How to Elope in Yosemite National Park

Katie Berg Photo || Yosemite Elopement Photographer – Updated Guide for 2025

Whether it’s basking in the mystical sunsets on Half Dome and El Capitan, exploring the beauty of Yosemite Falls or running through the green, grassy meadows of the Valley floor. I’ll be there to capture every second of your love in one of the most mesmerizing parts of our country. Because you deserve more than just incredible photos, you deserve the ultimate adventure in the most perfect and memorable place imaginable.

I love Yosemite so much and I want you guys to be as prepared as possible before you take this adventure of a lifetime and say your “I do’s” in Yosemite National Park

In this guide, we will cover:

  • How to Elope in Yosemite National Park
  • Why You Should Elope in Yosemite National Park
  • Best Time of the Year to Elope in Yosemite National Park
  • Eloping at Sunrise vs Sunset
  • Special Use Permits for Yosemite National Park
  • The Best Locations in Yosemite National Park
  • What to Wear for Your Yosemite National Park Elopement
  • Wifi, Cell Service & Bathrooms in Yosemite National Park
  • Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park
  • Where to Eat in Yosemite National Park
  • Altitude Sickness in Yosemite National Park
  • Meet Your Yosemite National Park Elopement Photographer
  • Yosemite National Park Elopement Packages + Pricing

How to elope In Yosemite National Park

1. Choose your dates and length of trip

2. Send me an inquiry for a FREE elopement consultation

3. Hire me to help you plan your epic day — I’ll help you plan EVERYTHING from locations, vendors and timelines to day-of activities, permits, accommodations and anything in between

4. Apply for a marriage license

5. We’ll have an adventure in the location you chose in Yosemite National Park and create some epic pics and celebrate the start of a new chapter of your lives together!

Why Elope in Yosemite National Park

My husband and I eloped! It’s true! We made the decision to have a small, intimate, intentional and meaningful wedding day in a national park with only 25 of our closest family members. And it was magic!

Eloping isn’t about saving money or the stress of a bigger, more traditional wedding. It’s all about YOU and the connection you share. It’s about creating the most meaningful and incredible experience for you and your relationship. It’s beautiful, emotional, intimate and unforgettable.

Whatever your reasons are for eloping, it truly is the most incredible way to start your new life together with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the most special and unique way and as an extra added bonus — it opens up all the possibilities of marrying in an absolutely EPIC location!

Still not sold on whether or not you should elope? Check out my blog post below!

Should I Elope at Sunrise or Sunset?

Nailing down your timeline for your ceremony is absolutely essential to giving yourselves the best chance at having the best lighting, most comfortable weather, privacy and a good experience overall. As an elopement photographer, I specialize in finding the most perfect light for my couples and unless its an overcast or cloudy day, I ALWAYS recommend having a sunrise elopement or sunset elopement because this is when you’ll get the most beautiful and golden light imaginable! Still, there’s some pros and cons – so let’s go over those together!

PROS: Do you want to hit up some of Yosemite’s most prime locations like Glacier Point and Taft Point without much, if any, disturbance from other tourists? If so, plan on doing a sunrise ceremony! Especially during the summer time when foot traffic is at an all-time high, places like these can get extremely crowded extremely fast. At sunrise, you’ll have a better chance of privacy and get to experience some of the soft light perfect for photos.

CONS: Don’t let Google Maps fool you – unless you’re staying inside the park itself, be prepared to drive 1-2+ hours into the park to get to the best locations in Yosemite. In order to get there before sunrise, means a super early, before-the-crack-of-dawn start time so you can get ready and be prepared to leave your lodging in time. If you aren’t a morning person, this isn’t always the most ideal and can also be harder if you have guests.

PROS: Take your time, kick back, explore and relax because have the whole day to take your time, enjoy yourselves! If you have any guests with you, this is usually the best option to make sure everyone can arrive on time and be ready to go. Plus you can include other events in your day like getting ready photo or a first look with you partner, parent or even with your pup!

CONS: If you aren’t wanting to do a first look with your partner but are also wanting to explore multiple spots within Yosemite National Park, this might not be the best choice for you. Light goes away quickly in the park and the best locations take some time getting to meaning you’ll likely be limited to only one location for your ceremony and portraits.

Best time to elope in Yosemite National Park

Permits?
Do I actually need to have one?

