Yosemite Elopement Photographer & Locations Guide – Updated for 2024

Hi! I’m Lucy and I’m a Yosemite Elopement Photographer. If you’re considering eloping in Yosemite National Park, let me walk you through it! This National Park is so beautiful it doesn’t seem real. There are so many great places to plan an adventurous or simple Yosemite elopement. Yosemite is a large valley in between the high Sierra mountains. It’s known for the biggest waterfalls on this continent, and the iconic Half Dome and El Capitan stone mountains. You will not find a more clear and beautiful wild river than the Merced that runs through the valley. You can cool off here after a hot summer hike. Taft point is THE Yosemite location you’re seeing on instagram, and it requires a short but doable hike. Part of my job as your Yosemite elopement photographer is giving you all the info and options, so let’s dive in!

2024 Yosemite Elopement Availability

I have availability in Early September for 1 more Yosemite Elopement – Contact me soon to take advantage of this special availability from September 1 to 4 and September 8 to 14th, 2024.

See a real Yosemite Elopement

Emma and Damian chose to elope among the giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park in May of 2023. Their full day elopement included getting ready together at a cabin in the woods, a first look in the forest, and looking stylish AF in a non traditional black gown and green velvet tux. They also enjoyed touring Yosemite valley in a sweet Camaro with the top down, so we had to get some sweet shots of that as well as gorgeous Yosemite elopement photos in the valley with the largest waterfall on the continent! They ended their day with a steamy hot tub soak.

Want the same for yourself? I can’t wait to make your Yosemite elopement everything you’ve dreamed of!

Where in Yosemite Should We Elope?

There are 3 main areas within Yosemite National Park. The most well known is Yosemite Valley. This is the valley between the Sierra mountains and home to the waterfalls, climbing and most hiking destinations and hotels and restaurants. The road through the valley is a one-way loop and it’s the most congested area of the park because of its popularity. Next up is Glacier point. This high elevation road on the south rim of the Valley is only open in the summer & fall. The hike to Taft point starts here and the best views of Half Dome are up in this area. Lastly, Tioga road crosses the Sierras north of the Valley and is a long, scenic drive. Sequoia groves anchor the west end, with highlights like Tenaya lake in the middle and Mono lake on the far side.

Yosemite Valley

Summers in Yosemite Valley are hot but the area is accessible year round, making it a great location to elope in Yosemite in any season. With towering waterfalls, meadows full of bears, pristine beaches, world class hiking, climbing, and several lodges to tuck you in at night. You can marry each other with views of either Bridal Veil falls or Lower Yosemite falls. Valley view is one of my most favorite epically magical places I’ve ever been to, so we are stopping there for photos even if you don’t have your ceremony there. Not negotiable. I’m your Yosemite elopement photographer and I make the rules.

Glacier Point – Open in 2024

Plan a Yosemite Elopement at Glacier point and you’ll be my favorite people! The 15 mile road brings you to Glacier Point. It’s one of the most scenic places in the park (and in all of California). Several stop offs provide 180 degree panoramas of Half dome, El Capitan, and the high Sierras. This is a popular place for a Yosemite elopement and for good reason. Take the short hike to elope at Taft point, famous for amazing sunsets and epic views. However, the entire road closes in winter due to snow, so plan for a summer elopement here. There is an amphitheater that you can reserve. For groups of more than 11 people, June and September are your only options for the amphitheater.

**Note – in 2024 There will be roadwork delays of up to 30 minutes to access Glacier Point road, including access to Taft point.**

See a Sunrise Elopement in Yosemite at Glacier Point

Kyrielle & Matthew eloped at sunrise with an epic view of Glacier Point and Half dome. We laced up our hiking boots and continued on an epic tour of the park. Stops at taft point, Nevada fall and Vernal falls were huge highlights. And you can’t beat this rainbow at the end!

Tioga Road, Tenaya Lake & Tuolumne Meadows

If you crave a bit of privacy and unique way to elope in Yosemite, experiencing Tioga road’s many stop offs may be for you! Tioga road runs the entire east/west length of Yosemite National Park and provides access to the high alpine Tuolumne meadows, which is rich with deer, marmots and other wildlife. Many of the parks’ greatest hikes start along this road, and it’s the least busy of the three main areas in Yosemite. There are also Sequoia groves at the west end, and you can get married along those forested trails. (For more big ass trees, check out my Sequoia Elopement guide!)

