ELOPING IN YOSEMITE – YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER VIDEOGRAPHER & PLANNER
Howdy, 🤠👋 we’re Samuel (Yosemite Sam) & Karly, your award-winning Yosemite elopement photographer videographer & planner team.
A lot more than just Yosemite elopement photographers.
We’re your complete experience creators.
Not only will we create EPIC photos and video for you, but we’ll help you plan the whole thing too.
Most importantly, we make it all FUN.
Think of us as elopement wedding ninjas, or Jedi. “Wedi” even.
They provided us with great direction and their calm nature made us feel comfortable in front of the camera.”
THIRD EYE COUPLE 🕉 SARA & CHRIS
“THE ADVENTURERS GUIDE TO THE GALAXY”
MAGICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS
- WHAT DOES ELOPE MEAN?
- WHAT IS AN YOSEMITE ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT?
- REASONS TO ELOPE
- WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE
- HOW TO ELOPE
- ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT TESTIMONIAL
- BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN YOSEMITE
- BEST TIME TO VISIT YOSEMITE
- YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT TIPS
- ULTIMATE ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT CHECKLIST
- HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ELOPE IN YOSEMITE?
- YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT PACKAGES & PRICING
- YOSEMITE ADVENTURE SESSION PACKAGES & PRICING
- ADDITIONAL YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT PLANNING RESOURCES
- YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK LODGING
- ALLTRAILS YOSEMITE HIKING INFO
- YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT WEDDING VENDORS
- YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT WEDDING OFFICIANTS
- YOSEMITE MARRIAGE LICENSE
- YOSEMITE PERMITS
- YOSEMITE RESTROOM GUIDE
- PETS / DOGS IN YOSEMITE GUIDE
- ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PLANNING GUIDES
ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PLANNING GUIDES
- HOW TO ELOPE – 17 STEPS TO PLAN YOUR DREAM ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT WEDDING
- WHERE TO ELOPE – 217 BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN THE US (AND WORLD) IN 2021
- ELOPEMENT DRESSES – 17 POINT ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT WEDDING DRESS GUIDE
- ELOPING WITH FAMILY – 17 CREATIVE WAYS TO INCLUDE FAMILY IN YOUR ELOPEMENT
- ELOPEMENT CEREMONY – TOP 17 THINGS TO CONSIDER TO PLAN THE PERFECT CEREMONY
- HELICOPTER ELOPEMENTS – HOW TO PLAN THE PERFECT HELICOPTER ADVENTURE
ADVENTURE ELOPEMENTS ARE THE FASTEST GROWING WEDDING TREND IN THE WORLD
SO…WHAT DOES ELOPE MEAN ANYWAY?
Here’s what elopement has previously been defined as;
- Elope (e·lope) – run away secretly in order to get married, especially without parental consent. run away to marry. run off/away together. slip away. sneak off. run off/away with a lover.
So things have changed…
The definition of elopement has evolved in the wedding photography space as;
- a “just us,” or intentional intimate wedding experience with only the closest of family and friends (and us of course.)
WHAT IS A YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT?
Simply put, a Yosemite National Park adventure elopement is an outdoor intimate wedding experience immersed in the Park’s epic beauty, which focuses entirely on YOU and YOUR PARTNER.
WHY SHOULD I ELOPE?
HERE’S THE TOP 7 REASONS TO ELOPE:
- You want a “just us” experience that focuses on intimacy and intentionality
- You don’t want to plan a party for hundreds of people
- You want to avoid family drama
- You want way less planning and stress
- You value authentic moments over material things
- You want truly EPIC photos and video
- You want an adventure!
This intentional experience focuses completely on you and your partner.
There are epic alternatives to planning a massive party for hundreds of people.
Each year, more and more couples are choosing to enjoy an adventure elopement or small intimate wedding experience.
Get married how YOU want to.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM A YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY VIDEOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE?
We’ll hang out and create epic images at a National Park.
The Yosemite elopement experience can be as rugged or luxurious as you’d like.
All levels of adventurers are welcome, even if you’ve never traveled, hiked or camped a day in your life.
There is a Yosemite elopement adventure for everyone.
This is a 100% inclusive experience.
