Adventurous California Elopements: Black Sands Beach & Yosemite National Park

From Kylie and Devon’s epic Black Sands Beach microwedding to Sara and Kyle’s Yosemite destination elopement, this gallery showcases everything I love most about adventurous California elopements! These are two of my all-time favorite California elopement locations – Yosemite National Park and the California Coast. Plus, these couples both fully embraced wanderlust, adventure, and the beauty of nature on their big days. Keep reading to learn the stories behind the photos and see some truly epic, romantic images!

Kylie & Devon’s Black Sands Beach Intimate Wedding

As a wedding and elopement photographer, I love when couples fully embrace the freedom that comes with planning a non-traditional wedding. And that’s precisely what Kylie and Devon did when they crafted this adventurous, Northern California microwedding. They traveled all the way from the Florida Keys to exchange vows in the same place Devon proposed!

These two kept things intimate and included only their closest family and friends. As fog rolled in and out all day, Kylie and Devon got married at the gorgeous Black Sands Beach in Northern California. Then, after they said, “I do,” we stayed on the beach for a while to capture family and bridal portraits.

Of course, Devon and Kylie wanted to include their son in some of the bridal portraits. So, I followed the three of them along the coastline, capturing shots of the family walking on the black sands with the ocean beside them and rugged rock formations in the background. Then, it was time for intimate sunset portraits with just the bride and groom. We even hiked down to the incredibly beautiful spot where Devon proposed to Kylie.

Finally, we headed back to Kylie and Devon’s oceanfront Airbnb for a small reception. Their family and friends were waiting there to celebrate with them. Everyone enjoyed pizza and partied to a pre-made playlist. Overall, this couple’s big day is still one of my all-time favorite adventurous California elopements!

Sara & Kyle’s Yosemite National Park Elopement

Sara and Kyle’s dream destination elopement in Yosemite National Park is another of the most memorable adventurous California elopements I’ve ever shot. Honestly, just look at these photos! From the stunning views to the personal vow exchange, this day showcases everything adventure elopements should be.

The couple started their day getting ready at their hotel in Oakhurst, which is one of my favorite towns to stay in near Yosemite National Park. We met up at Tunnel View, where Sara hopped inside my changing tent to put on her dress. Then, we did their first look in one of my secret spots away from the crowds. (That’s the benefit of working with a seasoned Yosemite elopement photographer!)

After the first look, we headed to the valley at El Capitan Meadow for Kyle and Sara’s intimate vow exchange. They shared their personal vows, and then we celebrated with a run through the tall grass with El Capitan in the background. The clear skies, warm sun, and cool breeze made this an absolutely perfect day for an elopement!

An Epic Picnic Lunch and Sunset Portrait Session

Next, we drove up to Glacier Point to capture the epic views. We paused here for a picnic lunch at what felt like the top of the world. Then, Sara and Kyle cut the small wedding cake I brought with me from Let Them Eat Cake in Davis, CA.

Finally, it was time to hike up to my favorite spot in Yosemite: Taft Point. We took advantage of the easy hike to share some fun conversation, take in the stunning nature, and enjoy each other’s company until we reached Taft Point and its breathtaking views. Once there, we rested, stared at the beauty of Yosemite, and waited for the perfect golden sunset. Of course, I took full advantage of that light and captured some final, epically romantic photos to finish off Sara and Kyle’s elopement day.

Romantic Photography for Adventurous California Elopements

These two elopement galleries showcase everything I love most about adventurous California elopements. Whether the Northern California beaches capture your imagination or Yosemite’s stunning views spark your wanderlust, I want to be there to document your love story! My elopement photography packages include full-day photography coverage, and I even offer officiating services. For truly adventurous California elopements, inquire here.