Shannon and Bryan hired me to capture their Yellowstone National Park Elopement Photography! I was so excited, and to be honest a little nervous. This was the first wedding I’ve photographed in Yellowstone National Park and I knew it came with a few hoops to jump through. Like Rocky Mountain National Park, they require a photography permit for any commercial photographers. This includes wedding photographers. But once the couple secured their wedding permit I got mine so we were good to go.

Yellowstone National Park Elopement Photography

Two weeks before their elopement, I wanted to go up to the park and spend the day scouting. So, my family bought tickets to see a play at The Playmill Theatre in West Yellowstone. After a day of scouting, we went and saw Beauty and the Beast! If you haven’t seen a show at the Playmill before, they are so enjoyable and full of talent! The theatre is dated, and I recommend being on the first 3 rows if you can for the best experience. We love it every time! I really just wanted to make the most out of a scouting trip, so we got up early to spend the day in the park. We visited the main location the elopement would be taking place.

Artist Point Elopement Ceremony

The day of their wedding came and we met up for portraits beforehand at the Cascade Creek trailhead. Here we took photos for about 20 minutes with the grasses and pines before heading out.

I can’t believe that in all of my years living in the area, I’d never visited Artist Point! This was the location approved for their ceremony. We checked out the parking situation, lighting, and surrounding area. Then we drove around looking for other scenic places that we would be allowed to take photos. We got stuck behind some bison the day of the wedding but luckily not for long.

Their Artist Point Elopement Ceremony was amazing. Everyone was so respectful to give us some space and quietly observe their ceremony. Then they all clapped and cheered for them as they shared their first kiss as husband and wife!

Norris Geyser Basin Wedding Portraits

For the rest of their Yellowstone National Park Elopement Photography, we traveled to Norris Geyser Basin. From everything I’d read, portraits were only allowed here in the evening so as not to disrupt traffic. I loved our wedding portrait time at Norris Geyser Basin with a colorful and moody sunset.

Are you considering a Yellowstone National Park Elopement? I would love to discuss working together. Send me an email and let’s chat!