How to Elope
in Yosemite
Yosemite Elopement Guide
Table of Contents
✧ Is Yosemite Right for You?
✧ Getting to Yosemite
✧ Do I need an entrance reservation?
✧ Elopement Locations in Yosemite
✧ When to Elope in Yosemite
✧ Where Can We Stay?
✧ How to Elope in Yosemite
✧ How to Make it Legal
✧ Do You Need a Permit to Elope in Yosemite?
✧ Yosemite Elopement Timelines
✧ What Activities Can We Do?
✧ How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Yosemite?
✧ What to Wear to your Yosemite Elopement
✧ Yosemite Elopement Packages
✧ Ready to Plan Your Yosemite Elopement?
Is Yosemite Right for You?
If you’re on this page you probably don’t need much convincing to choose Yosemite National Park for your elopement. Yosemite is considered an NPS “crown jewel” for a reason. This is the place for you if you care about stunning views above all else. Think: towering granite cliffs, soaring waterfalls, idyllic forests. It’s reasonably close to population centers which means you’ll have access to a variety of lodging options, and there are plenty of vendors you can hire to help make your elopement unforgettable.
The downside to Yosemite is simply its popularity. You might have to sacrifice some privacy to get those iconic backdrops, and you’ll need to start planning further in advance than many other parks because lodging, vendors, tours, and private dining book up quickly.
However, there ARE ways to work around the crowds. If you’re willing to get up early, do a little bit of hiking, or travel to the lesser known areas of the park, you can still find solitude.
If this all seems reasonable and worth it, then Yosemite is for you. Keep reading!
Getting to Yosemite
Yosemite may feel like another world, but it’s surprisingly accessible. Most couples drive in, and the closest major airports are in Fresno, Sacramento, San Francisco, Oakland, and Reno. From there, you can rent a car and make a road trip out of it. Be aware that cell service inside the park is spotty at best (translation: download your maps before you go).
The drive itself is part of the experience. Winding roads give way to jaw-dropping views as you approach, and it’s easy to see why Yosemite has been inspiring artists and adventurers for generations. Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll spend anywhere from 1 to 5 hours on the road, so plan some snacks and a good playlist—you’re headed somewhere unforgettable.
Do I Need an Entrance Reservation?
Yosemite is one of the most popular national parks in the country, and with good reason. To help manage crowds, the park sometimes requires timed-entry reservations in addition to the standard entrance fee.
Here’s what you need to know:
Entrance fee
$35 per car, valid for 7 days (or grab an $80 annual America the Beautiful Pass—it’ll pay for itself if you’re planning more park adventures).
Reservations
In recent years, Yosemite has required timed-entry reservations during peak months (typically late spring through early fall). These are booked online in advance, and they do sell out quickly.
Exemptions
If you’re staying overnight in the park (at a hotel, campground, or lodge), you don’t need a separate day-use reservation.
This system can change year to year, so I always recommend checking the official Yosemite NPS website. Don’t worry, I’ll help you stay on top of the details so you don’t miss out on getting into the park on your elopement day.
Elopement Locations in Yosemite
Yosemite is filled with breathtaking backdrops, and choosing your ceremony or portrait spot is one of the most exciting (and overwhelming) parts of planning.
The good news? You can’t really go wrong—but here are some of the most popular and beautiful options for elopements:
Glacier Point
Famous for its sweeping views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley, this spot is iconic for a reason. It’s especially magical at sunrise or sunset. Keep in mind, it’s only accessible seasonally (typically late May through October, depending on snow).
Pro Tip: Many of these locations are popular with visitors, especially midday. I always recommend sunrise or sunset ceremonies to avoid crowds and to capture the best light.
Don’t worry about choosing right now—you’ll get a custom location guide with recommendations based on your priorities, how far you’d like to walk, and the vibe you want for your day.
Taft Point
Known for dramatic cliffs and wide-open views, Taft Point offers an adventurous feel with just a short hike (about 2.2 miles round trip). Sunsets here are unreal.
Tunnel View
If you’ve ever seen a postcard of Yosemite, chances are it was taken here. This spot gives you the classic panorama of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall—all in one frame. Easy access makes it perfect for couples who want epic views without a long hike. I don’t recommend this for your ceremony because of the crowds, but it’s a fantastic photo opp.