Yes! If you plan to elope in Yosemite National Park, you will need a special use permit, which costs $150. Whether you’re having an official ceremony or not, this permit will be required.

You can apply for this permit up to one year in advance and no more than 21 days prior to your elopement.

Make sure to review the parks Wedding + Commitment Ceremonies page for more in-depth information and their Ceremony Locations page for specific spots you can have your ceremony at!

Top 8 Best Yosemite National Park Elopement Locations

It can be difficult to figure out what would make the perfect place for your ceremony site when there are so many gorgeous options to be found in Yosemite National Park. Especially when you take into consideration that the national park spans over 1,169 miles! When planning your locations, make sure to do your research. Not all spots are created equal and some can take over an hour to actually get too. Below are some of my favorite spots to get you started.

Taft Point is ideal for sunset. The hike to the top is just a short uphill walk through a lush, green forest that opens up to a viewpoint of the Yosemite Valley. Here you will have your breath taken away by an overlook of the sheer, massive granite walls the valley is made out of, dipped in golden sunlight as the sun sets. It’s about a 15-25 minute walk from the parking lot and open usually from late May through October or November. This lookout is CLOSED in winter. I recommend eloping here on a weekday and to make sure to bring headlamps / flashlights for when it gets dark!

GLACIER POINT

Glacier Point is often considered one of the most gorgeous places in Yosemite which is no surprise as it offers insanely majestic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and Yosemite’s high country. It’s just a short walk up a paved trail to the main viewpoint which is great for family member accessibility. It’s also the perfect location for a sunrise elopement! Although it can get pretty crowded up here in the summer. The head of the trail is accessible by car usually from late May through October or November depending on the weather and how soon winter hits. Once it does, this lookout is CLOSED for the winter. I recommend eloping on a weekday and in the late summer / early fall.


TUNNEL VIEW

This location is a classic favorite for many reasons! It’s one of the most famous, iconic, dramatic and most photographed landmarks in the whole park due to its expansive views of El Capitan, Half Dome, Three Brothers and Bridalveil Falls and on the way from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point, which means it can have a tendency to attract a lot of tourists. But it also holds so many unique, hidden locations within it and away from all the hustle and bustle of others, which is why it’s one of my favorite spots. Unlike Glacier Point and Taft Point which closes once winter hits, Tunnel View is accessible by car year-round.

ARTIST’S POINT

This location has a similar view to Tunnel View but it’s significantly more private! I recommend trying to come here at sunrise instead of sunset, because the sunrise will light up the valley just over Half Dome and will give you the most gorgeous light ever! The trail isn’t very long either, which is a plus, however it can be a bit slippery from the melting snow in the early spring / winter months. This trail also has the potential to be closed due to snow, fires or other weather concerns so keep an eye out for this.

EL CAPITAN MEADOW

This little meadow is smack in the middle of Yosemite Valley with a stunning view of El Capitan in the background. Depending on which view you want, El Capitan will be best visited in the morning (it’s too bright in the afternoon) or Cathedral Rocks which will best best visited in the morning or right before sunset. I highly recommend visiting this spot in late summer – fall. It’s also accessible by car year-round!

VALLEY VIEW

This spot is INSANELY gorgeous and often overlooked because it can be easy to miss. You pull of onto the side of the road into a super small parking lot (there’s less than 10 spots) and walk out to a little river that will give you the most perfect jaw-dropping reflection of Half Dome and El Capitan.

HALF DOME MEADOW

This spot is stunning! It’s a bit of a drive but it’s so worth it! You get two giant fields to choose from and it’s super easy to get to if you’re trying to find somewhere in the valley to stay. During the summer though, it can sometimes be hard to find parking and isn’t always the most private due to its proximity to Curry Village.

TENAYA LAKE

Betcha didn’t think Yosemite had a lake didja?! Honestly though, Yosemite’s got it all and Tenaya Lake is no exception. This beautiful alpine lake is tucked away along Tioga Road which takes you from Yosemite Valley through the Sierra Nevadas and into the end of the Mammoth area. It’s about 50-60 minutes from the valley area, but insanely beautiful and crystal clear, especially in the mornings. I definitely recommend sunrise here, but just make sure to check with the park first as it’s often closed completely between November through May depending on the weather.

