I Eloped at Taft Point in Yosemite — From a Photographer Bride Side

I Eloped at Taft Point in Yosemite.

A little over a year later, I still haven’t edited my own wedding photos. Yep, that’s how this story starts.

As an elopement and family photographer, I thought I could balance being both the bride and the documentarian. I even brought my cameras and managed to take a few photos of my husband getting ready and my dress hanging from the ceiling of our intricate Airbnb bathroom (because of course, I couldn’t resist). But living both roles—client and photographer—on the same day gave me an entirely new perspective on what this job really means and how unpredictable, beautiful, and chaotic an elopement can be.

Spoiler: nearly everything went wrong… except the most important thing—I got married on May 31.

I Chose Taft Point.

Taft Point is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re standing on the edge of the world. I mean you kinda are. The cliffs, the golden light, the vastness of the valley. There’s no guardrail, I mean a baby one, no crowds during the week, just nature doing its thing in the most dramatic way.

And honestly? I thought it was a pretty easy, good hike. I’ll be honest, I really don’t like cardio. It’s about 2.2 miles roundtrip, and while you’ll definitely feel it if you bring a bunch of stuff and with the altitude change, it’s totally doable with the right mindset. I hiked it with my camera on my side, dress packed in a garment bag, and excitement through my bones (it was anxiety). It was quiet, golden, and surreal.

You will be tired, possibly sweaty, and you’ll definitely want sturdy shoes and layers (especially if you’re hiking up around sunrise or sunset). Don't forget H20. But if you're craving something raw, cinematic, and completely unforgettable—this is the place.

When Everything Falls Apart

May 29: Our flight was delayed... delayed again, then canceled.

May 30: New flight booked, flight also delayed, we missed our Fresno County Clerk’s Office appointment. Let’s just say, just about everything that could go wrong, did.

We scrambled to rebook everything, including our marriage license appointment, which got rescheduled for June 6. (They actually called the evening of May 30 to for a cancellation opening for May 31st morning slot.) We ended up flying into San Francisco instead. That’s the only way we were getting there.

May 31: 4:45am. We arrived at our airbnb, slept till 8am. Instead of waking up early on May 31 to hike to Taft Point at sunrise like we’d planned, we were speeding down to Fresno to pick up the documents that would legally let me marry my favorite person.

10am Marriage documents are good, we walked over to grab food. Turkey sub for the win.

By the time we finally hiked up to Taft Point later that day, our permitted time was long gone. We were just hoping no one would stop us. But the whole way up, I kept thinking:

None of this went to plan... but I still get to marry him today.

Being the Photographer and the Bride

I’m so grateful my brother came along to take some photos. It meant so much to have someone I love capturing the day. I also brought my own cameras to snap moments around the Airbnb and the hike up. Those moments felt extra special to document.

But the wise decision I made? Hiring an actual photographer too. Not just relying on myself or my brother, but someone whose sole job was to take care of us and document everything.

The next day, I had sneak peeks in my inbox. Edited, beautiful, emotional images—and I didn’t have to cull or color correct a single one. Six weeks later, we got the full gallery, and it was a huge relief knowing I could just be the bride that day, without putting pressure on myself to deliver my own gallery.

And yes—I still haven’t edited the ones I took. But I did I just for this blog. But I didn't have to. Because someone had my back.

Final Thoughts

Eloping at Taft Point was everything I never knew I needed. As a photographer, it gave me a whole new appreciation for what I do—for the weight we carry and the way we care. And as a bride, it taught me that even if the timeline shatters and your dress gets wrinkled and your feet hurt from hiking in boots… if you marry the love of your life with the sun setting behind you, it's perfect.

Even in the chaos.

Even when everything falls apart.

Because on May 31, we said yes—and that was the only thing that really mattered.