Yosemite Valley
From meadows to waterfalls, the Valley has endless possibilities. Popular spots include El Capitan Meadow, Cathedral Beach, and Sentinel Bridge, where Half Dome glows in the background at sunset. You can even get married in a small chapel here if you don’t want to worry about weather.
Waterfalls
Depending on the season, Lower Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall offer dramatic backdrops. Spring is best if you want powerful flow; later in the year, some falls may dry up.
Pro Tip: Many of these locations are popular with visitors, especially midday. I always recommend sunrise or sunset ceremonies to avoid crowds and to capture the best light.
Don’t worry about choosing right now—you’ll get a custom location guide with recommendations based on your priorities, how far you’d like to walk, and the vibe you want for your day.
When to Elope in Yosemite
Each season in Yosemite has its own magic, but also unique considerations:
Spring
(April–June)
Waterfalls are at their most powerful, and meadows are green and blooming. Some higher-elevation roads and locations may still be closed due to snow.
Summer
(July–August)
Warm weather and full access to Glacier Point and Tioga Road. This is peak tourist season, so expect crowds (and book lodging far in advance).
Fall (September–
October)
Crisp air, fewer crowds, and stunning golden light. Waterfalls may be reduced but the colors in the meadows and valleys make up for it.
Winter
(November–March)
Warm weather and full access to Glacier Point and Tioga Road. This is peak tourist season, so expect crowds (and book lodging far in advance).
I’ll help you choose the time of year that matches your priorities. Whether that’s roaring waterfalls, cozy snowy vibes, or fewer crowds.
Where Can We Stay?
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.
Oakhurst (1-hour drive to Yosemite Valley)
✧ This is where I personally prefer to stay because of its proximity to a regular grocery store and many casual restaurants. I recommend using AirBnb here.
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.
How to Elope
in Yosemite
01
Choose Your Photographer
You’ll want a photographer who knows the park, understands the permit system, and can guide you through the process (hi, that’s me). From scouting the perfect ceremony spot to planning your timeline around light, my job is to help you design a day you’re excited for with as little stress as possible.
02
Choose Your Yosemite Elopement Location
From sweeping overlooks to quiet meadows, Yosemite has endless possibilities. Think about the scenery that excites you most: dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, forests, or starlit skies. I’ll help narrow it down with custom suggestions that fit your vision.
03
Secure Any Necessary Permits
A Special Use Permit is required for wedding ceremonies in Yosemite. The cost is $150, and it’s best to apply several months in advance (they require an application at least 30 days in advance). I’ll walk you through the application process and make sure you have everything you need.
04
Book Lodging and Other Vendors
Yosemite lodging fills up fast (especially in summer) so booking early is key. Whether you want a rustic cabin, a cozy Airbnb just outside the park, or a lodge with all the amenities, I’ll help you find the right fit. I can also connect you with trusted local vendors like florists, officiants, hair and makeup artists, and private chefs.
05
Say “I do!”
Once the planning is done, it’s time for the best part: your wedding day. Whether you’re saying vows on a cliffside at sunrise or stargazing after an intimate dinner, your elopement is about celebrating your love in a way that feels authentic to you.
How to Make It Legal
To legally marry in Yosemite, you’ll need a California marriage license. The easiest way is to get one from a county clerk’s office in California before your elopement (Mariposa County is the closest to the park). If traveling from far away, make sure to budget in the extra time to pick up your marriage license when the office is open. That’s not a same-day type of errand!
You’ll also need an officiant and a witness—don’t worry, I can sign as your witness if needed! Then your officiant just needs to file the signed marriage license with the county recorder.
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.
Do You Need a Permit to Elope in Yosemite?
Yes, a Special Use Permit (to be obtained by the couple) is required for wedding ceremonies in Yosemite, even for elopements and vow renewals.
What to know:
✧ Cost: $150
✧ Timing: Apply at least 3 months before your date (earlier is better, especially in peak season… this is usually the first thing I have couples do, even a year out!).
✧ Restrictions: Some locations have group size limits or seasonal closures. Very small groups may not need to stick to the park’s list of pre-approved ceremony locations.
I’ll help you navigate the application so you know exactly what’s required and when.
