Yosemite Elopement Planning Guide
Planning an elopement in Yosemite National Park can be overwhelming, but have no fear! I’ve explored the obscure hiking trails and cozy campgrounds so all you need to do is show up and enjoy your Yosemite elopement. From sunrise at Taft Point to sunset at Glacier point and running in the meadow I have you covered. Now let’s walk through what you need to know to plan your unique Yosemite elopement.
Why Elope In Yosemite?
There are many national parks in California, but Yosemite easily has the most stunning views. During an adventurous Yosemite elopement, you can explore roaring waterfalls, massive granite monoliths, and giant sequoias, making it the perfect location to elope for hikers, rock climbers, and nature lovers. Between photos at the edge of Taft Point to the expansive El Capitan Meadow, you won’t find a better place for your California elopement photography.
Permits & Fees
Special use permits require a $150.00 application fee and the permit itself costs $150.00 Submit the application at least 21 days before your elopement to get it approved in time. It’s important to note weddings aren’t permitted on holiday weekends or holidays. You can download the application on the National Park Service website. An additional fee to keep in mind is the $35.00 vehicle entrance fee. You can pay for your park passes at any of the entrance gates.
Weather
Summer: Hands down, summers in Yosemite are the most crowded with tourists. Even with an early wake-up call, you can still come across other hikers. The advantage of visiting during the summer is that all the hiking trails are open.
Fall: The temperature starts to cool down in the Fall making it a great time to visit. While there can be signs of snow during this season, it’s rare.
Winter: Yosemite Valley gets covered with snow every winter. Roads will close down such as Tioga Road, but Yosemite Valley will remain open.
Spring: As the snow slowly starts to melt, Yosemite’s waterfalls go into overdrive during Spring. This season is ideal as the weather starts to warm up while not getting too hot.
Keep up with the park’s varying weather and road conditions here.
Elopement Ceremony Sites
Yosemite national park has a list of ceremony sites, however, parties under 11 can venture anywhere in the park for their vow exchange. Share your Yosemite elopement photography vision with me and we’ll pinpoint the best spot for your day.
While Glacier Point and Taft Point are incredibly popular elopement photography spots, the easy road leading there is under construction in 2022. Unfortunately, there aren’t many access points to Glacier Point or Taft Point (unless you want to venture on insanely difficult hikes) so they're on hold. If you’re dying to visit these points, talk to me about a 2023 Yosemite elopement!
For an insane waterfall view, Bridalveil fall is a great option for eloping in Yosemite. The mist from the waterfall is gorgeous. There’s also a perfect wooded area for pictures nearby!
El Capitan Meadow is the best open grassy area with views of granite rock. It’s easy to get to and a beautiful Yosemite elopement site.
A 2.5-mile loop, Tenaya Lake is a stunning backdrop to exchange vows in Yosemite. Located between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows, the lake offers a beautiful reflection of granite rock in the water.
The largest sequoia grove in Yosemite is Mariposa Grove. It’s easy enough to get to the parking lot of Mariposa Grove and a light 2-mile and 2 miles out hike. Over 500 mature giant sequoias can be the backdrop to your Yosemite elopement.
There are plenty more locations to elope so let’s chat and pick the best spot for your vision of your unique Yosemite elopement.
Visit
I generally recommend staying inside the park if you want to enjoy sunset and sunrise as you won’t have to deal with the lines getting into the park; plus during covid, you won’t have to apply for an access pass.
Hotel
The Ahwahnee Hotel is easily the nicest lodging in Yosemite. Scattered throughout the hotel are large fireplaces roaring throughout the day. The rooms are absolutely charming and provide just what you need to be comfortable throughout your stay.
the Wawona Hotel - about 45 min from Taft and Glacier point. Simple and bare bones but inside the park and a great location to enjoy the river. Generally, week days are around $200/ night.
Campground
For more rustic accommodations, try staying at Curry Village. Hotel rooms, wood cabins, and canvas tents are open from March 16 to November 29. The campsite is located just beneath Glacier Point making the backdrop to your stay incredible.
Autocamp - fun air streams with fire pits right in the valley.
Airbnb
The Yosemite Cabin- Modern Luxury in Yosemite is a newly renovated 2 bedroom 3 bathroom home in Yosemite West. With modern finishings and a wrap-around deck, you’ll have a great place to unwind during your elopement in Yosemite.
A perfect home for adventurous Yosemite elopers is the New Clean Modern Home Inside Yosemite Park Gates. This newly constructed 1 bedroom 1 bath home is perfect for relaxing before your Yosemite elopement photography.
Full disclosure, my friend owns this next property inside the Yosemite gates, and it’s Amazing! I love the proximity to the river for night swims in the summer and is about 45 min from Glacier Point! Peace of mine Vacation home with two properties. Also staying inside the gates means you don’t need a reservation for your entrance.
37.8651° N, 119.5383° W
Vendor
Capture Yosemite and more importantly YOU at your best; pick the right photographer.
For your Yosemite elopement photography, I bring the hype (and coffee + champagne!!) to your experience— and yes, you’ll need some excitement for that 3 AM sunrise shot. I offer my adventurous elopers a special Yosemite elopement package, with both sunrise and sunset so we don’t miss out on any of that golden light heavenliness. I’ll tell your Yosemite love story from start to finish, from getting ready to epic backdrops and loved-filled moments. I want your images to remind you of the best day ever!! So you will remember how you felt with the wind in your hair to the flips in your stomach as you and your partner stand along the edge of a cliff. My approach reflects what is unique and special about you two!
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