How to Elope in Yosemite (2026)
How To Elope In Yosemite
A Complete Guide to Planning your Yosemite Wedding
A Complete Guide on How to Plan Your Yosemite Elopement or Wedding in 2026
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. It offers so much outdoor variety, unforgettable 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 Golden State and home of every imaginable landscape - and if you want to get married and celebrate your love in the INCREDIBLE Yosemite National Park, you’ve come to the right place!
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting married in Yosemite National Park, including many tips that will make your travel and planning experience much smoother and more enjoyable! Whether you’re eloping (or planning a small, intimate, or micro wedding in Yosemite), this guide has you covered with permits, locations, timelines, photography details, logistics, and more.
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Hey! If you’re new here, welcome!
I’m Will Khoury, an elopement and intimate wedding photographer who documents wedding days in iconic places like Yosemite.
Yosemite is unreal in person, and it’s perfect whether you’re bringing a small group or keeping it just the two of you. Apart from photographing elopement & Intimate weddings here, I help you sort through the logistics and flow of your day so everything feels calm, fun, and true to you.
This guide is here to make Yosemite feel simpler, with the key details and pro tips you’ll want before you choose a date and start planning.
And if you want something more personal, that’s what working together looks like: a customized approach built around your priorities.
If you have questions or want to explore working together, reach out anytime. And don’t forget to use the comment box at the end of this blog; I’m happy to answer specific Yosemite questions. If you’d rather get a personalized plan and photography coverage built around your priorities, you can also inquire about a Yosemite elopement experience.
Yosemite Weddings/Elopements Quick Answers:
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Yes. When getting married in Yosemite, a wedding permit (special use permit) is required.
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No. Unlike previous years, Yosemite National Park is not requiring an entry reservation system in 2026. This could still change, so it’s best to check for updates closer to your visit.
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Special Use Permits cost $150
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Apply as soon as you have a date + location, and no later than 21 days before your ceremony. Yosemite accepted wedding/commitment ceremony permit requests up to 1 year in advance.
Link: Policy Reference
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Up to 2 hours max. This includes arrival, the ceremony itself, and wrapping up at the site.
Got Questions? Use the comment box at the end of this blog.
If you’ve got a Yosemite-specific question while you’re reading, drop it there, and I’ll reply. And if you want answers that are specific to your plans, or you’re looking for a Yosemite elopement photographer to help bring it all to life, reach out anytime.
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 offers 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, meadows, cascading waterfalls, and endless hiking trails 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 with magnificent views and endless opportunities 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, making privacy 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, day length can also affect the day. 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.
2026 Updates & Access to Higher Elevations
One last thing to keep in mind about when to elope in Yosemite is that during the winter months, popular locations like Glacier Point, Taft Point, Washburn Point, and Olmsted Point close down due to weather. These locations are at higher elevations and along roads (Glacier Point Rd. & Tioga Pass), and getting to them can be windy, steep, snow-covered, and dangerous, so the park closes 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 (Between July & late October to be on the safe side)
Advice 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, and now much more accessible than before, it’s expected to be busier and see more visitors, so allowing extra travel time on Glacier Point Road is always 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 cross-country hiking & skiing (approx. 16 miles) or via the Four-Mile Trail or Panorama Trail, both strenuous hikes that are only open to the public when conditions allow for safe wilderness hiking.
Choosing Between a Yosemite Elopement or an Intimate Wedding
Often, when planning an elopement, one of the first questions couples have to consider is whether to elope or have 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 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 affect your day in other ways. Things like your budget, whether you need a venue, and 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
There’s no single “correct” order to eloping in Yosemite. Think of this more like a flexible roadmap. Some steps can overlap, and depending on your priorities (dates, seasons, locations, or lodging), you might handle a few things earlier than you’d expect.
Also worth saying up front: in most cases, especially when you’re trusting Will Khoury with your day, many of these steps are handled with you in mind. You’ll get direct help plus a personalized, step-by-step plan based on your exact vision, guest count, and what’s realistic for Yosemite.
For example, one big reason this “flow” might shift is that accommodations can be booked far in advance. If you fall in love with a specific place to stay and it’s a convenient distance from your ceremony and photo locations, it can be worth booking that out of order, then building the rest around it.
