Guide to Yosemite Elopement
Are you thinking of Yosemite elopement or a wedding? Well, if you have been to Yosemite you KNOW why you want to elope here, if you haven’t you probably have seen some amazing pictures that make you slightly jealous. Yosemite is one of the most iconic National Parks in the USA. It’s located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains about 6h from Los Angeles and 4h from Sacramento.
The Park covers an area of 747,956 acres, and almost all of the park is considered a wilderness. Nature enthusiasts' big playground especially if you like hiking.
Big standing granite cliffs is what makes Yosemite such an iconic place but you can find there also impressive waterfalls, amazing trees such as giant sequoias, beautiful lakes or meadows. If you’re a hiker or climber and have an appreciation for beauty, Yosemite is the best park to elope in.
Yosemite boasts some of the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises where you can see Half Dome lit up in the most beautiful way.
How to Elope in Yosemite?
Just like in any National Park in the USA, if you want to elope in Yosemite or have an intimate wedding, you’ll special use permit. You can apply for one here.
- First you’ll need to pick your ceremony location from the designated list (depending on number of guests you might have less options), download an application from the link above, fill it out with your desired date and location, mail it in with 150 $ check and wait for an email back. Yosemite is actually one of the easiest parks to get permit for and elope, so if that’s one of your options…just do it!
As of 2024 famous Glacier Rd will open again (late May), which means you can have pictures taken at some of the most iconic spots at sunsets: Glacier Point, Taft Point or Sentinel Dome.
Here are few things to consider when choosing Yosemite as your wedding location:
- Site use is on a first-come, first-served basis and limited to two hours maximum, at all locations. Once an application and payment is received, Yosemite’s Special Park Uses permit program manager will contact you by email within two to seven business days. If, however, the location requested has already been booked or is unavailable, permittee will be contacted immediately to discuss an alternative location or preferred date.
- Wedding permits are not granted for holiday weekends or holidays (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday).
- Pets are not allowed in the park
- If you are bringing less than 11 people, you are not limited to the following locations.
Otherwise if you're having more than 11 guests these are the elopement ceremony locations.
Yosemite Valley Locations:
Cascades Picnic Area
Located west of Yosemite Valley on south side of El Portal Road and one block southwest of The Cascades viewing area; 30 people maximum; restroom facilities (pit toilets) nearby; ceremonies may occur within the designated picnic site and at least 6 feet away from the river's edge; picnic tables first-come, first-served; parking limited to 8 vehicles; Open year round. Ceremonies are prohibited at the falls viewing platform.
Lower Yosemite Fall Paved Trail
50 people maximum. Ceremonies are not allowed on Yosemite Creek Bridge or base of waterfall. Restroom facilities are nearby and there is no parking onsite; shuttle bus recommended. Monitoring is required for groups of 50. Open year round except on holiday weekends (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday).
Swinging Bridge Picnic Area
Site is located on beach northeast of bridge; 20 people maximum. No ceremonies are allowed on the bridge or in the meadows. Restroom facilities are nearby and there is limited parking; carpooling recommended. Open year round except on holiday weekends (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday).
Cathedral Beach Picnic Area (pictured in this blog)
Area closed November through Memorial Day Weekend. From Tuesday after Memorial Day through October 31st, location closes at dusk; 50 people maximum. Monitoring is required for groups of 35–50 people. Restroom facilities are nearby and there is limited parking (6 vehicles max); carpooling recommended.
Sentinel Beach Picnic Area
Area closed November through Memorial Day Weekend. From Tuesday after Memorial Day through October 31st, location closes at dusk; 100 people maximum. Monitoring is required for groups of 50 people or more. Restroom facilities are nearby and there is limited parking (8 vehicles max); carpooling recommended.
Bridalveil Fall
Location lies at the forest clearing on your right where the fall comes into view. 50 people maximum; monitoring is required for groups of 50 people. Restroom facilities are nearby.
Glacier Point and Wawona Locations
\
Glacier Point Amphitheater I
Elevation: 7,214 Feet. Due to high elevations, storms that could occur may cause the road to close. Earliest availability is the Tuesday after Memorial Day (please consult road conditions for updates) through September 30th due to the annual Glacier Point road closure. Weddings are not scheduled here in July and August.
Guests are seated within the south end of the amphitheater. 50 people maximum, monitoring is required for groups of 35-50 people.
Chilnualna Falls Trailhead Parking Lot
Location is located to the west of a large house (personally owned inholding), at the southwest end of the parking area, down slope from the parking lot. 50 people maximum, monitoring is required for groups of 35-50 people. 10 vehicles maximum allowed.
Tuolumne Meadows Locations
Due to high elevations storms that could occur may cause the road to close. Earliest availability is the Tuesday after Memorial Day (please consult road conditions for updates) through September 30th due to the annual Tioga Road closure.
Tenaya Lake Beach
Available from: Road opening until September 30th. There may be snow still in the area. This site is located on the east end of Tenaya Lake Beach Picnic Area. From the parking lot, take the trail to the intersection. Turn left and walk 100 yards (90 meters) to reach the site. 50 people maximum, monitoring is required for groups of 50 people.
Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Area
Available from: Road opening until September 30th. There may be snow still in the area. Site is located upstream from Tuolumne Meadows Lodge on the Dana Fork granite slab. Take dirt path toward the river stay left and follow for approximately 250 yards (300 meters), until you reach the cascade area. 25 people maximum; limited parking at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, carpooling required.
Big Oak Flat Area
Location is a 2.5 miles (4 km) hike round trip. Trail is paved and steep. Elevation loss to grove is 400 feet (120 meters) and then a 400 foot (120 meters) gain back to the parking lot. From late October to June there may be snow on the trail. Please bring lots of water. The ceremony must remain on the foot path. No standing on sequoia roots or near sequoia trees. 30 people maximum.
Merced Grove
Location is a 3 mile (4.8 km) hike round trip. Trail is unpaved and rated easy to moderate. Elevation loss to grove is 600 feet (180 meters) and then a 600 foot (180 meters) gain back to the parking lot. From late October to June there may be snow on the trail. Please bring lots of water. The ceremony must remain on the foot path. No standing on sequoia roots or near sequoia trees. 30 people maximum.t’s important to note that Glacier Point Rd and Tioga Rd both close once winter conditions begin and remain closed Nov- May. Also, Yosemite Park doesn't issue permits on major holidays or holiday weekends.
Best Time to Elope in Yosemite
I don't think there is a bad time, as each season brings something amazing. I prefer late spring or fall as they provide less crowds. Fall also boast in beautiful foliage, especially in Yosemite Valley. If you would like to see Yosemite Fall in full power spring will be the time. Summers provide long days, perfect weather but are very busy, this can cause major delays and issues entering the park, getting permits or booking accommodation on a short notice. There is also high chance of smoke depending on a fire season that year. Winters are magical due to beautiful snow covering the area, gorgeous sunsets on Half Dome also few visitors. The famous Glacier Point Rd is closed in a winter. Expect it to be very cold as well, and in case of sever storms roads and park may close with a short to no notice.
When planning on when to get married in Yosemite, the first thing you have to consider is the time of year you plan on eloping.
If you plan on eloping between January - May, access to locations like Glacier Point and Taft Point will not be possible to get to because the roads will be closed for winter.
Typically these roads tend to open in late May and remain open until early November, depending on snow given year.
Where to Stay in Yosemite
I suggest booking accommodation within the park mainly because Yosemite is such a big park, and driving distances from main entrances are long. If you decide to do so remember to book a place months in advance as it gets very busy. Staying in a park allows you to save time driving, enjoy the park more, and not worry about lines entering the park. If you’re coming from the north entrance at Big Oak Flat, the best option to look for accommodation is Oakhurst about 35 miles from the entry booth. This would be a great and convenient option to book something right outside of the park. If you’re looking to stay within a park here are the options near this entrance.
· The Ahwahnee – the most famous and majestic hotel. Right in the middle of Yosemite Valley, and super convenient to explore the park.
· Yosemite Valley Lodge – located across from Yosemite Falls, is also very convenient, and a little less expensive compared to the Ahwahnee.
· Wawona Hotel – located 40 min or so from the Valley, this historical hotel is quite beautiful from the outside.
There are also many cabins you can rent within the park, if you’re looking for more of a rustic place.
If you’re coming from the south entrance, Mariposa and Lee Vining are the nearest towns but please note driving times from this side are much longer. If you decide to come from the south I highly recommend checking out some local hot spring in the area and the best sandwich you'll ever have. I'll point you in the right directions.
Best Photo Elopement Locations in Yosemite
Taft Point: An epic location you must have seen on social media. Now it’s a popular Yosemite eloping spot for a reason. Before deciding on eloping here make sure to check current road conditions, as this spot is not accessible by car Nov-April.
Glacier Point: What is great about Glacier Point is that you can just pull up, park, and walk to the scenic half-dome canyon view. This is a very popular site for wedding ceremonies and elopements. Glacier Point is a great spot for the perfect view of Half Dome from the top of a cliff. Sunrise is a really popular time to come here, as the sun rises right over Glacier Point and creates magical light for photos.
When the roads are open, this spot is an easy drive to get to, has lots of parking, is fairly accessible for family members, and is a short walk away from the parking lot.
It’s definitely known to get crowded here in the summer time, especially in the evening time, so choosing a weekday in the early morning is usually my recommendation.
Yosemite Valley Chapel: If you prefer a more traditional setting, the Yosemite Valley Chapel is a beautiful historic chapel surrounded by towering trees. It provides a serene and intimate space for your elopement.
Sentinel Dome: This granite dome rewards hikers with panoramic vistas of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and surrounding peaks. It's a moderately challenging hike but offers a secluded and unforgettable spot for your ceremony.
Mariposa Grove: If you're nature enthusiasts and love giant sequoias, Mariposa Grove is the perfect location. With towering ancient trees, it offers a majestic backdrop and a sense of tranquility.
If you're interested in eloping in California but are not sure of the exact location I suggest you read my blog on How to Elope in Lake Tahoe.
