YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT GUIDE: INSIDER TIPS FROM A LOCAL EXPERT
Hey there, lovebirds! If you’ve been thinking about saying “I Do” surrounded by the granite cathedral walls, Yosemite Falls (the tallest waterfall in America!), and the towering mountains, you've come to the right place! Eloping in Yosemite is like stepping into a fairytale, and I'm here to give you all the insider tips as a local Yosemite photographer! So grab a cup of coffee, get cozy, and let's dive into everything you need to know about eloping in Yosemite National Park.
Why Elope in Yosemite National Park?
First things first, I understand all this information might be overwhelming, which is why I broke it down for you and it can truly be so simple! Now, let's talk about why Yosemite is truly such a magical place to tie the knot. This national park is known for the beautiful landscapes, the iconic Half Dome, El Capitan, Merced River, and the lush meadows that seem to stretch on forever! Yosemite has endless backdrops for your wedding portraits and ceremony (literally a photographer's paradise!), which means you'll have nothing but breathtaking photos for your elopement or intimate wedding!
Beyond its natural beauty, Yosemite honestly has such a sense of peace and intimacy that's perfect for an elopement or intimate wedding. You can escape the hustle and bustle of traditional weddings and focus on what really matters: your love for each other!
Planning Your Yosemite Elopement: The Basics
Choose the Perfect Location
Yosemite National Park is full of beautiful spots to exchange vows, so picking the right location can be a bit overwhelming, but here are my top favorite locations as a Yosemite wedding photographer, who has shot or hiked at almost every location:
Glacier Point: If you want jaw-dropping views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley, with no hiking or long walk required, Glacier Point is your spot! It's accessible by car during the summer months and it's breathtaking during sunset and sunrise.
Best timing: I suggest sunrise if you want to get the views all to yourselves! Glacier Point has tourists everyday of the week from dawn to dusk. The only times I’ve gotten this point to myself was around midnight-5AM. Overall, it’s beautiful and there are locations within Glacier Point that you can get a more intimate ceremony without crowds (if you hire me as your photographer, i’ll do all the scouting for ya!)
Fall Glacier Point elopement ceremony in Yosemite National Park, captured by local yosemite photographer, Priscilla Banuelos.
Taft Point: For a more adventurous feel, Taft Point has magical views and the cliffs will take your breath away! I love seeing the reaction of guests who have never been to Taft Point, seeing it for the first time. I know I keep repeating myself when I say “It’s breathtaking”, but Taft Point truly does it for me.. Every. Single. Time. Now, let’s talk about getting to Taft Point. The hike is relatively short, flat and easy. It’s about 2 miles round trip through the woods and towards the trail end you’ll hit a path with loose granite rocks, so watch your step and don't wear heels.
Best timing: I suggest sunset or sunrise. Sunset will be a bit more crowded and there might be a few other ceremonies going on at once, however if you choose to do sunrise, you are more than likely to get Taft Point all to yourself!
Cathedral Beach: If you're dreaming of a ceremony near water with El Capitan as your backdrop, Cathedral Beach is perfect. It's easily accessible and offers a beautiful setting of Yosemite Valley and the granite walls!
Best timing: I recommend early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds or harsh sun. This area is open year round, however the water levels may vary.
Yosemite Chapel: For a touch of tradition, the charming Yosemite Chapel is perfect! It's the oldest structure in the park and you can do any type of ceremony in the chapel. It’s also perfect for those who prefer an intimate ceremony with no tourist interruptions.
Summer Taft Point in Yosemite National Park engagement session pictured below during sunrise, captured by local yosemite photographer, Priscilla Banuelos.
2. Obtain the Necessary Permits
Before you can exchange vows in Yosemite, you'll need to secure a special use permit. Unfortunately, you can't just put on your wedding attire and do a small ceremony (I wish!), but this is to keep ceremonies special and intimate! Can you imagine dozens of ceremonies going on at once in the same area? Insanity! The process is straightforward, but it's essential to plan ahead. Here's what you need to do:
Contact the Park: Reach out to the Yosemite National Park Special Park Uses office to inquire about permits. You can find all the necessary information on the NPS website. Click here for more information.
Submit Your Application: Fill out the application form and submit it along with the required fee. Usually its about $150-250 for a wedding permit). Be sure to apply at least a few months in advance, as permits can take some time to process. You also need to mail in checks and forms, which might take a while depending on where you're coming from!
Follow the Rules: The permit will come with specific guidelines to ensure your ceremony respects the natural environment. Make sure to follow these rules and share them with your guests to help preserve the beauty of Yosemite National Park.
