Eloping in Yosemite | Your How-to Guide

An elopement in Yosemite is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and is guaranteed to give your wedding photography that wow factor.

If you’re thinking of eloping in Yosemite, then firstly, congratulations on your decision to elope! It’s one you won’t regret! And secondly, you couldn’t have picked a better place to tie the knot. Yosemite National Park is one of the most stunning locations for an elopement wedding! Magnificent meadows, iconic rock formations, breathtaking cliffside views, lush forests, epic waterfalls, and glistening lakes. It’s an oasis of natural beauty and one of my favorite places to shoot elopement photography.

As I’ve captured eloping couples making it official in Yosemite, this beautiful region of California never fails to impress. The area sees millions of visitors every year, all wanting to photograph its awe-inspiring landscape. A landscape that cannot fail to look beautiful in your elopement photography. Whether you’re exchanging your vows high up on the cliffs or down deep in the forest – this region is naturally bountiful in stunning locations to say ‘I do’.

Your Yosemite elopement photographer should know all the permission procedures, the best Yosemite wedding venues, times of day, deadlines, and local vendors. However, when eloping to Yosemite, or anywhere for that matter, it’s good to also have an understanding of yourself. That’s why today, I thought I’d share how to plan a Yosemite elopement with you, and reveal not just the facts, but also some simply stunning places to have your dream wedding ceremony.

Eloping in Yosemite: Your Elopement Guide on Where, How, & What You’ll Need

There is lots of exciting stuff I want to share with you about eloping to Yosemite, but we need to start off with one of the more important things: Permits.

Yosemite National Park Wedding Permit

To have any kind of event or celebration in Yosemite, you’ll need to get a permit, whether it’s a “just us” elopement or a ceremony with dozens of guests. This permit allows you to hold your ceremony in the designated area where you have been approved for. This permit does not allow you to tell other visitors to vacate the area. Due to Yosemite being in a public space, all visitors are welcome to be in the space during your ceremony. It is up to the visitors to decide if they want to leave or not. However, the permit does allow is to hold the ceremony in the designated area for the time slot that has been approved vs. any other wedding couple showing up at the same time wanting to also have their ceremony in the same location at the same time.

It can be complicated to get a special permit when eloping to Yosemite because there are many steps involved, so when couples hire me as their Yosemite elopement photographer, I walk them through the permit process step by step.

To get a wedding permit for Yosemite National Park, you’ll need to fill out an application form, which can be obtained from the National Park Service website, along with a $150 check. A word of advice: don’t leave this application process to the last minute. Permits can be obtained up to a year in advance. But not less than 3 weeks before the wedding date. So don’t give yourself extra stress, and get the process started early.

California Marriage License For Your Elopement Wedding

To make your marriage License process run as smoothly as possible, I am not simply a photographer, I am also ordained! So whether you’re taking a road trip to California or flying in from out of state or even out of the country, I can give you very specific instructions on how to get your marriage license. And, I’ll marry you myself! Pronouncing couples married and signing their marriage license is ideal for a two-person elopement as you won’t need to hire an additional vendor for your ceremony. However, If you plan on inviting some guests, I recommend having someone else officiate the ceremony for the guest experience. You can do this by hiring one of my recommended Yosemite officiants or having one of your guests become ordained to perform the ceremony.

When couples hire me as their Yosemite elopement photographer, I walk them through the process to obtain their California marriage license!

What is the Cost of Eloping in Yosemite?

When the average cost of an ordinary wedding day is exponentially growing by the year, eloping to Yosemite with some of the best views in the world, in my opinion, seems like a no-brainer! I’ve listed some basic costs to consider.

• Yosemite Elopement Photographer + Planner (Most experienced Yosemite elopement photographer will start around $8,000 for a full day)
• Hair & Makeup Artist = $800 – $1,500
• Artifical Bouquet = <$100
• Stay Accommodations within the park = $250 – $400 per night
• Wedding Permit – $150
• California Marriage License = <$100
• Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee – $35 per car (or $80 America The Beautiful pass)

Yosemite Elopement Restrictions

If you have a big vision for your wedding day that entails lots of decorations, then eloping in Yosemite is not for you. I know that it’s fun to go on Pinterest and look at all the wedding arches with the current trending floral arrangements, but that is not what we are going to do when you elope in Yosemite. Eloping in Yosemite is all about keeping things simple. It’s about connecting your love story with nature.

The parks department has put together a list of the rules and restrictions you’ll need to follow when eloping to Yosemite.

