A Sunrise First Look at El Capitan Meadow in Yosemite
If you’re looking for a Yosemite wedding photographer who knows how to make the most of sunrise golden hour, get in touch with me! ✨
When Haley & Ethan first reached out to me, they knew they wanted a sunrise first look followed by private vows in Yosemite Valley. And honestly? This is one of my FAVORITE combinations! My immediate reaction was, “Say less! Let’s do it!” 🤍
And just like that, the planning began!
I began their photography coverage at 6:15 AM, starting the morning with their sunrise first look. Around 6:30 AM, Haley & Ethan shared their private vows in Yosemite Valley, giving them a quiet moment together before the celebrations began.
After their first look and private vows, we had plenty of time to explore Yosemite Valley before heading into El Capitan Meadow for their intimate wedding ceremony!
A Yosemite Elopement Ceremony at Cathedral Beach
After their private vows, it was time to bring their closest family and friends into the celebration! With just 25 guests, their Yosemite National Park elopement was the perfect size for an intimate, laid-back day with plenty of time to explore, take it all in, and actually be present with each other and the people they love most. Haley & Ethan’s intimate Yosemite wedding ceremony took place at 8:00 AM at Cathedral Beach, with Yosemite’s iconic granite cliffs making the most beautiful backdrop for their vows. And can we talk about how special it is to get married in Yosemite with your favorite people surrounding you?! 🥹🤍
After the ceremony, we stayed at Cathedral Beach for family photos. One of the things I love most about smaller Yosemite weddings is that you have room to slow down, soak it all in, and actually enjoy the day instead of feeling like you’re rushing from one thing to the next. That’s exactly what we wanted for Haley & Ethan.
Here’s a little pro tip from me! 😉
If you’d like to use one of the picnic tables, I recommend having a guest head over a little earlier to save one. They can fill up pretty quickly in the morning, so it’s one of those little things that’s worth planning ahead for!
Family Wedding Photos at Cathedral Beach
One thing I always do as your Yosemite wedding photographer is help make family photos as easy and stress-free as possible! 🤍 Before your wedding day, I’ll send you a questionnaire that includes a family photo list for you to fill out. This helps us create a personalized shot list with all the family groupings and portraits that are most important to you.
Why do I do this ahead of time? Because when your wedding day arrives, I want you to spend less time organizing everyone for photos and more time enjoying the day with your favorite people! Having a plan in place helps me work through your Yosemite wedding family portraits efficiently, gather everyone together, and make sure we capture those important memories without taking too much time away from your celebration!
Planning Your Own Yosemite Wedding or Elopement?
Hey! if you need a photographer to capture all those magical moments, you know who to get in touch with! I'm here to help make your elopement in Yosemite as special and memorable as possible. Happy planning, and here's to a lifetime of love and adventure!
Find more wedding inspiration on my Yosemite Wedding Photos Board on Pinterest. You can also check out and follow my Instagram (@priscillabanphoto) for updated wedding inspo, dress and guest attire inspo, and behind-the-scenes into my life as a National Park Photographer!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cathedral Beach Weddings
Is Cathedral Beach a good location for a Yosemite wedding ceremony?
Absolutely! If you’re dreaming of that classic Yosemite Valley backdrop without a difficult hike, this is a great option! It’s easy to access, with beautiful views of El Capitan and the surrounding granite cliffs, while still feeling a little tucked away from the crowds.
What is sunrise golden hour wedding photography?
Sunrise golden hour is the beautiful time just after the sun rises, when the light is soft, warm, and dreamy! It’s one of my favorite times for Yosemite wedding photography because the early morning light creates a gorgeous glow!
How many guests can you have at a Cathedral Beach wedding in Yosemite?
You can have up to 50 people (including the two of you) at Cathedral Beach. It’s a beautiful spot for an intimate Yosemite wedding with your closest family and friends, surrounded by those iconic Yosemite Valley views.
Cathedral Beach Wedding Photos in Yosemite
