The Ultimate Adventure: Elope in Yosemite National Park with Mariela Campbell Photography
There is a reason Yosemite National Park https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm is the crown jewel of the Sierra Nevadas. From the sheer granite face of El Capitan to the mist-covered meadows of the valley floor, Yosemite offers a scale of beauty that feels almost cinematic. For couples who want to trade a traditional aisle for a rugged trail, a Yosemite National Park elopement https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm is the ultimate way to start a marriage.
However, capturing a wedding in one of the most famous landscapes in the world requires an expert hand. Mariela Campbell of Mariela Campbell Photography is a seasoned elopement photographer who specializes in documenting adventurous love stories across California’s majestic National Parks.
A California National Park Expert
Mariela isn’t just a photographer; she is a veteran of the California wilderness. Having photographed elopements from the desert boulders of Joshua Tree to the ancient groves of Sequoia, she brings an intimate knowledge of the state's diverse terrain.
As a published elopement expert and recognized YouTube personality https://www.youtube.com/@MCPpodcast , Mariela uses her platform to educate couples on the nuances of outdoor weddings. When you book her, you’re gaining a guide who understands:
Permit Navigation: Helping you secure your Special Use Permit ($150) and choosing from Yosemite’s designated ceremony locations like Glacier Point Amphitheater or Cathedral Beach.
Iconic Locations: Knowing exactly when to hit Taft Point for that legendary cliffside sunset or Tunnel View for a postcard-perfect panorama.
Leave No Trace: Ensuring your celebration honors the park’s beauty by following environmental ethics.
Expert Planning & Photography Timelines
In a park as vast as Yosemite, timing is everything. Mariela is known for her meticulous attention to detail when crafting custom elopement timelines. She doesn't just show up to take pictures; she helps you architect an experience.
Her expert timelines ensure:
The "Golden Hour" Glow: Timing your vows to catch the Alpenglow on Half Dome.
Avoiding the Crowds: Strategically planning your session for sunrise or off-peak hours to give you the privacy your day deserves.
Effortless Flow: Building in time for hiking, wardrobe changes, and those quiet, unscripted moments so you never feel like you're on a "photo shoot."
The Aesthetic: Candid Storytelling on Digital & Film
Mariela’s style is defined by candid, photojournalistic storytelling. She avoids the "posey" look, opting instead to capture the raw energy of the mountains—the way the wind catches your hair at Taft Point or the quiet reverence of your vows in El Capitan Meadow.
To tell a complete story, she utilizes a hybrid photography approach:
High-Resolution Digital: Perfect for the fast-changing light of the Sierras and capturing every sharp detail of the granite cliffs.
Timeless 35mm Film: Mariela incorporates analog film to bring a sense of nostalgic warmth and editorial "soul" to your gallery. The organic grain of film is the perfect companion to the rugged, timeless textures of Yosemite.
A Published Voice in the Wedding World
When you hire Mariela Campbell, you are hiring a photographer with a global voice. As a published expert and a YouTube creator https://www.youtube.com/@MCPpodcast dedicated to wedding and elopement education, Mariela has spent years refining the art of the "Adventure Wedding." Her channel serves as a treasure trove of advice for couples, ensuring you are fully prepared for the elements and the logistics of a mountain wedding.
Ready to Start Your Yosemite Story?
If you are looking for a Yosemite National Park https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm wedding photographer who can handle the adventure, the planning, and the art of film, Mariela Campbell is ready to lead the way.
Mariela Campbell Photography is currently booking 2026/2027 elopements in Yosemite. https://www.marielacampbell.com/contact to receive your custom planning guide and check availability for your date
