El Capitan Meadow Wedding
El Capitan Meadow is a pretty magical location for a wedding, where you are surrounded by waterfalls, beautiful trees, and thousands of feet of granite. Here’s all the insight you need to plan your dream Yosemite wedding in this incredible spot!
el Capitan Meadow Wedding
Lana and Arnaldo couldn’t have had a more picture-perfect wedding here in Yosemite! They had traveled all the way from Texas, with never having been to Yosemite and let me handle all the details. One thing Lana was set on was a ceremony in El Capitan Meadow, so we definitely madde that happen!
At this time, Glacier Point Road was closeed as a blizzard had happened just days earlier. However, just about ten minutes after family photos as I was heading back to the car, I called the national park hotline andd heard the road had oepened just minutes ago! So I quick grabbed the couple and went straight over, where we were the only people on the trail and had Taft Point Cliffs at sunset to ourselves! This is absolutely unheard of, as usually there’s between 100-200 people and 13 other weddings going on at sunset, so to say it was a once in a lifetime moment is an understatement!
It was truly the most magical wedding day and one I won’t forget!
How to Plan a Wedding at El Capitan Meadow
El Capitan Meadow is an unbelievable place where you are surrounded by waterfalls, beautiful trees, and thousands of feet of granite. This is truly a location where you could spend all day admiring your surroundings, and taking it all in with your person. Nothing beats the backdrop you would have for your elopement here!
Here are a few things to keep in mind for planning an elopement here:
Plan ahead and book your permits. There are 13 different designated wedding ceremony locations within the park, but they book up fast, especially in peak season! So be sure to plan plenty ahead of time and book them early. You’ll need a Special Use Permit from the National Park Service, which costs $150, and you can apply up to a year in advance!
Hire an officiant and witness. California doesn’t allow self-solemnization, so you’ll need an officiant to legally marry you. Whether it’s a friend who gets ordained online or a professional, make sure they’re okay with some potential hiking and early mornings!.
Be on time. If you want to avoid the crowds, and have a more peaceful elopement, then you’ll need to be at it early to beat the tourists. And an extra tip: you can get free entry into the park before 7 am on weekdays, which is also my favorite time of day for an elopement!
Communmicate with your guests. There is one main road that goes through the valley, which means it can get extra congested. So if you have guests attending, you’ll want to make sure you communiciate and plan ahead with them on parrking, park entrance fees, timelines, and more. That way you don’t have any guests missing your ceremony!
Grab your marriage license. You can get one from any California county and it will be valid right away without a waiting period. You’ll just need to show up in person, bring along a valid ID, and give yourself enough time to not feel stressed! Your officiant will take care of mailing it afterwards.
when to plan a wedding at El capitan meadow
Summer elopements in Yosemite
Summer in Yosemite means longer days and super easy access, which is awesome—but it also means more crowds with school being out and families vacationing. Expect warmer temps, busier trails, and the occasional wildfire-related closure. It’s definitely a gorgeous time to visit, but just know that popular spots can get pretty packed, especially around midday when the valley fills up with sunshine and people.
FALL ELOPEMENTS IN YOSEMITE
Fall in Yosemite is incredible—with the autumn hues and cooler air, especially in late October. Just keep in mind though, roads to spots like Glacier and Taft Point usually start closing in November. Winter brings a totally different scene: quiet trails, snow-covered trees, and epic views of Half Dome in white. It’s super peaceful, but Glacier and Taft are off-limits until things thaw out. For the best lighting, sunrise or sunset at those higher spots is where it’s at—since the valley floor doesn’t always catch that golden-hour glow.
WINTER ELOPEMENTS IN YOSEMITE
If you’re dreaming of a quiet, snow-filled elopement, winter in Yosemite might be your perfect choice. The park feels calm and almost completely still, with fewer crowds and a blanket of snow creating the most magical setting. While some of the higher spots like Taft Point and Glacier Point are closed for the season, the valley still delivers with stunning views and peaceful spots to say your vows. It’s a great choice for couples who don’t mind a little spontaneity and want that cozy, winter wonderland feel.
SPRING ELOPEMENTS IN YOSEMITE
Spring is a beautiful time for a Yosemite elopement—waterfalls are at their strongest, and the meadows are vibrant and full of life, especially from late April to mid-May. You’ll avoid the summer crowds by choosing the springtime months, and the weather can typically be pretty beautiful. If you're planning photos, midday light in the valley can be harsh, so sunrise or sunset is ideal for capturing Yosemite at its most stunning.
Yosemite Wedding Locations
If you want to consider other locations for your Yosemite wedding, or just want to add on to your adventure, here are some of the other best locations in the park!
Taft Point: This is hands-down the best spot for sunset elopements, with killer views of El Capitan and the valley spread out below!
Glacier Point: This is probably the place where you can capture the most iconic elopement shot of Half Dome, and is especially gorgeous at sunrise.
Tunnel View: This is one of Yosemite’s most popular spots, and for a reason! With El Capitan commanding the left, Half Dome directly in the center, and Bridal Veil Falls gracing the right, it’s the best of Yosemite in one spot!
Cathedral Beach: This spot serves up one of the best views of El Capitan in the whole park, while sitting beside the peaceful water.
Where to stay in yosemite
Yosemite can sometimes be tricky to find lodging because of where it is located, but there are nearby towns that have beautiful options to choose from that are easily accessible and have that cozy mountain vibe. Here are a few of my favorites!
Yosemite Cabin: I may be biased, but our family cabin is the perfect location for visiting Yosemite and the coziest spot to stay with your partner, with it having plenty of room if you’re bringing along guests!
Ahwahnee Hotel: Most national parks have a hotel inside the park, but the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite is on a whole other level. It’s tucked right beneath those massive granite cliffs and totally lives up to the hype.
Tenaya Lodge: The Tenaya Lodge is located near the south entrance of Yosemite and is really the best of both worlds – close to the park and more upscale! It would even be an ideal location to enjoy a breakfast or dinner reception after your elopement.
Auto Camp: This is. a super fun option if you’re up for a little glamping! You can stay in one of their cabins, adventure tents, or even a modernized airstream. It’s also a pefect place for a micro wedding or reception!
Yosemite wedding photographer
Hi, I’m Priscilla, a Yosemite Wedding and Elopement photographer, and there’s nothing more dreamy than an elopement here in Yosemite! I guide my couples every step of the way, offering expert planning, jam packed location guides, and a personalized experience that truly feels like you! From the ceremony location to the details that will make your day unforgettable, think of me as your personal Yosemite wedding guide.
Ready to create the wedding day that puts you and your partner at the center? Click here to get in touch, and let’s start planning your greatest adventure yet!