A couple looks up at the granite of Yosemite after their elopement.

Are places popular because they're beautiful? Or are they popular because they're all over social media? It’s a good question to ask. But in the case of Yosemite National Park, the natural wonder totally lives up to the hype.

The majestic and rugged beauty of Yosemite National Park cannot be overstated. Towering granite monoliths, thundering waterfalls, and ancient forests delight the senses—making one feel small, yet timeless all at once. It’s no wonder why Yosemite National Park is a hot spot for adventure weddings and outdoor elopements.

But how do you get married in Yosemite National Park? What do you need for the perfect Yosemite elopement? Luckily, we have all the tips you need to make for a stress-free, fun, and incredible wedding day. Here’s how to get married in Yosemite National Park.

Read a Real Yosemite Elopement Story

Permits for Weddings in Yosemite National Park

As with most national parks, Yosemite requires permits for weddings and wedding photography. These rules are meant to keep the park clean and healthy. It can be a little daunting to figure out what you need ahead of your wedding day or elopement, but as a wedding photographer, I am here to help you.

Permits are only required if an actual ceremony, reception, or similar is taking place in the park. Head to the park’s permit page, fill out the form, and send the nonrefundable $150 to the address on the page.

As for the ceremony location, you’ll need to choose a spot from the approved list. We’ve listed each of these areas below, along with a few important details.

Yooree and Jarrod get married with an officiant in Yosemite National Park. — **Yosemite Valley**

**Cascades Picnic Area:** 30 people, 8 cars, restrooms
**Lower Yosemite Fall Paved Trail:** 50 people, no parking, restrooms, no holidays/weekends
**Swinging Bridge Picnic Area:** 20 people, limited parking, restrooms, no holidays/weekends
**Cathedral Beach Picnic Area:** 50 people, 6 cars, restrooms, June-Oct only
**Sentinel Beach Picnic Area:** 100 people, 8 cars, restrooms, June-Oct only
**Bridalveil Fall:** 50 people, restrooms nearby
**Glacier Point & Wawona**
**Glacier Point Amphitheater:** 50 people, June & Sept only
**Chilnualna Falls Trailhead:** 50 people, 10 cars, June-Sept only

**Tuolumne Meadows**

**Tenaya Lake Beach:** 50 people, limited parking, June-Sept only
**Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Area:** 25 people, limited parking, June-Sept only
**Big Oak Flat**
**Tuolumne Grove:** 30 people, 2.5 mile trail
**Merced Grove:** 30 people, 3 mile trail
Unsure of which spot will work best for your wedding or elopement? We can help you through each step of the decision-making process.

Book a Free Yosemite Consultation

Leave No Trace Keeps Yosemite Happy & Healthy

We all love Yosemite National Park. And you can show your appreciation for the natural environment by practicing Leave No Trace (LNT) principles. You may have heard the phrase, “Leave nothing but footprints, and take nothing but pictures.” And that’s good advice, but it’s not quite enough.

Here are a few LNT guidelines to keep in mind on your wedding day:

Plan ahead and prepare: Keep an eye on the weather ahead of your wedding day. Take note of what you need to bring and what your guests will need. Plan on who is bringing what, and—more importantly—who is taking it with them when they leave.
Travel on durable surfaces: Keep on the trails. Treading where you shouldn’t can damage the environment, especially in Yosemite’s meadows where you aren’t allowed to walk or hold ceremonies.
Dispose of waste and trash properly: Nobody likes litter. Toss your trash in the appropriate receptacle or pack it out with you. Especially somewhere like Yosemite, where critters can get into trash.
Leave it be: As lovely as a rock, mushroom, or leaf might be, there’s no reason to pocket it and take it home. Leave these things alone and let them be.
Treat flora and fauna with respect: Yosemite is famous for its wildlife. If you’re lucky enough to see bears and coyotes, you’ll want to give them plenty of space. Don’t feed chipmunks and squirrels. And don’t tear at the leaves or carve into the trees. Let these plants and animals thrive on their own.
Be considerate to other visitors: Yes, it’s your big day. But you have to share the park with everyone else too.
Help your guests follow these guidelines too: Keeping the outdoors healthy and happy is everyone’s responsibility. Share these guidelines with your guests to make sure everyone is following LNT.

Read the Leave No Trace Blog

A starry night view of Yosemite Falls with fall color.

