Planning a Yosemite Wedding for 25 people or less?
You're in the right place
Granite cliffs, ancient sequoias, misty waterfalls & golden hour light… There’s truly nothing like a Yosemite Elopement.
Follow me to Yosemite:
You’re already in on the secret: Yosemite is the dream location! But maybe you’re not sure which iconic spot to choose, whether you need a permit, or if there's a location where Grandma can easily join the ceremony. That’s where I come in.
Your Yosemite Elopement Photographer
Hi, I'm Joleen,
I'm a mountain local that grew up right outside the park. I've even hiked Half Dome twice. I shot my first Yosemite wedding in 2012 and I've been back more times than I can count. I can help with:
choosing the perfect location
assisting with required permits
suggestions for best time of year
creating a timeline
suggestions for the best time of day
recommend local vendors
Love Wildly & Joleen Willis have proudly been featured in the following publications and venues:
Bonus: I'll share my favorite Yosemite restrooms😂
Real Yosemite Elopements
Fall Micro wedding in Yosemite
Summer Elopement in Yosemite
Spring Yosemite Elopement
Magical Morning Elopement in Yosemite
Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words //
Joleen has a gift for making you feel comfortable in front of the camera.
-C & A, Yosemite National Park
"My husband and I had an unforgettable experience in Yosemite with her. From start to finish, we were constantly laughing and feeling completely at ease. Her communication and transparency are truly exceptional. Joleen goes above and beyond—she even offered to pick up items like a flower bouquet or cake."
If your dream day starts by hiking to one of Yosemite's incredible vistas, I’m here for it.
I’ll help you find the trail that leads to your best view.
Whether you’re up for an all-day hike or just want to park and soak in the views, as your Yosemite Elopement photographer I’ll help you find the perfect spot—the one that feels like you.
Or if you prefer something more low-key but just as stunning? I know all the best drive-up spots. Think panoramic peaks, iconic post card scenes, and peaceful lakeshores.
For a truly magical experience AND stunning photos
Yosemite is the place-
Hiking or driving, the options are limitless.
I will also:
My mountain local Yosemite knowledge comes in handy, but that's just the beginning
craft a timeline
Not just any timeline- a highly detailed, Yosemite timeline. One that prioritizes your experience and includes the best locations for the season.
scout your locations
officiate your ceremony
I will Officiate your ceremony and sign your marriage license, if you're a "the less people, the better" kind of couple.
Yosemite has so much to offer- from drivable epic views, to adventurous hikes and lesser known off-the-beaten-path locations. There are no shortage of options in Yosemite!
suggest activities
Yosemite has amenities that may just be the icing on your elopement experience cake! From swim spots, pizza, bikes and art, there's more than meets the eye.
suggest vendors
Many incredible Yosemite wedding vendors call this mountain home, and I've worked with the best. I can't wait to introduce you to friendliest, talented mountain local vendors.
guide, not pose
I’ll draw on your shared history to make you laugh, keep you moving so nothing feels stiff, and help you look like you—relaxed and connected.
Yosemite speaks for itself. From Glacier Point, and it's up-close view of Half Dome, to the valley floor and the towering walls of granite, there is no shortage of places to go or things to do.
$8400
$6400
$5200
EASTERN
SIERRAS
SONORA
PASS
YOSEMITE
WESTERN
USA
$6500
$4500
$3500
Highway 108, connecting the Western & Eastern Sierra Nevadas.
Sonora Pass
EASTERN
SIERRAS
SONORA
PASS
YOSEMITE
WESTERN
USA
$8400
$6400
$5200
Home of countless iconic locations, and many couple's squeeze in a few.
Yosemite
EASTERN
SIERRAS
SONORA
PASS
YOSEMITE
WESTERN
USA
$8400
$6400
$5200
From the red rocks of the Southern desert, to the mysterious forests of the North...
Western USA
Yosemite
Elopement Packages
Let's Do This →
8 HOURS
The best fit if your adventure won't fit into one day:
• Slow building anticipation during prep coverage.
• A first look, followed by your favorite outdoor activity (beers on a tailgate, a trip to the best middle-of-nowhere frosty, a SUP cruise, a 4x4 trail, a shaded walk to a secluded meadow...)
• Hike or drive to your ceremony location, captured at sunset.
• Campfire coverage & star photos
• Day two coverage at an alpine lake at sunrise, or an incredible vista at sunset.
The Experience-Most Popular
The perfect pace for all the good stuff.
This is the sweet spot:
• Plenty of time for candid prep coverage as your anticipation grows.
• A first look, followed by your favorite outdoor activity (beers on a tailgate, a trip to the best middle-of-nowhere frosty, a SUP cruise, a 4x4 trail, a shaded walk to a secluded meadow...)
• As the sun dips lower in the sky, we’ll head to your ceremony location. When the sky takes on those watercolor hues, you’ll say your vows. There will be time to take it all in.
• Pop some champagne, or share a slice of cake (yay backpacking cake), while you snuggle around the campfire and watch the stars come out.
The Escape-One Stunning Location
Limited Availability- Available Mon-Thurs.