Some Other Things to Consider

At the end of the day — wear whatever the heck you want! Part of the beauty of eloping is getting to do things your own way. So whether it’s a a ball gown, a flowy boho number, a black dress or your mother’s vintage gown — where whatever feels like YOU. An elopement is all about you two and whatever makes you feel comfy, confident and hot as hell. Oh — and make sure to wear comfortable shoes with good traction and grip! You’ll most likely be exploring, climbing on rocks, walking through fields and hiking up mountains all day and the last thing you want is to have ill-fitting footwear ruin the mood.

Prepare to lose service on around the beginning of your drive into the park. If you have Verizon, you’ll have the best service inside the park, but even still, it will be spotty at best. Make sure to keep this in mind when planning out how you will communicate with family, guests or vendors when it comes to the elopement day! If you need too you are able to find wifi in the following spots in the valley:

Okay guys — I’m gonna get real here. No matter how beautiful Yosemite is, I promise you the bathrooms are the exact opposite. It’s bad. Most of the bathrooms inside the park are outhouse-style which (I’m just gonna be honest) means that there will be a lot of… for lack of a better word…smell. Not only is it a precarious hand-over-mouth-and-nose situation, it can also very unsanitary. If you need to use the bathroom, I’d personally recommend on having a list mapped out beforehand of all of the flushable, clean bathroom options within the park. Here’s a list of all of them!

THE AHWAHNEE HOTEL (this is by far the best one with the best lighting! Perfect for make-up touches!)

BIG TREES LODGE (these are inside the lobby of the Wawona Hotel)

HALF DOME VILLAGE (these are right next to the restaurant inside the Curry Village)

YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE (the second best option you can have besides the Ahwahnee Hotel)

YOSEMITE VILLAGE (they’re basic at best. Better than the outhouse-styled ones but still not great, so don’t use these if you’re wearing your wedding dress.)

MARIPOSA GROVE (these ones are the most recent and brand new ones available!)

Best Places to Stay in Yosemite National Park

THE AHWAHNEE HOTEL (also known as The Majestic Yosemite Hotel) is the pinnacle of luxury in Yosemite National Park. It’s definitely one of the higher-end hotels, but if you can swing it, it’s absolutely worth visiting! Buried deep within the valley, it’s one of Yosemite’s most iconic buildings. It’s got everything from incredible dining to wine tasting to tasteful decor and architecture.YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE

YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE is the second nicest hotel in Yosemite Valley apart from the Ahwahnee Hotel. It’s more budget friendly and has an excellent restaurant and bar. It also has a stunning view of Yosemite Falls and serves as a hub for bus tours of Glacier Point and the Mariposa Groves.

AUTOCAMP YOSEMITE Want something in between the of luxury lodging and full on camping? AutoCamp Yosemite might be for you! AutoCamp Yosemite is complete with cute custom Airstreams with spa-inspired bathrooms, modern cabins with chic interiors and kitchens and thoughtfully created tents with wood burning stoves. Plus private patios and campfires and all the sites as well! What could be better?

WHITE WOLF LODGE has 24 canvas tent cabins and four wooden cabins to choose from. It’s similar to Curry Village, but is significantly less crowded and less noisy which is why I choose White Wolf Lodge over Curry Village. If you’re into spending the night in a rustic cabin while getting away from the crowds, White Wolf might be for you! It also provides easy access to some great hikes within the park (Clouds Rest, North Dome, 10 Lakes) that start off of Tioga Road. Each tent comes with bed, bed linens, towels and a cute wood burning stove.

WHERE TO EAT During Your Yosemite National Park Elopement

This is super important because ya gotta eat on your wedding day! 🙂 Food inside Yosemite can be a little pricey so make sure to bring lots of snacks while we run around the park! If you’re looking for some options for dinner with your guests after your ceremony, breakfast to start off the day or something in between (looking at you lunch!) then here are some of the best places in Yosemite to chow down at.

BIG TREES LODGE DINING ROOM ($$)
This is consistently a favorite with visitors. It’s in an upscale Victorian hotel (how cool?!) and has a sweet little fireplace perfect for enjoying a glass of wine or champagne. Make sure to make reservations though! This place is also gluten-free and vegan friendly.

