Why Yosemite?
If you’re on this page you probably don’t need much convincing to choose Yosemite National Park for your elopement. With its towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, serene meadows, and ancient sequoia groves, Yosemite provides a naturally stunning backdrop that feels both grand and deeply personal.
You’ll be surrounded by timeless, unspoiled wilderness, creating an atmosphere of awe and reverence that perfectly complements the commitment you’re making to each other. But HOW do you elope in Yosemite? Read on for all the details!
How do we get to Yosemite?
Driving is the most common option, and it’s my personal recommendation so you can see as much of the park as possible on your own timeline. Plan your route ahead of time and screenshot the directions because you’ll likely lose cell phone service on your way into the park.
Common starting points and drive times:
- San Francisco, CA – 4 hours
- Sacramento, CA – 3 hours
- Los Angeles, CA – 5.5–6 hours
- Reno, NV – 4.5–5 hours (via Tioga Pass, only open seasonally)
- Las Vegas, NV – 6–7 hours (via Death Valley or Hwy 395, depending on season)
- San Diego, CA – 7–8 hours
MUST-KNOW TIP: Yosemite has a few key roads that close seasonally due to snow, typically from late fall to late spring or early summer, depending on conditions.
- Tioga Road typically closes mid-November and reopens between late May and early July, depending on snowpack. This is the only road that crosses the Sierra Nevada within the park, providing access to Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, and the Tioga Pass Entrance (eastern entrance). Once it closes, there’s no way to drive directly between Yosemite Valley and the Eastern Sierra (Mammoth Lakes, Lee Vining, Death Valley National Park, etc.).
- Glacier Point Road typically closes mid-November and reopens between late May and early June. This is the only way to reach the iconic views from Glacier Point and Taft Point.
- Other major roads (Highways 140, 41, 120 West) are maintained in winter but chains may be required during snow or ice conditions.
When should we elope in Yosemite for the best weather?
That depends on what you consider “best.” If you don’t want to deal with any winter weather, I recommend eloping between mid-June and early October. For an in-depth look at Yosemite season by season, check out this blog post.
Peak season in Yosemite is May-October. You’ll have the best weather, but also the highest crowd levels, traffic, and accommodation costs.
Off-season is November-April. You’ll have fewer people around, but the weather can be unpredictable! It’s all about what you value most.
Where should we elope in the park?
This depends on your guest count, and the time of year. If you have fewer than 11 people at your ceremony, you aren’t restricted to the park’s list of ceremony locations. I help my couples narrow down the options based on their preferences. Here’s a list of my favorite ceremony locations in Yosemite:
- Glacier Point
- Taft Point
- Sentinel Dome
- Cathedral Beach
- Bridalveil Falls
For an in-depth look at these locations check out this blog post all about where to elope in Yosemite.
How do we make it legal?
This is usually the real question people have when they want to know how to elope in Yosemite. According to state guidelines, both parties must appear in person and bring valid picture identification to the County Clerk’s Office to apply for a marriage license in California. Marriage licenses are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. The person solemnizing the marriage must return the original marriage license to the County Clerk or County Recorder as applicable within 10 days of the date of the ceremony. You will also need one witness signature in addition to your officiant (I’d be honored to sign as a witness for you!).
The Mariposa County Clerk’s Office is an easy option for couples traveling to Yosemite to get married. Check out their website for more information (and remember you must make an appointment to obtain your marriage license!).
An alternative option (and one that many couples opt for) is to complete the legal paperwork before your trip to Yosemite at your home county courthouse. So as far as California is concerned, you’re already legally married. Then when it comes to your ceremony you don’t have to worry about finding an officiant and witness and driving back and forth to a County Clerk’s office. It’s already done.
Couples usually opt to keep the courthouse date to themselves. The ceremony date is their anniversary and it’s what they share with friends and family. A piece of paper doesn’t mean much. What matters is the moment you say your vows, exchange rings, and commit to each other for life!
Do we need a permit to get married in Yosemite National Park?
Yes, a special use permit is required to elope in Yosemite National Park, to be obtained by the couple. Understanding the permit system is crucial to learn how to elope in Yosemite National Park. There is a $150 non-refundable application fee. At the discretion of the park, there may be a permit monitor at the ceremony which is charged to the permittee at an estimated rate of $50/hour per monitor. Remember that national parks are not wedding venues. This is totally worth it to get married in such an epic, unique way!