4 HOURS
A peaceful, short-and-sweet elopement:
• One stunning location Perfect for couples who want a slower pace without the full-day timeline.
• Coverage often begins at your first look
• Enough time for a ceremony, a short hike/drive, and some couple's photo in a beautiful location, often at sunset.
The Adventure- Option of splitting coverage over two days
12 HOURS
no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees.
• Elopement planning guidance • Location research & recommend locations • Introvert friendly posing & prompts • Online gallery with unlimited high res downloads • GIFs • Optional officiant service • Vendor recommendations • Permit research & submission handled for you
always included:
• Elopement planning guidance • Location research & recommend locations • Introvert friendly posing & prompts • Online gallery with unlimited high res downloads • GIFs, because I love them • Optional officiant service • Vendor recommendations • Permit research & submission handled for you
always included:
Yosemite Elopement Packages
12 hours
8 hours
4 hours
The Adventure- Option of splitting coverage over two days
The Escape-One Stunning Location
Limited Availability- Available Mon-Thurs.
The Experience-Most Popular
The perfect pace for all the good stuff.
A peaceful, short-and-sweet elopement:
• One stunning location Perfect for couples who want a slower pace without the full-day timeline.
• Coverage often begins at your first look
• Enough time for a ceremony, a short hike/drive, and some couple's photo in a beautiful location, often at sunset.
• All the extra perks included in every package.
This is the sweet spot:
• Plenty of time for candid prep coverage as your anticipation grows.
• A first look, followed by your favorite outdoor activity (beers on a tailgate, a trip to the best middle-of-nowhere frosty, a SUP cruise, a 4x4 trail, a shaded walk to a secluded meadow...)
• As the sun dips lower in the sky, we’ll head to your ceremony location. When the sky takes on those watercolor hues, you’ll say your vows. There will be time to take it all in.
• Pop some champagne, or share a slice of cake (yay backpacking cake), while you snuggle around the campfire and watch the stars come out.
Let's Do This →
The best fit if your adventure won't fit into one day:
• Slow building anticipation during prep coverage.
• A first look, followed by your favorite outdoor activity (beers on a tailgate, a trip to the best middle-of-nowhere frosty, a SUP cruise, a 4x4 trail, a shaded walk to a secluded meadow...)
• Hike or drive to your ceremony location, captured at sunset.
• Campfire coverage & star photos
• Day two coverage at an alpine lake at sunrise, or an incredible vista at sunset.
no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees.
Joleen has a gift for making you feel comfortable in front of the camera.
-C & A, Yosemite National Park
"My husband and I had an unforgettable experience in Yosemite with her. From start to finish, we were constantly laughing and feeling completely at ease. Her communication and transparency are truly exceptional. Joleen goes above and beyond—she even offered to pick up items like a flower bouquet or cake."
Her being a local was a god send!
- J & P, Stanislaus National Forest
"We couldn't imagine how stressful the weeks leading up to and even the day of the event would've been without her. Seriously, if you are considering, let this be the sign you are looking for to book her. She was amazing- she felt like a friend at the wedding and the entire time she was taking great photos. she helped us so much and we are truly grateful and honored to have had an amazing person. I can't stress enough how happy she made us."
She felt like such a pivotal & important part of our wedding weekend.
-L & G, Yosemite National Park
"I would give her more than 5 stars if I could. Not only is she an incredibly gifted photographer, but she 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 and I am forever grateful."
She knew every secret spot in Mammoth to get incredible images.
-K & M, Mammoth Lakes
"If you want an experience that deepens your bond and celebrates all that makes your love with your partner special, Joleen will make it happen! Her attention to detail, genuine kindness and ability to catch those precious shots while making you feel totally at ease is one in a million. We get so many compliments on our photos and can’t thank Joleen enough for helping us celebrate our day our way."
"We wouldn’t have wanted anyone but her to third wheel along side us on our wedding day to capture all the fun moments. She trucked down dirt roads and hiked up granite to capture the most beautiful photos. Oh, and she loves dogs - she was perfectly happy sharing the backseat with our fluffy and dirt covered dogs. We just adore Joleen, and we will treasure these special photos forever!"
Joleen is up for anything, and has such a vision for making your perfect day come to fruition.
-C&M, Sonora Pass & Mamomth Lakes
Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words //
From "what if we Eloped?"- to "Best Day Ever."
Here's what happens next:
GET YOU MARRIED!
PLANNING.
CONSULTATION CALL.
REACH OUT.
STEP 1
STEP 3
STEP 4
WEDDING DAY!
STEP 2
Hit the contact button and share all the reasons you're excited to run off to the mountains to get married. I'll respond with a link to schedule your call.
Fast forward a few months of planning, and we’ll meet up for a pre-wedding dip in a hot spring or a tailgate pizza. And then...
You’ve got your person, your boots, and a Half Dome view- and I’ve got everything else covered.
On our call we'll brainstorm & bond over our shared love of camping and dogs.
After our call, you decide if you're ready to make it official.