How to Elope in Yosemite in 2024

As with most National parks, a Special Use Permit (SUP) is required for eloping in Yosemite National Park. But don’t let this scare you! As your Yosemite Elopement photographer, I’ll walk you through the application and details of the form. Yosemite has 12 specific ceremony locations within the park if you have 11 or more guests. That also means if you have 10 or fewer humans at your ceremony, you can elope ANYWHERE within Yosemite National Park. So if you’re craving an elopement in Yosemite for just the two of you, this opens up the possibilities for an elopement day full of hiking, sightseeing, and relaxing. You’ll need to know what ceremony location you want when applying for your permit, which is why I recommend getting in touch with me before you apply. Then, download the application and fill out your SUP here.

How to get your SUP approved

Your Yosemite SUP can be applied for between 1 year and 8 weeks before your desired date. The park prefers morning ceremonies to avoid congestion, and you also can’t get married on holiday weekends. Of course, you can’t ask other people to leave your ceremony area, as you aren’t granted exclusive use.

Pets, birdseed, butterflies, speakers, decorations, drones, flower petals & baby’s breath are prohibited from your Yosemite National Park Elopement. But with all the scenery Yosemite has to offer, you’ll never even miss these trifles. The most important thing is to leave this land better than we found it, so using Leave No Trace principles is vital in this sacred and protected land. This is non-negotiable. If you can’t approach the land with respect, you shouldn’t be using it for a pretty background. Soapbox moment, over and out.

How to plan a Yosemite elopement:

1. Choose a date in a season you like
2. Book your travel: Flights, accommodation & rental car.
3. Book your Yosemite Elopement photographer – find someone whose personality and photo style makes you excited!
4. Choose your ceremony site, apply for your ceremony permit and create your dream timeline with your photographer.
5. Make dinner reservations & plan your outfits. Hire a florist, officiant, or other vendors.
6. Get a California Marriage license a few days before (Any county courthouse will work.)
   That’s it! You are ready to have the time of your lives in Yosemite!
   

Are reservations required to get into Yosemite 2024?

In 2020, 2021 and 2022, we saw a timed entry reservation system in place for everyday visitors to enter Yosemite. For 2023, timed entry was only for weekends in February when Horsetail falls becomes Firefall. In 2024, Yosemite is taking a new hybrid approach. Timed Entry reservations will be necessary:

• February 10 to 25 – Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays only, 24 hours on those days
• April 13 to June 30 – Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays only from 5am to 4pm
• July 1 to August 16 – Every Day from 5am to 4pm
• August 17 to October 27 – Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays Only from 5am to 4pm.

Visit Yosemite’s Timed Entry page for all the details. Of course, if you have a ceremony permit, you may bypass the timed entry requirement. You can also enter before 5am or after 4pm on timed entry days.

How much does it cost to elope in Yosemite?

Your Yosemite National Park elopement can cost as little or as much as you want it to. The Permit to get married in the park costs just $150. The California marriage license is $91. Everything else is up to you! For budget accommodation, look into camping, glamping and cabins. For a luxury honeymoon, stay at the Ahwahnee Lodge for $700/night. You could go all out with adventure activities for a week and spend 20k to 30k on the best dang time of your lives. Which would still be 5k less than the national average cost of a wedding! Alternatively, you could save up and search for the all the best deals on cabin rentals and car shares, and still have a 3 to 4 day trip of incredible experiences and local food for $10k to 15k- less than half the cost of a traditional ballroom wedding. Here is a sample budget breakdown for a Yosemite Elopement with no guests.

Do you need an officiant to elope in Yosemite?

California requires you to have 1 officiant and 1 witness to your elopement ceremony. I’m ordained (non-religious) and can be your officiant if you want to self-solemnize your marriage. Alternatively, you can hire a professional officiant to conduct your ceremony, but this is optional and will add cost to your day. Be sure to ask any prospective officiants if they are familiar with elopements. I have had experiences with officiants who try to make an aisle or processional into something more than the couple wanted. You can also choose to nominate a friend of yours to be ordained – it’s easy!

When should we elope in Yosemite?

