Everything You Need to Know Before You Plan

Planning a Yosemite wedding or elopement in 2026 looks different than planning a traditional venue wedding. Yosemite National Park has specific rules, seasonal access limitations, and location restrictions that can directly affect how your day feels.

This 2026 Yosemite wedding and elopement guide breaks down what couples actually need to know before choosing locations, setting a date, or applying for permits, so you can plan with clarity instead of guesswork.

Yosemite Wedding vs Yosemite Elopement: What’s the Difference

In Yosemite National Park, the difference between a wedding and an elopement is less about formality and more about guest count and logistics.

Elopements typically involve just the couple or a very small group and allow for more flexibility with timing and locations. Weddings usually include guests and require more coordination around parking, accessibility, and ceremony locations.

Understanding this difference early helps you choose locations that actually support the experience you want.

Yosemite Wedding and Elopement Permit Requirements (2026)

All weddings and elopements in Yosemite National Park require a Special Use Permit.

Key things to know for 2026:

Permits are required for all ceremonies, regardless of size
Applications are submitted through the National Park Service
Guest counts are capped based on location
Decorations, arches, chairs, and amplified sound are not allowed
Permits must be approved before finalizing plans

Permit availability can change year to year, so starting early is essential.

How to Apply for a Wedding Permit

You 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.

Step 1: Download the application form:

Visit the official NPS weddings page and download the “Special Use Permit” application.

Step 2: Submit your application:

Mail to:
Special Park Uses Office
Yosemite National Park
P.O. Box 700, El Portal, CA 95318

Step 3: Pay the application fee:

The non-refundable fee is $150 for most locations.
Larger events or special setups may incur additional monitoring fees.

Step 4: 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.

Step 5: 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

Full Yosemite Location Guide

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.

Guest Considerations in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is a public park, which means all ceremonies take place in shared spaces.

Important guest considerations:

Parking limitations
Walking distances
Accessibility needs
Crowd presence

Guest-friendly locations work best for small groups, while couples seeking privacy often choose locations that require short walks or strategic timing.

Sunrise vs Sunset Ceremonies in Yosemite

Time of day dramatically affects crowd levels and overall experience.

Sunrise: Quiet, peaceful, fewer visitors
Sunset: Warmer light, more visitors, busier locations

For 2026, sunrise ceremonies continue to be the most reliable option for couples prioritizing privacy.

Sunset Ceremony

Best Seasons for a Yosemite Wedding or Elopement

Choosing the right season for your Yosemite wedding or elopement will shape everything from access and crowds to weather and overall experience. Yosemite changes significantly throughout the year, so understanding seasonal differences helps you plan with realistic expectations.

Spring (April–June)

Why Spring Works in Yosemite
Spring is known for powerful waterfall flows as snowmelt sends water cascading down Yosemite’s granite cliffs. Meadows are lush and green, and temperatures are generally cool, making it a comfortable season for exploring and hiking.

Things to Keep in Mind

Higher elevation locations such as Glacier Point, Taft Point, and Tioga Road may remain closed until late May or June, depending on snowfall
Afternoon thunderstorms are possible, particularly in May
Road access can change quickly due to lingering snow or storms

Best For
Waterfall-focused elopements, Yosemite Valley ceremonies, and couples who are comfortable with flexible plans and moody weather.

Summer (June–August)

Why Summer Works in Yosemite
Summer provides the greatest access to the park. Roads to Glacier Point and the high country are typically open, and long daylight hours allow for flexible timelines and multi-location experiences.

Things to Keep in Mind

Crowds peak in July and early August
Midday temperatures can be intense, especially on exposed granite
Sunrise ceremonies offer the best chance for privacy

Best For
Sunrise Glacier Point ceremonies, multi-location Yosemite elopements, and couples who want full park access and are willing to start early.

Fall (September–October)

Why Fall Works in Yosemite
Fall brings fewer crowds and warm, golden light throughout Yosemite Valley. Cooler mornings and evenings create a quieter, more intimate atmosphere compared to summer.

Things to Keep in Mind

Glacier Point Road usually closes for the season by late October
Evening temperatures drop quickly, so layers are essential
Waterfall flow is typically lighter by this time of year

Best For
Intimate Yosemite Valley elopements, Taft Point sunset ceremonies, and couples who want warm-toned imagery with minimal crowds.

