Table of Contents
Let’s dive into the most common questions you have about having a Yosemite elopement!
Permits & Legal Requirements
Do We Need A Permit To Elope In Yosemite?
Yes! Whether you are having a “just us” Yosemite elopement or a ceremony with dozens of guests attending, you will need to apply for a permit, pay the fee, and get approved.
How Do We Apply For A Yosemite Wedding Permit?
You can apply for a Yosemite wedding permit through the official Yosemite National Park website. I realize that applying for a permit can seem daunting since there are several steps involved. That’s why when couples hire me, I give them detailed instructions so the process is easy!
How Much Does a Yosemite Elopement Permit Cost?
$150.00
Do We Need A Separate Permit For Photography?
No. Your permit will cover photography and portraits throughout the entire park! However, if you decide you want to hire a videographer, they will need to obtain a separate permit.
Can We Legally Get Married In Yosemite, Or Do We Need To Do The Legal Paperwork Elsewhere?
Yes, you can legally get married in Yosemite by obtaining a California marriage license. I personally think that part of the elopement experience is getting your California marriage license and making it legal here in California. When couples hire me, I tell them when, where, and how to get their California marriage license. I’m also ordained, so I am more than happy to pronounce you married and sign your license!
However, if you prefer to take care of the paperwork in your hometown so you don’t have to worry about paperwork when you get to California, you can certainly do that in your home state. At that point, when you arrive in Yosemite, you will be having a “symbolic” ceremony since you will already legally be married.
Best Locations For A Yosemite Elopement
What Are The Best Places To Elope In Yosemite National Park?
This is such a great question that I’ve written an in-depth article about it! Click the link below!
Can We Elope At Glacier Point Or Taft Point?
Yes, you can elope at Glacier Point, and in fact, it’s one of the most popular places to have your elopement ceremony! I highly recommend Glacier Point if you are inviting guests because there’s plenty of parking, and there’s no hiking involved!
You can also elope at Taft Point, however, due to the hiking involved to get to Taft Point, I personally do not accommodate elopements there with guests. If you have a “just us” elopement, I am more than happy to help you have your ceremony at Taft Point.
Are There Any Locations That Don’t Require A Permit?
No. All locations within Yosemite National Park require a permit.
What Are Some Lesser-Known Elopement Spots In Yosemite?
There are many lesser-known elopement spots in Yosemite that I take couples to for portraits and their “just us” ceremony, such as Sentinel Dome and Olmstead Point.
Can We Have A Ceremony In Yosemite Valley?
Absolutely! There are many approved ceremony locations within Yosemite Valley, such as Yosemite Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Sentinel Beach, Cathedral Beach, Swinging Bridge, and Cascades Picnic Area, and let’s not forget the adorable Yosemite Valley Chapel! Yosemite Valley has some of the best ceremony locations in the entire park!
Best Time And Season To Elope In Yosemite
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Elope In Yosemite?
Yosemite is open year-round, so there is no “best” time to elope in Yosemite. Instead, ask yourself what type of landscape you want and what you want your experience to be like. There are perks and trade-offs to each time of year.
WINTER: (November to March) In the wintertime, Yosemite can look like a winter wonderland! The park has the least amount of visitors in the wintertime, so you will have the park “more to yourselves.” However, popular elopement spots like Glacier Point and Taft Point are closed in the winter. Due to snow storms, you will want to make sure you are comfortable in winter mountain driving and have an all-wheel vehicle. Make sure to carry chains for your wheels.
SPRING: (April to Mid-June) Springtime is a popular and beautiful time of year in Yosemite! The waterfalls are at their peak, and the meadow grasses are vibrant and green! If you want to experience the awe and wonder of Yosemite’s waterfalls, you will want to elope in the springtime. If there was a lot of snow the previous winter season, the meadows could become flooded if the Merced River floods.
SUMMER: (Mid-June to August) Summer is the most popular time in the park, especially in Yosemite Valley. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but you will want to plan ahead and be aware that parking will be limited. There may be long lines to get into the park. However, summertime is great because you get the best of everything: Glacier Point and Taft Point are open, and the waterfalls have not dried up yet.