Yosemite is located in Northern California in the mountains. Temperatures vary greatly from summer to winter. In Yosemite Valley, consider a spring elopement in late April to May, which will have fewer crowds than the busy summer months. From June to early September, warm weather in the high country makes Tioga Road the best. Late September to early November would make an incredible fall elopement anywhere in Yosemite. Here is a graph of monthly temperature averages and snowfall:

What to wear for a Yosemite Elopement?

The most important thing to keep in mind for your Yosemite Elopement style is to keep your footwear practical. You don’t want pinched toes, bug bites, slippery soles or to be uncomfortable as you take in the landscape. Other than that, you can wear what you want! In Spring and Fall you should plan to bring layers, including thermals to wear under your dress or pants. For more inspiration, check out my in depth guide on what to wear to your elopement here.

How much time do we need for a Yosemite Elopement?

Because this is one of the nation’s most popular parks, famous areas can easily get crowded and finding parking can be tough. Be prepared to wait in line in your car to get into the park too. I urge you to take your time and especially drive slowly to avoid collisions with wildlife. I recommend a minimum of 4 hours to elope in Yosemite. This will give you ample time to arrive at your chosen location, breathe, and say your vows without being rushed. You can celebrate with champagne and travel to 1 other location for photos in a 4 hour elopement.
Up to 4 hours – 2 locations within 1 of the areas: Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point or Tioga Road
6 Hours of photography – 2 locations in any 2 areas of the park
Full day of photography – Make the most of your day and experience it all!

Sample Yosemite Full Day Elopement Timeline

7:00 Breakfast together – make French toast!
7:30 Getting ready at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge
8:30 First look at Tenaya lake
9:30 Intimate ceremony at Tioga road viewpoint. I know a spot that is AMAZING.
10:30 Reading letters from loved ones in the quiet Sequoia forest
11:30 Lunch in Yosemite Valley restaurant
12:30 Hike to a waterfall in Yosemite Valley – Vernal, Nevada, Bridal Veil, or Lower Yosemite. Go climbing. Or ride E bikes around the valley. Or set up hammocks in the shade around a meadow.
5:00 Cool off in the Merced river. Write your names in the beach sand.
6:00 Stop for photos at Valley view on your way to Glacier point
7:30 Hike to Taft point for a Picnic dinner
8:00 Sunset first dance & watch the stars come out

Do we have to hike to have a Yosemite National Park Elopement?

The short answer is NO! You do not have to be an experienced hiker to have an amazing Yosemite Elopement. There are tons of locations you can drive right up to without breaking a sweat. Valley View, Ahwahnee Meadow, Tenaya Lake, Bridal Veil Falls, and Glacier point are all great locations for an elopement without hiking. Elopements are for everyone, no matter your experience level in the great outdoors.

Where to stay when eloping at Yosemite?

I’ll be honest – accommodation is going to take up the majority of your budget. There are a few lodges inside Yosemite – 1 at Tuolumne Meadows on Tioga road and the rest in Yosemite Valley. These are pricey, fancy, convenient, and absolutely gorgeous. If that’s not in your budget, prepare to drive 1 to 2 hours from an Airbnb into the park. Airbnbs are a great option for intimate groups of 2-10 people who are joining you for your elopement, because you can split the cost.
Check out my list of rad and unique Airbnbs outside of Yosemite. Or for a tighter budget, rent a campervan and secure a campsite reservation at the park or just outside of it. That will be a truly wild experience!

Take my virtual tour of Yosemite’s Elopement locations:

I’ve created this map to be like a virtual tour of Yosemite National Park with color photos I’ve taken of each place. So you can see all the great spots without leaving your living room. If you’re planning from afar, this is a visual key to picking out the elopement spot that works for you. Details like what seasons and time of day are best for each location are included. It will help you plan your activities, accommodations, and your day’s itinerary. Lastly, it’s easy to have a great backup location picked out with this map in front of you. Having that Plan B in your back pocket will keep your planning stress-free! You’ll need to know what ceremony location you want when applying for your permit.

Get the map & start planning your Yosemite elopement photography!

See my other amazing California Elopement Guides:
– Mono Lake Elopement Guide
– Redwoods Elopement Guide
– Mammoth Lakes Elopement Guide
– Sequoia & Kings Canyon Elopement Guide
– Death Valley Elopement Guide
– Joshua Tree Elopement Guide

More National Park Elopement Guides