How to Elope in Yosemite:Step 1: Choose Your Elopement Location
When it comes to planning a Yosemite elopement, the options are endless! 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 Falls
Yosemite Chapel
Mariposa Grove
Olmsted Point (Opens mid-year)
Tanaya Lake (Opens mid-year)
Swinging Bridge
Tuolumne Meadows
Glacier Point (Opens mid-year)
Taft Point (Opens mid-year)
Tunnel View
El Capitan Meadow
Sentinel Dome (Opens mid-year)
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 obtain to host an official and legal ceremony at these locations.
How to Elope in Yosemite:Step 2: 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 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, making the ceremony much more meaningful and personal.
3. THE SIMPLEST
(Especially if you’re traveling internationally) - This approach is 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.
How to Elope in Yosemite:Step 3: 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.
Mariposa County Clerk’s Office Address:
4982 10th St, Mariposa, CA 95338
Hours: Mon-Fri: 8 am - 5 pm, Sat-Sun - Closed
How to Elope in Yosemite:Step 4: Apply for Yosemite Elopement Permits & Reservations (if needed)
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 six (6) 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 experienced Yosemite photographer about different times and locations because they will all affect how your wedding day timeline is structured and will also affect 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.
See the Yosemite Entrance & Reservations details here and learn more about Yosemite special use permits here.
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In 2025 and previous years, Yosemite implemented a reservation system for all guests entering the park. This was a system that kept changing, so it was best to check at the time of your visit to plan accordingly. The rules continued changing, but the idea was to limit the number of people who visited the park due to preservation. A reservation through Recreation.gov may have been required to drive into the park. This ticketed entry was different and may have been needed along with your National Parks Pass. A National Park Pass could be purchased at the gate upon entry.
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In previous years, if you had “a wedding/commitment ceremony permit” OR “lodging reservations” inside the park, that served as a valid Ticketed Reservation for members of the wedding.
Moving forward, it’s always best to check for updates, mainly because those permits typically covered the couple getting married only, not all guests or Yosemite Wedding Vendors.
Previous Years Reservation REFERENCE Calendar
* Reference/ Example Calendar. Updated list will be provided by Yosemite officials IF Reservations are required coming years.
Official Information From Yosemite National Park’s Website:
Entrance Reservation: The National Park Service continues to review Yosemite National Park’s vehicle reservation program to determine whether to continue or adjust it in future years. We will update the public once a decision for the 2026 season has been made.
Posted on 01/23/2026
Side note IF Yosemite reintroduces the reservations system. If you have a Special Use Permit (Your wedding permit) OR a reservation for one of the following accommodations, you do not need an additional reservation. This makes wedding planning easier, with fewer unknowns and surprises.
A Yosemite National Park campground, Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp, Yosemite Valley Lodge, The Ahwahnee, Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, and the High Sierra Camps. Private lodging or vacation rental in Wawona, Yosemite West, or Foresta, & Yosemite wilderness permit reservation or Half Dome permit
Quick Answers: Yosemite Permits & Special Use Permit
Permit: Required for any wedding/commitment ceremony in Yosemite.
Cost: $150 application fee (monitoring may add costs)
Timing: up to 1 year in advance and more than 21 days prior
Time limit: the ceremony party is allowed up to 2 hours
Not exclusive: All ceremony sites remain open to the public, and you can’t block areas from other visitors
How to Elope in Yosemite:Step 5: How to Navigate Yosemite for Your Elopement Day
One of my favorite things about Yosemite elopements is the option to visit 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 - 45 minutes), especially during peak season (May-Sept) as the park fills up with visitors. Early hours of the day are 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, we can even plan photos at both times, or a multi-day elopement may 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.
How to Elope in Yosemite:Step 6: How to Travel to Yosemite
Before you decide on where to stay for your wedding day or plans in Yosemite, it’s a good idea to understand 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 the 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 Reservoir - It’s not needed to travel into Yosemite, and it’s a road within Yosemite. However, the Lee Vining Entrance is worth keeping in mind, as it’s only accessible during the summer and early fall seasons and is used if you’re traveling from Mammoth Lakes, Tahoe, Reno, or 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.
How much does it cost to enter Yosemite?