• No wedding permits will be granted for holiday weekends or holidays.
• No amplified music.
• You cannot block off your location to attempt privacy.
• You must avoid stepping on any plant life.
• You cannot get married under a sequoia.
• You cannot ‘release’ anything such as rose petals, butterflies, seeds, rice, or confetti-like things.
• No balloons, free-standing signs, or decorations.
• No seating is allowed except for those with special needs.
• No drones.
• No formal receptions within the park.

FUN Items To Make Your Elopement More Personalized

Don’t let Yosemite’s list of restrictions stop you from making your elopement personalized and fun! I have seen many couples embrace the National Park theme with customized items that enhance their adventure. Many of the below items can be ordered through Etsy.com

• Matching Hiking Backpacks
• Matching Socks
• National Park theme signs
• Customized Ring Box
• Customized Vow Books
• Customized Coffee Mugs For A Sunrise Elopement
• “Just Eloped” or “Just Married” Signs Attached To Your Matching Hiking Backpacks

Check out several elopements that I’ve photographed in Yosemite to inspire you!

Best Time of Year To Elope In Yosemite.

Couples often wonder what the best time of year is to elope in Yosemite National Park. Yosemite is open year-round, so there is no “best time.” It really depends on what type of landscape you prefer. Each season has its perks and trade-offs.

SPRING: If you dream of a waterfall elopement, spring is the best time, as the waterfalls are at their peak. The meadows are lush and green, creating a stunning backdrop. However, by the end of summer, both the waterfalls and the meadow grasses dry up. One downside of a spring elopement is that Glacier Point and Taft Point are typically closed due to snow. The river is also at a much higher level in the springtime, which can create the risk of flooding.

SUMMER: While many Yosemite elopement photographers don’t recommend summer for elopements due to crowds, I personally think it’s fine. There will be more visitors in the park, but summer offers the best of everything—warm weather, long daylight hours, and fully accessible locations like Glacier Point and Taft Point. The waterfalls should still be flowing unless it was a really dry winter, and the meadow grasses should still be somewhat green.

FALL: By September and October, there aren’t as many families visiting the park. While you’ll never have Yosemite completely to yourself, fall is less crowded than spring and summer. The temperatures are also cooler, which is great if you’re sensitive to heat. However, keep in mind that the waterfalls will likely be dried up, and the meadow grasses will be golden. The golden foliage can look stunning in photos, so this can be a good thing! Toward the end of October, Yosemite Valley becomes vibrant with the changing colors! A downside to eloping in the fall is the potential for wildfire risk. Wildfire risk is a concern for most of California during autumn. When couples book with me, we discuss these risks, and I have a backup location in case this becomes an issue.

WINTER: Yosemite looks absolutely magical after a snowfall, and winter is the least crowded season in the park. However, road conditions can be unpredictable, so if you plan a winter elopement, make sure your vehicle has all-wheel drive and carry tire chains in case of a snowstorm. The park rangers will close roads if the conditions are bad enough, so always plan ahead.

Yosemite Wedding Ceremony Locations

Special event permits in Yosemite are granted on a first come, first served basis. When at your location, you’ll have two hours to complete the ceremony and family photos. If your preferred location stated in your application is unavailable, you’ll be contacted and offered the chance to pick a different spot.

If your wedding guest count is 11 or less, you’ll have many more places to choose from apart from the list below. This is why eloping to Yosemite is so incredible, as you have endless places within the park to pick from! However, if you want to celebrate with a party of 11 or more, select one of the following places on your application.

For a more in-depth article on the approved outdoor Yosemite wedding locations for your ceremony, check out the link below.

Ceremony Locations in Yosemite Valley

All the Yosemite Valley ceremony locations are near rivers or waterfalls, which makes them so delightfully pretty all year round. However, between March and June, the river is at its highest, which can create narrow beaches and areas to stand. Large gatherings will find this challenging.

Lower Yosemite Fall Paved Trail

This place is available all year. There are two long benches available, as well as other facilities at the ceremony site. There are restroom facilities nearby and a parking lot available. Guests should be expected to walk at least 1/2 mile to get to the designated ceremony location. Lower Yosemite Fall Paved Trail is a beautiful and easily accessible place, ideal for couples who may not be able or want to trek too far into the park. But still want to experience a glorious Yosemite water feature.

Cascades Picnic Area

This wedding ceremony venue is open all year, and ceremonies can be held inside the approved picnic area. Parking is restricted to 8 cars, so if you have a large group, try to meet up before and carpool to the site. There are restrooms and picnic tables nearby, making this an ideal place for a low-fuss ceremony and casual picnic reception with loved ones.

