Your Guide to Eloping at Yosemite National Park (Without the Stress or Crowds)
- supernaturalphoto
- Aug 6
- 9 min read
So, You’re Thinking About Eloping at Yosemite?
Let me guess: you want a wedding day that doesn’t feel like a performance. One that’s actually about you—your love, your weird inside jokes, your shared love of mountain air and mossy trees. And maybe, just maybe, you’d rather say your vows on a cliff at sunrise than in a ballroom under a chandelier.
If that’s you? Yosemite National Park is your place.
This post is your guide to planning an intentional, personal, fun-as-hell wedding day in one of the most iconic national parks in the world. I’ll walk you through everything—from permits to where to stay to the best spots to say “I do.” Plus, I’ll share some behind-the-scenes tips from past elopements I’ve photographed here.
Let’s make this feel like you.
Why Elope at Yosemite National Park?
Yosemite isn’t just a national park—it’s a whole feeling.
If you want a wedding day that’s relaxed, outdoorsy, and actually feels like you, this place delivers. Think: quiet mornings, golden light, giant cliffs, forest trails, and the kind of air that makes you breathe deeper. You can dress up or dress down. You can hike a little or not at all. You get to do this your way.
Here’s why Yosemite is one of the best places to elope:
Insane views, no matter where you stand. Waterfalls, cliffs, rivers, giant trees—pick your vibe.
It’s flexible. Want to hike? Cool. Want to park and walk 100 feet? Also cool.
It’s accessible year-round. Just keep an eye on seasonal road closures.
It’s peaceful. Especially if you plan around the busy weekends and midday crowds.
💡 Photographer Tip: My couple chose Taft Point on a weekday at sunset, and we stayed into blue hour. We had the cliffs almost to ourselves. No noise. Just quiet skies, glowing light, and space to breathe. Worth every step of the short hike.
Yosemite feels like a place where the pressure falls away. You don’t have to perform. You just get to be.
When is the Best Time to Elope in Yosemite?
You can elope in Yosemite year-round, but the experience can feel totally different depending on the season. Some spots are only open during certain months, and crowds can change things fast.
Here’s a breakdown of what each season looks like:
Spring (March–May)
Waterfalls are strongest. Everything feels fresh and wild.
Still some snow at higher elevations. Glacier Point Road usually stays closed until May.
Less crowded than summer, especially in early spring.
💡 Good if you want waterfalls in your photos and don’t mind a little chill.
Summer (June–August)
Most accessible season. All the popular spots are usually open.
Warm weather and clear skies.
Also the busiest time of year.
💡 Plan for sunrise or weekday evenings to avoid crowds. Taft Point at sunset on a weekday is a favorite.
Fall (September–November)
Cooler temps, fewer people.
Some fall color in the trees.
*Glacier Point Road closes for the season, usually by November.
💡 This is one of the best times for peaceful golden light and open spaces.
Winter (December–February)
Snowy, quiet, and beautiful.
Some roads and viewpoints are closed.
Best for elopements in the valley or snow play at Badger Pass.
💡 Pack warm clothes and check weather often. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
No matter when you go, Yosemite has something beautiful to offer. It’s just about matching the vibe of the season to what you’re dreaming up.
Where to Elope in Yosemite: The
Best Ceremony Locations:
Yosemite is full of stunning places to say your vows. Whether you want a short walk or a little hike, there’s something for everyone. The park has designated ceremony locations where you can legally hold your elopement with a permit.
Here are some of the top options couples love:
Taft Point
Short hike (about 2.2 miles roundtrip)
Epic cliffside views
Best at sunset
Open seasonally (Glacier Point Road closes in winter)
💡 Photographer Tip: Sunset on a weekday here is unreal. My couple had blue hour almost to themselves.
Glacier Point
Iconic lookout over Half Dome and the valley
Perfect for sunrise
No hiking needed—just a walk from the parking lot
Also seasonal (road closes in winter)
Tunnel View
Classic Yosemite backdrop
Easy access, no hike
Best for quick vows or portraits with that iconic view
Yosemite Valley
(Great for low-key, scenic spots without needing to hike much.)
