How to Elope in Yosemite (2024 Update)
How To Elope In Yosemite
(2024)
A Complete Guide to Planning your Yosemite Elopement
How to Elope in Yosemite (2024 Update)
A Complete Guide to Planning Your Yosemite Elopement in 2024
Where was the last place you felt small? Maybe it’s being surrounded by towering granite mountains, alpine lakes, vast meadows, giant redwood trees, or rushing waterfalls; the magical Yosemite National Park has it all and it’s one of my favorite locations for couples looking to elope in Northern California! Yosemite National Park is home to some of California’s most well-known areas worldwide and offers so much outdoor variety, amazing experiences, and stunning views every way you turn, making it a perfect option for your Northern California elopement!
First of all, congratulations on deciding to get married in California - The Sunshine State and home of every imaginable landscape - and if you want to get married and celebrate your love in the INCREDIBLE Yosemite National Park, then you’ve come to the right place!!
In this complete guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know to get married in Yosemite National Park, including many tips that will make your whole travel and planning experience so much smoother and enjoyable!!
Table of Contents
Why Elope in Yosemite?
When to Elope in Yosemite?
Choose between an elopement and an intimate wedding
How to Elope in Yosemite?
Choose an elopement location
The three ways to get married in California
Apply for the right marriage license
Yosemite Elopement Permits & Reservation
How to navigate Yosemite
Traveling to Yosemite
Choose where you want to stay
Set a budget
Yosemite Environmental Awareness
Find the right Yosemite Elopement Photographer
Don’t forget to use the comment box at the end of this blog!
This Yosemite Elopement Guide is here to help you plan an awesome experience for your dream elopement day, and while I know all the detail here might not directly answer your questions on how to elope in Yosemite, I’d be more than happy to answer your specific question and guide you in planning your Yosemite National Park Elopement. Use the comment box or inquire for a personalized Yosemite elopement photography experience.
Let’s dive in!
Why Plan a Yosemite Elopement?
Known to be one of the most well-known national parks in the U.S., Yosemite National Park is a popular spot in Northern California for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The park is filled with incredible views, making it a great place to elope!
With towering granite cliffs, giant sequoia, and Redwood trees, Yosemite is a beautiful national park that offers a variety of landscapes. Of course, there are common areas such as El Capitan Meadow and Tunnel View, but there is also so much more to see and explore beyond the famous Yosemite Valley. The park is also filled with alpine lakes, still meadows, cascading waterfalls, and endless hikes with panoramic views. In fact, Yosemite is 747,956 acres of beautiful land. Not that it’s all easily accessible as 94% of it requires avid hiking, but there are many accessible locations to visit and get married at. If you are looking for an elopement backdrop that provides magnificent views and endless chances for adventure, then Yosemite National Park is the perfect place for you!
If you’re unsure what exactly an elopement is, make sure to check out this detailed blog.
When is the Best Time of Year to Elope in Yosemite?
Yosemite is truly beautiful year-round, and while each season has different things to do and see, it all comes down to the type of experience you want to have in Yosemite. Because of the different activities and views, it has to offer, Yosemite is a popular destination for thousands of visitors, so if you’re looking to elope in this national park and you’re after a private and intimate setting, there are some things you may want to consider.
Summertime in the park is very popular and can get very busy so navigating the park (especially Yosemite Valley) isn’t as simple, parking can be hard to find, and wait times are longer. Popular scenic locations are almost always busy so privacy can be very hard to find. For these reasons, I typically recommend couples elope during the off-season.
February - May: Great time to visit Yosemite Valley and see the waterfalls.
June - October: High elevations within the park (Glacier Point, Taft Point, Sentinel Dome, and Tioga Pass) are accessible, just make sure to check for road construction.
November - January: Perfect for winter elopements. Also the quietest time of year.
Depending on the time of year you elope in Yosemite can also affect the day length. Since one of the most common areas to get married in is Yosemite Valley, and it’s tucked in the mountains, it tends to get darker than all the other surrounding locations so, during the winter, daylight may be even more limited than usual.
Because Yosemite is a popular tourist location, the day of the week you elope matters. I typically recommend couples plan their elopement on a weekday to help avoid the weekend crowds and avoid all holiday weekends at all costs as some days/weekends are free to enter Yosemite and that attracts many visitors. You can find free entrance days here.
2024 Updates & Access to Higher Elevations
One last thing to keep in mind about when to elope in Yosemite is that during winter months popular locations like Glacier Point, Taft Point, Washburn Point, and Olmsted Point close down due to weather. These locations are located at higher elevations and roads (Glacier Point Rd. & Tioga Pass) getting to them can be windy, steep, snowed in, and dangerous, so the park closes down these spots during the winter months. If you want to plan an elopement at one of these locations then you will need to elope in summer or early fall.
