Elopement Regrets – 7 Mistakes I Made And How You Can Avoid Them

I remember the first time I stepped foot in Yosemite. I was with my now-husband, and we stopped at Tunnel View, as one does. We climbed up near what I now know is Artist Point Trail and were in complete and utter awe. In that moment, we both knew this was where we wanted to get married—we just felt it. We weren’t even engaged yet, but our wedding venue was already decided. When it came time to plan our wedding, Yosemite was the right choice. But like any couple, there were things we didn’t realize at the time that led to some elopement regrets—things I wish I’d done differently. Keep reading to learn from my experience and avoid these common elopement regrets, so your day can be as smooth and perfect as possible.

But there were some things I do regret—things I wish I’d done differently.

Keep reading to learn from my elopement regrets and ensure your day is as stress-free and perfect as possible.

Mistake #1:

The Mistake of Not Asking for Help: A Common Elopement Regret

I’m the worst when it comes to asking for help, and my wedding was no different. I tried to do everything myself, but looking back, I wish I had delegated more tasks to my family to take some of the stress off.

Whether it’s asking someone to pick up your florals, stop and grab the wedding cake, or simply help with logistics on the day of, leaning on loved ones is important. You don’t have to manage everything on your own. By asking for help, I could have avoided this elopement regret and focused more on enjoying the morning instead of running through details in my head.

On the morning of your day, let others handle the details so you can just be in the moment and enjoy the experience. Remember, the people who love you want to help make your day amazing—let them!

Mistake #2:

Letting Others’ Opinions Influence My Day

One of the biggest lessons I learned from my elopement was how easy it is to let others’ input change the way you plan your day. Whether it’s family or friends, everyone will have an opinion about how things should go. And when you choose to elope, those opinions can be even stronger—people might feel left out or have expectations for how they think your wedding day should unfold. Allowing others’ input to change your vision is one of the most common elopement regrets.

For me, trying to navigate those opinions meant I made decisions that didn’t align with what my husband and I truly wanted. It added stress and made the day feel less like ours. While I’m grateful for the love and care behind those opinions, I wish I had stayed true to my own vision. Looking back, I see how important it is to hold onto what you and your partner value most, because at the end of the day, it’s your experience.

Your elopement is about the two of you, and it should reflect what truly matters to your relationship. Don’t be afraid to gently but firmly stand by your choices, even if it means going against what others might want. Whether it’s keeping things simple, skipping traditions that don’t resonate with you, or setting your own timeline—it’s your day. By staying true to what feels right for you and your partner, you’ll create a day that’s not only beautiful but authentically yours, filled with moments that you’ll cherish forever.

Mistake #3:

Cutting Corners on Vendors: An Elopement Regret That Isn’t Worth It

The one thing I did ask for help with was coordinating dinner, but it didn’t turn out as planned. We had some logistical issues with our cabin, and because of those restrictions, we couldn’t have professional catering. I regret not finding a location where we could have hired a private chef. Dinner ended up being two hours later than we wanted, and some guests left hungry because I didn’t bring in the right professionals.

Looking back, I realized that working with vendors you trust really makes a difference. When you have people on your team who know what they’re doing, you don’t have to worry about things going wrong or running late—they just handle it. It lets you relax and enjoy your day instead of stressing over the details. I wish I’d taken this approach sooner.

Having vendors you trust is like having a safety net for your day—they catch all the little things so you don’t have to. I love working closely with couples to make sure their day flows beautifully, and I’m always happy to help find trusted vendors who understand your vision. Think of me as not just your photographer, but someone who’s there to guide you every step of the way.

Mistake #4:

The Regret of Not Having Full-Day Photography Coverage

Like many of my clients, I thought I only needed a few hours of photography coverage for my small elopement—enough to cover the ceremony, family portraits, and some couple portraits. It wasn’t a big wedding, so I figured full-day coverage wasn’t necessary.

Looking back, I wish I had photos from the entire day. This is another elopement regret—one I help my clients avoid by encouraging full-day photography coverage. The intimate, emotional moments before the ceremony, like my husband and I enjoying a quiet coffee together on the patio, the butterflies of excitement as we got ready, and the peaceful moments after the ceremony when we were simply soaking it all in. Cake cutting, and snuggling under the night sky—these are the moments that tell the full story of the day.

Full-day photography coverage ensures you capture everything—from the first nervous smiles to the last kiss of the night. It’s not just about the ceremony—it’s about having an album full of memories that take you back to how you felt throughout the day. These are the images that help you relive your entire story.