Cathedral Beach Picnic Area

The area is closed from November through Memorial Day Weekend. From Tuesday after Memorial Day through October 31st, the location closes at dusk. There are basic toilet facilities and a nice picnic area with tables to have drinks and cut your elopement cake after your ceremony.

Bridalveil Fall

From the parking lot, take the paved path and continue straight (do not turn right) until you are beyond the second stone bridge. The location lies at the forest clearing on your right where the fall comes into view. 50 people maximum; monitoring is required for groups of 50 people. Restroom facilities are nearby.

Swinging Bridge Picnic Area

This site is wheelchair accessible and located on a beach just north of the bridge. There are basic toilet facilities nearby, limited parking and this site is open all year round. Swinging Bridge is a busy location.

Sentinel Beach Picnic Area

This location is also wheelchair accessible but closed from November through to Memorial Day Weekend. If you’re planning on tying the knot on the beach, be aware that it closes at dusk during open season. There are basic toilet facilities, and a nice picnic area with tables to have drinks and cut your elopement cake after your ceremony.

Yosemite Valley Chapel

The Yosemite Valley Chapel is one of the most adorable chapels I’ve ever seen! Holding your ceremony at the chapel is an additional cost; however, if you want something inside that is completely private, the chapel is a great option.

Wedding Ceremony Locations in Wawona

Glacier Point Amphitheater

This wheelchair-accessible site is available for use from the Tuesday after Memorial Day, until September 30th due to road closures in the area outside these times. But if you can schedule it right, you’ll get to experience this incredible amphitheater with breathtaking views of the mountains in the background. There are plenty of seating options available for guests, who won’t be able to believe their eyes when they see where you’re eloping to in Yosemite!

Chilnualna Falls Trailhead Parking Lot

Chilnualna Falls is a magnificent location with an impressive waterfall that cascades over enormous weathered stones into a lovely pool below. This trailhead can only accommodate 10 vehicles, therefore, carpooling is advised. The location is somewhat downhill from the parking lot, close to a huge private house.

Wedding Ceremony Locations in Tuolumne

Due to high elevation storms that cause road closures, these spots are only available during the warmer months. Both locations have gorgeous mountain settings and are ideal for an early morning wedding ceremony!

Tenaya Lake Beach

This beach location is open from late Spring to the end of September. It is a lovely and peaceful area by the lake shore, with snow-capped mountains on the horizon and a wonderful clearing of trees flanking the ceremony spot.

Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Area:

The site is also open until late September but is upstream from the lodge. There’s an easy dirt path you can take toward the river which will guide you to this location. But beware, there is very limited parking available and so carpooling is a necessity.

Wedding Ceremony Locations in Big Oak

This region is typically open all year, but keep an eye out for storms, as they may bring unexpected yet brief road closures. The elopement ceremony venues in Big Oak are great for couples seeking an intimate location among Yosemite’s giant trees.

Tuolumne Grove

If you want to have your ceremony with Sequoias as your backdrop, this is the location for you. This location requires a hike down to a grove of Sequoias. If you plan to tie the knot from October through to June, be aware that there may be snow on the ground. But if that winter look is what you’re searching for, you’re free to visit this site all year round. You are not permitted to stand within the sequoia grove itself. You will need to stand on the other side of the fence. If you want to get close up to Sequoias for your ceremony, I highly recommend eloping in Sequoia National Park instead. You can read more about how I can help you have a Sequoia elopement here.

Merced Grove

This trek will take you through a long trail to some tall sequoia trees. It is beautiful all year, but from October to June, you may find yourself hiking through snow, and you must stay on the route at all times.

Secret Locations To Elope In Yosemite

All the locations above are designated for official wedding ceremonies of 10 people or more. However, as I mentioned earlier, if you’re eloping to Yosemite and only intend to have yourselves in attendance or just a couple of guests, you’ll have a lot more options.

Imagine getting married here!

Or Here!

Where To Stay in Yosemite

Because of its remoteness, there are limited places to stay in Yosemite, so it’s important to book your stay accommodations sooner than later.

Hotels Inside Yosemite National Park:

The Ahwahnee is a 4-star hotel with native American Ahwahneechee decoration as well as cabin options! It’s close to most of the things you’re likely to want to get to within Yosemite Park, and it’s a lovely place to stay during your elopement.

The 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, its location is great.

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 travelling back not just to nature, but in time too. ***UPDATE: The Wawona Hotel and Wawona Dining Room are closed indefinitely due to renovations.

