Yosemite Elopement Packages
for couples dreaming of a stress-free, intimate Yosemite day
I love working with couples who feel at peace in nature, think outside the box, and want their story captured in a cinematic, romantic way.
So…you thought weddings had to be big, complicated, and stressful… until you realized wait…theres another way? It can be just me, my partner, and maybe a few of my closest friends or family, surrounded by Yosemite’s beauty?
You want a day and a timeline that lets you breathe. And what better place to do that than surrounded by Ponderosa pines, the Merced River flowing beside you, and Half Dome glowing in golden hour light behind you?
But wait a second…how do you actually elope in the middle of the forest?
Where do you go?
Do you have to show up a year in advance and claim your spot?
Where do you actually stand to get the best views without anyone else around?
Well, that’s where I come in!
I’m Yashar!
I’m so much more than just a
pretty face who loves Yosemite
I’ve lived in the park for multiple summers, know all its ins and outs, have slept in its tents and cabins, survived bats flying over my head, and discovered the parks hidden gems. I’ve worked at one of the park’s hotels, answered hundreds of questions about Yosemite (so I know a thing or two about Yosemite), and seen it at every stage of the year. From bustling July 4th weekends to snowy January days (snow chains and hand warmers included).
And on top of all that lived-in Yosemite experience, I’ll take beautiful, cinematic photos of you while making sure your day flows effortlessly. Think of me as your guide, planner, and photographer all in one.
I’ll help plan your elopement until it becomes the
storybook perfect day you’ve been dreaming of:
Whether you’ve visited the park every year and have had Christmas dinners at the Ahwahnee for as long as you can remember.
Or you’re going to be visiting Yosemite for the first time and wondering what the Ahwahnee is (it’s a beautiful hotel named after the Ahwahneechee people, the park’s original inhabitants, but actually more on that later!).
It’s okay if you’re nervous about heights and want to skip going to Taft Point, love rock climbing, or just want to soak in the views with minimal walking, we’ll plan moments and activities that feel like you. The end result will be images that feels cinematic and romantic that you’ll look back on for years to come.
“Yashar photographed our wedding earlier in the year and we were SO happy that we went with him. He is such a lovely person to work with, our guests even commented on how kind he was. Along with his personality, he is incredibly talented. He has such a cinematic eye, he doesn’t just take photos- he really captures moments and feelings. We love our photos and had a wonderful experience, could not recommend him more!”
“We were so happy we went with him.”
- Mykenzie & Raffi
“Yashar was amazing at capturing our small intimate moments candidly. He was a very down to earth guy who is passionate and captured our moments effortlessly. It felt very organic and was reflected in our pictures. Would recommend and hire again!”
“Captured our moments effortlessly.”
- Diana & Rey
Of course you’re going to get beautiful
photos. But beyond all that, I’ll also:
Plan out your entire day from you waking up until you going to sleep (sometimes I even pay an Etsy witch to make sure you have good dreams that night…okay that part was a lie but if you wanted that, I could do that too!)
Scout locations to make sure they’re exactly what you’re looking for, and have backups ready in case of emergencies.
Apply for and secure all necessary permits for your chosen locations.
Recommend vendors, from makeup artists and florists to cakes and anything else you might need. I send out a questionnaire to quickly figure out what help you want, so we can check those boxes early and be stress-free.
Bring everything you might need, from mosquito spray and hand warmers to headlamps and makeup wipes.
Manage the timeline of the day so you can relax, enjoy each moment, and stay fully present.
You didn’t think I’d let you leave the
day empty handed though, right?
Surprise, you’ll get 10 Polaroids!
In a world where everything lives on our screens, I want you to have something physical to take home with you that same day. Even though you’ll receive digital previews within a few days, I know how easy it is to say “we’ll print them later” and never get around to it. These Polaroids are meant to live on your walls, your fridge, or wherever you’ll see them often and be reminded of your beautiful day.
ELOPEMENT PACKAGES
All my Yosemite photography packages include:
Me as your photographer and guide
Your full wedding/elopement gallery delivered within 6 weeks of your beautiful day
Unlimited assistance with locations, permits, and timelines
Posing guidance and direction to make sure you feel and look your best
10 printed Polaroids for you to take home
Permit guidance + vendor recommendations
Planning calls to keep everything stress-free
Sneak peeks within 4 days
Travel costs included!
PRICES
The Full Story
(Up to 12 hours) $6000
For the couples who want their entire journey documented.
Full location scouting, custom timeline planning and planning calls
All-day adventure (multiple locations, first looks, portraits, etc.)
Permit guidance + vendor recommendations
Optional sunrise and/or sunset coverage
400+ professionally edited high-resolution images
The Sweet Spot
(Up to 8 hours) $4400
Relaxed, meaningful, and fully captured. My most popular package!
Personalized elopement timeline and location recommendations
Coverage of multiple key moments (ex: ceremony, portraits, post-vow adventure)
Optional sunrise and/or sunset coverage
300+ high-resolution edited images
The Essentials
(Up to 4 hours) $3400
For couples who want something simple and intimate.
Coverage up to 2 location
150+ high-resolution edited images
So…are you ready to have your Yosemite
day captured in a beautiful way?
Amazing! Because I can’t wait to meet
you two and start planning your day!
To get started, submit an inquiry below and I’ll follow up to set up a Zoom call where we’ll talk through your vision, answer your questions, and sometimes we even start planning the possibilities right then and there.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, national parks like Yosemite require a permit for weddings and elopements. The permit costs $150 and it’s best to apply at least 8 weeks in advance. But don’t worry, I will contact the park for you and help you acquire the correct permits so you won’t need to stress about them. For non wedding/elopement sessions where it would just be the two of you + me, a permit wouldn’t be required.
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Yes! If the location allows, we can plan and accommodate up to 15 guests. Keep in mind though, that as the guest count increases, logistical challenges like parking, seating, and bathroom availability can limit your location options. A few locations in Yosemite, such as Glacier Point, will allow up to 50 guests but we will figure all that out on our planning calls.
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You’ll need a registered officiant but you can also have a friend or family member officiate by obtaining a one-day deputization from California.
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I recommend around 6-12 months before you want to elope so that we have plenty of time to plan your dream adventure, acquire permits, and make sure you get to experience everything you’re imagining in your Yosemite elopement.
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Believe me, I know how hard it is to wait, especially after such a momentous day. You will receive 30+ sneak peaks within 72 hours then your full gallery within 6 weeks.
Your photos will be delivered through a private online gallery where you can download high-resolution digital files, create favorites lists, share photos with friends and families, and order prints. You’ll receive full printing rights, though I recommend ordering prints through the professional lab available directly within your gallery.
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A 35% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to reserve your date. The remaining 65% can be split into multiple payments and must be paid in full at least 30 days prior to your wedding or elopement. Full details will be outlined in your contract.
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I take pride in my ability to make everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera, I will guide you enough to get the beautiful compositions and vulnerable close-ups while leaving space for you to make it entirely your own. I also send a Couples Questionnaire beforehand so I can learn more about you two, as well as understand your styles and personalities better. This helps bring out the best in your photos and gives me a chance to tailor the day to your personalities.