Winter Elopement Portraits after ceremony at Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park, captured by local yosemite photographer, Priscilla Banuelos
3. Plan Your Ceremony Time
Yosemite is a popular destination, so timing your ceremony is crucial to avoid crowds and make the most of the natural light. Here are some tips:
Early Morning or Late Afternoon: These times offer the best lighting for photos and are generally less crowded. Plus, you can catch the stunning colors of sunrise or sunset! Now, if you book me as your wedding or elopement photographer, I’ll go scout the area (I’m local, so I’m usually there 2-4 times a week) and I’ll send you videos of all the different locations you have in mind during sunset and sunrise!
Weekdays Over Weekends: If possible, plan your elopement for a weekday, I promise it’s worth it! There will be fewer visitors, giving you more privacy and making it easier to navigate the park!
Summer Sunrise Taft Point Elopement in Yosemite National Park, captured by local yosemite photographer, Priscilla Banuelos
4. Consider the Season
Yosemite's beauty changes with the seasons, so think about what kind of enviroment you want for your elopement:
Spring: Waterfalls are at their peak, and the park is lush and green. However, some higher elevations may still be snow-covered and locations like Tenaya Lake, Clouds Rest, Taft Point, Glacier Point, etc. are closed.
Summer: The weather is warm, and all areas of the park are accessible. This is peak tourist season, so expect more crowds and more heat, but if you go for sunrise or sunset, you should be okay!
Fall: The park is quieter, and the fall color tones throughout the park adds a beautiful touch to wedding portraits! The weather is usually mild, making it a comfortable time for an outdoor ceremony. During early Fall, some roads may still be open as well!
Winter: Yosemite transforms into a winter wonderland! If you don't mind the cold and want a truly unique experience, a winter elopement can be so, so magical!! I absolutely love capturing winter weddings in Yosemite National Park!
Mid-day Yosemite Valley Winter Wedding Ceremony, captured by local yosemite photographer, Priscilla Banuelos
Tips for an Unforgettable Yosemite Elopement
1. Hire a Local Photographer (AKA me!)
Having a professional photographer who knows the park is invaluable. *cough cough* me! Knowing the best spots for photos, the best lighting times, and can help guide you through your day is going to make your experience go by much smoother! Plus, they'll capture all the special moments, allowing you to relive your elopement for years to come! Photos are truly an investment, choose the right photographer to capture all the special moments.
2. Pack Smart and Stay Comfortable
Eloping in Yosemite means you'll likely be spending a lot of time outdoors, so it's important to pack appropriately:
Wear Comfortable Shoes: You'll be walking and possibly hiking, so sturdy, comfortable shoes are a must. You can always change into your wedding shoes for the ceremony and photos!
Dress for the Weather: Yosemite's weather can be unpredictable, so bring layers. Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially in higher elevations!
Pack Essentials: Don't forget water, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray. If you're planning to hike, bring a small backpack to carry everything!
3. Embrace the Adventure
One of the best parts of eloping in Yosemite is the opportunity for adventure. Whether it's hiking to a secret spot, exploring hidden trails, or even rock climbing, embrace the unique experiences Yosemite has! These adventures will make your elopement even more memorable!
4. Plan a Celebration
Just because you're eloping doesn't mean you can't celebrate! Consider planning a picnic or small gathering with close family and friends after your ceremony at a nearby cabin. I rent out our cabin located in Oakhurst, which is just 15 minutes away from the South Entrance, on Airbnb and VRBO. My clients get special nightly rates! Click here to view The Yosemite Cabin website and inquire.
5. Take Care of Logistics
Make sure to plan out the logistics of your day to ensure everything goes smoothly:
Transportation: Yosemite is huge, so plan how you'll get to your ceremony location. Consider renting a car or hiring a shuttle service if you have guests. I recommend taking your own vehicle, as shuttles can be a bit crowded.
Accommodations: Book your accommodations well in advance, especially if you're eloping during peak season. There are various options, from campgrounds to lodges like The Ahwahnee or Yosemite Valley Lodge.
Hair and Makeup: If you want professional hair and makeup, I can send over a list of all my favorite local peeps upon booking! I work with many Makeup and Hairstylists who don’t mind waking up at 2AM for a service! It’s pretty common in this area! Alternatively, you can do it yourself or have a friend help!
You can never go wrong with choosing Yosemite National Park as the location you want to elope or get married at. There are so many locations within the park to have an intimate ceremony with your loved ones. With careful planning and a spirit of adventure, your elopement can be everything you've dreamed of and more! From choosing the perfect location and timing to embracing the natural beauty and unique experiences the park offers, your Yosemite elopement will be a day to remember forever.
And hey, if you need a photographer to capture all those magical moments, you know who to call! I'm here to help make your elopement in Yosemite as special and memorable as possible. Happy planning, and here's to a lifetime of love and adventure!