Winter (November–March)

Why Winter Works in Yosemite
Winter transforms Yosemite into a snow-covered landscape with a slower pace and fewer visitors. Weekdays can feel especially quiet, creating a peaceful backdrop for elopements.

Things to Keep in Mind

High-elevation roads including Glacier Point, Taft Point, and Tioga Road are closed
Snowstorms are possible and flexibility is essential
Temperatures often drop below freezing and winter gear is required

Best For
Yosemite Chapel weddings, snow-covered meadow elopements, and couples who love winter scenery and cozy, intimate experiences.

Lodging, Travel, and Planning Tips for a Yosemite Wedding or Elopement

Planning logistics early is one of the biggest factors in having a smooth Yosemite wedding or elopement experience. Lodging availability, travel time, and limited services inside the park all require advance planning.

Check out my full guide on best places to stay below!

Best Places to Stay in Yosemite

Book Lodging Early (6–12 Months in Advance)

Lodging inside Yosemite National Park is extremely limited and sells out quickly, especially for dates between May and October. If staying inside the park is important to you, book as soon as your date is confirmed.

Inside Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Valley Lodge
Curry Village
The Ahwahnee Hotel
Yosemite West vacation rentals
The Redwoods in Yosemite

Outside the Park
If inside-the-park lodging is unavailable, nearby gateway towns are good alternatives:

El Portal
Oakhurst
Mariposa

Staying just outside the park can offer more availability while still keeping travel times reasonable.

Plan Your Travel to Yosemite

Yosemite is remote, and travel logistics should be planned carefully for couples and guests.

Closest Airports

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT): Approximately two hours from Yosemite Valley
Sacramento (SMF), Oakland (OAK), San Francisco (SFO): Larger airports with more flight options, about three to four hours away

Rental Car
A rental car is essential. Yosemite does not have reliable rideshare services, and park shuttles are not suitable for wedding-day logistics or vendor coordination.

Best Places to Stay in Yosemite

Check Seasonal Road Access

Several key Yosemite roads close seasonally due to snow. Access can directly affect ceremony locations and timelines.

Seasonal roads include:

Glacier Point Road
Tioga Road (Tuolumne Meadows)
Access routes to Taft Point

Always check road conditions close to your date, especially for spring and fall weddings.

Prepare for Limited Cell Service

Cell service in Yosemite is extremely limited and unreliable.

To avoid issues:

Download offline Google Maps before arriving
Download the National Park Service Yosemite app
Share maps and location pins with vendors and guests in advance

Planning for offline navigation helps keep the day running smoothly.

Hire Vendors Familiar with Yosemite National Park

Working with vendors who have experience inside Yosemite makes a significant difference. Vendors familiar with the park understand permit rules, crowd patterns, seasonal access, and logistical challenges.

A knowledgeable photographer, officiant, or planner can help:

Navigate permit requirements
Choose locations that fit your guest count and timing
Plan realistic timelines based on access and crowds. This level of experience reduces stress and allows you to focus on the experience rather than the logistics.

Learn more

Common Mistakes Couples Make When Planning Yosemite Weddings

Assuming locations are private
Yosemite ceremony sites are shared public spaces. Even with a permit, other visitors will be nearby.
Waiting too long to apply for permits
Permit availability can limit location and date options. Applying early gives you more flexibility.
Underestimating travel time between locations
Parking, traffic, and walking distances add up quickly. Build in buffer time.
Planning around peak hours without flexibility
Midday and sunset are often the busiest. Early mornings offer a calmer experience.
Choosing locations based only on photos
Some locations look beautiful online but are not practical for guest count, accessibility, or season.

Ready to Plan Your Yosemite Wedding?

Planning a Yosemite wedding or elopement involves more than choosing a beautiful location. Permits, seasonal access, crowd patterns, and realistic timelines all play a role in how the day actually feels. When those details are understood early, the experience becomes calmer and far more enjoyable.

I work with couples who want to experience Yosemite in a thoughtful, stress free way, with guidance on locations, timing, and logistics that align with their priorities. If you are in the early stages of planning and want clarity before making big decisions, I would love to help you explore your options and create a plan that truly fits your vision.

Reach out here!