10 Things To Consider Before Eloping In Yosemite
Has a Yosemite elopement been calling your name? If you’ve been looking for a sign to tie the knot and elope at this gorgeous national park, this is it! Whether you’ve been obsessing over the stunning vistas, granite cliffs, or majestic waterfalls - Yosemite is the perfect place to elope and has something to offer everyone! Before you go all in and run off to get hitched there, here are a few things to consider to help you plan your national park elopement!
1. Make Sure You Obtain all Necessary Permits
Eloping in Yosemite National Park is a breathtaking and unique way to celebrate your love, but it’s important to make sure that you secure your date and get the necessary permits to make it happen!
All couples planning on getting married in Yosemite National Park must apply for a special use permit and pay the $150 application fee. This permit ensures that your celebration aligns with the park's guidelines and doesn't disrupt the natural environment. If you’re planning on eloping in Yosemite, you must have your wedding scheduled up to one year in advance and more than 21 days before your event. Permits are not granted for holiday weekends or holidays. I highly recommend submitting your application as soon as possible because processing times can vary greatly!
To have a photographer capture your wedding day, a photography permit is required! This permit fee starts at $150, depending on the size of the group.
As your elopement photographer, I take care of all permits and application fees to make this process as seamless as possible for you.
2. Don't Forget to Make it Legal
To make your marriage legal for your Yosemite National Park wedding, be sure to pay the $60 fee and apply for a marriage license ahead of time! The closest place to the national park to obtain your marriage license is in Mariposa County. You and your fiance must schedule an in-person appointment at the Mariposa County Clerk’s office to obtain the marriage license for your national park wedding. Marriage licenses are valid for up to 90 days after being issued.
3. Park Entrance Fees Still Apply if You’re Eloping in Yosemite
Entrance fees are not included in the special use permit. To make your Yosemite National Park elopement a reality, you must pay the entrance fee of $35 to receive an entrance pass and gain access to the park. This entrance pass is good for seven consecutive days from the date of purchase. Couples who are looking to plan a sunrise Yosemite National Park elopement or are looking to get an early start for the day can enter the park before 7 am for free!
If you're looking to book me as your elopement photographer, you and your fiance can get into the park for free on the day of your wedding if you arrive with me!
4. Different Seasons Offer Spectacular Backdrops for Your Special Day
Yosemite is stunning year-round with each season offering its own unique charm! It’s important to be mindful of accessibility, weather conditions, and seasonal restrictions when planning your Yosemite National Park elopement.
Spring
If you’re looking for scenery with vibrant wildflowers and gushing waterfalls, spring is just the season for you! This is one of my favorite seasons to visit the park! Depending on when you plan your spring national park wedding, some trails may still be closed due to snow, so it's best to be on the lookout for that ahead of time.
Summer
Those seeking warmer weather for their elopement might want to consider getting married in Yosemite National Park during the summer months. The park is absolutely gorgeous during this time and offers you extended daylight hours! Summer is known to be the peak fire season. This can sometimes result in park closures if there is smoke or fire nearby. Be sure to check for updates during the fire season to see how it can affect your wedding day!
Fall
Fall is another gorgeous option for your national park elopement. Featuring vibrant foliage in orange and yellow hues, this is one of the best seasons to elope in the park. During this time temperatures have started to cool off and the fall colors are in full effect. Fall is a great season to elope and hold a picture-perfect national park wedding day!
Winter
Winter is an absolute dream if you’re planning on eloping in Yosemite! With snow-covered landscapes and snow-capped vistas, it’ll feel like you stepped into a fairy tale. It’s important to note that due to snow some locations, such as Glacier Point and Taft Point, may be off-limits for visitors. Check here for updates to see if your dream elopement spot is closed for the season!
5. Traffic Can Slow Things Down, Depending on the Time of Year
Yosemite is known to experience traffic during certain seasons and certain times of day. This is because it’s one of the most popular national parks in the country AND because there is only one road that goes around the valley! Don’t let that be a deterrent! This just means you have to plan your Yosemite elopement accordingly and know how to navigate around the crowds.