Yosemite Elopement Timelines
It’s an elopement DAY not an elopement hour. You deserve documentation of the full experience just like a traditional wedding.
Here’s an example of what a full-day Yosemite elopement might look like:
6:30 am
Sunrise first look + portraits at Glacier Point
8:00 am
Portraits at Tunnel View
11:00 am
Brunch picnic in Yosemite Valley
1:00 pm
Downtime or short hike to a waterfall
5:00 pm
Sunset ceremony at Taft Point
8:00 pm
Private chef dinner at your Airbnb
9:30 pm
Stargazing portraits under the Milky Way
Here’s an example of what a two-day Yosemite elopement might look like:
6:30 am
Sunrise first look + portraits at Glacier Point
8:00 am
Ceremony with family at Glacier Point Amphitheater
11:00 am
Brunch picnic in Yosemite Valley
1:00 pm
Downtime or short hike to a waterfall
5:00 pm
Share a first dance and dinner with your families cooked by a private chef back at your AirBnb
Day 1
6:30 am
Sunrise hike to Sentinel Dome
7:30 am
Private vows on top of Sentinel Dome as the valley lights up beneath you
8:30 am
Continue hiking at a leisurely pace to Taft Point taking portraits along the way
9:30 am
Picnic breakfast at Taft Point, then hike back to cars
Day 2
These are just a couple examples. Your timeline will be custom-built for your priorities, with plenty of space for rest, spontaneity, and magic.
What Activities Can We Do?
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
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
How Much Does
it Cost to Elope in
Yosemite?
While costs vary depending on your vision, here are some typical expenses:
✧ Special Use Permit: $150
✧ Park Entrance Fee: $35 (per car, 7 days)
✧ Marriage License: $60–$100 (depending on the county)
✧ Lodging: $200–$600+ per night, depending on season and location
✧ Vendors (hair, makeup, florals, private chef): $1,000–$5,000+ depending on your preferences
✧ Other activities (hiking, horseback riding, rafting, etc): free-$1,000+ depending on your chosen activities
✧ Photography: My Yosemite elopement packages start at $3,400
Did you know the average spend on weddings in the US in 2025 is approximately $36,000? Compared to a traditional wedding, eloping in Yosemite is almost certainly more affordable while giving you an unbelievable experience… and dare I say a BETTER experience!
What to Wear to Your Yosemite Elopement
The key to feeling comfortable (and looking amazing) is choosing attire that works with the landscape.
Wedding Dresses:
Flowy fabrics look incredible against Yosemite’s cliffs and catch the light beautifully. Avoid heavy ballgowns that are hard to move in. Two brands I love are Rue de Seine and Flora Lane.
suits:
Lightweight suits or separates are best for warmer months; add layers for fall and winter. I highly recommend picking a fabric with some stretch if you’ll be physically active. Two brands I love are Indochino and SuitShop.
Shoes:
Comfortable shoes are a must! Many couples hike in boots and change into dress shoes for the ceremony (or keep the boots on for an adventurous vibe).
Layers:
Temperatures can swing dramatically, so pack jackets, wraps, or shawls—even in summer evenings. And don’t forget a waterproof layer just in case it rains!
I’ll send you a custom packing list so you’ll know exactly what to bring based on your location and time of year.
Yosemite Elopement
Packages
Every package includes:
✧ Custom Location Scouting & Suggestions
✧ Timeline Creation
✧ Permit Research and Guidance
✧ Vendor Recommendations
✧ 85+ page Elopement Planning Guide
✧ Unlimited Planning Help
✧ Professionally Edited, High-resolution Photos
✧ Sneak Peeks Within 24 Hours
✧ Photographer’s Travel + Lodging Included
When you book me as your Yosemite elopement photographer, you’re getting more than just photos. I’ll be your planner, your local expert, and a friendly trusted presence on your wedding day.
Packages start at $3,400
Ready to Plan Your Yosemite Elopement?
I believe in laid-back luxury, where the focus is on your experience and creating a safe environment for you to be yourselves.
While I take my work seriously, I never take myself too seriously. I approach each elopement day with a sense of humor and a flexible mindset. I understand that sometimes things might not go exactly as planned—and that’s okay. Ultimately, what matters is capturing the genuine (sometimes wonderfully unplanned!) moments that make your day YOURS.