THE AHWAHNEE DINING ROOM ($$$)
Located inside the The Ahwahnee Hotel (The Majestic Yosemite Hotel). They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and is a great option for a luxury, upscale experience and perfect for a pre or post wedding dinner. With vaulted ceilings, stained glass, rich wood and massive chandelier, it’s super romantic and guaranteed to WOW. Their dinner service books up pretty quick so make sure to make reservations if you can. This place is also gluten-free and vegan friendly.

BASE CAMP EATERY ($)
Base Camp Eatery, formerly Food Court, can be found inside the Yosemite Valley Lodge. The serve breakfast, lunch and dinner using a variety of local / seasonal ingredients in the menu. Bonus: there’s also a Starbucks coffee bar – you’re welcome in advance.

Altitude Sickness in Yosemite National Park

Altitude sickness is no joke and not something to mess around with. Hiking up certain places in Yosemite National Park (like Glacier Point which is over 7,500ft in elevation) can be a shock to someone who’s never experienced higher altitudes before. Altitude sickness aka “mountain sickness” usually happens when you walk or climb to a higher elevation, or altitude, too quickly. The symptoms can feel like a really bad hangover — dizziness, headaches, muscles aches, vomiting and nausea. Not a fun time.

Typically this is more likely to happen in the summer months because of what the heat does to the air, but it’s always safe to sit in the shade, sip some water and snack on some pieces of dried ginger or Gatorade the second you begin to feel not so great.

meet your
Yosemite elopement photographer

By this point, hopefully you’ve gathered allll the details that are relevant to planning your own Yosemite National Park elopement, and one that feels 1000% right to YOU at that. I long ago left the belief behind that every wedding has to look the same, that every couple has to follow the same traditions in order to plan a “successful wedding” – now, the perfect elopement in my eyes is the one that feels like you. One that incorporates the people, the activities, and the experiences that matter to you, that feel important to your life, and that will help create those lasting memories that’ll warm your heart to think about in 10. . . 20. . . 50 years.

As a seasoned Yosemite National Park elopement photographer, I’ve got the knowledge, expertise, and experience ready to guide you through the sometimes overwhelming, yet extremely exciting process of planning your Yosemite National Park elopement!

I know it can be hard to spot the differences between the many adventure elopement photographers out there, so if you want to find out more about my approach to Yosemite National Park elopement photography & what makes me different than the 10 other photographers you have open on your Chrome window, head to this page.

For details on my Yosemite National Park elopement packages, prices, and what I offer to my booked couples, take a look at my Yosemite National Park elopement pricing page (or see an overview below)!

Yosemite National Park Elopement Packages & Pricing

I hope I got you SO STOKED for your Yosemite National Park elopement! I’m so pumped for you! Seriously, eloping was one of the best decisions of my life and I get so excited seeing couples make this choice.

I am 10,000% all about helping couples find the location that feels perfect for your unique love and your one of a kind adventure elopement. So please reach out to me if you have any questions about where and how to elope in Yosemite National Park. I want to help make your dream day come true!

I sincerely hope this handy guide helped you get started on your journey together. I can’t wait to make plans for your Yosemite National Park elopement and capture memories that will last a lifetime. Talk to you soon!

  • 7 hours – 3 days of elopement photography coverage anywhere in Southern California
  • Your own personal elopement guide & consultant
  • Unique and personalized location scouting
  • Vendor recommendations
  • Permit and marriage license assistance
  • Hand-crafted elopement timeline
  • Created just-for-you activity list
  • Unlimited guides and resources
  • 100+ page How to Elope Guidebook
  • Optional complimentary officiant service
  • Digital online gallery with full resolution image and printing rights
  • Sneak peek images within 1 week
  • Photographer travel fees covered anywhere in California
STARTING PACKAGES BEGIN AT $6,500

Other Elopement Destinations to Consider in the United States

Woohoo, you’ve made it through this whole Yosemite National Park elopement guide!!

Haven’t quite landed on Yosemite National Park as your final elopement destination? I totallyyyy get it – there are WAY too many stunning places to choose from (but is that really a bad thing?!). If you want to learn about more of my favorite places to elope in the U.S., check out the most popular elopement location guides from my extensive collection below!

now booking 2025 & 2026 Yosemite National Park elopements and intimate weddings

Contact me to get started planning your dream elopement adventure!

In order to make your dream elopement day happen, it’s super important that we connect and that you feel comfortable with me! The best way to do this is to reach out and schedule a call so you can learn more about me and I can learn about you two so i can document what’s real + the most important to you.