If you’re planning a Yosemite elopement, this guide is for you. Yosemite National Park in California is easily one of the most gorgeous elopement destinations, with breathtaking ceremony locations and activities perfect for adventurous couples.

As an adventure elopement photographer, I’ve photographed many elopements, and Yosemite is one of my favorites. I can’t wait to share everything you need to know about eloping in Yosemite.

In this article, I’ll discuss Yosemite elopement costs, locations, permit information, and other helpful tips.

Can I elope in Yosemite?

Yosemite is one of the best places for couples to elope. There are beautiful ceremony sites, and the wedding permit application process is straightforward.

Yosemite National Park is one of the best elopement locations with unmatched scenery and natural beauty, making it a World Heritage Site. Adventurous couples love eloping at Yosemite and exploring its cliffs, peaks, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and meadows.

Yosemite Elopement Permit Information

There’s a straightforward permit application process if you want to have an elopement ceremony in Yosemite National Park. 

You can get married any day except holidays or holiday weekends, given there aren’t any road closures, which may happen during winter or other times of inclement weather. You must submit your application at least 21 days before your ceremony date but can apply up to one year in advance.

Follow these steps to get a Yosemite wedding permit:

• Choose your specific wedding location (more details below)
• Download, fill out, and mail the permit application
• Submit a permit fee of $150

Weddings with more than 30 people require a $50 per hour event monitoring charge, which doesn’t apply to couples eloping with limited or no guests.

For help choosing your location and completing your permit application process, consider working with an elopement photographer (like myself!) who also helps with planning.

Yosemite Elopement Cost

Eloping in Yosemite National Park costs start at about $4,200.

This includes:

• Marriage license: $60
• Wedding permit: $150
• Park entrance fee: $35 (per car)
• Elopement photos: $4,000+

Of course, you’ll want to consider additional expenses, including:

• Travel costs
• Accommodations
• Attire
• Activities

When to Elope in Yosemite National Park

Fall is the best time to elope in Yosemite, especially in October. The weather is incredible, and the trees are vibrant with colorful leaves. There are also fewer crowds. 

Spring and summer are also nice times to have a Yosemite elopement. The weather is warm during these seasons, and the waterfalls are amazing in spring. However, these are the most crowded times at the park.

While you can elope in Yosemite during winter, I recommend avoiding this. With snowy weather, there are many road closures, and the park can be difficult to get to.

The best time of day to get married in Yosemite is at sunrise or sunset. The scenery is incredible, and there are fewer crowds.

Where do people get married in Yosemite?

There are various locations throughout the park for an elopement ceremony. No matter where you elope in Yosemite, it’s easy to have a special experience in such an incredible location with picture-perfect scenery.

Locations are first-come, first-serve. If the location you choose on your application is already booked or unavailable, the park will contact you to update your site or date.

Here are a few of my favorite Yosemite elopement locations:

Glacier Point

Glacier Point is easily one of the most epic places to exchange your vows. This viewpoint above Yosemite Valley sits at more than 7,000 feet, offering breathtaking scenery. This area also has many trails for exploring, taking pictures, and escaping the crowds.

Accessibility: easy and mostly wheelchair accessible

# of guests: the Glacier Point Amphitheater seats up to 50

Tenaya Lake Beach

Tenaya Lake is an alpine lake between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows and one of the most unique areas in the park. It sits at an elevation of over 8,000 feet and is backed by stunning granite rocks. The beach is about a mile long, and it’s an incredible spot for a summer elopement and a fun place to go kayaking on your elopement day.

Accessibility: easy with convenient parking and various trails

# of guests: up to 50

Yosemite Valley

If you want to explore various gorgeous landscapes, including meadows, waterfalls, and cliffs, Yosemite Valley is perfect. This is where many of the park’s popular areas are, including Bridal Veil Falls and El Capitan Meadow.

Accessibility: various leveled trails and a shuttle system that easily takes you through the valley

# of guests: up to 50, depending on the specific location 

Taft Point

Taft Point is one of the best places for a sunset elopement. It offers one of the most unreal views of Yosemite National Park and is where I’ve taken some of my favorite elopement photos. A 2-mile out-and-back hike takes you to this stunning viewpoint that overlooks the Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan.

Accessibility: moderately easy

# of guests: limited due to hiking and space

To choose the best location for you and your partner, contact Among the Pines Photography. Not only do I capture the special moments of your elopement day, but I also help you plan an experience that’s perfect for you.

How to Get to Yosemite National Park

Yosemite doesn’t have a specific address and covers 1,200 square miles, so it can be confusing to get to. It’s best to work with an elopement photographer who helps with planning to ensure you choose an accommodation near your specific elopement location, then find that together on the day of your wedding.

Fresno International Airport is about two hours away from Yosemite Valley. The Sacramento, Oakland, and San Francisco International Airports are also a few hours away and may have more direct flights. You can rent a car at the airport to drive to your accommodation and the park.

Other Tips for Eloping in Yosemite

Use these helpful tips to have an amazing Yosemite elopement experience.

• Research accommodations: While there are a few accommodations near the park, there are many options to choose from about an hour’s drive into the valley. It’s best to know where you’re having your ceremony before you book your accommodations. 
• Understand pet rules: While pets are allowed in some places of the park, including paved roads and trails, they aren’t allowed at wedding ceremony locations.
• Be prepared for spotty cell service: You can usually find some cell reception throughout the park, but there are dead zones, so be prepared to lose service.
• Expect traffic and crowds: Yosemite is one of the most visited national parks in the US, creating a lot of traffic and crowds near and in the park. To enjoy your experience anyway, be patient and flexible. I recommend a sunrise ceremony in the fall for the fewest crowds. 
• Follow Leave No Trace: As a Leave No Trace Aware Photographer, I encourage couples to follow the principles to protect natural areas.

Yosemite Elopement Packages

Have a stress-free experience and capture all the special moments by working with a photographer who can help you plan.

Among the Pines Photography (that’s me!) is an adventure elopement photographer. 

With my Yosemite elopement packages, I’ll help you every step of the way to ensure you have the best day ever. You can choose from multi-day, full-day, or mini-elopement packages. 

My elopement packages include:

• A phone consultation
• Location recommendations
• Timeline planning
• Access to all-inclusive elopement planning resources
• Custom online gallery with all edited high-resolution images
• 48 hour sneak peek photos
• Rights to printing

Let’s Plan Your Yosemite Elopement

Are you ready to plan the perfect elopement in Yosemite? I love working with adventure couples who want to break traditions to have an authentic day all about you, your partner, and this next incredible chapter of your lives.