Mistake #5:

Not Setting Aside Time to Enjoy Yosemite: A Regret You Don’t Want

As a local, I tend to take Yosemite for granted and sometimes miss out on its grandeur. On my wedding day, I was so focused on the schedule that I didn’t dedicate enough time to simply enjoy the park with my new husband. Missing out on the natural beauty of your Elopement location can become one of your biggest elopement regrets.

Looking back, I wish we had taken more time to slow down and experience the park. Whether it’s a quiet walk around the Valley Loop Trail, a peaceful picnic by the meadows, or even renting bikes and exploring, make space in your day for the simple joys of being in Yosemite. There’s so much beauty to experience beyond just your ceremony.

By carving out time to simply be together in Yosemite, you’ll create special moments that will stand out as some of the best memories of your day.

Mistake #6:

Allowing Stress to Take Over: A Major Elopement Regret

I allowed stress to take me out of the moment. From managing the details to worrying about timing, I found myself constantly thinking about what had to be done next, instead of fully enjoying what was happening right in front of me. The day itself was beautiful, but I struggled to stay fully present and really soak it all in.

Looking back, I wish I had let go of some of that control. If I had trusted others to handle the little things, I could have focused more on the joy of the day—the love, the laughter, the significance of each moment. Letting stress take you of the moment is a common elopement regret that can be avoided by keeping things simple and relying on your trusted vendors.

Trusting your vendors, asking for help, and creating a simple, flexible timeline are what allow you to truly breathe and be in the moment. Giving yourself that space to enjoy your day makes all the difference.

Mistake #7:

Not Hiring a Local Yosemite Expert: Avoid This Common Regret

Even though I’m a local and know Yosemite well, I thought I could handle everything on my own without the help of an expert. In hindsight, I realized that having someone with specific expertise would have helped me avoid small but important details that made the day more stressful than it needed to be. Little things like choosing the right timeline for lighting, navigating the permits effortlessly, or finding more secluded spots for quiet moments would have made all the difference. Not hiring a local expert is one of the elopement regrets I hear most often, and it’s an easy mistake to avoid.

That’s why now, as a local Yosemite Elopement Photographer, I understand how crucial it is to have someone who not only knows the popular spots but also the hidden gems that make your day magical. My experience allows me to help with more than just photography—I assist couples in crafting the perfect timeline, connecting with trusted vendors, and finding those out-of-the-way places that truly capture the essence of their love story.

By working with a local expert like me, you’re not just getting beautiful photos—you’re getting someone who knows how to make the day stress-free and seamless. I guide you through each decision so you can focus on what matters most: celebrating your love in one of the most stunning places in the world.

The One Thing I Don’t Regret: Eloping in Yosemite

One thing I can say for sure—I have zero regrets about choosing Yosemite as our elopement destination. Despite the mistakes I made in planning, eloping in such a breathtaking, awe-inspiring place made every challenge worth it. The grandeur of Yosemite creates a backdrop that is unmatched, and every moment we spent in the park was magical.

If you’re worried about whether Yosemite is the right choice, I can tell you from personal experience that it’s not just the beauty of the park that makes it special—it’s the sense of peace, adventure, and timelessness that you and your partner will feel as you say your vows surrounded by some of nature’s most iconic landscapes.

I wouldn’t change the location for the world, and I know you won’t regret it either.

 

Looking back, my Yosemite elopement was beautiful, but there are things I would have done differently. From asking for help to having full-day photography, the elopement regrets I had were entirely avoidable. And that’s what I want for you—no regrets.

As a Yosemite Elopement Photographer, my job isn’t just to take photos—it’s to capture the essence of your day, the moments that matter most, and the love you and your partner share in one of the most breathtaking places on earth. From the quiet anticipation before your ceremony to the first kiss under the towering trees, I’ll make sure every moment is captured beautifully.

You deserve to look back on your elopement and feel every emotion again—without worrying about what you might have missed.

If you’re ready to elope in Yosemite and want a photographer who will capture every meaningful moment while ensuring your day is stress-free and unforgettable, reach out. Together, we’ll avoid the common elopement regrets so you can focus on making your day everything you’ve dreamed of.

Let’s work together to create a day that’s not just beautiful, but truly yours—captured in a way you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

Ready to learn more about planning your Yosemite elopement? Check out my Ultimate Yosemite Elopement Guide Or maybe you haven’t popped the question yet? Get inspired with Proposal Tips to create your dream proposal!