Advise on Glacier Point Road
Glacier Point Road, which leads to many iconic locations such as Glacier Point, Taft Point, Sentinel Dome, and many other beautiful locations in Yosemite, was fully reopened in mid-2023 with no construction delays, however, since Glacier Point Rd. has been closed for two years, it's expected to be busier and see more visitors, so allowing extra travel time on Glacier Point Road is advisable. In winter, Glacier Point Rd. closes due to weather and safety, the only way to access any attraction along Glacier Point Road during that time is via the Four-Mile Trail, or Panorama Trail, which are both strenuous hikes, and are only open when conditions allow for safe wilderness hiking.
Choosing Between a Yosemite Elopement or an Intimate Wedding
Oftentimes, when planning an elopement one of the first questions couples have to consider is whether to plan an elopement or an intimate wedding. I’ve written an entire blog post about the difference between the two which you can check out here, but one of the main differences between the two is guest size.
When planning a Yosemite elopement, the number of guests you plan to bring along on this adventure may determine where you can get married within Yosemite. Some areas, out in nature, may only allow a certain number of guests while a few resorts or Yosemite Hospitality Facilities inside Yosemite may be more flexible in what you are allowed to do.
The type of event you plan may have other effects on your day. Things like budget, whether or not you need a venue, or how much time you need to build into your wedding day timeline may change depending on which option you choose. There is no right or wrong way to go. It all simply comes down to what you envision for your day and who you want to share it with.
Steps on How to Elope in Yosemite
Choose Your Elopement Location
When it comes to planning a Yosemite elopement, the world is your oyster! Depending on the type of view you envision for your day, there are many options to choose from. Below is a list of some of my personal favorite elopement locations within the park.
Yosemite Fall
Yosemite Chapel
Mariposa Grove
Olmsted Point (Opens mid-2024)
Tanaya Lake (Opens mid-2024)
Swinging Bridge
Tuolumne Meadows
Glacier Point (Opens mid-2024)
Taft Point (Opens mid-2024)
Tunnel View
El Capitan Meadow
Sentinel Dome (Opens mid-2024)
Bridal Veil Fall
Vernal Fall
*Note that these locations are all public places in Yosemite National Park and there is a special wedding permit that you’ll need to be obtained in order to host an official, and legal, ceremony at these locations.
Obtain a Marriage License & Special Use Permit
The three ways to get married in Yosemite:
1. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT
A ceremony officiated by an ordained family member or close friend! This option holds the most significance if you wish to have someone incorporate stories, laughs, memories, and important relationship elements into your ceremony.
This option is most ideal for intimate weddings where parents, close friends, or a special person in your life is already part of the day. If who you chose to officiate your marriage is traveling to California, you can check out and share all California Wedding Laws & have them become ordained online before your wedding day so that they’re ready to marry you and your partner.
2. THE MOST CONVENIENT
Hiring an independent wedding officiant from Yosemite or nearby areas. This option is very common for eloping couples who wish to get married (legally) in California.
A wedding officiant can guide you with all the necessary steps that are needed to take for your wedding day, as well as help you file any necessary paperwork. This is a wonderful option for couples who wish to simplify the process while still holding symbolic meaning when exchanging wedding and personal vows. Many officiants will meet with couples individually to incorporate sentimental elements and make the ceremony much more meaningful and personable.
3. THE SIMPLEST
(Especially if you’re traveling internationally) - This approach is the most ideal if you don’t like to deal with paperwork and appointments while traveling. The simple solution to this is to have a civil ceremony in your country/state’s courthouse when you’d officially be married, and then, when arriving at your Yosemite’s elopement, to hold a meaningful ceremony in a location of your choice for a symbolic vow exchange.
Pro Tip: hiring an officiant in this instance, or having one of your guests perform the ceremony can bring so much more meaning, emotion, and symbolic significance to the ceremony as this will be the official day you’re celebrating your marriage.
Apply for your California/Yosemite Marriage Licenses:
In order to get legally married in Yosemite, you will first need to obtain a California marriage license. California offers two different types of marriage licenses, public and confidential. Public (or regular) marriage licenses are the most common, so for the sake of this blog post, we will focus on those. A public marriage license allows you to get married anywhere within the state of California and it requires you to have 1-2 witnesses present as well as an officiant to officiate the ceremony.
