Yosemite Wedding And Elopement Guide 2025
Congratsssss on your decision to say I DO in Yosemite!! This guide is here to help you plan every step of your Yosemite wedding, from finding the perfect ceremony spot to knowing what to expect with permits, weather, and logistics. As a photographer who spends more time in Yosemite than most people spend in their living room, I’ve got the inside scoop on how to make your day not just beautiful, but completely stress-free and unforgettable.
How to Get a Yosemite Wedding Permit
To legally hold a wedding or elopement ceremony in Yosemite National Park, you’ll need to apply for a Special Use Permit through the National Park Service. The process is straightforward but must be done in advance. For wedding permit information contact Catherine by email or by phone 209/379-1858.
1️⃣ Download the application form:
Visit the official NPS weddings page and download the “Special Use Permit” application.
2️⃣ Submit your application:
Mail to:
Special Park Uses Office
Yosemite National Park
P.O. Box 700, El Portal, CA 95318
3️⃣ Pay the application fee:
The non-refundable fee is $150 for most locations.
Larger events or special setups may incur additional monitoring fees.
4️⃣ Apply early:
NPS requires applications to be submitted at least 21 days in advance, but popular dates (especially May–October) book up quickly.
To secure your preferred location and time, apply 4–6 months in advance.
5️⃣ Wait for approval:
Once approved, you’ll receive your permit by email. Print and carry it with you on your wedding day, park rangers can ask to see it.
Yosemite Wedding & Elopement Ceremony Locations
Yosemite has designated ceremony locations approved by the National Park Service. Click here to find them directly. Each one has its own vibe, guest limit, and accessibility level. Here’s a list of top ones, so you can find the perfect spot for your day:
Yosemite Valley Locations
1. Cascades Picnic Area
Guest Limit: 30
Best For: Intimate weddings with a forest-meets-waterfall vibe
Vibe: Along the Merced River with trees framing the background, it’s one beautiful.
Accessibility: Drive-up access, no hiking required.
Pro Tip: Early morning is peaceful and avoids mid-day crowds at the picnic tables.
2. Cathedral Beach
Guest Limit: 50
Best For: Valley floor weddings with Half Dome views
Vibe: A beautiful sandy riverside with iconic granite walls in the background.
Accessibility: Drive-up, flat, easy access.
Pro Tip: Perfect for summer ceremonies when the river reflects the cliffs.
3. Sentinel Beach Picnic Area
Guest Limit: 50
Best For: Big valley vibes with a relaxed picnic feel
Vibe: Open meadow meets river with Yosemite’s cliffs towering in the background.
Accessibility: Drive-up and flat, great for guests of all ages.
Pro Tip: Sunrise ceremonies here are dreamy with soft light over the valley.
4. Swinging Bridge Picnic Area
Guest Limit: 20
Best For: Cozy, intimate ceremonies
Vibe: Right on the Merced River with views of Yosemite Falls in the distance.
Accessibility: Easy walk from the parking lot.
Pro Tip: Early summer gives you the best waterfall backdrop.
5. Bridalveil Fall (Lower Viewing Area)
Guest Limit: 50
Best For: Classic Yosemite waterfall weddings
Vibe: Iconic falls behind you!
Accessibility: Short paved path, minimal walking.
Pro Tip: Bring a backup hairstyle if you don’t want the mist to win!
6. Yosemite Valley Chapel
Guest Limit: 125 inside, 50 outside
Best For: Traditional yet iconic Yosemite weddings
Vibe: Historic wooden chapel surrounded by granite cliffs.
Accessibility: Drive-up, wheelchair accessible.
Pro Tip: Book the chapel directly, it fills up quickly during summer.
Glacier Point Road
7. Glacier Point Amphitheater
Guest Limit: 50
Best For: Epic views + easy guest access
Vibe: Ceremony with Half Dome and the valley spread out below you.
Accessibility: Drive-up location, no hiking required.
Pro Tip: Best at sunrise for privacy and golden light.
8. Taft Point
Guest Limit: 11 (including couple, officiant, photographer)
Best For: Adventurous elopements with dramatic cliffs
Vibe: Cliff edges, vast views, and sunsets that will make you cry.
Accessibility: ~2.2-mile round-trip hike through forest.
Pro Tip: Pack a headlamp for hiking back after sunset portraits.
Tioga Pass
9. Tenaya Lake Beach
Guest Limit: 50
Best For: Lakefront ceremonies in the high country
Vibe: Crystal-clear alpine water surrounded by granite domes.
Accessibility: Drive-up, sandy beach area.
Pro Tip: Mornings are calmest with glassy reflections on the lake.
Best Time of Year & Day to get married in Yosemite
Spring (April–June)
Why It Works:
Waterfalls are at their absolute peak with snowmelt cascading down every cliff.
