Tips for Eloping in Yosemite National Park | California Elopement
Yosemite Elopement
If you and your partner dream of an elopement filled with natural beauty, adventure, and intimacy, eloping at Yosemite National Park might be the perfect place for you. Yosemite National Park is filled with granite cliffs, sequoias, waterfalls, and overlooks of the park. But before you start planning your adventure elopement in Yosemite, there are some things you should know, and I’m here to help!
Here are some tips to help you plan your perfect elopement at Yosemite National Park:
1. Choose the Best Time to Elope in Yosemite
Yosemite is gorgeous all year, but the park’s different seasons can impact the feel and ease of your elopement, especially when it comes to your photos! Here’s a look at what each season is like in Yosemite:
- Spring (April-May):Waterfalls are at their fullest due to the snowmelt, making it the best time for dramatic waterfall photos. However, some higher elevations and roads may still be closed.
- Summer (June-August): You’ll enjoy warm weather and access to most areas, but the park can be crowded. Consider an early morning or weekday elopement to avoid peak visitor times. Summer typically requires a reservation to get into the park.
- Fall (September-October): With fewer crowds and beautiful autumn colors, this is a favorite time for many. It’s also cooler, making it ideal for long hikes.
- Winter (November-March): Yosemite turns into a winter wonderland. If you love the idea of snow-covered landscapes and cozy vibes, this could be perfect. Keep in mind, Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are closed during winter.
I recommend spring, summer, or fall for your adventure elopement in Yosemite. The time of day we take photos is also extremely important. Sunrise and sunset are my favorite times for photos, and I tend to shoot until it’s fully dark for a dramatic setting and experience.
#2. Get the Necessary Permits
To elope in Yosemite National Park, you’ll need a special use permit. The permit ensures that your ceremony does not interfere with the natural beauty or public enjoyment of the park. I’m happy to help get the permit for my couples. You’ll want to have your top 3 elopement spots in mind and the time you hope to elope. The sooner you send in your permit application, the sooner you’ll get approval, and the more likely you are to secure your favorite spot at the best time for photos.
- Cost: As of 2024, the special use permit fee is $150. I highly recommend applying for the permit at LEAST 3 months in advance, but ideally 6+ months prior to your elopement.
Additionally, if you’re hiring a photographer or any other vendor who will be operating in the park, they’ll need a commercial use authorization (CUA) permit.
Adventure elopement in Yosemite
#3 Decide which Location is Perfect for your Yosemite Elopement
Yosemite has countless breathtaking areas, so deciding on where to say your vows can be challenging. Here are some popular (and some less known) elopement spots in the park:
- Tunnel View: Famous for its sweeping views of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall, this is an iconic spot for a Yosemite elopement. Star-gazing at Tunnel View is especially stunning.
- Glacier Point: For one of the most dramatic views in the park, head here. It’s especially stunning at sunrise or sunset. However, access is typically limited to late spring through fall.
- Yosemite Falls: The tallest waterfall in North America provides a jaw-dropping background. The falls are most powerful in the spring and early summer.
- Taft Point: A less crowded alternative to Glacier Point, this spot offers epic views of Yosemite Valley with a quieter, more intimate atmosphere. This spot does require hiking there and back, approximately 45 minutes each way.
- Cathedral Beach: If you prefer a serene riverside setting with El Capitan towering in the background, this might be your spot.
Adventure elopement at Cathedral Beach in Yosemite
-El Capitan Meadow: The easiest spot for photos and most picturesque in the summer is the meadow by El Capitan. It’s easy to access, requires no hiking, and has far fewer people than the other spots I’ve listed. (Hoping this post doesn’t reach too many people so it stays that way!)
Yosemite elopement photographer
For a more private and intimate experience, consider venturing off the beaten path. You can always ask park rangers for recommendations for lesser-known locations.
#4. Plan for the Elements
Yosemite's weather can be unpredictable, especially at higher elevations. Here are some things to consider when planning your day:
-Bring layers: Even in the summer, mornings and evenings can be chilly in Yosemite. Make sure to pack some warm layers to keep comfortable between photos.
- Comfortable shoes: You’ll likely be walking or hiking to your ceremony location. Opt for shoes that are both comfortable and stylish (or bring a second pair for photos). You might even have to cross over water in some areas.
- Prepare for wildlife:*While it’s rare to have any wildlife disruptions, be mindful of Yosemite’s bears. Don’t leave food or scented items out. And make sure to follow “leave no trace” principles.
Yosemite adventure elopement
#5. Consider Your Guest List (or Lack Thereof)
One of the beauties of eloping is that you get to decide whether to keep it just the two of you or include a small group of family and friends. If you do invite guests, keep it small to avoid overcrowding and minimize your environmental impact.
Yosemite has specific rules about group sizes in certain areas, so make sure to check with the park if you plan to have a few guests present.
#6 Hire an Adventure Elopement Photographer who knows the park
Yosemite is a big park, and working with a photographer who knows the ins and outs of the best locations will make your day go much more smoothly. I specialize in adventure elopements and can guide you to hidden gems in the park.
If you’re planning to bring in any other vendors, like a florist or hair/makeup artist, consider using someone local to the area.
#7. Leave No Trace (LNT)
Yosemite is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s important to minimize your impact on this precious ecosystem. Follow the Leave No Trace principles:
- Pack out everything you bring in, including decorations, food, and waste.
- Avoid using confetti, rice, or anything else that can harm the environment.
#8. Embrace the Adventure
One of the greatest things about eloping in a place like Yosemite is the sense of adventure. Don’t stress about small details. Whether it’s a sudden shift in weather or an unexpected wildlife sighting, remember that these moments make your day unique. Embrace the spontaneity and go with the flow.
Cathedral Beach Elopement in Yosemite
An elopement in Yosemite is the perfect spot for adventurous couples who want an epic backdrop for an elopement. With the right planning, you can create a wedding day that feels true to who you are as a couple while surrounded by one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world. Yosemite is a stunning place for eloping!
If you’re thinking of eloping at Yosemite National Park, I would love to chat more with you! I’m an adventure elopement and wedding photographer and my husband is a wedding and elopement videographer. Fill out a contact form and let’s chat!