“As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche. I’ll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can.”

Steff + Matt traveled all the way from the UK to exchange vows beneath the powerfully beautiful granite walls of Yosemite National Park. They chose a beautiful autumn day in October for their vows to one another and Yosemite did not disappoint.

One thing about adventure elopements in Yosemite is that you cannot hope to control the wild weather. Nature certainly has a mind of her own and if you embrace her creativity, I can tell you it won’t matter if it rains or snows – it will take your breath away no matter what. She puts on an amazing show with the sweet vapor of clouds in the air. For this day, the clouds draped low over the valley creating a beautifully eerie feeling that is one of my favorite of all Yosemite’s moods.

Steff + Matt stayed at the Majestic Yosemite Hotel to prep for their day. They got ready together, which is really one of my favorite things when it comes to elopements. Steff did keep her dress a secret in order to share a darling first look outside the cabins.

Probably one of the most magical parts of the day was the random appearance of Yosemite Falls. I’d been camping in the valley for over two weeks before their elopement and the falls had been bone dry every day leading up to this. It was as if it showed up just for Steff + Matt.

Happy Wedding Day, you two. Love always, Yosemite.

After enjoying the falls, we headed over to El Capitan Meadow for a walk. This spot is one of my favorites, simply because you can relish in wandering through the grass while enjoying epic views of El Cap. On this day, he wore a crown of wispy clouds.

It’s also a great place to hang out because you might get to see a rock climber or two making their journey up the great granite wall. It’s super fascinating to watch them!

Later on, we played on the banks of the Merced River.

Perhaps the best thing about Yosemite is that you can spend all day traipsing meadows, wandering down paths, climbing rocks or steep trails, drinking up view after view. It doesn’t really matter where you roam, you’ll find something to take your breath away. Even just the simplicity of a wooden pathway through a meadow.

Once we’d wandered thoroughly, it was time to make things official. Rev. Carol met us in the meadow for a lovely ceremony.

Newly married, they wandered further into the valley with plans to enjoy a celebratory drink + dinner.

I found my own celebration while camping in the valley, capturing sunsets + moonrises along with what seemed like an endless amount of stars.