Meadows are lush and green
Temperatures are cool and refreshing, especially for hiking.
Drawbacks:
Higher elevation spots (Glacier Point, Taft Point, Tioga Road) may still be closed due to snow until late May or June.
Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in May.
Best For:
Waterfall backdrops, Yosemite Valley ceremonies, adventurous rainy-day vibes.
☀️ Summer (June–August)
Why It Works:
All roads are typically open, including Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road to the high country.
Long daylight hours give you more flexibility for timing and exploring.
Drawbacks:
Crowds are at their peak, especially in July.
Midday heat can be intense on exposed granite.
Best For:
Sunrise Glacier Point ceremonies!
🍂 Fall (September–October)
Why It Works:
Warm golden light, fewer crowds, and gorgeous fall colors.
Crisp mornings and cozy evenings make for romantic vibes.
Drawbacks:
Glacier Point Road usually closes for the season by late October.
Cooler nights mean you’ll want layers for evening portraits.
Best For:
Intimate valley elopements, Taft Point sunsets, warm-toned galleries with fall foliage.
❄️ Winter (November–March)
Why It Works:
Yosemite turns into a quiet, snow-dusted wonderland.
The Valley feels almost private, especially on weekdays.
Stunning winter portraits with Half Dome framed in white.
Drawbacks:
Most high-elevation roads (Glacier, Taft, Tioga) are closed.
Snow storm possibilities! Must be okay with go with the flow of the weather!
Temperatures can drop well below freezing; snow gear is a must.
Best For:
Yosemite Chapel weddings, snow-covered meadows, cozy winter elopements.
📌 Day & Timing Tips:
Sunrise is pure magic: Want more of an intimate ceremony? Sunrise is your best bet!
Sunset brings the golden feels: Perfect for Taft Point cliffside vows and golden-hour portraits.
Avoid holiday weekends: Yosemite hits max capacity and parking can be near impossible!!
4. How to Plan a Yosemite Wedding from Out of State
Planning a wedding in Yosemite while living hundreds (or thousands) of miles away can feel overwhelming, but with the right steps, it’s completely doable.
Book Lodging Early (6–12 Months Out)
Inside the park:
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Curry Village
The Ahwahnee Hotel
Yosemite West Airbnbs
The Redwoods in Yosemite
Outside the park: Look at El Portal, Oakhurst, Mariposa.
High-demand dates (especially May–October) sell out fast, if you want to stay inside the park, book as soon as your date is set.
Plan Your Travel
Airports:
Fresno Yosemite International (FAT): Closest to the park (2 hours to Yosemite Valley).
Sacramento (SMF), Oakland (OAK), San Francisco (SFO): Larger hubs with more flight options, 3–4 hours away.
Rental Car: A must! Yosemite doesn’t have rideshares or reliable shuttles for wedding logistics.
Check Seasonal Roads: Glacier Point Road, Tioga Road (Tuolumne Meadows), and access to Taft Point are seasonal and close in winter.
Prep for Limited Cell Service
Download offline Google Maps and the NPS Yosemite app before you arrive.
Share maps and pins with your vendors so everyone knows where to meet without relying on service.
Hire Vendors Familiar with Yosemite
Choosing a photographer, officiant, or planner who has worked inside the park before is a game-changer. They’ll help with permits, timing, and navigating rules so you don’t have to learn it all from scratch!
5. Yosemite Wedding Costs & Budgeting
Yosemite weddings can be as budget-friendly or elaborate as you want. Here are the main costs to plan for:
Permit Fee: ~$150 for a Special Use Permit + $35 park entrance fee (or an annual pass).
Photographer: Travel costs are often built into Yosemite wedding packages due to the remote location. I don’t charge travel fees for Yosemite!!
Marriage License: If you’re not from California, you can still get a marriage license in any CA county, Mariposa County is the closest to the park. OR you can legally get married in your hometown and have your ceremony in Yosemite to ditch the stress.
Vendors: Hair and makeup artists, florists, and officiants may charge travel fees if they’re coming into the park.
Lodging & Travel: Book early to secure the best rates, especially inside the park.
Creating Your Dream Yosemite Wedding
Planning a wedding or elopement in Yosemite is more than just choosing a pretty backdrop, it’s about creating a day that feels uniquely you in one of the most breathtaking places on earth. Whether you’re hiking to a cliffside at sunrise, exchanging vows by the river, or saying “I do” in a snow-dusted meadow, Yosemite offers endless ways to make your wedding unforgettable.
With the right planning, permits, and a little insider knowledge, you can have a stress-free experience that’s just as magical as the photos you’ll take home.
If you’re ready to start planning your Yosemite wedding and want guidance every step of the way, I’d love to help you craft a day that feels like an adventure, not just an event. Ready for your greatest adventure yet?
