Winter is a beautiful season to plan your adventurous wedding.

The two things I keep in mind when helping couples with their winter elopements are:

-Weather (which we cannot predict, but we can prepare for).

-Cold (which we can likely count on and can definitely prepare for).

These tips will help you make the best out of anything nature has for us AND stay comfortable.

#1 Transportation- AKA 4WD, Tire Chains, A shovel, and gloves.

If it's the season for snow, it's best to plan for it. Living in the mountains I've seen countless 2wd passenger cars stuck on the side of the road as my trusty, old 4wd 4runner slowly plows it's way home. Of course, there are limits to any vehicle, but 4wd will get you out of almost any situation. In addition to 4wd, you'll need to carry chains (which are a legal requirement in many situations when the roads get bad. They must be in your car). And if you get to a point where you need to use those chains, you will be so thankful that you packed a pair of gloves. And I don't mean a cute pair of mittens, I mean gloves that can get dirty and will allow you to use your fingers as you install your chains. And lastly, a shovel. Sometimes after coming back from an adventure, the snowplow may have blocked you in behind a pile of snow, or it's just snowed so much that you need a little extra help. With a shovel, you'll be out in 5 minutes, without you may literally be spinning your wheels for a half hour. I also like to throw in a piece of cardboard when it snows, so that I can kneel on it if I'm on the ground for whatever reason.

Transportation part 2 bonus

This may not be possible in many situations, but speaking from experience I can tell you having a motorhome, camper van or cab over camper as a part of your elopement adventure can really give you options in the comfort department. Many of my couples has waited out a brief high country downpour in the back of a camper van, while enjoying the heater and space. Will your car work, absolutely. But if you're kicking off a honeymoon road trip, having the extra space and comfort is worth it.

#2. Warm layers you don't mind being photographed in

Especially for the bride. You don't need to have a jacket in all of your photos, but there are so many opportunities for those in between moments (like walking in between locations) that make for the perfect candid moment, and if you're bundled up because it's freezing, you may as well be bundled in something you want to be photographed in. For some couples this might be your coordinating puffer jackets, or it may be an heirloom coat passed down generations, or it may be a rad thrift store find, or it could be a jean jacket with calligraphy off of Etsy. It will be in lots of your photos, so choose wisely.

#3. Hiking Boots or Snow Boots

Remember that scene in Forrest Gump about taking care of your feet? I think of that all the time when it snows. Once your feet are frozen, you are not going to want to take pictures, trust me! So invest in some good, high calf, lined, waterproof snow or hiking boots. The good ones are expensive but your feet will make or break your experience. Short of a snowstorm closing the road, keeping your feet warm will have a huge impact on the enjoyment of the day.

#4. Nude leggings

Nude leggings are a game changer! They are cheap and such an easy way to be comfortable. They come fleece lined for extra warmth. You won't even see them in the nude color. I'd get two pairs in case the first pair gets wet walking through snow.

#5. If you're not wearing a dress, socks

I used to work as a ski lift operator and I swore by Merino wool socks. Even when they get wet, they're still warm.

#6. Hand/Foot/Body warmers

Much like your feet, if your fingers get cold, you won't be having fun. I recommend going all out in the body warmer department and getting foot warmers, hand warmers and body warmers. Pair your hand warmers with white gloves for the bride and black/grey gloves for the groom, and they'll still look nice in photos. And body warmers can be stuck anywhere inside your clothing.

#7. Clear Umbrellas

If it's going to rain, a clear umbrella (not white) is best for photos. It lets the light onto your faces, and can blend into the background. I prefer the ones that aren't bell shaped for photos, but either will work.

#8. A Change of Clothes

Once we've had our adventure you will be so eager to change out of your formal wear for something cozy and comfy. Make sure to pack an extra pair of warm socks, and I personally don't think you can beat a fuzzy pair of Uggs after a day in the snow!

#9. A thermos full of something hot

Sometimes you just need to warm your core, and whatever your warm beverage is, it can serve two purposes as warm your fingers as you drink. Nothing beats Hyrdroflask.

#10. A blanket that matches your theme

Hopefully, you'll be dry and warm with all your layers, but a blanket can serve a dual purpose for photos. When the ground is wet or snowy, a blanket can give you more options for snuggling up in nature, think on a wet fallen tree or even on the snowy ground. If it matches your theme, you'll be happy to see it in photographs.

#11 Crampons or Ice Cleats

If it's one of those really cold, clear days after a storm, odds are we'll be dealing with ice. There's nothing worse than slipping on ice and landing hard. Grab a cheap pair of crampons and they'll likely save you from a nasty fall. If we have freshly fallen snow, then you don't need to worry about ice.

#12. Backup date

I know you're probably scoffing hard at me right now, but if you're planning a wedding day without any guests, you really do have the ability to plan a backup date. I know vendors and deposits are involved, but as your date approaches, if it looks like a blizzard is rolling in, there is nothing wrong with reaching out  to ask if it's ok to shift your date a day or two. As a photographer, I want you to have the best possible experience, and there is some weather that is worth waiting out.

#13. Clear plastic totes/bins

With snow comes road closures, even to some of our most accessible places. Both roads to Cathedral Beach and Sentinel Beach (popular ceremony locations in Yosemite) close in the winter, but are a short, easily walkable distance. But with snow, even the easy distances get a bit more challenging. Likely you'll be trucking out your wedding clothes, bouquet, cake & cake topper, champagne, charcuterie, blanket etc. If you pack them all in a clear bin with a lid, you can find what you need more quickly and you have a place to dump everything without it getting frozen and wet. Bonus tip- nest a second tote in the full one, as you're sorting through things knee deep in snow, you will thank me.

#14. A sled for towing your stuff (the kind with a rope)

It's a lot of work carrying your totes in the snow, but if you could drag them behind you secure in their totes, easy peasy.

#15. A blanker or sheet to stand on while you change

Or my favorite, a canvas drop cloth. They're cheap, cover a big area and are a neutral color. Trust me, you'll want one.

#16. A portable fire pit where allowed (and fuel)

You'll need to check local laws first, but I can't imagine anything more enjoyable than snuggling up to a warm fire in the snow while you dig into your wedding cake. There is nothing more beautiful than freshly fallen snow and I'm always up for shooting in it, but I want to keep you comfortable and enjoying the experience, and to be able to warm your feet and fingers by the fire sounds like just the thing to keep you out in the wilderness and having a great time! You can pick up fuel (wood) at most gas stations and local markets as you head up the hill. Don't forget newspaper and kindling.

And regarding Yosemite entrance in winter...

The Tioga Pass entrance station to Yosemite from the Lee Vining closes in the winter due to snow, usually lasting from sometime in November to sometime in June. During this time it is impossible to reach the valley from the East.

All other park entrances, including those along Highway 120 from the west, Hetch Hetchy, Highway 140, and Highway 41, remain open all year. For current status call +1-209-372-0200 (then 1, 1) for road info.