How To Elope In Yosemite National Park 2025
So, you're ready to ditch the traditional wedding stress and say "hell yes" to something wildly unforgettable? Yosemite National Park is the place to elope in California if you're craving jaw-dropping views, earthy vibes, and a celebration that feels less like a ceremony and more like a mountain party with your favorite people.
Whether you want to hike in your wedding boots, exchange vows under the glow of Glacier Point, or pop champagne at Taft Point, this guide is your go-to for planning the ultimate Yosemite elopement in 2025.
Table of Contents
Where is Yosemite National Park?
Choose the perfect location
Best time to elope in the Yosemite
Permits and Rules
Plan for lodging accommodations
Fun activities for your elopement
Where Is Yosemite National Park?
Yosemite National Park is nestled on the eastern side of California and is one of the most iconic destinations for a mountain elopement. With epic granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and wildflower-filled meadows, this is the dream setting for your national park elopement.
Closest Major Airports:
If you're flying in from a different state, here are the closest airports to Yosemite.
Merced Regional Airport : About 2 hours
Fresno Yosemite International Airport : About 2 hours 30 mins
Sacramento International Airport : About 3 hours 30 mins
How to get into the park:
There are 5 different park entrances that you can take to get into the main valley of Yosemite. It takes about an hour to get into the main parts of Yosemite from each gate.
Hetch Hetchy Entrance
Big Oaks Flat Entrance
Arch Rock Entrance
South Entrance
Tioga Pass Entrance
Note: There’s a $35 entrance fee, and reservations may be required from May–September. Double-check details at the Yosemite National Park website.
Choose the Best Elopement Location
Whether you're dreaming of a sunrise first look or golden-hour vows with your closest family and friends these Yosemite elopement spots are all ridiculously beautiful. Each has its own guest limits, so choose what suits your vibe best. Each spot is magical in its own way—Taft Point for sunset cliffside vows, Yosemite Valley for iconic scenery, or Sentinel Beach if you're bringing more guests and want room to celebrate post-ceremony.
Taft Point
(Max 11 guests)
Perched high above Yosemite Valley, Taft Point offers jaw-dropping cliffside views and dreamy sunsets, perfect for adventurous, intimate elopements. It's typically accessible late May through October due to snow closures.
Pros: Epic views and dramatic photos.
Cons: 2.2-mile round-trip hike with no guardrails—best for couples and guests comfortable with heights and hiking.
Glacier Point
(Max 50 guests)
Glacier Point features sweeping panoramic views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley, ideal for larger groups wanting stunning backdrops without a strenuous hike. It’s accessible by car late May through October.
Pros: Incredible vistas with easy access.
Cons: Very popular, so it can be crowded; closed in winter.
Yosemite Valley
(Max 50 guests)
With easy access and a variety of backdrops—from waterfalls to granite walls—Yosemite Valley is versatile and guest-friendly. Available year-round.
Pros: Classic Yosemite scenery, convenient.
Cons: Crowded, especially in summer; permits can be competitive.
Tunnel View/Artist Point
(Max 10 guests)
Tunnel View delivers the classic Yosemite panorama with El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome in one breathtaking frame, while nearby Artist Point adds a quieter, short-hike option. Both are accessible year-round.
Pros: Iconic photo spot.
Cons: Tunnel View can be very crowded; Artist Point requires a short hike.
Cathedral Beach Picnic Area
(Max 50 guests)
Cathedral Beach offers peaceful riverside ceremonies with stunning views of El Capitan reflecting in the water. Typically available late spring through fall.
Pros: Gorgeous light, ideal for sunset ceremonies.
Cons: Can flood in spring; limited privacy during peak hours.
Tenaya Lake
(Max 50 guests)
Set in the high country along Tioga Road, Tenaya Lake’s alpine beauty and crystal-clear water create a serene, mountain-lake elopement setting. Accessible late May through October.
Pros: Stunning reflections, peaceful.
Cons: High elevation, seasonal access only.
El Capitan Meadows
(Max 11 guests)
Nestled at the base of the iconic El Capitan, this serene meadow offers incredible views and a peaceful ambiance for small, nature-focused ceremonies. Available year-round with easy access.
Pros: Iconic setting, no hiking required.
Cons: Limited guest count and less privacy during busy seasons.
Sentinel Dome
(Max 11 guests)
This 2.2-mile round-trip hike leads to 360° views atop a granite dome—ideal for couples craving epic, mountaintop vibes. Accessible late May through October.
Pros: Sweeping views, adventurous atmosphere.
Cons: Moderate hike; limited guest capacity.