Places To Stay Outside Yosemite National Park:

There are Airbnb options in the nearby towns of Fish Camp and Mariposa, however, you will be spending a lot more time driving if you stay outside the park.

For those who want something a little different, AutoCamp should be the one for you! Situated a couple of hours outside the park, this place offers one-of-a-kind Airstreams and modern cabins. Many couples choose AutoCamp to host their intimate Yosemite reception.

The closest hotel to the park entrance, and one that I have stayed at many times, is the Yosemite View Lodge.

Where to Eat in Yosemite

One of the reasons Yosemite National Park is such a desirable place to elope is because of all the amenities inside the park. Not only are there hotels to stay right in the heart of the park, but there are many places to eat as well! Having all these creature comforts makes eloping in Yosemite a no-brainer because not every National Park has hotels and restaurants inside the park!

Below, I’ve rounded up my shortlist of the best places to eat in Yosemite and offer a little something for every type of couple and budget.

The Ahwahnee Dining Room is the fanciest option and has a dress code! With 30 feet high ceilings and giant windows that take in the awesome surrounding views, the Ahwahnee Dining Room will not disappoint!

The Mountain Room Restaurant is located in the same complex as Yosemite Valley Lodge and it benefits from the proximity to Yosemite Falls. This restaurant has more of a camp-lodge vibe.

Wawona Hotel Dining Room offers that authentic Victorian era dining experience. Hand-painted lamps decorate the ceiling, while large plate glass windows offer stunning views out into the forest. Their summer veranda is the ideal space for a warm evening meal. Plus, when the weather turns cold, you can snuggle up by the fireplace or get cozy in their sumptuous main dining room. ***UPDATE: The Wawona Hotel and Wawona Dining Room are closed indefinitely due to renovations.

There are several casual places around the valley to get subs, pizza, and tacos, and not to mention your morning coffee from Starbucks and Peet’s Coffee at Base Camp and Curry Village!

Where to Get Gas in Yosemite

The last thing you want to do while eloping in Yosemite, is run out of gas. So before you embark on any long journey, please prepare, and make sure your tank is full. Just in case you take a wrong turn, and end up travelling more than you expected.

Thankfully, there are two gas stations in Yosemite National Park, one in Wawona and the other at Crane Flat. Within Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, or along the Tioga Road there are NO fuel stops, so be sure to check your levels before you travel.

There are gas stations in El Portal (on Highway 140 outside the park) and in Lee Vining (on Highway 395, 12 miles from the Tioga Pass Entrance Station on the Tioga Road).

If you’re a Tesla driver, and are worried about running out of battery while in Yosemite, take a look at this post. In it, they share all the charging points in the area.

What to Pack When Eloping to Yosemite

The items in your suitcase, and the things in your travel bag, will vary depending on the type of Yosemite elopement experience you’re planning. However, there are a few essentials you should certainly bring with you. Items that will keep you safe, and allow you to enjoy the wonderful natural surroundings in comfort.

Here are a few items you should certainly bring with you:

• Quality Hiking Boots
• Wool Socks
• Light Jacket
• Water bottles
• Sunscreen!
• Clothing for both the warm and the cold
• Small to Medium Backpacks

What to Watch Out For While Visiting Yosemite

Bears can be a common sight in Yosemite. Many couples are super excited to spot a bear during their trip, however, it’s important to take the necessary precautions so you don’t have a disastrous encounter with a bear. Bears are attracted to food, obviously, but they are also attracted to scented items, such as food wrappers, crumbs, baby wipes, fruity chapstick, sunscreen, and even unopened drinks. They can smell food from miles away. Anything like this should be brought inside or put away in a locked food locker. Bears are known to break into cars, tents, and cabins through unlocked windows if they smell something interesting. Yosemite park rangers will also give you a citation if they see food in your car.

Where to Seek Medical Assistance?

In the event an accident happens or you become ill, Yosemite National Park has medical assistance available, with basic care available for both residents and visitors. Hopefully, you won’t need it during your Yosemite elopement, but I’ve put the opening times of the center below if you need them.

Yosemite Medical Clinic

Monday–Friday, 9 am to 5 pm; closed from noon to 1 pm.

(Walk-ins accepted until 3:30 pm, unless clinic capacity is reached before)

Next Steps: Book Your Yosemite Elopement Photographer!

Now that you know the basics for planning your Yosemite elopement, it’s time to discuss your day in detail and get more insider knowledge! The next step is to view Yosemite elopement packages and to book your Yosemite elopement photographer to craft your amazing elopement day! Contact me to start your Yosemite elopement adventure!