Yosemite Elopement Guide
If you look up the best places to elope, then you’ll probably come across epic Yosemite National Park. It’s no surprise that Yosemite is a top destination for adventure elopements and intimate weddings, especially sunrise and sunset adventures. You get to see breathtaking views in every direction and explore over 750,000 acres of wilderness. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, Yosemite is known for its iconic landmarks like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. Yosemite is epic in nature and one of the top elopement locations we feature from our Yosemite elopement photographers, so we had to break everything down that you need to know when planning your elopement here.
Our elopement guide for Yosemite is essential during your planning process because there are rules in places you need to know about, locations we recommend, weather conditions you should consider, and we even recommend some of the best photographers to help build your Yosemite elopement package.
When to Elope In Yosemite
Photo by Julia Goldberg Photography
If you are thinking about eloping in Yosemite National Park, then you have to think about what time of year and time of day you will be getting married.
So when is the best time to elope in Yosemite? Yosemite is a beautiful year-round. Each season offers something amazing. We think the best time of year to have access to all parts of this national park is Spring and Fall. During this time, you’ll be able to appreciate gorgeous waterfalls and meadows, without worrying about a huge crowd.
Let’s break down what you need to know during each season:
Winter (December – March)
Winters are usually cold and wet. 70% of the year’s precipitation happens between November and March, usually as snow. By mid-November, anything above Yosemite Valley (4,000 feet) will have snow. The higher the elevations are, the higher the chance of snowfall happening earlier and at a higher capacity, which leads to a lot of road closures. These roads tend to open up again in late May till early November.
- Pros: Yosemite turns into a winter wonderland with fewer visitors, and snow adds a magical touch to elopements.
- Cons: Many roads, including Glacier Point Road and Tioga Pass, are closed. Locations are limited, but the valley still offers stunning options.
Spring (April – June)
Spring is a mix of things, depending on where you would like to adventure. Lower elevations will be in bloom, while higher elevations will still be covered in snow, and can still be closed off, depending on when you’re visiting. Sometime after mid-June elevations above 10,000 become accessible again.
- Pros: Waterfalls are at their peak flow, meadows are lush and green, and temperatures are mild.
- Cons: Some higher elevations may still be snow-covered, and crowds start to increase toward summer.
Summer (July – September)
The driest and busiest time to visit Yosemite is the summer. Daytime temperatures in Yosemite Valley can reach 100 F, but the nights are still relatively cool, so pack layers if you are planning a full-day adventure. Even though this season is typically dry, you do want to bring an umbrella just in case you run into a thunderstorm. When these storms do happen they are usually brief and intense with some wind.
- Pros: Access to all locations, including Glacier Point and Tioga Road. The weather is warm, and trails are open.
- Cons: Yosemite can be very crowded, especially in the valley. Early mornings or weekday elopements can help avoid peak tourist times.
Fall (October – November)
You can experience cold nights and warm days during the Fall into October. This is a good season if you’re thinking about seeing some snow in higher elevations without the chances of the roads being completely closed off. After October, however, the chances of road closure grow significantly at higher elevations.
- Pros: Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures make for a more intimate experience. Fall colors start to show in late October.
- Cons: Waterfalls may be reduced to a trickle, and higher elevations may become inaccessible by mid-fall.
Road Closures in Yosemite
- Tioga Road (Highway 120 through the park) – closed from early November to late May
- Glacier Point Road – closed from early November to late May. The road itself is plowed to the Badger Pass Ski Area from mid-December through March.
Travelers coming to Yosemite during late fall, winter, and early spring should carry tire chains in their cars, as they may become mandatory on park roads at any time.
Best Time of Day to Elope in Yosemite
After you decide which time of year, then you’ll have to decide if you want a sunrise or a sunset elopement at Yosemite. We love both of these options. Sunrise can be a good option for the hotter months of the year to beat the heat and stay away from crowds, but you’ll have to be ok with waking up at 3 am to start your hair and makeup!
On the other hand, a sunset Yosemite elopement allows you to have the whole day to get ready and explore. The downside to this option is the crowds, but the days of the week and time of year do make a difference.
Here’s more of a breakdown of what to expect for each time of day:
Sunrise Elopement
Eloping at sunrise in Yosemite offers a serene and stunning experience, perfect for couples seeking solitude and breathtaking light.
Pros:
- Golden Lighting: The soft, golden light of the rising sun creates a magical atmosphere, especially against the park’s granite cliffs and waterfalls.
- Fewer Crowds: Yosemite’s popular spots like Glacier Point, Taft Point, and Yosemite Valley are less crowded at dawn, providing a more intimate setting.