Karly and I are here to help you every step of the way.
VISUALIZE YOUR DREAM YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE
Consider the details of the most epic day of your life…
- Where are you two? Whats around you? What kind of epic scenery do you see?
- Half Dome, mountains, cliffs, forests, canyons?
- Is the sun setting? Is it rising? Is there a golden or amethyst horizon?
- What is your partner wearing? An all black suit, a black wedding dress, a fairytale white wedding dress with a long train flowing in the wind on top of a mountain?
- Do you envision a mountaintop ceremony at sunset? Followed by a nighttime bonfire reception?
- Imagine exploring this new world for DAYS before and after your amazing celebration.
YOU DESERVE THIS.
WE’LL MAKE PLANNING YOUR ENTIRE YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT EASY
From the moment you contact us we’re going to help you plan the best Yosemite elopement experience possible.
Planning aspects like travel, food, lodging, weather, back-up plans, park permits, photography permits, marriage license, guests, timeline, ceremony, reception, vendors, wedding and adventure attire, equipment, how to leave no trace, and so on.
Helping plan also means ensuring you’re choosing the right photographer.
Choosing the right Yosemite elopement photographer for your most intimate and sacred day should be done with the utmost care. Not only will you be with them (us) for up to 12 hours on the wedding day, but you’ll be in close contact through the whole process, from planning to post, and even for years after.
Especially when we create the adventurers bond.
HOW TO PLAN AN ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT IN YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
- CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
- This one’s easy. 😉 And we’re videographers too! Even easier. =)
- CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT LOCATION AND DATE
- We’ve combined these two elements because they are very interdependent. The time of year will dictate what the best choice for your location will be and vice versa. We’ll provide you with the best possible option based on your personal interests;
- National Parks rich with mountains, canyons, forests, glaciers, lakes, or deserts.
- We’ve combined these two elements because they are very interdependent. The time of year will dictate what the best choice for your location will be and vice versa. We’ll provide you with the best possible option based on your personal interests;
- SAVE YOUR ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT DATE
- Once we’ve discovered the most epic location and date for your adventure we’ll complete the retainer step of the booking process to save your date and make it official!
- BEGIN PLANNING YOUR ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE
- Now we’ll work through curating the finer details of the adventure elopement experience.
We’ll make all of this EASY.
We’ve also created a more in-depth how-to guide:
[HOW TO ELOPE – 17 Steps to Plan Your Dream Adventure Elopement]
ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT TESTIMONIAL
“Best Adventure Elopement Photographer and Videographer on the Planet”
“Samuel and Karly of ThirdEyeSamuel exceeded our expectations in every way and gave us a truly unique experience, while capturing the events so eloquently. They are true masters of their craft; not just in their ability to take beautiful and artisitic photos, but their professional communication skills, creativity, vibrant energy, humor, and product turnaround time. We cannot express enough how happy we are to have chosen ThirdEyeSamuel to share this occasion with.
If you’re looking to hire one of the best Adventure Elopement Photographers and Videographers look no further!”
THIRD EYE COUPLE 🕉 JACOB & CHELSEA
WHERE ARE THE BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK?
GLACIER POINT
- Easily accessible iconic ceremony location with scenic Half Dome view
- Glacier Point Amphitheater is dog friendly
- Great for larger groups too
TAFT POINT
- Epic sketchy overlook point
HALF DOME
- 17 mile round trip summit hike for the hardcore adventurers
BRIDAL VEIL FALLS
- Stunning waterfall and appropriately named for the occasion
PANORAMA TRAIL
- Ultra wide view of Yosemite’s Half Dome magic. You’ll earn this one though with a 9 mile hike.
MARIPOSA GROVE
- Ancient, magical grove of ancient Sequoias.
EL CAPITAN MEADOW
- Picturesque meadow with epic background of El Capitan mountain face.
– YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT LOCATION PHOTOS
– FULL LIST OF OFFICIAL YOSEMITE CEREMONY LOCATIONS
BEST TIME TO VISIT YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK [LATE MAY-OCT]
- WEEKDAY WEEKDAY WEEKDAY. If you value a private and intimate celebration or ceremony location this is one of the only ways to help make that a reality. This can significantly elevate the entire day and elopement process as a whole.