FALL: (September to October) Autumn is my most requested time of year for couples wanting to elope in Yosemite. The park isn’t empty, but there are significantly fewer visitors in the fall due to kids being back in school. If you are worried about the heat, eloping in the fall would be a better option for you. Glacier Point and Taft Point are open, however, the waterfalls have likely dried up by this time. If you want to experience Yosemite’s waterfalls, you will be disappointed. The fall time is also a high risk for wildfires throughout all California. Luckily for you, though, I have a backup location in mind if Yosemite becomes unavailable due to wildfires!
I have several examples of Yosemite elopements on my website during all the different seasons. Check them out below.
Is It Possible To Elope In Yosemite In Winter?
Yes, it is! There are a few things you will want to consider when having a wintertime Yosemite elopement. You will want to have a vehicle that has all-wheel drive, and you will need to carry chains in your car. Due to blizzards and snowstorms, there could be sudden road closures. Plan ahead of time to be flexible with your travel dates.
When Is The Park Least Crowded For An Elopement Ceremony?
Early morning!
What Time Of Day Is Best For An Elopement Ceremony?
Sunrise! My most popular package is the sunrise + sunset package, and that is largely due to the fact that you will have the most privacy in the early morning hours. I cannot guarantee that there will not be any visitors in the area, but your chances of having the “place mostly to yourselves” will be during sunrise in the park. Read more about my sunrise + sunset Yosemite elopement package at the link below.
What Is The Weather Like In Different Seasons?
Yosemite Valley Average Temperatures: Temperatures in higher elevations (above 7,000 feet/2,100 meters) can be 20–30°F cooler than Yosemite Valley, with cold winters and late snowmelt into early summer.
| Month | High °F | Low °F |
|---|---|---|
| January | 48°F | 28°F |
| February | 52°F | 30°F |
| March | 58°F | 33°F |
| April | 64°F | 37°F |
| May | 71°F | 42°F |
| June | 81°F | 50°F |
| July | 89°F | 57°F |
| August | 88°F | 56°F |
| September | 82°F | 51°F |
| October | 71°F | 42°F |
| November | 56°F | 33°F |
| December | 48°F | 28°F |
Yosemite Valley Average Rainy Days Per Month:
| Month | Average Rainy Days |
|---|---|
| January | 8 days |
| February | 7 days |
| March | 7 days |
| April | 5 days |
| May | 3 days |
| June | 2 days |
| July | 1 day |
| August | 1 day |
| September | 2 days |
| October | 4 days |
| November | 6 days |
| December | 8 days |
Average number of inches per month and snowy days per in Yosemite Valley:
| Month | Average Snowfall (inches) | Average Snowfall (days) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 14 inches | 5 days |
| February | 12 inches | 4 days |
| March | 7 inches | 3 days |
| April | 3 inches | 1 day |
| May | 0 inches | Rare |
| June | 0 inches | Very rare |
| July | 0 inches | None |
| August | 0 inches | None |
| September | 0 inches | Very rare |
| October | 1 inch | 1 day |
| November | 4 inches | 2 days |
| December | 10 inches | 4 days |
Guest & Vendor Considerations
Can We Invite Guests To Our Elopement In Yosemite?
Yes! I personally allow up to 10 guests. This is because I want you to have an intimate wedding experience. Limiting the number of guests helps marrying couples to not let their elopement snowball and become a big wedding.
However, it’s important to consider if your guests will appreciate the experience of coming to a National Park. Not everybody likes traveling to remote areas with lots of mountain driving. I wouldn’t recommend inviting guests just to invite them. Consider if they will add to your excitement or detract from it.
Are There Restrictions On The Number Of People Allowed At An Elopement Ceremony?
I personally only allow up to 10 guests, however, Yosemite National Park has their limitations for guests according to each approved ceremony location. Some of their ceremony locations allow up to 50 guests! In my opinion, even though the park will technically allow you to have 50 guests, that does not mean that it’s a good idea to do that. There is no cell service in the park, and it can be stressful to worry about even 10 people finding their way to the ceremony location, let alone dozens! My recommendation is to keep your elopement to a “just us” experience or invite the closest people to you who are looking forward to a National Park experience.
Can We Bring An Officiant, Photographer, Or Videographer?
Of course! Since I am ordained, I am more than happy to pronounce you married and sign your marriage license for your “just us” elopement. However, if you invite guests, I highly recommend having someone else officiate the ceremony to enhance the guest experience. I have a few favorite officiants that I can recommend. Or you can have one of your guests become ordained through an organization.