- Cooler Temperatures: In summer, mornings are cooler, making early hikes and outdoor ceremonies more comfortable.
- Wildlife Sightings: Early mornings are prime time for spotting Yosemite’s wildlife, adding a touch of wonder to your day.
Cons:
- Early Wake-up Call: Depending on the season, sunrise can be quite early, requiring an early start if you need to hike or travel to your elopement spot.
- Chillier Temperatures: In spring and fall, mornings can be cold, especially at higher elevations, so be prepared to layer up.
Sunset Elopement
Sunset in Yosemite is equally captivating, offering warm, rich hues as the sun dips below the horizon.
Pros:
- Warm, Soft Light: The golden hour before sunset is perfect for capturing romantic photos with the glowing light of the setting sun.
- Beautiful Views: Iconic landmarks like Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall are bathed in soft light, enhancing the beauty of your photos.
- Calm Atmosphere: While Yosemite is generally busier in the afternoon, many day visitors start leaving as the sun sets, providing a quieter setting.
- Perfect for Stargazing: After sunset, the sky fills with stars, making for an unforgettable end to your elopement day.
Cons:
- Timing: Depending on the season, you may have to wait until late in the evening for the sunset, especially in summer.
- Crowds: Some popular sunset spots, like Glacier Point and Taft Point, can attract photographers and visitors, so consider weekday elopements or less-known locations.
Yosemite Elopement Locations
There are plenty of nooks and crannies to plan your elopement ceremony and portraits in Yosemite, including 12 designated wedding ceremony locations within the park. If, however, your wedding party is fewer than 11 people, you can plan your elopement ceremony at any location except for riparian environments and open meadows. Planning where you’re going to explore in Yosemite during your wedding adventure is probably one of the most important decisions. This national park is huge with 5 different entrances, giving you access to different areas of the park.
- Arch Rock Entrance (Highway 140) – West side of Yosemite. This is one of the more popular entrances and offers easy access to Yosemite Valley. Open year-round and a good option for those coming from San Francisco Bay.
- Big Oak Flat Entrance (Highway 120 West) – Northwest side of Yosemite. Best for those traveling from Northern California. Open year-round, but chain requirements may be in place during winter.
- South Entrance (Highway 41) – Southern entrance and good for those coming from Southern California or visiting Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
- Tioga Pass Entrance (Highway 120 East) – Eastern entrance and best for accessing Tuolumne Meadows and those traveling from Nevada or the Eastern Sierra. This entrance is open seasonally since it is at the highest elevation (9,000 feet). From May to early June it’s open until October.
- Hetch Hetchy Entrance (Evergreen Road) – Northwestern part of Yosemite. This entrance is great for more remote areas of the park that are less crowded. Team up with an experienced vendor to help navigate this area!
Here are some of our favorite spots for ceremonies and portraits:
Glacier Point
Photo by Kylie Farmer Photography
Glacier Point is easily accessible by car from late May through November. You can park your car and walk a couple of feet to get some of the most scenic canyon views you will ever see. This overlook gives you views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite’s high country. This is a popular spot, so we always recommend weekday elopements. You’ll be standing at an altitude of around 8,000 feet, so make sure your veil is pinned tight!
Glacier Point Amphitheater is listed as one of the accessible wedding locations. Earliest availability is the Tuesday after Memorial Day (please consult road conditions for updates) through September 30th. Also, keep in mind that you can’t schedule your wedding in the Glacier Point Amphitheater during July and August.
Best Time: Late spring to early fall (Glacier Point Road is closed during winter due to snow).
Permit Consideration: Glacier Point is a popular spot, so plan in advance and secure your permit early.
Check out this Glacier Point adventure wedding.
Half Dome
This is a popular spot for elopement ceremonies at Yosemite National Park. It’s quite the hike though, so this is a good option for those adventurous couples. This 16-mile round-trip adventure is full of epic views but does require a permit. If you are looking for something similar, then we suggest checking out the areas near Taft Point, which has easier access with similar views.
Best Time: Summer and early fall for the hike; year-round for views of Half Dome from the valley.
Hiking Required: A strenuous 14- to 16-mile round trip to the summit (permit required).
Check out these wedding photo ideas at Yosemite.
Taft Point
Photo by Meagan Lawler Photography
This is an epic point, and it does require knowledge from both your photographer and yourself. Please keep your distance if you are wanting to have your elopement portraits taken here. This point is intense! This is the epic point that defines Yosemite, and its gorgeous sunsets and sunrises. You’ll get views of El Capitan here and the valley. We also suggest keeping the guest count low here. This is a good option for couples looking for a “just us” elopement adventure.
