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              Elope
in 
Yosemite

2025

the ultimate guide

How to

Are you dreaming of eloping in Yosemite National Park?

Towering granite cliffs, lush meadows, and cascading waterfalls create a breathtaking backdrop for your vows, making every moment unforgettable.

Planning your Yosemite elopement might seem overwhelming at first, but with this guide and help from a trusted expert, it’s easier than you think. From logistics to inspiration, you’ll find everything you need to craft the day of your dreams.

Eloping in Yosemite is easier than you think

magical

Eloping in Yosemite is easier than you think

In this Guide we will cover:

best time to elope in yosemite

ceremony locations

how to get married in yosemite

special use permit

rules & info

Accommodations & travel

choosing vendors

Yosemite Elopement Cost

Yosemite Elopement packages

best time to Elope in Yosemite

Yosemite experiences all four seasons, each offering a unique and beautiful time to elope in the national park. Whether it's the lush meadows of spring, the vibrant colors of fall leaves, or the snow-covered winter landscape, every season provides a distinct and stunning setting. Yosemite's ever-changing scenery offers something special year-round.

  • lush meadows
  • full waterfalls
  • crowds are low
  • higher elevation roads won't open until late may - limited locations
  • weather concerns, there may still be snow on the ground.

pros:

cons:

Spring

March - May

  • waterfalls are at peak
  • perfect weather at sunrise
  • wildflowers
  • no road closures = more photo locations
  • crowds (especially in late june-august)
  • hot - sometimes over 100 degrees
  • no glacier point ceremony permits in july or august

pros:

cons:

Summer

June - August

  • best time of the year: less crowds, great weather
  • access to most locations in the park through early november
  • stunning fall colors in november
  • ceremony locations are getting limited by october due to weather concerns
  • waterfalls are pretty dry
  • possibility of early snow

pros:

cons:

Fall

September - November

  • winter wonderland wedding
  • crowds? Never heard of them
  • snow - you'll be required to have and use chains in the snow.
  • cold, harsh conditions
  • very limited location access

pros:

cons:

Winter

December - February

No matter if you choose sunrise, sunset or anytime in between you can't go wrong for your own dream Yosemite Elopement.

best time of day to elope in yosemite

  • AMAZING WAY TO START YOUR full-day ELOPEMENT
  • best light for most locations in yosemite
  • more intimate - less crowds
  • very early morning wake up 
  • will likely be cold, especially at higher elevations

pros:

cons:

Sunrise

Sunset

  • stunning sunsets
  • no early wake up call
  • best time of day for weather
  • crowds
  • shorter elopement experience
  • best lighting for taft point only 

pros:

cons:

Start your day at sunrise for the best lighting and a more intimate experience

Yosemite Ceremony Locations

To see the full list of Official NPS Ceremony Locations and more check out my blog Yosemite Wedding Locations

Yosemite is full of stunning locations to say your vows. Important factors to consider when choosing your ceremony location are availability during that time of year, guest limitations, accessibility, and the permits required for certain areas. Some locations are best suited for smaller, more intimate gatherings, while others can accommodate a few more guests. Each location offers its own unique backdrop, whether you’re looking for towering cliffs, serene meadows, or iconic views like Half Dome.

When reviewing the full list of ceremony locations, think about what resonates most with your vision for the day. Consider how many guests you’ll have, how much privacy you’d like, how far you’re willing to hike, and the time of day for the best lighting. Keep in mind that some popular locations may require early bookings, so it’s a good idea to start planning as soon as possible.

Guest counts of 10 or less are not limited to these locations, and may have their ceremony elsewhere with the except of meadows and ripartian areas.

  • up to 50 guests with granite seating
  • best ada access ceremony location
  • iconic yosemite views
  • stunning sunrise
  • several photo opportunities
  • large parking lot
  • no hiking
  • limited on when you can get a permit
  • popular = crowded

pros:

cons:

Glacier Point Amphitheater

guest limit: 50 (more than 35 requires monitoring)

availability: After road opening (late may) - september 30th
no permits issued in July or August

  • up to 50 guests
  • beautiful morning ceremony location
  • views on el capitan 
  • less busy location at sunrise
  • no hiking
  • small parking lot (6 cars, must carpool)
  • No as dramatic of a ceremony location
  • water level of the merced river can be unpredictable prior to the day

pros:

cons:

Cathedral Beach

guest limit: 50 (more than 35 requires monitoring)

availability: After memorial day - october 31st

  • up to 50 guests
  • accessible location
  • getting married under a waterfall
  • no hiking
  • very busy location
  • noisey 
  • can be misty if waterfall is at the peak flow (late spring/early summer(
  • not allowed to have ceremony at the base of the falls

pros:

cons:

Lower Yosemite Falls

guest limit: 50 (more than 35 requires monitoring)

availability: open year-round

  • best sunset ceremony location
  • unforgettable experience
  • lots of photography opportunities
  • requires a 1.1 mile hike each way
  • not the most guest friendly location
  • popular sunset location = crowds

pros:

cons:

Taft Point

guest limit: 10 (including you, officiant, and photographer)

availability: After road opening (late may) - september 30th

Additional Ceremony Locations

  • swinging bridge picnic area
            20 person limit, open year-round
  • merced grove
            30 person limit, open year-round
  • Tenaya Lake Beach
            50 person limit, road opening late may - september 30th
  • cascades picnic area
            30 person limit, open year-round
  • sentinel beach picnic area
            100 person limit, after memorial day - october 31st
  • chilnualna falls trailhead parking lot
            50 person limit, open year-round
  • tuolumne meadows lodge area
            25 person limit, Road opening (late may-September 30th


While your Ceremony location is important
you aren't limited to that single location for your Portraits

Special use permit

The Park Service requires a Special Use Permit for Weddings and Commitment Ceremonies held within Yosemite National Park.
You can download the application from the NPS website.