I strongly recommend applying for a permit as soon as possible in order to secure your date on their calendar, and to give you time to alter any plans if the park requires it (for example, a group size limit may mean you need to change ceremony locations). The park requires applications at least 21 days in advance of the event.
Don’t forget that you and your guests also need to pay the park entrance fee upon entering, AND you may need an entrance reservation. If you travel to a lot of national parks I recommend going for the America the Beautiful annual pass. Best $80 you’ll ever spend! Please check Yosemite’s website to see if an entrance reservation is required on your date.
Where can we stay in Yosemite?
Lodging is one of the first things you should book, because it sells out FAST.
Within the park:
- The Ahwahnee – A historic, upscale hotel with stunning architecture and views. Best for those looking for luxury.
- Yosemite Valley Lodge – A mid-range option located near Yosemite Falls, great for easy access to the Valley’s main attractions.
- Curry Village – Offers heated and unheated tent cabins, simple hotel-style rooms, and wooden cabins.
- Wawona Hotel – RECENTLY CLOSED
- Campgrounds (many are seasonal and most require reservations)
Outside the park:
- El Portal (Closest to Yosemite Valley – 25 min drive)
- Yosemite View Lodge – A comfortable, upscale lodge with river views and kitchenettes, providing a more peaceful experience close to the park.
- Mariposa (1-hour drive to Yosemite Valley)
- AutoCamp Yosemite – A trendy, high-end glamping experience in Airstreams and luxury tents with stylish amenities in a scenic setting.
- Groveland (45 min–1 hr drive to Yosemite Valley)
- Rush Creek Lodge – A beautiful mountain resort with spacious cabins, a full-service restaurant, an outdoor pool, and activities like kayaking and hiking.
- Evergreen Lodge – An upscale, charming lodge near Hetch Hetchy with cabin rentals, a full-service restaurant, and outdoor adventures.
- Fish Camp (5 min from the South Entrance, 1 hr to Yosemite Valley)
- Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite – A luxurious resort with a variety of accommodations, including suites and cabins, plus amenities like a spa, indoor pool, fine dining, and guided tours.
- Narrow Gauge Inn – A rustic, cozy option near the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad.
- Mammoth Lakes (45 min from the East Entrance, summer access only)
- The Westin Monache Resort – A chic, upscale resort offering modern amenities, including a heated pool, restaurant, and proximity to the Mammoth Lakes’ town center.
- Tamarack Lodge – A historic lakeside lodge with cozy cabins and rustic elegance, ideal for an upscale, tranquil escape surrounded by nature.
What activities can we do on our elopement day?
Part of the beauty of an adventure elopement in Yosemite is the flexibility to make it exactly what you want. Some things you can do include:
- Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls
- Trek the Four-Mile Trail for panoramic valley views
- Walk among ancient sequoias in Mariposa Grove
- Explore Tuolumne Meadows and its alpine scenery
- Visit Glacier Point for breathtaking overlooks
- Watch climbers on El Capitan from El Capitan Meadow
- Bike the paved trails around Yosemite Valley
- Raft down the Merced River in summer
- Swim or relax at Tenaya Lake
- Rock climb on famous routes like Half Dome and El Capitan (experienced climbers only)
- Drive Tioga Road for stunning high-elevation views (seasonal)
- Take in the classic Yosemite Valley view at Tunnel View
- Enjoy a picnic at Cathedral Beach or Sentinel Beach
- Go horseback riding in Wawona or the Valley
- Try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing at Badger Pass in winter
- Fish in the Merced River or high-country lakes (with a permit)
- Watch for wildlife like black bears, deer, and peregrine falcons
- Stargaze at Glacier Point for some of the darkest skies in California
- See the Firefall at Horsetail Fall in February (weather permitting)
- Visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center to learn about the park’s history
- Browse the Ansel Adams Gallery for iconic photography
- Dine or relax at the historic Ahwahnee Hotel
- Experience a full moon hike for a magical nighttime adventure
- Take a scenic drive along Glacier Point Road (seasonal)
- Paddleboard or kayak at nearby Bass Lake
- Visit the wellness spa at Tenaya Lodge outside the park
Will you help us plan our elopement?
YES! Click here to learn more about my services and to see starting prices. I can’t wait to get started!
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