Merced Grove
(Max 30 guests)
Merced Grove features a peaceful walk through towering giant sequoias, creating an intimate, magical forest setting for nature lovers. Open year-round, though access can be tricky in snow.
Pros: Quiet, less-trafficked redwood location.
Cons: About a 1.5-mile walk in; no views of Yosemite landmarks.
Cascade Picnic Area
(Max 30 guests)
Just inside the park entrance, this riverside location offers a quiet, wooded space for intimate ceremonies with the soothing sound of water nearby. Accessible year-round.
Pros: Less crowded, forest feel.
Cons: Lacks iconic mountain views; limited amenities.
Best time to elope in the Yosemite
Wondering when to tie the knot in Yosemite? You’ve got options! The spring and fall months tend to offer the best weather, with fewer crowds, while summer brings warmer temps but a bit more activity. Think about what kind of vibe you want for your day.
Spring (April-May)
Pros: Minimal crowds, greenery is at it best, cheaper accommodations
Cons: Higher chance of muddy trails, unpredictable weather
Summer (June-August)
Pros: Warmer weather, dry hiking trails, sunny most of the season
Cons: Very crowded, higher cost of accommodations, potential reservations required
Fall (September-November)
Pros: Minimal crowds, cool weather, fall colors
Cons: Potential muddy trails, unpredictable weather
Winter (December-March)
Pros: No crowds, cheaper accommodations near the park
Cons: Muddy trails, rain, unpredictable road closures and flooding
Permits & Rules
Before you say "I do," there are a couple of legal things to get squared away.
Yosemite Special Use Permit
If you want to get married in Yosemite you will need a Special Use Permit that can be applied on Yosemite National Park’s website. The permit cost $150 (if your ceremony has more than 30-50 guest you may need to have the ceremony monitored and that cost additional $50)
Click HERE to find out more info and to apply for your special use permit.
Permits are first come first serve so apply as early as you can. You can apply up from 1 year - 21 days before your elopement date.
Yosemite Ceremony Rules
Here are some important rules to know about having your ceremony in Yosemite.
Pets are not allowed at ceremonies
Baby’s breath (flowers) is prohibited
Chairs, tables or furniture are not allowed at most ceremony locations
Decorations or signs are not allowed
Butterfly releases, and all other living and/or inanimate object releases or dispersal, including birdseed and rice, are prohibited.
Plan for lodging accommodations
From luxury lodges to cozy cabins and glamping under the stars, Yosemite offers something for every kind of couple and crew.
Airbnbs/VRBOs
Photo by Airbnb - Alpenglow Cabins
Hotels, Lodges, & Resorts
Photo of Curry Village Tents
Campgrounds
Camp inside Yosemite! - These book up fast so book as early as you can!
Photo of AutoCamp
Fun activities
It’s your wedding day—so why not make it a full-blown experience you’ll never forget? Whether you want a relaxed, romantic day or a wild celebration, there are tons of ways to turn your Yosemite wedding into the ultimate memory.
Hike many of Yosemite's numerous trails in the park.
Take a tour of Yosemite Museum
Have a celebratory meal at Curry Village
Rock climb (or just watch!) at El Capitan
Picnic with your guests in Yosemite Valley
Canoe on Tenaya Lake in your wedding attire!
Yosemite Elopement Photographer
Hi! I’m Victoria, a Northern California based elopement photographer for adventurous and party animals! I’m passionate about helping couples elope exactly how they want in beautiful places like the Yosemite National Park! Check out my pricing and packages to see how I can help you with your Yosemite elopement!
Yosemite Elopement Packages
Includes:
Coverage from 4 hours, Half Day or Full Day
Elope anywhere within California
Guidance with permits, licenses, etc.
Activity, Vendor and Lodging recommendations
Elopement timeline assistance
Elopement Planning Guide
Sneak Peeks
Travel fees all included for anywhere within California
(no hidden or extra fees)
Starting at $3,500
Don’t know where to start?
Get my FREE elopement planning guide!
Hey! I’m Victoria
This might surprise you,
but...
As an elopement photographer my job isn't just to take pretty pictures; it’s to capture who you really are.
Fuck tradition. Want to shotgun a beer on top of a mountain? Want to cliff jump after saying I do to help seal the deal? We'll laugh, we'll cry, we'll get a little wild—because that's how life's supposed to be.
And your elopement day? It should be the same. This day isn't about tradition. It's about you two, together, having the time of your life.
I want to help you plan and document an elopement that's as unique as your relationship—something real, raw, and full of memories that will last a lifetime. If you're looking for a photographer to help make your elopement feel like you, let's do this!
Imagine being able to talk about how EPIC your elopement day was for years to come