Are There Any Recommended Yosemite Elopement Photographers?
Yes! Me, of course! Learn more about how I can help you elope in Yosemite and photograph your gorgeous memories!
There are several Yosemite elopement photographers besides me, and an experienced Yosemite elopement photographer will have package prices starting at no less than $6,500. Most will start a little higher than that. If you come across an elopement photographer who is far below that price, I would question that. Perhaps they are a new photographer or are just starting out. Either way, you don’t want to wing it on your wedding day!
Can We Bring Chairs, Decorations, Or Arches For Our Ceremony?
No. Yosemite National Park will not allow these items. I photographed big formal weddings for 10+ years, so I totally get it if you want a beautiful arch with the latest trending florals; however, if you want chairs, decorations, and an arch for your ceremony, then getting married in a National Park is not for you. I highly recommend looking into renting a proper wedding venue. Having your wedding ceremony at a venue will not only give you more leeway to design your ceremony the way you want, but you can also have your reception there as well.
The Ahwahnee Hotel has a lawn space outside and an indoor space where you can have chairs, decorations, an arch, etc.
Evergreen Lodge has a ceremony site with a dense forest backdrop, and they will allow you to have chairs, an arch, decorations, and your reception.
Rush Creek Lodge has a ceremony site with a dense forest of pines as a backdrop. They will allow you to have chairs, an arch, and decorations, as well as your reception.
Tenaya Lodge will host your wedding and reception.
Logistics & Parking Regulations
Do We Need A Reservation To Enter Yosemite For Our Elopement?
It depends. At the beginning of each year, the park usually decides if they are going to implement the reservation system, however, the park can decide at any time to implement a reservation system. For popular events such as the Firefalls in February, Yosemite usually always has a reservations system in place. Check the Yosemite Park website for updates.
How Do We Get To Popular Elopement Spots?
This will largely depend on who you hire as your elopement photographer. An experienced Yosemite elopement photographer will know the trails well and be able to navigate everyone there with ease. You don’t want to get lost on your wedding day and miss the sunset!
Are There Restroom Facilities Near Elopement Locations?
Yes. The restrooms might not be proper bathrooms with plumbing and electricity, but all of the ceremony locations that the park has approved all have restrooms.
Can We Play Music During Our Ceremony?
No. The park will not allow this.
Are Pets Allowed At Our Elopement?
Yes, on paved trails/areas only. Your dog must be on a leash at all times. Ceremony areas such as Glacier Point Ampitheater, Yosemite Falls, and Bridalveil Falls are all on paved areas, so your dog will be allowed to join your ceremony at these locations. Dogs are not allowed on any of the other trails or beaches. For example, you will not be able to take your dog with you to Taft Point. Plan to have your dog attend the ceremony but not for the rest of the day.
Hiking & Adventure Elopements
Do We Need To Hike To Elopement Locations Like Taft Point Or Glacier Point?
There is no hiking involved at Glacier Point, but there is hiking involved to get to Taft Point.
How Difficult Are The Hikes To The Best Elopement Spots?
One of the reasons Yosemite is such an ideal place to elope is that some of the best elopement spots do not require difficult hiking! Lots of couples worry about getting too sweaty if there’s a steep incline to get to the viewpoint, and I don’t blame them! I wouldn’t want to spend $$$ on a wedding dress and hundreds of dollars on professional hair and makeup, only for it to all get ruined on the hike! When couples hire me, I make sure that we include just enough adventure into their elopement day without overdoing it.
I wrote an article on 6 Tips To Stay Looking Fresh For Your Elopement that you can read!
What Should We Wear For A Hiking Elopement?
My top recommendation is to wear quality hiking boots and wool socks. We will be on uneven ground the entire day. Due to the amount of walking and hiking, dress shoes and stylish hiking boots will start to feel uncomfortable. You don’t want to be in pain on your wedding day.
I also wrote an article on Best Dress Styles For Your Elopement that you should check out!
Can We Have A Sunrise Or Sunset Elopement?
You can have both! My most popular package is the sunrise + sunset package with bonus starry night photos! I recommend a sunrise ceremony because that will offer the most privacy, and the golden hour during sunset is the best time to capture stunning portraits of you! And then, of course, the bonus starry night photos because atro photography can only be accomplished in a remote place like Yosemite!
