft blush light—you’ll know why couples make the trek in the dark.
At one elopement I attended, we hiked in with headlamps, coffee in hand, and a very enthusiastic dog in a flower collar. The bride wore hiking boots under her dress. The groom had a thermos tucked into his jacket. By the time the sun crested the Sierra ridgeline, they were mid-vow, and I swear, even the chipmunks paused to listen.
Pro tip: pack layers. The temperature drop at that elevation is no joke. I once saw a groomsman in a full tux jacket and pajama pants underneath. No regrets.
Permits: Boring but Non-Negotiable
Here’s the not-so-glamorous truth: Yosemite elopement rules are strict—and yes, you do need a permit. You’ll want a Special Use Permit, which costs $150 and must be approved by the park. As of writing this, Glacier Point is one of the few ceremony-allowed spots that feels completely wild while still being legal. Don’t wing it—rangers patrol regularly, and you don’t want your big moment ending with a fine.
Check the current permit info here.
Also, if you’re hiring a photographer (which, duh, you are), they’ll need a separate commercial photography permit. Yes, even for elopements. Double-check everything. And then check it again. Yosemite doesn’t mess around.
Timing Is Everything
Look, I’ve been to four weddings in Yosemite now. Two were breathtaking. One was lovely but very, very windy. And one—well, let’s just say late September at Glacier Point can bring surprise snow.
If you’re set on a Glacier Point wedding, target late May through early July for that sweet spot of snowmelt-meets-wildflower. But if solitude is the goal, aim for shoulder seasons and weekdays. I’ve seen couples have the whole place to themselves on a random Tuesday.
Oh, and avoid holiday weekends unless your dream aesthetic includes photobombers in bucket hats.
The Ceremony Setup: Keep It Minimal and Meaningful
Let me say this: nature is doing 98% of the decorating for you. Don’t overdo it.
At one Yosemite elopement I photographed with a friend, the couple brought two chairs, a bundle of eucalyptus, and a single vintage rug. That’s it. And it was stunning.
Plus, there are restrictions—no amplified music, no throwing rice, no setting up arches or furniture unless it’s pre-approved. Embrace the raw beauty. Symbolically, it’s kind of perfect: you’re starting a new chapter with only what you can carry. There’s something poetic about that.
Lodging and Logistics: Think Ahead (Way Ahead)
Booking accommodations inside the park? It’s like scoring Beyoncé tickets. Plan six to twelve months out, or be prepared to crash outside the gates. And Glacier Point Road sometimes closes due to rockfall or snow, even in June. Don’t assume you’ll be able to drive right up.
One couple I interviewed had to hike four miles uphill in wedding attire because of a surprise road closure. They said it was the best adventure of their lives—but also, they couldn’t walk properly for three days.
Lesson learned: always have a Plan B. And maybe a Plan C. Just in case.
Vendors: Go Local or Go Experienced
Not all vendors are created equal—especially in national parks. You want a team who knows the terrain, the rules, and the rhythm of natural light.
I once saw a videographer chase a drone into a restricted area. He got fined, the couple got lectured by a ranger, and I got secondhand embarrassment. Don’t be that couple.
Look for photographers and planners who specialize in Yosemite elopement weddings. Better yet, book someone who’s shot a Glacier Point wedding before. They’ll know exactly when to start, where to stand, and how to get that golden shot without falling off a ledge.
One of my favorite Yosemite vendors is The Hearnes—real-life elopement pros who live for climbing, hiking, and capturing couples in epic places.
Leave No Trace—Seriously
I won’t sugarcoat this. I once saw a couple toss biodegradable confetti off the edge of Glacier Point. Biodegradable or not, it was a violation. The ranger confiscated the confetti bag, and that couple got a not-so-romantic lecture. Not a good look.
Yosemite is sacred land. Leave it better than you found it. Pick up your trash. Stay on the trail. And if you packed it in, pack it out—even if it’s your mother-in-law’s half-eaten sandwich.
Need tips? The official NPS Leave No Trace guidelines.
One Last Thing
If you’re on the fence about planning a Yosemite elopement or a Glacier Point wedding, let me just say: you’ll never regret choosing wonder over convenience.
Yes, there’s a bit more planning involved. And yes, you might get cold toes and dirty dress hems. But you’ll also get memories that feel like folklore. You’ll watch the sun rise over granite cliffs older than time. You’ll speak your vows into a silence so deep it feels holy.
I’ve watched couples cry. I’ve cried myself. And every time, I walk away thinking: this is what love looks like when it’s stripped down to the bone and still breathtaking.
Want more Yosemite wedding inspo? Check out our real wedding archives or shoot us a DM on Instagram—we love helping couples turn their wild wedding dreams into reality.
