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Glacier Point proposal | Yosemite National Park proposal photography

Writer: Brooke Motl
Brooke Motl
Sep 9
2 min read
Couple runs along Glacier Point Road in early morning light with Half Dome as the backdrop
Newly engaged couple trots along Glacier Point Road at sunrise with Half Dome in the background.

The story of a dreamy sunrise Glacier Point proposal in Yosemite National Park


Anthony reached out to me a couple of months ago, looking for a photographer to capture his surprise proposal to his girlfriend and high school sweetheart. Now in their mid-20s, they're ready to take the next step into marriage. But first, Anthony needed to propose, and I was thrilled to be chosen as their proposal photographer.


On a warm August morning, I arrived at Glacier Point well before the happy couple, to get setup. The couple arrived by 6:30am and settled in to watch the sunrise together. I grabbed a few candid photos of them chatting about their plans for the remainder of their California vacation, and waited until Anthony was ready to get down on one knee.


The big moment came right as the sun peeked over the mountains just to the right of Half Dome. Anthony told Emily he was going to take a photo of her facing the sunrise, and when she turned back around there he was, ring box in hand, asking her to marry him.



Exploring Glacier Point


After their sweet Glacier Point proposal, the newly-engaged couple changed out of their hiking gear and into nice clothes for their engagement session. We snapped some epic photos at the geology hut, on "illusion rock" overlooking Half Dome, and along the iconic curved road leading to the Glacier Point parking lot.


The early morning light bathed the area in perfect, soft hues. It felt like we were in a romantic movie or a literal dream!



Heading into Yosemite Valley


Our time together absolutely flew by, and after spending some time taking engagement photos at Glacier Point, we headed down into Yosemite Valley for the remainder of their session.


We visited the Yosemite Valley Chapel and walked part of the Cook's Meadow Loop. August in Yosemite is a wonderful time to visit for a sunrise Yosemite National Park proposal photography session. The crowds were minimal, the weather was mild, and the whole park is accessible as Glacier Point Road is still open.



Planning a Yosemite proposal for your partner and looking for a local photographer to capture the moment? Click here for all of my Yosemite session and elopement pricing. Ready to book? Let's chat!



 
 

© BROOKE MOTL PHOTO.

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