This is it. I have officially peaked. And yes, ALL the pun is intended with that one! I temporarily traded in Glacier National Park for Yosemite National Park, and it was even more magical than I could’ve imagined. From a mid-ceremony downpour to the most breathtaking rainbow and alpenglow making appearances, it was an unforgettable day. Kori and Sam’s moody El Capitan Meadow elopement in Yosemite National Park was a dream come true to document. 

Moody Elopement in Yosemite National Park

If you follow me over on the ‘Gram (@sydneybreannphoto), you already know about my dear friend (Laura) who lives in California. Despite living states apart, we do our best to see each other a couple times a year. For our most recent adventure, I flew out to California for a girls’ camping trip in Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. As we planned our trip, an opportunity to photograph a breathtaking elopement in Yosemite arose. For two elopement photographers, you already know we were giddy. 

In October, Kori and Sam traveled from Boise, Idaho to Yosemite National Park to say “I do” among the Sierra Nevada Mountains. They kicked off their day with getting ready in the parking lot (talk about iconic.) Sam lovingly helped his bride clasp her heels before we began the walk to El Capitán Meadow. It had been raining on and off all morning, but Kori and Sam had a small window of time to exchange their heartfelt vows. As they stood in the golden meadow, El Capitán and Half Dome triumphantly towered above as a quick rain shower rushed through. This easy-going couple didn’t let the rain stop them, as they gazed upward, taking in the intimate moment.

El Capitan Meadow Elopement | Yosemite National Park Elopements

As a Montana elopement photographer, I am no stranger to unpredictable weather; it felt like “home” with each passing weather event this during Kori and Sam’s elopement. I had always dreamed of experiencing Yosemite National Park, but experiencing it in the Fall was more than I could’ve ever imagined. The overcast skies and fog hanging in the air created such an ethereal atmosphere, which was perfect for this gorgeous couple. Kori’s fit and flare gown had a gorgeous tulle overskirt and flown sleeves. As the wind blew through the valley, her sleeves floated effortlessly in the breeze. 

After the rain passed (for the time being), Kori and Sam spent some time frolicking in the meadow, swooning over the warm autumnal colors across the landscape. We then decided to make our way up to Glacier Point. When we arrived, we were right in the thick of the cloud coverage as rain poured down. To say we were thankful for the solace in our vehicle would be an understatement. Thankfully, I had a SINGLE bar of service, so I pulled up the radar, which indicated the rain would pass within the hour. While I rarely trust the weather, I had a gut feeling that an incredible sunset would come after the rain passed. And boy am I glad I listened to my gut.

Magical Rainbow during a Yosemite National Park Elopement

We sat in our vehicle, stuffing our faces with snacks while waiting for the rain to clear up. Once just a few sprinkles remained, we walked up the road to see Half Dome peeking out of the clouds. The moody, dramatic cloud coverage surrounding Kori and Sam was unbelievable; I thought that there was no way it could get better. But, I was wrong! As Kori and Sam frolicked in the road, splashing in puddles along the way, I noticed some light shining on the mountains. We made our way over to an overlook just as a rainbow emerged over the valley below. A RAINBOW! Sunshine bathed the face of Half Dome as the most vibrant rainbow sliver hung in the air. As the minutes ticked by (and I fought back tears and little excited screams), the sunshine continued to grow across the mountains, the rainbow becoming more complete. 

Kori and Sam took in the unexpected magic, as I went crazy snapping photos. I was living in what could only be described as “a dream.” And yet, the magic wasn’t over yet. My “Glacier National Park spidey senses” were tingling. Because what can happen in the mountains when sunshine emerges just before sunset? Alpenglow. In a matter of minutes, Half Dome was washed in the most gorgeous shade of pink. While the surrounding valley was preparing for night’s darkness, Half Dome shone brightly against the mountainside. We watched the endlessly changing skyline before heading out to the overlook at Glacier Point. The chatter in our car was loud as we all marveled over what we had just witnessed. 

Breathtaking Blue Hour Bridal Portraits | California Elopement Photographer

But God wasn’t done delivering quite yet. By this time, the sun was well beneath the horizon, but blue hour was in full swing. The full moon hung in the sky, as we caught the last moments of daylight. It was the perfect conclusion to such a bonkers day in Yosemite National Park. 

As the “queen of crazy weather”, I couldn’t have imagined a more enchanting day. Everything I have learned as an elopement photographer was put to the test during Kori and Sam’s day. Their moody El Capitán Meadow elopement in Yosemite National Park could’ve never prepared me for what was about to occur throughout the remainder of their day. Photographing in the pouring rain, a light sprinkle, and the fog was one thing. But photographing a rainbow, a pink alpenglow, and blue hour all in one day!? It was truly such an unbelievable day (minus getting stuck in stand-still traffic due to a downed tree on the way out…) 

Mountain Elopement Inspiration | Sydney Breann Photography

I am so grateful for this job of mine. I can’t believe that I get to document love stories in epic places, alongside friends who I would’ve never met otherwise. Thank YOU for being here and supporting my dream. Truly.

Are the mountains calling? From California to Maine, Colorado to Montana, Alaska to Minnesota.. head over to the blog for incredible elopement inspiration to help bring your vision to life. You can also keep up with me over on the ‘Gram to see where my adventures take me next. So what do you say… are you ready to wander?

Yosemite National Park Elopement Vendor Team

Photography – Sydney Breann Photography
Dress- Daci Gowns