Your Ultimate Yosemite Elopement Guide: How to Elope in Yosemite National Park

In case no one’s told you this yet… you don’t have to get married in a stuffy ballroom. Or on a hotel lawn. Or on a farm. Unlike the big wedding industry, Yosemite doesn’t ask you to perform. Imagine instead, you choose your own adventure. Wake up in a cozy cabin, sip coffee in your hiking boots, and head out into the misty waterfalls, granite cliffs, and breathtaking beauty of Yosemite National Park. Eloping lets you decide how you want to spend the day you get married – and this Yosemite elopement guide will tell you everything you need to know to take your dreams off the Pinterest boards and into reality! 

Reasons to Elope in Yosemite

I could put about a million things on this list, but I’ll narrow it down to just a few! If any of these resonate with you, it might be a sign that eloping in Yosemite is the right choice.

• Scenery… obviously
• Less stress, more joy. Because isn’t that what getting married should be about?
• Endless options for adventure – whether you want to hike to a cliffside and feel the wind in your hair, take a scenic stroll through the sequoias, spend the night in a tent under the stars… there truly are no limits

The Best Yosemite Elopement Locations

Yosemite has a list of approved ceremony locations if your elopement is more than 10 people (including you, guests, and any vendors). But, if you’re planning a more intimate event, you can tie the knot on trails, at overlooks, and just about anywhere in the park! Here are a few of the best Yosemite elopement locations to consider.

Taft Point 

This is the spot if you want an incredible sunset, and a gorgeous cliffside spot. The dramatic drop-off makes for some seriously epic photos! It’s a short hike (about 2.3 miles round trip), and definitely worth it. 

Glacier Point 

Taft Point is the sunset spot, and Glacier Point is the sunrise spot! You can drive up here, so it’s easy to get to – but that means it’ll be extra popular. You’ll have sweeping views of Half Dome and of the entire valley!

Mariposa Grove

Ever wanted to get married under a giant freaking sequoia tree? This is your spot. Peaceful, woodsy, and feels like a fairytale. There are a few different trails to choose from, so you can decide how far into the woods you want to go!

Artist Point

This Yosemite elopement location has similar views to the iconic Tunnel View, but it’s much less crowded! A 2.2 mile hike will take you there, and the views of Half dome are stunning.

When Should You Elope in Yosemite?

Yosemite looks good year round – but it’s definitely a different vibe depending on the season. 

Seasons in Yosemite

Summer is definitely the most popular time to elope in Yosemite National Park. From around July-September, the roads are open, trails are snow free, and you can expect sunshine and long days. It’s the perfect time for hiking or visiting those higher elevation spots!

In the fall, starting around mid October, it gets a little less crowded in the park. The colors are cozy, the light feels extra golden, and the weather is crisp but still warm enough for adventures. Some higher elevation roads start closing in October, depending on snowfall, but it’s a perfect time to explore the valley.

Winter is snowy, quiet, and magical. If you like the snow, you can get some serious cozy cabin vibes! Only some parts of the park are accessible this time of year, though, and you’ll need to be prepared with a Plan B, because weather is a little more unpredictable. 

In the spring, the waterfalls go wild as the snow melts. Flowers bloom at lower elevations, but snow does stick around until July in some parts. It gets busier as the weather gets warmer, but this can be a good time for a Yosemite elopement since it’s before the summer rush.

The Best Day of the Week to Elope in Yosemite

The worst days of the week to elope in Yosemite are Saturday and Sunday. That’s not to say you can’t do it, but it will be busy! I definitely recommend that couples tie the knot sometime Monday through Thursday, as this will help avoid some of the most popular times.

The Best Time of Day to Elope in Yosemite

Sunrise and sunset are where it’s at! Sunrise especially – because ya know, early bird gets the worm. And the worm in this case is a private place to say your vows! Some places, like Glacier Point, aren’t going to be totally empty even at sunrise, but there are a lot of less popular places in the park where you’re likely to be alone, or close to it. Sunset is a good option as well, and either way, you’ll have gorgeous light too!

Where to Stay When You Elope in Yosemite

You’ll need somewhere to sleep after a day of adventures, so here are some options for places to stay during your Yosemite elopement.

Lodges and Resorts

For lodging in the park, check out The Ahwanee, a historic luxury hotel. Or, stay just outside the park at the Evergreen Lodge, which has cozy cabins, luxury glamping options, and tons to do! 

Camping

If you want to spend the night under the stars, it can be fun to camp in Yosemite for your elopement! There are 13 campgrounds in the park, and you’ll need to reserve a site in advance. It can get kind of competitive, so there are also more chill options in the national forest land around the park! For a more luxurious experience, you can swap the tent out for a rented camper van to have some modern amenities as you connect with nature.

Yosemite Elopement Permits 

For your Yosemite elopement, you’ll need to get a permit! You can apply on the National Park Service website, and you’ll have to put your specific elopement location, some details, and include the $150 application fee. You need to apply at least 21 days in advance, but I definitely recommend doing this earlier to ensure there’s enough time to process your application. They take applications up to a year in advance!

Even with a permit, you’ll still need to pay the entrance fee when you go into the park, so keep that in mind! It costs $35 per car, unless you have an America the Beautiful Pass, which is $80 and gets you into all of the national parks for an entire year. During the busiest times of year, Yosemite National Park also requires timed entry reservations – with a permit, you don’t need to worry about this! 

Make sure to print your Yosemite elopement permit and carry it with you on the big day. 

Your Yosemite Elopement Photographer (and Videographer)! 

You’ve got the dream and the rings. I’ve got the camera – and the stoke! I’m here for more than the photos (but don’t worry, I’ve got those covered too). I’m here to help you craft a day that feels laid-back, intentional, and so freaking you! From scouting out the perfect ceremony spot to helping you time that epic golden hour hike, I’ve got you covered. I believe your wedding day should be all about expressing yourselves and your love story, and saying “no” to anything that stresses you out and “YES” to anything that makes your heart beat a little faster.

Click here to check out my photography and videography packages, and contact me if you’re ready to start planning your Yosemite adventure!