Ceremonies must be scheduled at least 21 days in advance, up to a year prior. 

The application fee for the special use permit is $150

For more information about Special use Permits and a step-by-step guide check out my Guide

Yosemite Wedding Permit Guide: Everything You Need to Know

rules and guidelines for yosemite elopements

  • no wedding permits will be issued on federal holidays or holiday weekends.

no permits issued on holidays

  • amplified music is not permitted
  • Acoustic instruments may be allowed if they do not exceed 60 decibels at a distance of 50 feet

always confirm with nps before your ceremony if you would like to have live music.

music and amplification

  • flowers and bouquets are allowed, nps recommends native flowers and hardy flowers that don't seed or germinate.
  • BABY'S BREATH IS PROHIBITED IN YOSEMITE

Flowers

  • No pets allowed during ceremonies held within the park.
  • leashed dogs are allowed on certain paths and paved roads - you can include your dog in portraits at allowed locations but they will have to be a good boy (or girl) and sit out the ceremony

pets

  • formal receptions are not allowed in picnic areas

receptions

  • the use of balloons, arches, or any other type of decorations are not authorized.
  • no Seating or chairs allowed, considerations are made for guests with special needs.

no decor or seating

Important information for your yosemite elopement

Park Entrance Reservations

Yosemite is requiring park entrance reservations in order to enter on select dates.

CHECK THE NPS WEBSITE FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE INFORMATION ON RESERVATION REQUIREMENTS.

  • a special use permit is valid reservation for park entrance on the date of the permit
for park entrance guests must provide the following to get into the park: A copy of the permit AND A copy of a government-issued ID matching either partner's name on the permit

Crowds

Yosemite is the most popular national park in america and with this popularity comes crowds. however, You can still enjoy your day and have a great experience even during the busiest of summer months.

in order to make the best of your elopement and avoid the crowds consider these tips:
  • sunrise is the best time to have a more intimate experience
  • avoid the summer months to miss the majority of the crowds
  • consider choosing a week day to elope

Cell Service

Cell service in Yosemite National Park is limited and coverage can be spotty at best. To ensure you're prepared and can navigate the park safely, plan ahead and have offline maps and information readily available.







  • ahwahnee hotel
            4-STAR HOTEL ON THE VALLEY FLOOR
  • yosemite valley lodge
            2-STAR HOTEL ON THE VALLEY FLOOR
  • curry village
  • wawona hotel

inside the park

Accommodations & travel for your Yosemite elopement

  • yosemite west
            CABINS 20 MINUTES FROM TUNNELVIEW
  • redwoods in yosemite
            CABINS 45 MINUTES FROM TUNNELVIEW

Check out scenic wonder to book cabin rentals inside of yosemite national park

  • tenaya lodge
  • evergreen lodge
  • rush creek lodge

outside the park

  • autocamp yosemite
            Airstream campers turned into a super cool campsite

I always recommend couples stay in the park for their Elopement. Locations outside of the park are at least a 1 hour drive to any destination within Yosemite.

travel to yosemite

nearest major airports
  • fresno international airport (FAT)
            APPROXIMATELY 90 MINUTES FROM THE SOUTH ENTRANCE TO YOSEMITE 
  • San Francisco International (SFO)
            APPROXIMATELY a 4 hour drive to THE yosemite valley 

How to choose the right vendors for your elopement

Yosemite Elopement Vendors

types local vendors you may want to consider for your elopement
  • photographer
  • videographer
  • officiant
  • florist
  • bakery
  • hair and make-up artist
  • catering/charcutierie

When planning your Yosemite elopement, selecting the right vendors is essential for a smooth and memorable experience. Vendors familiar with the park can offer valuable insights into the best locations, optimal timing, and the specific logistics involved in holding a ceremony in such a unique setting. This expertise helps navigate the park's regulations and ensures that your day unfolds seamlessly.
As a local Yosemite elopement photographer, I offer a unique blend of knowledge, expertise, and passion for this breathtaking national park. My familiarity with Yosemite means that I know the best locations to create stunning and intimate photos, away from the crowds. My experience allows me to anticipate the perfect moments and lighting conditions, ensuring you get amazing images.

What sets me apart is not just my artistry but my dedication to creating a personalized and effortless experience. I focus on the intimate and raw moments that define your day, crafting a collection of images that reflect your love story. My goal is to provide you with a seamless experience, from planning the perfect photo locations to navigating the park's logistics, ensuring your day is as stress-free and magical as possible.

My goal is to help you relax and fully immerse yourself in your day, knowing that your memories are being expertly preserved.

How much does it cost to Elope in Yosemite

Every Elopement is unique, with costs varying based on factors like vendor choices, time of year, and services. Different vendors offer a range of prices reflecting their expertise and customization options.

The prices listed here are general guidelines and may vary. For accurate pricing, we recommend consulting directly with your chosen vendors.

  • $150 - Special use wedding permit
  • $65 - marriage license (price varies by county)
  • $35 - park entrance fee per vehicle

  • $500-$700 - officiant
  • $2000-$10k+ - photographer
  • $700-$900 - bridal hair and make-up 
  • $300-$500 - bouquet & boutonniere
  • $200-$300 - small cake

  • hotel or cabin rental
  • attire
  • rings
  • travel/plane tickets
  • food costs

costs to consider

ALL YOU NEED TO GET MARRIED IN YOSEMITE

You can have a beautiful Yosemite National Park wedding for as little as $250, with the cost increasing based on your choice of vendors and the details of your celebration.

estimated vendor costs

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