Lauren & Grant hosted a carefree, summer Yosemite Elopement that included all their favorite people. The ceremony took place at the Glacier Point amphitheater, which boasts an iconic view of Half Dome. Following the vows, the group headed back towards Yosemite Valley, to peaceful Cathedral Beach, where they shared a catered picnic brunch. 

These two chose Yosemite as their wedding destination almost by accident, but it turned out to be the perfect place for their Yosemite elopement. Their story goes back several months prior, when the two planned a backpacking trip to Sequoia National Park. Their plans were thwarted by a fire and they were rerouted to Yosemite. It turned out to be such a wonderful experience that when it came time to choose a wedding location, it was Yosemite or bust.

They quickly fell in love with the Glacier Point Amphitheater, a stunning spot for a Yosemite elopement. It’s hard not to,  I mean…THAT VIEW! But the view aside, they wanted to keep things small. Glacier Point has a 50-person cap, and they felt comforted knowing it couldn’t be any larger. Lauren also wanted to bring her best gal Winnie, her golden lab. Glacier Point is paved, which means it’s one of the few places dogs can be.

Pre-wedding day adventure

To kick things off, Lauren and Grant planned an afternoon completely for themselves. They didn’t want to feel rushed, and they wanted time to soak in the experience of simply being in Yosemite. We met near the Taft Point trailhead, and Lauren jumped in my campervan to change into her dress. I took Grant far into a grove of trees, and he waited while his bride approached from behind. Their unfiltered joy upon seeing each other for the first time is one of my favorite memories! They took each other in as the late afternoon light filtered through the pines. We took some photos and enjoyed the alone time before heading to Taft Point where I knew we’d be sharing the popular (but stunning) view.

How They Met

On the hike to Taft Point, Lauren in her Berks, Grant with his cooler, they told me the story of how they met. It’s such a good story. Lauren had been on a mission to find the one, and had been so diligent in that quest, she had turned her many dates into a research project. A research project that eventually turned into a published book, recounting many, many first dates. Many of these dates were a product of the Dating Over 30 subreddit. Grant, crafty guy that he is, joined that group as a wee 29 year old. He was captivated by Lauren. They way she wrote. He knew he needed to get to know her. They connected. And in the vast world of the internet and Reddit, turns out they lived a few miles away. Freaking amazing.

Once at Taft Point the two took in the incredible view. They also enjoyed their very favorite grocery store carrot cake, complete with camping spork. The sunset was spectacular. They enjoyed their favorite wine. We took some pictures. It was the perfect build of anticipation to their wedding day.

The Wedding Day

The next morning, we met again to take in the sunrise from the view at Glacier Point. Their Yosemite elopement weekend continued to unfold beautifully. They again chose to take time for themselves before the guests arrived, before the ceremony. It was the perfect slow morning as the sun rose and their favorite people started to filter in.

Ceremony at Glacier Point Amphitheater

During the ceremony, they read incredibly sincere vows to each other. I appreciated how each painted a picture of the other through their words. They both spoke of the respect they had for the other — where one was energized by social situations, the other was drained. With understanding, they spoke of how they would both support the other in their need to recharge. Their Yosemite elopement ceremony was deeply personal, centered on intention and connection.

The joy was contagious after the first kiss! Everyone was so happy for them and so in awe of Yosemite. They sipped warm cups of coffee and nibbled on donuts while Half Dome showed off, before taking the winding drive back down to Yosemite Valley.

Reception Brunch at Cathedral Beach

Back in the shade of the tall pines at Cathedral Beach, Lauren and Grant took in their brunch space set up by the talented Jess at Wandering Bride. Yosemite has a lot of rules, and Jess used the space with ease — each picnic table was decked out in florals and environmentally friendly disposables. It was simple and elegant. Everyone picked up their individually wrapped picnic boxes and dug in. There was no rush. Everyone lingered while they watched the lazy Merced River wind past towering El Capitan in the distance.

Once everyone was fed, we all headed to the water’s edge, where I leisurely snapped family and group photos. Everyone felt so at home in the comfort of Yosemite; they laid on the beach and took in the bright blue sky. It was the perfect ending to their Yosemite elopement celebration, peaceful and full of joy.

I’ve long said, the right group of people can multiply your joy, and Lauren and Grant were certainly among the right group of people. I can’t imagine a more peaceful, slow, lingering way to soak in the company of your guests than by the slow, winding Merced River.

If you need help planning your Yosemite Elopement, I would be honored. I love Yosemite, and I especially love finding the peaceful, secluded places and moments that allow you to enjoy your time to the fullest. Nothing delights me more than sharing my favorite Yosemite spaces with my couples.

“[Joleen] brought this warm, joyous energy that made it so easy to spend time with her and be photographed. Joleen was accommodating every step of the way and made sure to talk through every step of our multi-day photography journey together.”

-Lauren & Grant

Vendor Team

Photography: Oh hey, it’s me. 

Florals: Sweet Lilacs

Coordinator: The Wandering Bride

Hair and Makeup: Sierra Jane

Catering: RWS Catering