There’s no arguing the fact that Yosemite National Park is easily one of the most epic places to say “I do.” From its massive granite giants and towering trees to its lazy rivers and lush meadows, there are endless photo-worthy scenes within the bounds of the park’s 3,800 acre valley. Not to mention, the endless awe-inspiring views beyond the valley floor. It’s simply the perfect venue—whether you’re after an intimate nature wedding or a backcountry adventure elopement.
But before you send those invitations, here are some tips to help make your Yosemite wedding or elopement the very best it can be:
🌄 According to NPS.gov, there are 12 designated wedding ceremony locations within Yosemite National Park and entrance fees into the park are will not be waived for guests or the newlyweds (not all of them are wheelchair accessible)
𝐘𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐘 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒:
Cascades Picnic Area
Lower Yosemite Fall Paved Trail 🦽
Swinging Bridge Picnic Area 🦽
Cathedral Beach Picnic Area
Sentinel Beach Picnic Area 🦽
Bridalveil Fall 🦽
𝐖𝐀𝐖𝐎𝐍𝐀 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒:
Glacier Point Amphitheater 🦽
Chilnualna Falls Trailhead Parking Lot
𝐓𝐔𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐍𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐒 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒:
Tenaya Lake Beach
Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Area
𝐁𝐈𝐆 𝐎𝐀𝐊 𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐓 𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐀:
Tuolumne Grove
Merced Grove
🌄 A special wedding permit is required for any wedding or elopement ceremony held at any location within Yosemite National Park ($150). You can find find the permit information here www.nps.gov. You can’t get a wedding permit during holiday weekends or holidays.
🌄 Yosemite is a very popular location not only for elopements but weddings as well, so book your date ASAP! You may be scheduled up to one year in advance and more than 21 days prior to your event.
🌄You can plan to camp at Yosemite, but there are also a lot of fun lodging accommodations nearby including Auto Camp, Yosemite Pines RV, Yosemite Lodge, Tenaya Lodge, and Ahwahanee Hotel to name a few.
🌄 Sunrise or sunset? Your best chance to avoid the crowds is to start your ceremony at sunrise. Also, if good photography is important, you’ll want to avoid the mid day hours, from 10-4, when the light is harsh and blown out.
🌄 There is one road that goes around the valley in Yosemite, so be prepared for traffic, and plan ahead.
🌄 Timeliness is key for your big day so make sure to have your it perfectly mapped out. After all, eloping is about throwing out the rule book. But thinking about the structure of your day is the best way to make the most of it. If the ceremony takes 15 minutes, and dinner takes two hours, there's still a lot of day to fill.
🌄 Pets are not allowed to attend any wedding ceremonies but they are allowed in Yosemite! This is great for couples wanting to incorporate their furry friends in some photos around the valley afterwards.