How to Elope in Yosemite National Park [Updated for 2024]

January 11, 2024

Elopements in Yosemite National Park offer a breathtaking setting amidst towering granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and ancient sequoias. Here’s an extensive guide for eloping in Yosemite, covering permit requirements, top venues, accommodations, specific locations for your ceremony, weather considerations, and a sample elopement timeline.

Locations to Get Married Within the Park
Permit Requirements
Yosemite Venues
When to Elope in Yosemite (Weather + Time of Year)
Where to Stay
Example Timelines
Yosemite Elopement Packages

Specific Locations to Get Married Within the Park

Yosemite National Park offers a variety of stunning locations for your elopement ceremony. Not uncommon with National Parks, Yosemite has a set list of approved locations. These are mostly intended for very intimate gatherings, with only one location allowing up to 100 people (though your guests must be shuttled to this location).

Please note that Yosemite National Park does not allow exclusive use of any area and there will be regular visitor activity during your ceremony. However, people are generally super kind and tend to leave space for couples who are getting married!

Check out their approved 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

From Yosemite Valley Lodge and Northside Drive intersection, take paved path towards Yosemite Falls; continue straight/follow rock wall; at bronze relief sculpture veer right and loop around to the site where you see a sign and two wooden benches; ceremonies must occur in this area. Or, from the Yosemite Falls shuttle stop, take paved path to the west that parallels Northside Drive; walk over bridge, turn right and pass the restroom, staying straight ahead (don’t take paths to the right or left), continue on to the rock wall and follow directions listed above. 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

Area closed November through Memorial Day Weekend. From Tuesday after Memorial Day through October 31^st, 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 31^st, 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

From the parking lot, take paved path and continue straight (do not turn right) until you are beyond the second stone bridge. 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

Please be aware that park visitors may utilize locations at any time, which can be disruptive to your event. Please take this into consideration. Early morning weddings are advised (from 8 am to noon) the Tuesday after Memorial Day until September 30^th. No pets are allowed.

Glacier Point Amphitheater

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 30^th 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 30^th due to the annual Tioga Road closure.

Tenaya Lake Beach

Elevation: 8,150 feet

Available from: Road opening until September 30^th. 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

Elevation: 8,600 feet

Available from: Road opening until September 30^th. 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

Due to high elevations storms that could occur may cause the road to close. Please visit the following website: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tiogaopen.htm

Tuolumne Grove

Elevation: 6,200 feet

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

Elevation: 6,000 feet

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.

Permit Requirements for Yosemite National Park

If you plan to have your ceremony within Yosemite National Park, you will need to obtain a special use permit for your event. The permit is required for all weddings and/or ceremonies. To obtain a permit,

For a wedding permit, download the application and mail the original application with payment of $150 (check or money order) to:

Postal mail:
Special Park Uses/Film and Weddings
Yosemite National Park, National Park Service
P.O. Box 700
El Portal, CA 95318

Overnight (FedEx/UPS):
Special Park Uses/Film & Weddings
Yosemite National Park
5083 Foresta Rd
El Portal, CA 95318

For wedding permit information contact Catherine by email or by phone 209/379-1858.

Weddings or ceremonies may be scheduled up to one year in advance and more than 21 days prior to your event. It’s important to note that the park has specific regulations for weddings and elopements, so be sure to review the guidelines and secure the necessary permit well in advance of your planned date!

Top Venues Near Yosemite

In addition to the stunning natural settings within Yosemite, there are several nearby venues that can serve as a base for your event or provide additional options for celebrating before or after your ceremony. Here are a few popular venues near Yosemite:

Tenaya Lodge: Located just outside the park, this picturesque resort offers a range of indoor and outdoor venues for ceremonies and receptions, along with luxurious accommodations for you and your guests.

The Ahwahnee: This historic hotel within the park provides an elegant and iconic setting for small wedding ceremonies, with its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings.

Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite: Nestled in the Sierra National Forest near the park’s western entrance, this rustic-chic lodge offers a relaxed and scenic setting for elopements and intimate celebrations.