It costs $35 per private vehicle (for everyone inside) to enter Yosemite National Park, and the pass is valid for 7 consecutive days.
National Parks Pass: The America the Beautiful Annual Pass can cover your Yosemite entrance fee (works for all other National Parks Nationwide). America the Beautiful Annual Pass is $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for nonresidents.
Cashless note: Entrance stations accept major credit cards and mobile payments and do not accept cash.
How to Elope in Yosemite:Step 7: Build Your Yosemite Elopement Timeline (with examples)
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 give you 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 (The most booked option)
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 (A very popular option)
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.
How to Elope in Yosemite:Step 8: Find & Book 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 inside the park, and reservations cover ticketed entry (not the National Park Pass or “America the Beautiful” 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 to book directly here.
Outside Yosemite National Park
Autocamp Yosemite (El Portal Entrance)
Rush Creek Lodge & Spa (Big Oak Flats Entrance)
Evergreen Lodge (Big Oak Flats Entrance)
FireFall Ranch (Big Oak Flats Entrance) - Yosemite’s Newest Resort
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)
Please review the “traveling to Yosemite” section above before selecting an area to stay in and which Yosemite National Park Entrance is right for your plans.
How to Elope in Yosemite:Step 9: Set A Yosemite Elopement Budget
How much you spend on your elopement ultimately depends on what you 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.
Elopements are often 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.
If you're in the early stages of planning your Yosemite Elopement or Intimate Wedding, and would like to compare options between eloping or having a traditional wedding, check out this blog here:
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
Can We Use a Drone in Yosemite?
The simple answer is no. The use of drones is prohibited in Yosemite National Park for both recreational and professional use, including weddings and elopements.
Why does Yosemite National Park say “no” to drones?
Safety: crowded viewpoints, cliffs, helicopters, and unpredictable wind could cause harm to others when operating a drone. This is the case for all National Parks, and not only a Yosemite-specific rule.
Wildlife + soundscape: Drones can stress wildlife and disrupt the quiet that people visit Yosemite for.
Visitor experience + privacy: It’s undesirable to have a drone hovering over their ceremony or hike. Even if you think no one else is around.
Other than visitors and wildlife disturbance, flying drones in Yosemite can have legal consequences: Getting caught can be treated as a misdemeanor, with penalties up to $5,000 and/or 6 months in jail, and rangers can enforce it on a case-by-case basis. Uncrewed Aircraft in the National Parks
FAA rules to know (All National Parks):
The boring but needed Federal Aviation Administration legal jargon:
FAA rules still apply anywhere you fly a drone, but they do not override park rules.
Recreational vs Part 107: “Not getting paid” doesn’t automatically make it recreational. This goes for your creative team and professional elopement vendors.
Registration: Many drones must be registered through the FAA DroneZone.
Remote ID: If your drone must be registered, it generally must comply with Remote ID requirements.
What about drone special permits?
In rare cases, a Special Use Permit can be obtained (e.g., for research, official work, or major productions). Yosemite can also require permits/fees for certain filming situations. For a wedding or elopement, it’s usually not worth building your plan around.
The Taft Point question
As a wedding and elopement photographer, this question comes up all the time at Taft Point because some of the viewpoints and how couples are photographed there have a “drone-like” feel. But regardless of how it looks, it's still not a drone zone. The good news is you don’t need one to get the big, cinematic scale that you often see in Taft Point photos (similar to the ones below).
The easy and creative workaround
This is where experience matters. When couples look like they were photographed from a drone, it’s usually because I'm physically climbing to a higher vantage point or hiking across the terrain to create that "Tiny Couple - Big Landscape" composition or something close to a birds-eye view. I am also always using legal access points and safe footing & working with Leave No Trace in mind, so we’re not stepping into protected soil/plant life. Taft Point (in my opinion) is one of the best viewpoints in Yosemite, offering that iconic Yosemite experience, though it's not the only place to get a vantage point like that.
Can we bring our dog or pets to Yosemite National Park?
Bringing your pet to Yosemite can be a great addition to your wedding celebration. And the answer is Yes, but with limitations. Yosemite allows pets in certain areas, but they’re not allowed on most trails or in wilderness areas, which is where many popular elopement spots and photo locations take place, except maybe for ceremony locations, since those are selected through different ceremony location options in Yosemite.