El Capitan Meadow: Views of El Cap and open skies
Bridal veil Fall: Seasonal waterfall and easy path
Sentinel Beach or Cathedral Beach: Close to the river with forest and cliff views
Wawona
Quieter area of the park
Historic vibes, rustic cabins, forest trails
Less crowded, especially in busy months
💡 You can even stay in a cozy Wawona cabin like my couple did and keep everything low-key and relaxed.
A quick note about permits: You’ll need to choose your location when applying. Some areas have group size limits, and off-trail ceremonies aren’t allowed. But don’t worry—I help my couples pick the best fit and handle the details.
How to Get a Yosemite Elopement Permit (It’s Easier Than You Think)
If you're eloping in Yosemite, you’ll need a Special Use Permit. It’s the park’s way of keeping things organized and protecting the land. The process sounds scary, but it’s honestly pretty simple.
Here’s how it works:
Pick your ceremony location from Yosemite’s approved list
Fill out the application on the NPS website
Pay the $150 fee
Wait for approval (this can take a few weeks)
📝 Apply here: Yosemite Special Use Permit Application
A few tips to make it smooth:
Apply at least 3-4 weeks in advance (earlier if you're eloping in peak season)
Have a backup date or location just in case
Keep your group size small—under 10 people is easiest
Your permit is just for the ceremony, not for other photo spots you may explore that day
💡 Photographer Tip: I help my couples figure out the location, timing, and even how to fill this out. You’re not on your own.
Once your permit is approved, you’re good to go. Bring a printed copy on your elopement day just in case a ranger asks for it
What to Wear, Bring, and Expect on Your Yosemite Elopement Day
Yosemite is wild and beautiful, but it’s still the outdoors—so a little planning goes a long way. You don’t need to rough it, but you do want to be ready.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
What to Wear
Comfortable shoes — even if you’re dressing up, bring good shoes for walking
Layers — mornings can be cold, even in summer
Wind-friendly clothes — big skirts and veils can get chaotic at high points
Second outfit (optional) — hike in one look, change into another for photos
Photographer Tip: Bring a warm jacket you don’t mind being photographed in. Or wrap up in a blanket between shots—it actually looks really cute.
What to Bring
Printed copy of your permit
Vow books and a pen
Snacks + water (don’t skip this)
Headlamp or flashlight if you’re doing sunrise or sunset
Tissues, lip balm, hair ties — the small stuff that’s easy to forget
A simple first aid kit (blisters are sneaky)
What to Expect
Weather can shift fast. Be flexible and go with the flow.
You may have an audience. Some spots are public—expect a few hikers or tourists.
Bathrooms are not always nearby. Plan ahead.
Leave No Trace. Don’t bring confetti or anything that can damage the park.
Photographer Tip: Bring a tote or small backpack to keep your stuff together.
Best Places to Stay for Your Yosemite Elopement
Where you stay can totally shape the vibe of your elopement. Want cozy and quiet? There’s a cabin for that. Want to be inside the park for easy access to sunrise spots? You’ve got options. Here’s the breakdown:
🏕 Inside the Park:
Wawona Cabins
Cozy, historic, and tucked into the trees
Great if you want quiet mornings and forest views
Here’s the one my couple stayed in—simple, peaceful, and close to the South Entrance
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Closest to the major valley spots like El Capitan and Yosemite Falls
Great for couples who want to be in the middle of it all
The Ahwahnee
Classic and upscale with major vintage lodge vibes
Pricey but beautiful if you’re going all-in on the experience
🛏 Just Outside the Park:
Oakhurst, Mariposa, Groveland
Good options if you don’t mind driving 30–60 minutes to the park
Lots of Airbnbs, glamping sites, and small inns
Easier to book during busy months
⛺️ Unique + Cozy Options
Glamping tents with fire pits and mountain views
Tiny homes or A-frame cabins for that Pinterest aesthetic
Vacation rentals with hot tubs, wood stoves, or big decks for stargazing
Photographer Tip: Book as early as you can. Lodging fills up months ahead—especially in spring and summer.