Best Time: Late spring through fall.
Hiking Required: A short but scenic 2.2-mile round-trip hike is needed to reach Taft Point.
Check out this Taft Point sunset elopement.
Bridal Veil Fall
If you are looking for an epic waterfall to be the backdrop of your elopement ceremony, Bridal Veil Fall is the perfect waterfall. This area is gorgeous and misty. There is also a woodsy area to give you that magical boho vibe.
Best Time: Spring, when the fall is at its fullest.
Accessibility: A short walk from the parking lot makes this location very accessible.
El Capitan Meadow
Photo by Kylie Farmer Photography
El Capitan, rising over 3,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and can best be seen from El Capitan Meadow. This area also has great views of lower and middle Cathedral Rock and the Cathedral Spires. Open year-round, this location is located on the west end of Yosemite Valley. Keep in mind there are limited parking pull outs along this stretch of coach, and the path itself is dirt.
Check out this couple’s adventure where they explored the park in a Volkswagen together.
Cathedral Beach
Photo by Summit and Sur Photography
Cathedral Beach in Yosemite Valley can be found along the banks of the Merced River. Situated near the iconic El Capitan, the beach provides a stunning panoramic view of the granite cliffs and lush surrounding scenery. The sandy shoreline, framed by towering pine trees, offers a peaceful retreat where visitors can bask in the natural beauty of Yosemite.
This area is listed as one of the approved wedding ceremony locations. One thing to note is monitoring for this location is needed for groups of 35-50 people. There is limited parking (6 cars max), and the area is closed November through Memorial Day weekend.
Best Time: Spring and fall.
Accessibility: Easy to access with minimal hiking required.
Check out this ceremony and brunch at Cathedral Beach.
Yosemite Valley Chapel
Photo by Julia Goldberg Photography
Yosemite Valley Chapel is a charming and historic gem. Constructed in 1879, the chapel is a quaint wooden structure with a picturesque setting against the backdrop of towering granite cliffs, including the iconic Half Dome. As the oldest structure in Yosemite Valley, the chapel holds a significant place in the park’s history, perfect for couples who want a religious ceremony or just couples who appreciate architecture and history.
The Yosemite Community Church (Chapel) secretary schedules all ceremonies in the Chapel. The Yosemite Valley Protestant minister and the church secretary can be reached at: 209/372-4831, or by writing to:
Yosemite Community Church
PO Box 456
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
You can also have someone from outside the park perform the ceremony.
Best Time: Year-round.
Reservations: Required, as this is one of the few indoor venues available in Yosemite.
Tunnel View
Photo by Summit and Sur Photography
Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park is a vantage point where you can see one of the most iconic and breathtaking panoramas in the world. Positioned at the east end of the Wawona Tunnel along Wawona Road, this viewpoint offers a jaw-dropping scene that includes the towering granite cliffs of El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall, framed by the iconic silhouettes of Half Dome in the distance. Here you can also appreciate the greenery of Yosemite Valley and the meandering Merced River below. Tunnel View is a popular and accessible spot, so keep this in mind when planning.
Best Time: Year-round.
Accessibility: Very easy to access with no hiking required.
Swinging Bridge Picnic Area
Photo by Carissa Marie Photography
This is another approved wedding ceremony location, and it is also a great accessible option for a small wedding. This location is located on the beach northeast of the bridge and no more than 20 people can be at your wedding party, including you and your partner and vendors.
Please keep in mind no ceremonies are allowed on the bridge or in the meadows. This area is also open year-round except on holiday weekends.
Best Time: Spring and summer when the river and waterfall are flowing.
Accessibility: Easily accessible with minimal walking from the parking area.
Check out this Swinging Bridge ceremony.
Tenaya Lake Beach
Photo by Allie Dearie Photography
A gorgeous lake surrounded by granite domes and forests. Tenaya Lake Beach is one of the approved ceremony locations at Yosemite National Park. The elevation here is 8,150 feet and the ceremony site itself is located on the east end. Tioga Road is open to vehicles from late May to sometime in November. This area is gorgeous for a micro wedding with your closest family and friends. You can have your ceremony and have an intimate picnic after.
Best Time: Summer and early fall, as Tioga Pass is closed during winter.
Accessibility: Easily accessible off Tioga Road.
Yosemite Wedding Permits & Leave No Trace
Photo by Summit and Sur Photography
If you are planning your wedding ceremony at Yosemite, even if it’s an elopement, you will have to register for a Yosemite wedding permit. This permit is $150. If your ceremony requires monitoring (which is needed when you go over a certain amount of people per location), then it will be $50 additional, per hour. Park entrance fees ($20-$35) are not included in your wedding permit fee for you or your guests.