Public marriage licenses can be obtained from any county clerk’s office in California. For Yosemite weddings, you’d go to the Mariposa County Clerk's Office. In order to obtain a marriage license, you will need to submit an application in person or online and you and your partner will need to go into the County Clerk’s office to complete the process and present valid proof of ID. Licenses are effective immediately and are good for up to 90 days.
Learn more about obtaining a California marriage license here.
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Mariposa County Clerk’s Office Address:
4982 10th St, Mariposa, CA 95338
Hours: Mon-Fri: 8 am - 5 pm, Sat-Sun - Closed
Yosemite Elopement Permits & Reservations
For all weddings or elopements that take place in Yosemite National Park, you will need a special use permit. To apply for a permit, complete the application form and submit the application fee at least Three(3) months prior to your event. It’s recommended to apply as early as a year in advance to guarantee availability as there are a very limited number of locations and time slots.
Pro tip: Talk to your Yosemite experienced photographer about different times and locations because it will all come into play on how your wedding day timeline is structured. This will also change the outcome of your photos. Locations look different at different times of day and if you’re after those warm, rich, well-lit, and amazing photos, make sure to check with your Yosemite photographer before applying for your Yosemite wedding permit.
And while we’re on the topic of permits; Yosemite also recently implemented the reservation system for all guests entering the park - This is a system that keeps changing, so it’s best to check the time of your visit to plan accordingly. The rules continue changing, but the idea is to limit the number of people that visit the park due to preservation. A reservation through Recreation.gov may be required to drive into the park. This ticketed entry is different and may be needed along with your National Parks Pass. National Park Pass can be purchased at the gate upon entry.
Alternatively, if you have “a wedding/commitment ceremony permit” OR “lodging reservations” inside the park, that will serve as a valid Ticketed Reservation for members of the wedding.
See the 2024 Yosemite Entrance & Reservations details here and learn more about Yosemite special use permits here.
How to Navigate Yosemite for Your Elopement Day
One of my favorite things about Yosemite elopements is that there is the option to tackle multiple locations on your wedding day! Want to get views of Tunnel View and Yosemite Lower Falls? You can absolutely get both and have even more time to see a few other spots! Some of the best views in the park are relatively close to each other, giving you the chance to experience multiple photo locations all in one day!
Getting around Yosemite Valley by car is easy. Yosemite Valley is mostly a one-way Loop, and while biking, walking, and taking Yarts are great options for touring the park, for wedding days, it’s probably best to stick to driving as it is the most convenient option. Yosemite Valley locations may seem close on a map, but keep in mind that driving from one location to another, in reality, can take some time (15 - 45min), especially during peak season (May-Sept) as the park fills up with visitors. Early hours of the day is the best way to beat the crowds but if that's not possible for your wedding day, then make sure to allow time for driving, parking, and walking to the area you're after.
Something important to keep in mind when choosing elopement locations within the park is the time of day you want to get married at. Some locations are better viewed at sunrise, while others are more enjoyable at sunset. If your timeline allows for it, we can even plan for photos at both times, or a multi-day elopement option can be the way to go.
Another thing I also tell couples to keep in mind is that Yosemite can be remote. You’re out in nature after all, so cell service can be spotty. It’s best to create a plan ahead of time and build in buffer time so you don’t have to rush from one spot to the next.
Traveling to Yosemite
Before you decide on where to stay for your wedding day or plans in Yosemite, it’s great to have an understanding of Yosemite’s layout and different entrances as this can affect your travel time, and where you stay.
Yosemite has 5 entrances, but 4 main ones into the park and which one you need matters on which part of California you’re traveling from. The most common entrances are the Big Oak Flats Entrance if you’re traveling from San Francisco/Sacramento, the Southern Entrance/Fish Camp Entrance if you’re traveling from Fresno, or sometimes, even if you travel to Fresno, you may have to use the El Portal/Arch Rock Entrance if you’re staying in the Mariposa area.
Keep in mind that there are limited options for where you stay inside Yosemite, so exploring options outside the park is always a great option! A simple google search will give you the best option on how to travel directly into Yosemite Valley and will provide which entrance you need. But for a more direct answer, check out Yosemite’s Driving Directions page as road closures and any updates will be posted there.
The other two Entrances that are left are the Lee Vining Entrance through Tioga Pass and Hetch Hetchy Pass. Hetch Hetchy is a road that you don’t need to worry about unless you’re interested in visiting the Hetch Hetchy Resoivire - It’s not needed to travel into Yosemite and it’s a road within Yosemite. However, the Lee Vining Entrance is one to keep in mind as it’s only accessible during the summer and early fall season and used if you’re traveling from Mammoth Lakes, Tahoe, Reno, and Las Vegas. Tioga Pass is an amazing road with incredible scenery and I’d highly recommend it to see more of Yosemite, especially Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake & Olmsted Point.