- Late May is usually the earliest one of the main roads, Glacier Point Road is open which provides easy access to an epic view of Half Dome, Yosemite’s most iconic feature.
- Spring and Fall will give you a less crowded, and comfortable experience. Summer months are great too but they’re more crowded.
- If you’re able to plan a weekday adventure then summer can still be a great option.
And if you’re still considering other locations for your adventure elopement wedding…
[217 Best Places to Elope in the US and World]
YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT TIPS
THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT CHECKLIST
- Visualize the scenery with your amazing partner
- Mountain, desert, glacier, forest, lake, beach, cave, cliff, canyon, mid-air…space?!
- Craft perfect combination of location and date with planner
- Elopement planner (us) — we 📋
- Photographer (us) —— really 📷
- Videographer (us) ——- make 🎥
- Officiant (us) ——————this 🤠
- Witnesses (us) —————easy 🤩
- Create back-up(s) for your location and date
- Acquire permits and/or reservations
- Obtain marriage license
- Travel & lodging (Airbnb is amazing)
- Adventure equipment
- Florist – fake or real either way they’re gorgeous, bouquets adventure well too! 💐
- Cake (cupcakes?) 🧁 cupcakes adventure well
- Decor – maybe you want a giant hexagon wedding arbor
- Rings – the sacred symbol of eternal union! 💍
- Wedding dress & attire – appropriate to the adventure
- “Spells” / Vows – cast them, freestyle them, write them, say them 3 different times if you want
- Invitations – or maybe it’s “just us”
- you can also hold a separate time and place to invite your friends and family
- Ceremony – on a glacier only possible by helicopter? 🚁
- Reception – maybe a cliff-side bonfire or airbnb party
- Honeymoon (a week of exploring your epic destination?)
- Announcement – “shout from the mountaintops…” literally? ⛰
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ELOPE IN YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK?
Elopements in Yosemite National Park typically cost anywhere from $7,000-$20,000+ including the photography and videography.
This is considerably less than the average wedding.
The average wedding in the United States costs approximately $34,000.
The main difference is that you’re investing in an experience for fewer people, which in turn leads to a much higher quality experience for each person.
A major factor of this higher quality experience is enjoying a multi-day adventure elopement + honeymoon. Imagine a week long adventure as newlyweds in an absolutely magical location. EPIC.
We highly recommend investing 3-7 days to fully explore and appreciate your epic destination.
You can even hire a photographer (🤠🏴☠️) for multiple days, to document even more of your amazing story.
Get married the way YOU want to. 🏴☠️
YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT PACKAGES & PRICING
Yosemite Elopement Packages
Photo + Video Yosemite Elopement Packages Can Include:
- 4+ hours photo + video coverage with Samuel & Karly
- Hi-res images showcased, delivered and downloadable in professional online gallery
- Highlight video 5-10 minutes with vows and/or music
- Highlight video 1 minute for social media with vows and/or music
- GoPro personal POV video
- Drone aerial photo / video (location + weather permitting)
- Large print sized appropriately for your living space
- Adventure Elopement planning
- Second Photographer / Videographer
- Adventure equipment provided
- Vendor & Location recommendations
- Tea ceremony
- Lifelong adventurers friendship
Yosemite Elopement Pricing
The 4+ Hour Yosemite Elopement Photo + Video pricing starts at $5117. Photo only starts at $3417.
We do not charge for travel (Van-life perks 🚐).
We offer fully customizable packages.
Yosemite Adventure Sessions: for Engagements, Proposals, Trash the Dress, Anniversaries, Vow Renewals, Couples (and any reason you can dream up because they’re epic)
Yosemite Adventure Session Packages
Photo + Video Yosemite Adventure Session Packages Can Include:
- 2 hour photo + video coverage with Samuel & Karly
- Hi-res images showcased, delivered and downloadable in professional online gallery
- Highlight video 3 minutes with music
- Highlight video 1 minute for social media with music
- GoPro personal POV video
- Drone aerial photo / video (location + weather permitting)
- Large print sized appropriately for your living space
- Adventure Session planning
- Second Photographer / Videographer
- Location recommendations
- Lifelong adventurers friendship
Yosemite Adventure Session Pricing
The 2 hour Photo + Video Yosemite Adventure Session pricing begins at $3417. Photo only begins at $2617.
