Tenaya Lake Wedding Photos That Will Take Your Breath Away

I’m SO excited to finally share this blog about Miranda and Michael’s epic elopement across Yosemite National Park!

When Miranda first reached out to me to be their Yosemite wedding photographer, she told me all about her and Michael’s deep love for camping and the outdoors (literally my dream couple), but the best part was how they wanted to make their Yosemite adventure even more unforgettable by hitting up Yosemite Valley, Tenaya Lake, AND Taft Point.

If you’ve ever been to Yosemite, you know there’s no way you can fit all that in one day, right?! So, they decided to turn their adventure into THREE days of exploring and adventuring throughout Yosemite! We were both so hyped about this plan! Here’s what they came up with:

Three Days: Taft Point, Sentinel Beach, Tenaya Lake

  • Engagement session at Taft Point

  • Elopement ceremony at Sentinel Beach in Yosemite Valley

  • Day-after wedding portraits at Tenaya Lake

I mean, how dreamy is that? Three days of hiking, exploring, and making memories. Now, let’s talk about their Day-After session at Tenaya Lake because it’s seriously one of my favorite spots in Yosemite. If you’ve never been, the Tioga Pass side of Yosemite is SO underrated. It's got some of the most breathtaking spots for elopements, family photos, proposals, or just about anything you can dream up! Tenaya Lake is the perfect place to make memories and snap those next-level wedding photos.

Tenaya Lake Sunset Wedding Photos

Now, let’s get into the good stuff! We met up for sunset, and even though the sun dips behind the mountains, the lighting is still soooo dreamy. Plus, Miranda decided to wear another dress from her ceremony - because, why not take every chance to dress up again, am I right?

After a quick stop at the beach (which is a super popular spot to cool off post-sunset), we decided to hike around almost the entire loop, which is about 3 miles. I had actually scouted Tenaya Lake a few days before (major perk of booking me as your Yosemite wedding photographer 😉), and I found some seriously hidden gems for us to shoot at. We were just walking and taking photos along the lake, completely in awe of how gorgeous everything was. By the end of it, Tenaya Lake had left a little dirt print on Miranda’s wedding dress - just like it had on them when they first visited. How perfect is that?

This Tenaya Lake Day-After session was everything and more. The magic of Yosemite, the love between Miranda and Michael, and those views made this one unforgettable adventure!

Getting married at tenaya lake: ceremony and permits

Tenaya Lake is such a versatile spot for elopements, and there are a few things brides and couples should know before saying “I do” here:

  • Seclusion: While it's a popular spot for tourists, it’s usually still peaceful enough to create an intimate ceremony, especially if you’re planning a sunrise or off-the-beaten-path session. It’s the perfect combination of stunning scenery and privacy!

  • The Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall are great times to visit, but keep in mind that the area can get a little crowded, especially on weekends, just around the beach picnic areas. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider eloping during the early morning or late evening. You can also hire me as your photographer and I’ll share all the best secluded areas for your ceremony!

  • Accessibility: Tenaya Lake is located off Tioga Road, which opens seasonally (usually mid-June to October), so make sure you check the road conditions if you’re visiting during the off-season. It’s always good to plan ahead!

  • Weather: It can be cooler here, especially in the mornings and evenings, so be prepared! Bring layers and comfy shoes if you’re planning to explore around the lake or do a bit of hiking. 🥾

  • Permits: If you’re eloping or planning a wedding at Tenaya Lake, don’t forget to apply for your Yosemite wedding permit (this is required for all weddings in the park). You’ll also need to follow some guidelines regarding setup, guest limits, and decor to make sure you’re staying within the park’s rules. For a step-by-step on how to apply for a wedding permit, click here!

  • Guest Limits: Typically, you can have up to 25 guests for an intimate ceremony at Tenaya Lake, especially if you're looking for a more private or off-the-beaten-path experience. This would include your photographer, officiant, and any other vendors. If you're hoping for a larger wedding, it's possible to have up to 50 guests, though you would need to apply for a special use permit and work with the Yosemite National Park authorities to ensure the wedding is permitted in a larger space.

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How to Apply for a Yosemite Wedding Permit: Step-by-Step | 2025