You can schedule your ceremony up to a year in advance. Once you have applied and received your permit back, please remember to review it, sign it, and return the permit back for final approval. Please remember to print and bring a copy of your approved permit with you during your wedding adventure.
- Wedding guest limitations: If you have 11 people or less in your party, then you are not limited to the location in the approved wedding ceremony location list Yosemite has approved.
- Reservations and limitations: All locations are first-come, first-serve and are limited to two hours. A reservation is required to drive into or through Yosemite National Park on weekends and holidays, for those driving into the park between 5 am and 3 pm.
- Permit Restrictions: Wedding permits are also not granted for holiday weekends or holidays.
Please remember to leave no trace and stay on the trail during your ceremony. Leave the the area better than you found it and always tread lightly.
If you bring flowers, the use of hardy flower bouquets and boutonnieres is preferred. Baby’s breath is prohibited.
Vendors For Your Yosemite Elopement Package
Photo by Allie Dearie Photography
If you get together with one of our California photographers and other wedding vendors, they can put together a Yosemite elopement package for you. For a full day of coverage, photographers typically range from $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the specific photographer and what you are looking for. Aside from the permit fees, you would then have to worry about any wedding attire or details you would like to bring along.
If you are wondering what to include in your cost of eloping to Yosemite, our how to elope section breaks down some elements you may want to consider including in your budget.
Places to Stay Near Yosemite
Choosing the right place to stay during your Yosemite elopement can make all the difference for your overall experience, whether you’re looking for cozy cabins, luxury lodges, or budget-friendly options. Here are some of the best places to stay near Yosemite, offering easy access to the park and a comfortable retreat after your adventure-filled day, including some of our favorites you can book!
Check out these A-Frame Cabin in Yosemite.
Look at this home with views of Half Dome and El Captian!
Check out this cabin in the redwoods
Look at this El Capitan cabin.
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Located inside the park, near Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley Lodge offers the perfect mix of convenience and comfort. With rooms that provide stunning views of Yosemite Falls, it’s an ideal option for couples who want to be close to iconic park attractions.
The Ahwahnee
For couples seeking luxury and history, The Ahwahnee (formerly known as Majestic Yosemite Hotel) is a high-end option located within the park. With elegant rooms, gourmet dining, and breathtaking views, this hotel offers a refined atmosphere perfect for newlyweds.
AutoCamp Yosemite
For a unique and stylish glamping experience, AutoCamp Yosemite offers Airstream accommodations and luxury tents just outside the park’s entrance. This is perfect for couples who want to stay close to nature while enjoying a chic and comfortable retreat.
Rush Creek Lodge
Rush Creek Lodge is a rustic yet modern lodge located near the Big Oak Flat entrance, offering both cabins and lodge rooms. With a wide range of amenities, including a full-service spa and on-site dining, it’s a great option for couples who want a cozy, full-service retreat.
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Just outside the southern entrance to the park, Tenaya Lodge offers a variety of accommodations from luxury rooms to private cabins. This full-service resort includes dining options, a spa, and even adventure tours, making it a great base for an elopement weekend.
Redwoods in Yosemite
For couples looking for a more private and intimate stay, Redwoods in Yosemite offers vacation cabin rentals located within the park’s boundaries. Inside Yosemite’s Wawona area, close to Mariposa Grove. The cabins range from cozy one-bedroom options to larger homes that can accommodate families or groups.
Yosemite View Lodge
Yosemite View Lodge is located just minutes from the park’s Arch Rock entrance, offering rooms with views of the Merced River. It’s a convenient option for couples who want easy access to Yosemite’s main attractions while staying in a comfortable, riverfront setting.
How to Choose the Right Accommodation for Your Yosemite Elopement
Proximity to the Park: If you want to minimize travel time, choose accommodations within the park like The Ahwahnee or Yosemite Valley Lodge. However, if you’re looking for more affordable or unique options, there are plenty of excellent choices just outside the park’s entrances.
Luxury vs. Rustic: Whether you’re looking for luxury and pampering or a more adventurous and rustic stay, Yosemite has options that fit every style. For a luxurious experience, consider The Ahwahnee or Tenaya Lodge. For something more laid-back, AutoCamp or Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort may be perfect.
Special Amenities: Consider what amenities are important to you. Some accommodations offer full-service spas, guided tours, or dining, while others are more self-catered with kitchens and outdoor spaces.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, these places to stay near Yosemite will provide you with the perfect home base for your elopement, ensuring your experience is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
Let’s keep planning your flights and stay near Yosemite!
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