Where are pets allowed?
Pets in Yosemite are allowed on paved roads, sidewalks, and paved paths, as well as in developed areas where pets are specifically allowed (there will be signs for reference)
Where are pets not allowed?
Pets in Yosemite are not allowed on most hiking trails or in wilderness/undeveloped areas, and they are not to be left unattended in vehicles or parking lots, or tied up at viewpoints.
Leash rule: pets must be on a leash 6 feet or shorter; this rule primarily protects wildlife, promotes safety, and supports park protection. Yosemite’s rules help keep your pet safe, keep wildlife wild, and reduce impact in sensitive areas.
Service Animals & ESA
Trained service animals are treated differently from pets under the National Parks Service policy, and Emotional Support Animals (ESA) do not count as service animals under that policy.
Easy solutions for an elopement or wedding
If you want your dog/pet included on your wedding day, this usually works best:
Plan a quick photo moment with your dog in a pet-legal paved area. All approved ceremony locations in Yosemite allow dogs/pets on leashes.
Bring along a friend or a pet sitter to handle pup duty while you adventure. This is a great option when family/friends are part of your wedding day.
Consider a two-part plan (this is the best and easiest option): Dog-friendly moments first, then more trail-based adventure locations. This could fall on different days if your timeline allows. Multi-day elopements in Yosemite NP are a common approach to elope there, so you might as well take advantage of it.
Want to make it official? Become a Yosemite B.A.R.K. Ranger 🐾
If you’re bringing your pup to Yosemite, you can actually turn it into a fun little “mission” and become an official Yosemite B.A.R.K. Ranger. Swing by any Yosemite visitor center, grab the B.A.R.K. Ranger pledge card, do a few quick activities, learn the B.A.R.K. code, and sign the pledge. Then you can purchase the official B.A.R.K. Ranger badge at a Yosemite Conservancy bookstore in the park.
As your Yosemite Elopement photographer, I'd love to help you build this in a way that still feels seamless and looks amazing.
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, but they will also help you throughout the planning process.
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 especially 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!
Yosemite Elopement & Wedding FAQ
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Yes. A Special Use Permit is required for any wedding or commitment ceremony anywhere in Yosemite, even if it’s only the couple.
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Special Use Permits are $150 (non-refundable). If monitoring is required, it’s an extra $50/hour.
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You can apply up to 1 year in advance, and Yosemite requires your request more than 21 days before your date.
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Up to 2 hours total time at the site.
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It is highly recommended. Reservations don’t happen in the “private reservation” sense. Your permit does not guarantee exclusive use, and you can’t block other visitors. Sites are essentially first-come, first-served, and Yosemite Officials will suggest an alternate location/date if yours is unavailable.
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No. Drones are prohibited in Yosemite for both recreational and professional use (photo and video). Special exceptions can happen for larger productions, but for weddings, it’s typically not worth building your plan around.
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Yes, but only in limited areas. Leashed pets are allowed on fully paved roads/sidewalks/bike paths, but not on trails or in non-developed areas (which include many popular elopement spots).
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Chairs/tables/furniture are not allowed at the ceremony site (exceptions may be considered for special needs). Some location such as Glacier Point Amphitheater provide ready/natural seating arrangement.
Florals, such as handheld bouquets/boutonnieres, are allowed. Yosemite prefers hardy arrangements, and non-native flowers, such as baby’s breath is prohibited. Arches and other decorations are not allowed to follow LNT Principles & Environmental preservation practices.
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Waterfalls are usually strongest in spring, with peak flow around May.
Snow is most reliable in winter (December–March), though it doesn't last in Yosemite Valley. It is typically consistent above 6,000 ft once winter sets in, in which case those locations could be inaccessible due to winter road closures.
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Both are great in their own ways, and depends on your priorities and general flow you’re after.
Sunrise is usually quieter, easier to park, and offers a more private, calmer vibe. Though sunrise starts aren't for everyone, they can be so worth it. Considering Sunrise for your Elopement/wedding day? Check out this guide.
Sunset will generally provide warmer light and golden tones, but typically more crowds and traffic in popular locations and viewpoints. Yosemite also recommends planning for early or late in the day (especially on weekdays), as visitor use can affect ceremonies and how private your day is.