These sessions are designed for engagements, proposals, trash the dress, anniversaries, vow renewals, couples, and simply because they’re epic and should be enjoyed for any reason you can possibly dream up.
Like our elopement packages, the adventure sessions are also fully customizable.
We had the most amazing time with Samuel and Karly at our adventurous ‘Trash the Dress’ photo shoot. Wearing my wedding gown in an epic outdoor location while suspended in the sky was an experience of a lifetime! Samuel and Karly at ThirdEyeSamuel are THE best Adventure Elopement Photographers and Videographers, and I cannot recommend them enough. They went above and beyond to create an unforgettable experience and authentically captured every moment on camera.. from multiple angles, too! I will forever cherish this day and the many beautiful images and videos <3”
THIRD EYE COUPLE 🕉 CHELSEA & JACOB
YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT PLANNING RESOURCES
YOSEMITE LEAVE NO TRACE [LNT] – MOST IMPORTANT RESOURCE
YOSEMITE WEDDING PERMITS & SUBMISSION INFO
YOSEMITE CURRENT ROAD AND PARK CONDITIONS
YOSEMITE CAMPING INFORMATION
YOSEMITE LODGING AND RESERVATIONS
YOSEMITE 10 DAY WEATHER FORECAST
YOSEMITE CEREMONY LOCATIONS
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK AIRBNB / LODGING
YOSEMITE VALLEY AIRBNB LOCATIONS
YOSEMITE WEST AIRBNB LOCATIONS
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK LODGING
YOSEMITE VRBO LOCATIONS
YOSEMITE CABINS
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK HOTELS
YOSEMITE HIKES & LANDSCAPE INFORMATION
ALLTRAILS YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
ALLTRAILS GLACIER POINT TRAIL
ALLTRAILS SENTINEL DOME TRAIL
ALLTRAILS INSPIRATION POINT TRAIL
ALLTRAILS POHONO TRAIL
ALLTRAILS SENTINEL MEADOW TRAIL
YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT WEDDING VENDORS
PHOTOGRAPHY – THIRDEYESAMUEL
VIDEOGRAPHY – THIRDEYESAMUEL
PLANNING – THIRDEYESAMUEL
OFFICIANT – THIRDEYESAMUEL
FLORIST – THE ENCHANTED FLORIST (& YELP LISTING HERE)
FLORIST – BAMBOO BRIDGE FLORALS
FLORIST & CAKE – SWEET DREAMS WEDDING CAKES & FLOWERS
FLORISTS – BEST FLORISTS NEAR YOSEMITE VALLEY (YELP)
FLORISTS – 11 YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK WEDDING FLORISTS (WEDDING WIRE)
CAKE – BEST WEDDING CAKE SPECIALISTS NEAR YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
CAKE – ORGANIC WEDDING CAKE – CAKE WALK HEIRLOOM BAKING COMPANY IN YOSEMITE
HMUA – BLUSH YOSEMITE HAIR AND MAKE UP (& THE KNOT LISTING HERE)
HMUA – MICKIE HANSON MAKE UP ARTISTRY & HAIR DESIGN (& WEDDING WIRE LISTING HERE)
YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT WEDDING OFFICIANTS
REVEREND AUTREY NASSAR
REVEREND CAROL
OFFICIANT DONNY ALEXANDER
THIRDEYESAMUEL
YOSEMITE OFFICIANTS ON YELP
YOSEMITE MARRIAGE LICENSE
MARIPOSA COUNTY HALL MARRIAGE LICENSE
YOSEMITE PERMITS
SPECIAL USE PERMIT [WEDDING / ELOPEMENT]
PHOTOGRAPHY PERMIT
HALF DOME PERMIT
YOSEMITE RESTROOM GUIDE
PETS / DOGS IN YOSEMITE GUIDE
ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PLANNING GUIDES
We thank you for flying ThirdEyeSamuel Yosemite Airways. May this information find you well and assist you in your elopement wedding planning journey.
