A Private Yosemite Proposal with Views of Half Dome

Man proposes on one knee at Yosemite Valley overlook with El Capitan and waterfall backdrop at sunset.

This Yosemite proposal was one I'll never forget.


When we first started planning, Isaiah knew he loved the iconic Tunnel View overlook, but he wanted something a little more private. That's when we decided on Artist Point. It overlooks the same incredible view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall, but requires about a 45-minute hike to get there.


The hike definitely isn't easy, so come prepared with water and good shoes. But once we reached the top, it was completely worth it. We had the entire overlook to ourselves with nobody else around.

The Proposal



Before the couple arrived, my assistant (boyfriend) and I got to the overlook early and pretended to just be visitors enjoying the view. Once they made it to the top, the proposal happened a little differently than originally planned.


After the hike, nerves kicked in and everything started moving a little faster than expected. I quickly moved into position and captured the moment as it unfolded naturally. Honestly, those real, unscripted moments are often my favorite.


After she said yes, I gave them some time to soak it all in before taking a few portraits around the overlook with their family and close friend who had joined them for the celebration.

Black and white photo of a couple facing each other with Yosemite's Half Dome and forest visible in the background.
Couple holding hands facing each other with Yosemite Valley waterfall and granite cliffs in the background.
A couple sits together in a lush green field surrounded by white iris flowers in a romantic outdoor setting.
Black and white photo of a couple embracing and kissing, woman wearing a diamond engagement ring.
A couple shares a romantic almost-kiss moment in a misty meadow with pine trees and a mountain cliff backdrop.
Couple embracing in a wildflower meadow with tall pine trees and granite cliffs in Yosemite National Park.
Black and white photo of two people holding hands with a ring, surrounded by blooming flowers in a field.
A woman in a floral top and dark skirt poses in a meadow with tall cliffs and pine trees in the background.
Black and white photo of a couple dancing in a mountain meadow surrounded by pine trees and a rocky cliff.

 

Exploring Yosemite Valley

 

Once we finished at Artist Point, we made our way back down and headed into Yosemite Valley for the rest of their session.


The valley was beautiful that evening. Everything was green, the light was soft, and we even found some wildflowers along the way. With the proposal behind them, they were able to relax and just enjoy being together, which always makes for some of my favorite photos.


Yosemite is easily one of my favorite places to photograph, and being trusted to document such an important moment here was incredibly special.


If you're planning a Yosemite proposal and looking for a photographer to help with location recommendations, planning, and documenting the moment naturally, I'd love to be a part of it!

A couple dances in a meadow with wildflowers, framed by towering granite cliffs and pine trees in a vintage black-and-white photo.
Couple sitting in a wildflower meadow holding hands, smiling at each other with rocky mountains and trees in background.
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