For couples looking to experience less traffic and fewer crowds, I highly suggest saying “I do” during the spring months (late April-Mid-June) and the fall months (October-November). This is when the park is experiencing its shoulder season. Schools are in session and park attendance is generally low. Weekends and holidays are always a big draw in the park, guaranteeing high attendance. This means that ceremony locations could be limited, so the sooner you get to planning, the better!
Is your heart still set on a summer Yosemite National Park wedding? Feel free to reach out to me to chat about how we can make this happen and plan a sunrise or sunset elopement to beat the crowds!
6. There are 12 Beautiful Designated Wedding Ceremony Locations…
If you’re looking for the best location to tie the knot, Yosemite has no shortage of perfect views (and options)! With 12 designated wedding ceremony locations, you’re sure to find a beautiful spot to exchange your vows for your national park elopement. Here are a few of my favorites to consider:
Cascades Picnic Area
This location is an ideal spot if you’re planning on eloping in Yosemite National Park! Featuring amazing waterfall views, awe-inspiring towering trees, and the Merced River flowing nearby, this is great for couples seeking an intimate, private, and peaceful wedding ceremony.
Sentinel Beach Picnic Area
Have you envisioned yourself exchanging vows with El Capitan and the Upper Yosemite Falls behind you? If so, this location has just what you've been looking for! Surrounded by lush greenery and the Merced River, Sentinel Beach has something for all nature lovers looking to elope in Yosemite.
Glacier Point Amphitheater
If you’ve been dreaming of getting married at the crowned jewel of all Yosemite elopement locations, Glacier Point is a must for your big day! Imagine standing at an elevation of 7,214 feet with panoramic views of Half Dome and the Sierra Nevada mountains around you as you say “I do.” This is a stunning location for all Yosemite lovers who are looking to get those jaw-dropping wedding portraits!
7. …But You Have More Options If You’re Planning a More Intimate Ceremony
Are you planning on eloping in Yosemite and only having a few wedding guests? The more intimate the better! Couples with 11 or fewer in their group have more options when it comes to ceremony locations for their Yosemite National Park wedding. If you’ve been envisioning exchanging your vows at Taft Point, El Capitan Meadow, Sentinel Dome, or Tunnel View, now is your chance!
Contact Yosemite National Park for a complete list of options for your intimate ceremony with this special small-group exemption.
8. Lodging Near the Park is Essential if You’re Eloping in Yosemite
When getting married in Yosemite National Park, you’ll find lots of options for places to stay that are perfect for any budget! If you want to stay close to the park, Mariposa and Fish Camp are the two towns closest to the park. Airbnb is a great option, but if you’re looking to opt for a hotel, the Ahwahnee Hotel, the Evergreen Lodge, and the Yosemite Valley Lodge are amazing options! If you’re looking for a hotel a little further out of town, the Tenaya Lodge will leave you absolutely speechless. Those looking for more of a unique place to lodge while eloping in Yosemite National Park should check out Yosemite Pines RV Resort or Autocamp Yosemite for a memorable experience. No matter where you choose to stay, you’ll love waking up to the sights and sounds of Yosemite all around you!
9. Yosemite Offers Adventure Hikes and Activities
The perfect way to start or end your Yosemite elopement is with a little adventure! Yosemite is gorgeous and has no shortage of trails to hike--each offering spectacular views. Whether you’re looking for a sunrise or sunset hike with waterfall or mountain views, you have so many options to choose from! Couples dreaming of seeing the park on horseback can spend some time horseback riding after eloping in Yosemite. Those looking to take to the water can spend a few hours paddleboarding or kayaking at Tenaya Lake or along the Merced River to create more memories that’ll only add to what is sure to be an already unforgettable day!
10. Hands-On Assistance from an Experienced Elopement Photographer
As an experienced elopement photographer, I know how overwhelming planning your elopement can be. That’s why I pride myself on making your experience as seamless as possible! Whether it’s looking into ceremony locations, activities to do the day of your elopement, lodging while visiting Yosemite, or flights to get there, I help you every step of the way. Need assistance creating a timeline for the day of your wedding? No problem! I can help you create a detailed elopement timeline that reflects you and your fiancee and allows you to get the most out of your day! My goal is to make this experience as effortless for you as possible.
Ready to go all in and make your dream of eloping in Yosemite a reality? Fill out my contact form, so we can jump on a free call to discuss your ideas and start planning your Yosemite National Park elopement today!