Where to Stay

Yosemite and the surrounding area offer a variety of accommodations, from lodges and hotels to vacation rentals and cozy cabins. Here are a few options to consider for your stay:

Yosemite Valley Lodge: Situated in the heart of Yosemite Valley, this lodge offers comfortable accommodations with stunning views of Yosemite Falls and convenient access to iconic landmarks.

Airbnb: There are numerous vacation rental options in the communities surrounding Yosemite, ranging from charming cottages to spacious mountain retreats, providing a range of lodging choices for you and your guests.

Rush Creek Lodge: Located near the park’s Big Oak Flat entrance, this modern mountain resort offers a range of lodging options, from lodge rooms to hillside villas, along with amenities for relaxation and celebration.

Weather Throughout the Year and Best Time to Elope

Yosemite’s weather varies significantly throughout the year due to its diverse elevations. Here’s a general overview of the weather:

Spring (March to May):
Spring in Yosemite brings blooming wildflowers, rushing waterfalls, and milder temperatures. Daytime temperatures in the Yosemite Valley typically range from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C), making it an ideal time for elopements. However, higher elevations may still experience snow, so it’s important to plan accordingly if you choose a location at a higher altitude.

Summer (June to August):
Summer is the busiest season in Yosemite, with warm days and generally clear skies. Daytime temperatures in the Yosemite Valley can range from 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C), providing pleasant conditions for outdoor ceremonies. However, crowds and limited lodging availability are important factors to consider during this popular season.

Fall (September to November):
Fall is a beautiful time in Yosemite, with crisp air, changing foliage, and fewer crowds. Daytime temperatures in the Yosemite Valley range from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C), creating comfortable conditions for elopements. The fall colors and the park’s iconic landmarks make this season a popular choice for couples.

Winter (December to February):
Winter transforms Yosemite into a serene wonderland, with snow-covered landscapes and fewer visitors. Daytime temperatures in the Yosemite Valley range from 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C), and lower temperatures are common at higher elevations. While some areas may be inaccessible due to snow, the park’s quieter ambiance and snowy scenery can create a magical setting for a winter elopement.

Based on the weather considerations, the best time to elope in Yosemite may be during the spring or fall when temperatures are milder, and the park’s natural beauty is on full display.

Sample Elopement Timeline for a Full Day Elopement

Here’s a sample elopement timeline for a full day elopement in Yosemite National Park:

Morning:
– 7:00 AM: Begin the day with a private sunrise hike to a scenic location such as Taft Point or Tunnel View for an intimate ceremony with panoramic views.
– 9:00 AM: Enjoy a catered brunch or picnic at your ceremony location, surrounded by the natural beauty of the park.

Late Morning:
– 11:00 AM: Embark on a leisurely walk or short hike to a nearby waterfall, such as Bridalveil Fall or Vernal Fall, for post-ceremony photos in the soft morning light.

Afternoon:
– 1:00 PM: Return to your accommodations or a nearby venue for some downtime and relaxation.
– 3:00 PM: Schedule a private couples’ massage or spa experience to unwind and prepare for the rest of the day.

Early Evening:
– 5:00 PM: Head to a scenic overlook, such as Glacier Point, for a sunset photo session with the iconic Half Dome in the background, capturing the changing colors of the sky.

Evening:
– 6:30 PM: Conclude the day with a private dinner under the stars at an outdoor venue or at your accommodations, complete with a custom-designed menu and champagne toast to celebrate your elopement.

This timeline offers a more relaxed and leisurely approach, allowing for a sunrise ceremony, intimate moments in nature, and ample time for relaxation and enjoyment throughout the day.

Yosemite Elopement Packages

Has this guide convinced to you elope in Yosemite yet?! If so, it’s time to start planning! Lucky for you, we’re a California native photo + video team ready to help you plan and document the National Park elopement of your dreams!

Here’s what we offer:

Packages ranging from 3 hours to full day coverage
Digital + 35mm photographs
Digital + Super 8 video
a 90+ page elopement planning guide
Pre-wedding consultations
All travel is included

Packages start at $2600 for just photo & $4600 for photo + video

Check out our full pricing and package information here!

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