Make It a Full-Day Adventure: Elopement Activity Ideas
Your elopement doesn’t have to start and end with vows. Yosemite is the perfect place to stretch the day out and make it feel like you two. Whether you're into hiking, relaxing, or just taking it slow, there's no “right” way to spend it.
Here are a few ideas from real couples and past Yosemite elopements:
Start the Day With:
A sunrise hike to Glacier Point (bring coffee and a blanket)
A slow morning journaling together at your cabin
Reading letters from friends and family before getting ready
During the Day:
Picnic by the river in Yosemite Valley
Explore El Cap Meadow or swing by Tunnel View for portraits
Do a quiet first look among the trees or near the Merced River
Say your vows on a cliff or at your ceremony site
After the Ceremony:
Sunset hike to Taft Point
Stargazing or late-night snacks by a fire (if the season permits it)
Pop a bottle of champagne at your cabin or sparkling water out on the trail.
End the night with your favorite takeout or a camp-cooked meal or hire a private chef for an intimate dinner.
💡 Photographer Tip: Build in breaks. The day feels way better when there’s time to breathe and be.
What It’s Like to Work With Me as Your Yosemite Elopement Photographer
If the thought of planning a whole wedding day in a national park feels like… a lot—you’re not alone. That’s where I come in.
I’m not just here to take pretty pictures (though yeah, you’ll get those). I’m here to help you plan something that feels calm, true to you, and easy to enjoy.
Here’s what it’s like working with me:
I’ve Got You, Start to Finish
Help with picking the right location
Permit guidance
Timeline planning that keeps things chill
Weather and lighting tips for the best photos
Backup plans if things change last minute
No Weird Posing or Pressure
You don’t have to know what to do with your hands. I’ll gently guide you while keeping it natural. You can focus on each other and trust that I’ve got the rest covered.
A Style That Feels Like a Story
I shoot in a way that feels moody, cinematic, and honest. Your gallery will look like a movie, but still feel like you. The goal isn’t to make you look perfect—it’s to help you remember how it felt.
💡 Real talk: My couples usually say they were nervous that they would be super awkward at first and ended up having the best time. You don’t have to be “camera people” to love your photos, you just have to be in love.
FAQ: Yosemite Elopement Edition
Do we need an officiant to elope in Yosemite?
Yes, if you want your ceremony to be legally recognized in California. You can bring an officiant, have a friend get ordained, or hire someone local. Some couples do the legal stuff at home and treat this day as the real thing.
Can we bring our dog?
Kinda. Pets are allowed on paved paths and in developed areas—but not on trails or cliffs like Taft Point. If you want to include your pup, we’ll work together to find a safe, legal spot.
Do we have to hike?
Not at all. There are ceremony sites and photo spots you can walk to from the parking lot. Hiking is an option, not a requirement.
What happens if it rains or snows?
Bring layers, a backup plan, and a flexible mindset. Weather can shift fast in Yosemite, but some of the most beautiful photos come from unexpected conditions.
How many guests can we bring?
That depends on the ceremony location. Some sites allow up to 30 people, others only 10. I always recommend keeping it small for ease, space, and a calmer experience.
Can we elope on a weekend?
Yes, but it’ll be more crowded. Weekdays are better for privacy, parking, and that peaceful feeling you probably want.
Ready to Elope in Yosemite?
You don’t need a big wedding to have a big experience. Yosemite gives you space to breathe, be present, and create a day that’s fully yours.
Whether you want to hike to a cliff, say your vows by the river, or just spend the day laughing and exploring together—I’m here to help you plan it, photograph it, and feel totally at ease through it all.
If you’re dreaming about a Yosemite elopement that’s relaxed, beautiful, and full of feeling…
Lets make it happen.
