Yosemite Elopement with Family & Friends at El Capitan Meadow

Intimate Wedding Ceremony at El Capitan Meadow | Yosemite Elopement Photographers

Bride and groom dancing in El Capitan Meadow

From an El Capitan Meadow Vow Exchange To a Traditional Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony, this Is How To Elope In Yosemite National Park Adventurously

Kimberly and Chi’s Yosemite wedding day started outside the park at their Airbnb. There they got ready with their families before heading into the park for their first look. For their first look, we chose an epic but isolated location with views of El Capitan and Half Dome in the backdrop.

Following their first look and some couple photos, we met up with their family at El Capitan meadow for the ceremony. El Capitan is a place that really meant a lot to Kimberly and Chi so this location was perfect for their intimate wedding ceremony. As the clouds cleared and the sun rose in the sky, Kimberly and Chi exchanged vows using sign language. After they kissed, everyone threw their hands up in the air and cheered! These types of moments are the moments that are so meaningful. Whether it is the quiet moments while getting ready or the big moments after you say ‘I Do’ and everyone cheers, these are the moments that matter.

After the ceremony, we headed to Cathedral Beach for a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. The couple wanted to spend some time honoring their ancestors and all those in their family who had helped pave the way for them so they could live a better life. They had planned a beautiful setup with rugs, chairs, teacups, flowers, cake, and two bookcases that included photos of their families and ancestors. Kimberly’s father had died when she was very little, so as a way to still have his presence at her wedding, she brought a photo of him as well as his camera and watch. Taking photos was a hobby of his, so it was a very special way to honor his memory.

After the tea ceremony, we drove around the park to chase light and take photos. As we drove around, we played Coldplay which was Kimberly’s favorite band because it reminded her so much of her dad. Although Kimberly and her sister were born deaf, her dad tried to help them discover a love for music so these songs were really special to her and her family.

As the evening ended, we brought out some lanterns in typical Henry Tieu Photography fashion and got some moody photos in the valley. Even though their wedding day had come to an end, that was the end of our adventures in Yosemite National Park. On the days leading up to the elopement, Yosemite had experienced a lot of rain and snow so Taft Point and Glacier Point were closed. Chi and Kimberly were really looking forward to getting to experience those beautiful locations, so we came up with a new plan to photograph there again a few days later! This new plan allowed them to experience more of this beautiful national park and continue celebrating their intimate wedding a little bit longer!

Kimberly and Chi, thank you so much for trusting me and for allowing me to photograph your wedding day! Your trust truly means the world to me and I wish you nothing but love and happiness together!

-Sergio