Yosemite Elopement Guide – How to Plan Your Dream Elopement in Yosemite National Park

What You'll Find in This Yosemite Elopement Guide

Planning your Yosemite elopement comes with so many exciting possibilities! In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, including:

The Best Time of Year to Elope in Yosemite – Discover the ideal seasons for the best weather, lighting, and fewer crowds.
Sunrise vs. Sunset Ceremonies – Find out which time of day will create the most magical experience for your vows.
Top Yosemite Elopement Locations – From epic cliffside views to intimate forest settings, I’ll share my favorite ceremony spots.
Expert Tips & Advice – Practical tips for permits, logistics, and making the most of your adventure.
Real Elopement Stories – Get inspired by couples who have tied the knot in Yosemite and see how they made the day their own!

Let’s dive in and start crafting your one-of-a-kind Yosemite elopement!

I. Best Time to Elope in Yosemite

Yosemite’s beauty changes dramatically with each season, and choosing the right time for your elopement can shape your experience. If you're dreaming of snow-covered landscapes, keep in mind that winter road closures (including Taft and Glacier Point) limit locations. For warmer weather and full park access, spring through fall is ideal. However, summer (June–August) is peak tourist season, so consider a spring or fall elopement for a more intimate, crowd-free experience.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Spring (April–June) – Lush meadows, waterfalls at peak flow, mild weather, moderate crowds.

• Summer (July–August) – Long days, warm weather, but the busiest time in the park.

• Fall (September–October) – Crisp air, golden foliage, fewer visitors, perfect for seclusion.

• Winter (November–March) – Magical snow-covered scenery, but limited access due to road closures.

Pro Tip: Want the best lighting and privacy? Opt for a sunrise elopement on a weekday for the most intimate Yosemite experience!

II. Sunrise vs. Sunset – When to Say Your Vows?

One of the biggest decisions for your Yosemite elopement is when to exchange vows—sunrise or sunset? Both offer breathtaking experiences, and the choice depends on the atmosphere you envision.

Sunrise Elopements
✔ Ideal for Glacier Point & other quieter locations
✔ Soft pastel light and peaceful atmosphere
✔ Fewer crowds, offering more privacy
✔ Cooler temperatures, perfect for summer elopements

Sunset Elopements
✔ Best for Taft Point, known for its golden-hour glow
✔ Warm, dreamy tones with stunning silhouettes
✔ Dramatic skies as the sun dips below the cliffs
✔ Perfect for romantic, cinematic photos

Expert Tip: The valley floor is gorgeous at any time of day, but if you want those iconic mountaintop views, plan for sunrise at Glacier Point or sunset at Taft Point for the most spectacular scenery.

III. Best Yosemite Elopement Locations

Yosemite offers an abundance of breathtaking spots, each with its own magic. Whether you're drawn to epic cliffs, serene meadows, or hidden forested nooks, there’s a perfect place for your vows. Here are some of the most iconic (and for good reason!), but if you’re dreaming of a more off-the-beaten-path experience, let’s chat and find a location that feels uniquely you.

• GLACIER POINT

  • Best for Sunrise Elopements
    One of Yosemite’s most famous overlooks, offering an incredible panoramic view of Half Dome and the valley below. Easy access makes it a great choice if you’re including family in your ceremony.

• TAFT POINT: a short walk out, but stunning clifftop views (best at sunset)

  • Best for Sunset Elopements
    A short and scenic hike leads to jaw-dropping cliffside views, perfect for golden hour portraits and dramatic landscapes.

• EL CAPITAN MEADOW: breathtaking meadow with El Cap towering above you

  • Iconic & Breathtaking
    Surrounded by towering granite walls, this quiet meadow offers a serene, picturesque setting for an intimate elopement.

• VALLEY FLOOR + CREEKSIDE: there are many gorgeous locations all along the valley floor

  • Lush & Scenic
    Yosemite’s valley floor is home to numerous hidden gems—lush meadows, peaceful creeks, and towering cliffs, all creating a dreamy, intimate setting.

• HALF DOME FIELD: any easy access spot, surrounded by Yosemite’s greatest clifftop faces (can be crowded)

  • Easy Access with Epic Views
    This field offers incredible views of Yosemite’s most famous granite peaks. While it can get busy, sunrise or sunset can offer a quieter experience.

• TUNNEL VIEW: an easy spot to pull over for a full valley view (can be crowded)

  • Perfect for a Quick, Scenic Stop
    A classic Yosemite overlook with one of the most famous views in the park. While it can be crowded, it’s a great spot for portraits before or after your ceremony.

• MAJESTIC YOSEMITE HOTEL WOODS: A place to stay, for more of a cozy + cabin vibe in the woods

  • Cozy, Historic, & Woodsy Vibes
    For couples wanting a cozy, elegant touch, the wooded areas around the Majestic Yosemite Hotel (formerly the Ahwahnee) offer a fairytale-like setting.

• SENTINEL DOME – Less crowded, 360° panoramic views

  • 360° Panoramic Views, Less Crowded
    A great alternative to the more popular locations, with expansive views of Half Dome, El Capitan, and the entire Yosemite Valley.

• CATHEDRAL BEACH – Serene riverside ceremony spot

  • Tranquil & Riverside
    This serene spot along the Merced River offers a peaceful, intimate setting with towering cliffs in the background.

• BRIDALVEIL FALL – Stunning waterfall location

  • Stunning Waterfall Backdrop
    A short hike brings you to a breathtaking waterfall setting, perfect for couples who want a little adventure in their elopement.

Want a more private, off-the-beaten-path location? Let’s talk! I have a list of hidden gems that offer breathtaking scenery without the crowds.

IV. Additional Things to Consider for Your Yosemite Elopement

Planning an elopement in Yosemite comes with a few key logistics, but don’t stress—I’ve got you covered! Here are some essential things to think about as you plan your adventure.

Lodging & Where to Stay

Staying inside Yosemite can be pricey, but there are great alternatives nearby!

✔ Yosemite West – Offers cabins and vacation rentals with full kitchens, perfect for an extended stay.
✔ Airbnbs & Inns Near the Park – Look in surrounding areas like Mariposa, Oakhurst, or Groveland for charming stays.
✔ Hotels & Lodges – If you prefer easy access to the park, check out lodges like Tenaya Lodge or The Majestic Yosemite Hotel.

Pro Tip: If staying inside the park isn’t a must, you can also book accommodations just outside the entrance and make a day trip into Yosemite for your elopement!

Finding the Right Vendors

Want a dream florist or hairstylist but not sure about travel logistics? Consider booking vendors from nearby cities!

✔ San Jose or Sacramento – Larger cities offer more options for florists, makeup artists, and hairstylists who may be willing to travel.
✔ Local Yosemite Vendors – Some vendors specialize in elopements and small weddings in the Yosemite area—reach out for recommendations!

Pro Tip: If you're bringing a hair & makeup artist with you, consider booking a room with good natural lighting to make the process easier on the morning of your elopement.

Yosemite Elopement Permit & Legal Info

To protect the beauty of Yosemite and ensure your elopement runs smoothly, a Special Use Permit is required for all wedding ceremonies.

✔ Do You Need a Permit? Yes! The permit costs $150.
✔ How to Apply? Submit your application at least 21 days before your wedding date (but you can apply up to a year in advance!).
✔ Where to Apply? Yosemite National Park Special Use Permit Page

💡 Legal Tip: If handling paperwork in California feels complicated, many couples choose to get legally married in their home state and then have a symbolic ceremony in Yosemite. This allows you to focus on the experience without the extra logistics.

A YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT STORY // TOLD IN FILM AND IMAGE —