Hit the contact button and share all the reasons you're excited to run off to the mountains to get married. I'll respond with a link to schedule your call.
Here's what happens next:
FROM "What if we eloped?" to "Best day ever."
Step 1.
On our call we'll brainstorm together & bond over our shared love of camping and dogs.
After our call, you decide if you're ready to make it official. This is not a high pressure, decide-on-the-spot situation.
Reach out
Step 2.
Consultation call
Fast forward a few months of planning, and we’ll meet up for a pre-wedding dip in a hot spring or a tailgate pizza. And then...
Step 3.
Planning
Step 4.
The Big Adventure- Wedding Day!
You’ve got your person, your dog, your boots, and a mountain view- and I’ve got everything else covered.
You might be wondering...
Can we include guests?
YES! 25 or less guests are always welcome.
I'm a firm believer that the right group of people can multiply your joy!
There is a perfect balance of time alone and time with guests for every couple. I am an expert at helping you find this balance. And then plotting it into a timeline in a tangible way, so you can see exactly when you’ll have time alone and time shared.
Can we bring guests?
can we bring our dogs?
It's possible, but may not be recommended.
To be honest, it all depends on how it will affect your experience.
Dogs are allowed on fully paved road, campgrounds, sidewalks and bicycle paths. The only ceremony location where dogs are allowed is Glacier Point Amphitheater. They are allowed at Lower Yosemite Falls. There's no exceptions for pets being carried or held in a carrier.
Can we bring our dogs?
we don't know where to elope...?
You’re in luck, Yosemite is full of breathtaking spots to say your vows From deeply secluded to wildly iconic, we'll find the perfect spot for you.
I’ve explored as much of the park as I can, and I LOVE helping couples find the perfect ceremony location.
You don’t need a detailed plan — just a gut feeling. I’ll help you turn “somewhere beautiful in Yosemite” into a fully planned, deeply personal elopement day.
We don't know where to go
we don't like being photographed
we feel awkward on camera
Ok yes, one introvert to another- the first 15 minutes are gonna be weird. But I promise this will pass. Through prompts that draw on your history as a couple you will have the freedom and confidence to react, and that makes the best images. And if that doesn't warm you up, movement always does.
So much of your elopement day experience will be just that- an experience. As the day unfolds the photos won't be an instagram cliche, they will be YOUR DAY, and all the anticipation and emotions that come with it.
Many of my inquiries include this phrase, "We're shy and feel awkward in front of the camera."
what if we don't know all the details yet?
we don't have all the details
I love being invited in at the beginning, TBD stage. If you're unsure of where you want to elope, how you want to elope, what date you want to elope, how to make it legal, or you're not sure if you want to include some special guests, I can help right from the beginning. I love brainstorming with you!
There is nothing better than planning an elopement "choose your own adventure" style right from the beginning.
Then you're in the right place
do we have to hike?
Many of the most iconic views in Yosemite are a car ride or a short walk away.
There is also an incredible, expansive network of trails (but you already know that).
I can help you choose if you're undecided, and we can always craft a combination of both.
You don't have to hike, but you can.
The entire day felt like an adventure from sunrise start to sunset ceremony finish -- never once did it feel like we were taking photos for the sake of taking photos. It truly felt like we were just hanging out, taking hikes, and enjoying all the beauty Mammoth Lakes had to offer. That was literally all thanks to Joleen.
Joleen was absolutely
wonderful throughout our entire experience - we couldn't have asked for a better companion on our wedding day!
She knew all the best spots for breathtaking photos and even snagged us a camping spot for the night.
Joleen’s pictures were absolutely artistic and stunning. She captured many candids, which is what we were after. She made sure to get to know us before hand so she could know what was important to us and that REALLY came across in what she captured.
Joleen is the absolute BEST! I would give her more than 5 stars if I could. Not only is she an incredibly gifted photographer, but she brought this warm, joyous energy that made it so easy to spend time with her and be photographed.
expect a response within 48 business hours
joleen@love-wildly.com
209-768-6016
The story you’ll tell for the rest of your lives begins here.
A guess or a date range is ok.
If you don't know exactly, let me know the ideal landscape- mountains, desert, redwood forest, meadow, lakeside or beach.
Google, Instagram, etc
Reach out directly-
joleen@love-wildly.com
Submit
Message Sent!
thank you for taking the first step, It' a big deal to reach out to a stranger on the internet!
Here's what happens next-
• I'll review your details and make sure I'm available on your date or date range.
• I'll respond with a few "off the top of my head ideas" and ask a few optional questions to get you daydreaming too.
• In my reply will be a link to book a super casual, no strings attached meeting where we'll get to know each other, and I'll learn more about your vision and priorities.
• There's zero pressure to make a decision on our call, in fact, I prefer you take some time after we talk to think it over.
If you don't hear back from me in 48 business hours, I didn't get your Message.
joleen@love-wildly.com
She felt like such a pivotal & important part of our wedding weekend.
-Lauren & Grant
I would give her more than 5 stars if I could. Not only is she an incredibly gifted photographer, but she 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 and I am forever grateful.