What Are The Best Trails For An Adventure Elopement In Yosemite?
The most popular trail is Taft Point! I love Taft Point! Don’t be surprised if you see a few other eloping couples at Taft Point due to it’s popularity, especially in early October.
Accommodations & Travel
Where Should We Stay For Our Yosemite Elopement?
The Ahwahnee is a 4-star hotel adorned with markings and designs of the native Miwok people. It’s located right in the heart of Yosemite Valley, and it’s a lovely place to stay. They also have very nice cabin options if you would rather do that vs. be in a hotel room. Within the hotel is the Ahwahnee Dining Room, a top recommendation of mine!
Yosemite Valley Lodge is a 3-star hotel that offers everything you’ll need for a stay in the park but without some of the charm The Ahwahnee has. However, it’s located right in the heart of Yosemite Valley and right next to Base Camp eatery and The Mountain Room.
Wawona Hotel is a mountain resort hotel with Victorian-era design, and an authentic lodge feel. To stay here is to feel like you’re getting away from it all, and traveling back not just to nature, but in time too.
***UPDATE: The Wawona Hotel and Wowona Dining Room are closed indefinitely due to renovations.
Curry Village is also an option, however, it may be a bit too rustic for your wedding elopement experience, in my opinion. The tents are made out of thick canvas, and there’s very basic electricity. Restrooms and shower facilities are shared between all guests.
How Far In Advance Should We Book Accommodations?
Since there are limited hotel rooms and cabins within the park, I recommend booking your accommodations as soon as possible. If you don’t, you will be forced to stay outside the park, causing you a long drive to get to your elopement destination.
Are There Good Airbnb or Cabin Rentals Near Yosemite?
Yes, in the nearby towns of El Portal, Fishcamp, and Mariposa, you can find lots of Airbnbs and cabins to suit your style.
For something a little different, check out Yosemite AutoCamp, which has unique Airstreams and modern cabins. This is also a location where you can have an intimate reception.
What Are The Closest Airports To Yosemite?
I recommend flying into Fresno, California.
Can We Camp For Our Elopement Trip?
Yes, you can camp during your elopement trip. However, make sure to make a reservation well in advance because, just like the hotels inside the park, the campgrounds become booked up quickly!
Other Considerations
What Should We Pack For A Yosemite Elopement?
When couples hire me, I give them a checklist of everything they need to pack so that nothing gets forgotten, but here’s a shortlist of items:
- Quality hiking boots
- Wool Socks
- Light jacket
- Backpack
- Headlamps
- Sunscreen
- Bouquet of flowers
- Wedding Rings
- Vows
- Marriage license
How Do We Prepare For Unpredictable Weather?
Embrace whatever happens! It’s called an adventure elopement for a reason! There are no backup indoor locations, so rain or shine, we will proceed with your elopement!
For extreme weather conditions where the roads close due to blizzards, always plan ahead and arrive at the park a couple of days in advance. For really extreme weather conditions, such as wildfires, I pivot the elopement to an entirely different location in California.
Are There Any Restrictions On Wedding Attire (Like Long Dresses for Hikes)?
No, I personally do not have any restrictions on wedding attire, and nor does the park. You can wear whatever you’d like. I always have my pop-up dressing tent if you’d like to do a clothing change!
What Are Some Fun Things To Do After Our Elopement In Yosemite?
Many couples choose to do the various day hikes, such as hiking to Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls. I do not take couples here for elopements due to the steep incline and crowds, but they are wonderful hikes to do on your own time. In addition to hiking, Yosemite offers many other adventurous activities, such as river rafting down the Merced River and horseback riding. Yosemite also has its own golf course within the park! One of my personal favorites is to pack a lunch and rent a bike from the various rental kiosks and bicycle around the Yosemite Valley loop. It’s a beautiful trail spanning several miles and a great way to spend the day!
How Do We Plan An Elopement With Just The Two Of Us?
That’s such a great question that I’ve dedicated my whole career to helping you plan your dream elopement of just the two of you! Your first step is deciding you want to elope in Yosemite, and then reach out to Yosemite elopement photographers who specialize in Yosemite National Park. They will kickstart your planning! If you are ready to get these wheels in motion, get in touch for your free planning consultation. I can’t wait to help you elope in Yosemite!