Yosemite Elopement Timeline Example
You may be wondering what an elopement day in Yosemite actually looks like. Below, I’ve added some photography-based Yosemite elopement timeline samples from previous couples I’ve had the honor of helping to help you get an idea of what is often included and how much time to plan for a Yosemite elopement. Keep in mind that each elopement experience is different and there are many layers and ways to create an easy-going structure that tackles multiple locations.
8-hour Elopement Timeline Example
Sunrise Elopement With Family
4:30 am: Start Time // Arrive at Tanaya Lake
5:00 am: Dress details & getting ready photos.
5:30 am: Fully ready for the First Look
Sunrise: 5:36 am
5:45 am: First Look
6:15 am: Ceremony
7:00 am: Family photos and picnic setup
8:30 am / 9:00 am: End of picnic and clean up
9:00 am: Couples portraits around Tenaya Lake
10:00 am: Head to Yosemite Valley
10:15 am: Quick stop at Olmsted Point
11:15 am: Arrive at Yosemite Valley (El Cap Meadow)
12:30 pm: Photos at lower Yosemite Falls.
1:00 pm: Coverage Ends
Multi-Day Elopement Timeline Example
DAY 1 - Airbnb in Oakhurst & Taft Point
2:00 pm: Starting Time // Getting ready photos + details
3:00 pm: First look
4:00 pm: head out to Sentinel Dome parking lot //1.5-hour
4:30 pm: Enter Yosemite through Southern Entrace
5:15 pm: Arrive at Sentinel Dome parking.
6:00 pm: Hike out to Taft point
6:45 - 8:45 pm: Taft point including Ceremony/vows & Redwood photos along the hike.
Sunset - 8:22 pm
8:45 - 9:30 pm: Hike back to the Parking lot.DAY 2 - Glacier Point + Yosemite Valley
4:45 am: Start time
5:00 am: Fully ready at Glacier Point Parking
5:15 am: Hike to photo location
5:30 am - 7:00 am: photos & picninc at sunrise
Sunrise time - 5:45 am
7:30 am: Head to Yosemite Valley
8:30 am: Arrive and Park by Yosemite Chapel
9:00 am: Lower Yosemite Falls Photos
10:00 am: Yosemite Meandows Photos
11:00 am: Coverage Ends
Pro tip: Wedding day Timelines should always be created around what matters the most to you and how you want to spend your day. This is your day, so create it around the things you want to do and in the way you like to celebrate. Write down your ideas, contemplate priorities, align your vision, and figure out what’s possible in terms of the park’s layout & the time you have there for the best possible experience. Most importantly, don’t forget to schedule some time on your wedding day to pause everything, sit and take in the beauty of Yosemite.
Find a Place to Stay in Yosemite
When it comes to finding a place to stay for your Yosemite National Park elopement, there are a few options. Keep in mind that you’re visiting a National Park that requires a bit of driving before reaching any city. Finding a place to stay inside the park is the way to go if you're looking for something convenient for your elopement. If you want something that’s a bit more budget-friendly, there are plenty of options outside the park. Keep in mind though that these locations will require more time to enter the park (time on the road & time waiting at Yosemite gates). But to make things simpler, here is a list of my favorite places to stay in and around Yosemite!
Inside Yosemite National Park
Campgrounds - check out this resource for helpful tips for booking a campsite in Yosemite.
My personal favorite area to stay in Yosemite is Yosemite West. These rentals are located in the park and reservations cover ticketed entry (not The National Park Pass). Rentals are located approximately 20 minutes from the Valley and 30 minutes from Glacier Point making it the perfect middle point if you plan an elopement in Yosemite Valley and somewhere along Glacier Point Rd. These spots are also great for doubling as a getting-ready location and a stay. It’s recommended book directly here.
Outside Yosemite National Park
Autocamp Yosemite (El Portal Entrance)
Rush Creek Lodge & Spa (Big Oak Flats Entrance)
Tenaya Lodge (Fish Camp Entrance)
Yosemite View Lodge (El Portal Entrance)
Yosemite Cedar Lodge (El Portal Entrance)
Any Yosemite or nearby Airbnb or VRBO around Oakhurst or Mariposa (Fish Camp Entrance)
Make sure to review the “traveling to Yosemite” section above when selecting an area to stay in and which Yosemite National Park Entrance is right for your plans.
