My Favorite Locations In Virginia That Look Like Yosemite National Park | Virginia Wedding Photographer
First things first, time flies when you’re not paying attention. Two years ago, in February 2018, I traveled to Yosemite National Park and WHOA!! I mean it, WHOA! As we drove into the park, it was a night and day experience seeing the rapid change of scenery. From the dry, brown desert into a lush green and wet forest, seeing the differing landscapes of El Capitan, the Meadows, Tunnel View and more reminded me so much of my home in Virginia! Recently, I’ve had more and more client’s come to me asking for locations that look like Yosemite on the East Coast and I’m here to tell you, you will find them in Virginia! Below are my three places that look like Yosemite National Park.
Natural Bridge State Park
To start, I chose one of Virginia’s World Wonders, the Natural Bridge! This majestic tunnel in Virginia (pictured on the left) reminds me so much of the stronghold wall of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park (pictured on the right). Both standing tall created by limestone, casting the prettiest of blue tones and all the while, they are on two different sides of the country! El Capitan is MUCH bigger than the Natural Bridge but these rock faces are still very similar in what they provide for any couple with a West Coast mentality but living an East Coast life.
Shenandoah National Park
Oh those Appalachian Mountains… the more I travel, the more I grow to appreciate that blue view. Being a destination wedding photographer and elopement photographer has its perks. Yosemite National Park is a well sought after location for elopements, engagements or just a tourist location with its waterfalls, forest and mountain views. The funny thing is, its the same with Shenandoah National Park!
Big Meadows offers an open view similarly to the view of Tuolumne Meadows. Skyline Drive offers close up view of the rolling ridges similarly to view seen on Wawona Road. Lastly, the multiple waterfalls represent a MUCH smaller scale version of something like Lower Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Falls. Whether you are looking for places to elope in Virginia or choose to travel for a Yosemite elopement, both have their unique traits!
Carvins Cove
Fun fact, EVERY forest that is full of these skinny pines reminds me of Yosemite! I know it sounds crazy but one particular location is the hall of trees effect at Carvins Cove Reservoir. As seen below, its a little different based off of the time of year and weather but this spot reminds me so much of this little forest patch in California (left picture in VA, right picture in CA). The first thing I noticed as we drove into the park gates was how fast we went from dry brown landscapes to green lush moisture filled forest (again, different from VA but lush in its own way)! I try my best to describe Yosemite to everyone but its truly an experience worth more than a couple paragraphs! I guess I’ll have to write another blog on that… but Carvins Cove is the perfect place for a Virginia engagement session or portrait session!
While eloping in Virginia or having a Yosemite elopement can be similar, they are still VERY different. Click the button below if you are thinking of eloping and want help finding the right location!