Set A Yosemite Elopement Budget
How much money you spend on your elopement ultimately depends on what you want to plan for your day. Some of the main things to think about are where you want to get married? Where do you want to stay? Do you want to have a luxury experience at a resort or an adventurous stay at a campsite? How many guests do you want to invite? What details do you want to splurge or save on? What vendors will you hire? These are all important questions to keep in mind when creating your elopement budget.
Oftentimes, elopements are less expensive than traditional weddings. You can legally elope for just the cost of a marriage license, however, your elopement day is more than just a day where you sign papers. It’s a day to celebrate the two of you. Your wedding day is one of the most important days in your life, so spend it doing things you love.
Here’s a list of general wedding day expenses:
California Marriage License: $70
Yosemite Wedding Permit: $150/event location
Yosemite National Park Entrance: $35/car/visit or $70/year (Yosemite only) or $80/year pass (America the Beautiful)
Yosemite Lodging: Inside the park: $200 - $1500/night (depending on accommodation size and type)
Yosemite Lodging: Outside the park: $150-$1000/night (depending on accommodation size and type)
Yosemite Wedding Vendors Cost:
Wedding Officiants: $400 - $800
Photography: $5000 single day - $10,000+ multi-day coverage (Including planning & guidance)
Videography: $4000 - $9000
Hair & Makeup: $800 - $2000
Flowers: $200 - $1500
+ Wedding attire, Accessories, and transportation.
Environmental Awareness for Public Lands & National Parks
As an adventure photographer and a couple who are considering eloping in one of the most beautiful places on earth, environmental awareness and Leave No Trace principles should be followed. Yosemite National Park is a super beautiful place to visit and while its massive granite cliffs make it seems like a tough place, there are so many fragile wildlife and plant life that exists in the area that needs to be respected and taken care of. Accessing places like Yosemite is a huge privilege and in return, we have to make sure we take care of these beautiful places as much as possible, which is why The 7 Principles of LNT are very important to follow.
A few quick things to keep in mind when eloping in Yosemite to minimize environmental impact:
Pack it in, pack it out
Avoid florals that are not native to the area.
Stay on dedicated paths
Avoid confetti, rice, flower petals, smoke bombs, etc.
Follow signage and plant re-habilitation areas
Respect others on trails
Follow your wedding permit guidelines
Have fun
Choose a Yosemite Elopement Photographer
Planning a Yosemite elopement isn’t complete without choosing your elopement vendors! Elopement vendors are so important in helping you bring your elopement dreams to life!
One of the first vendors you will want to consider is an elopement photographer who is familiar with Yosemite National Park. Not only will the right Yosemite elopement photographer give you amazing photos to remember your wedding day by, but they will also be able to help you throughout the planning process as well.
Why Elope with Will Khoury?
Finding the right photographer for your elopement day is so important. You not only want someone who can capture your day and take pretty photos, but you also want someone who can tell your story the way it deserves to be told. Someone who knows the area well and someone who can help guide you through all the important steps of planning a Yosemite National Park elopement.
Did you know my wife and I got married in Yosemite National Park?
That’s right - This is us right here!!
We’ve experienced firsthand what it’s like to elope/get married in Yosemite and let me tell you
IT’S ONE OF BEST DECISIONS WE’VE EVER MADE!!
By having gone through this amazing experience, I now know all the ins and outs of Yosemite, the incredible hidden gems, and how to plan an unforgettable time in this magical place, and I’m so ready to pass on everything that I know to help you have a similar elopement experience!!
Photo by Erin Northcutt
Storytelling that matters
As an intimate wedding and elopement photographer, telling couples’ stories is one of the things I love doing the most!
I invest my time getting to know you as a couple and as individuals because your story matters.
Knowing what you love and what matters to you will only help me capture the special interactions and small moments that make the big picture, so when you look at your photos, you’ll be brought back to that same exact feeling from your beautiful wedding day!!
Having lived in Northern California for several years has also allowed me to explore Yosemite multiple times! Over the years I’ve spent hours researching, exploring, and going on personal location scouting tips to find the most beautiful trails for your elopement day. I have a whole list of locations and private trails/locations that I’ve discovered over the years that I can’t wait to share with you so your experience is private, secluded, and remains distractions free!
Yosemite National Park is truly an incredible place to visit for any reason, but even more so for your elopement! With its diverse landscape and beautiful scenery, you can’t go wrong with choosing to elope in Yosemite!
For more information about eloping in Yosemite National Park, head over to my contact page & let’s plan an amazing experience for you and your partner!