Choosing Which Season is Right For Your Yosemite Wedding

Yosemite is beautiful in all seasons, but that doesn’t mean every season is perfect for your wedding. Some couples like warmer weather and clearer skies while others appreciate a snowy wonderland. There’s no wrong choice as long as the season matches your vibes and you’re prepared for the elements. This is all the more true if you have guests in attendance.

A couple stands in front of a sunset view of Half Dome in Yosemite. — **Here’s a quick rundown of each season:**

**Spring (March to May):** Early spring tends to be wet and cold. Milder temperatures might be a thing later in the spring, but expect rain and snow throughout the spring. If you get lucky, this is a gorgeous time of year since the waterfalls are reaching their peak and plants are beginning to bloom. Watch out for key dates in the spring like the Fire Falls weeks, spring break, and Memorial Day as crowds will be difficult during these times.
**Summer (June to August):** Yosemite warms up in the summer months, more so in late summer. This makes it a perfect time for outdoor wedding ceremonies. Occasionally, thunderstorms appear in the afternoons. But the real issue is the crowds. Summer attracts lots of people, so your best bet is to get married in the early morning or weekdays, and then embrace the crowds as you explore the park for the rest of the day.

Half Dome covered with snow. — **Fall (September to November):** Mild to cold temperatures, crisp air, and occasional rain. The fall foliage is absolutely stunning! The changing leaves combined with waterfalls and granite cliffs are breathtaking. Better yet, the crowds thin out in fall, making it a popular choice for Yosemite weddings and elopements.
**Winter (December to February):** Cold temperatures and snowfall. Bundle up if you love the idea of a winter wedding. The snow-covered trees and frozen waterfalls are simply magical. Crowds shrink during this time of year, which is nice. But know that winter weather can also lead to impassable roads or closed areas.

Note that climate change is in full swing, which means the weather is getting weirder, seasons are lasting longer, and weather patterns are becoming more unpredictable. Typically, Yosemite receives 95% of its precipitation between October and May—and over 75% between November and March. The past few years have been alternating between abnormally dry with wildfires and abnormally wet with storms, making for park and road closures. All of this is to say that you should keep an eye on the weather before your big day to better anticipate any issues.

~tldr: The best time to elope in Yosemite is weekdays in spring, fall, and summer~

Yooree and Jarrod share a private moment in front of a red cabin in Yosemite.

Where to Stay for Your Yosemite Wedding

For the sake of simplicity, Yosemite is split into two major areas. Yosemite Valley—where many of the iconic views are—and Tioga Pass. Most people coming to Yosemite for the first time go to the valley, so lots of weddings happen there.

Where you stay depends on where you’re getting married. So, make certain where your lodging is in comparison to your ceremony space. Note that certain spots can be spread out. Your driving times might range from 30 minutes to a few hours.

Consider this: Should you stay inside or outside of the park? Staying inside the park is ideal, but more complicated. Less travel time means more time spent in the park. However, campgrounds and hotels are competitive and need to be booked well in advance.

Let’s get into some of the options for staying in and around Yosemite:

Campgrounds

Hotels & Airbnbs

Yooree and Jarrod stand together in front of trees and granite during their wedding in Yosemite.

Getting to Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is a bit far from the biggest airports in California, so renting a car will be crucial. As far as airports go, these are the best places to fly into:

San Francisco International Airport: 4.5-hour drive
Mammoth Yosemite Airport: 2.5-hour drive during the summer, 6-7 hour drive in the winter. Tioga Pass closes when there’s snow.
Los Angeles International Airport: 6-hour drive

Wedding shoes, rings, and jewelry on the floor of a Yosemite Airbnb. — Yosemite National Park Reception Venues

Want to be in the park, but still get married at a venue? Or maybe you just want to have a reception post-elopement. Venues are a great way to accommodate guests in the 25+ range; as certain ceremony locations throughout the park have limits on the amount of guests you can bring. Remember to check drive times between your chosen venue, your lodging, and the Valley.
Autocamp | Tenaya | The Ahwahnee | Wawona Hotel | The Redwoods in Yosemite | The Lodge at Two Moons | Chateau du Sureau

A gif of various mountain and forest views in California. — Wedding Location Options Similar to Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is well loved for it’s towering granite walls and epic mountain views. But you can see similar views in other parts of California! So if you’re digging the vibe, but want something off the beaten path, check out these other options:
Lake Tahoe: If you love the lakes of Yosemite, this one’s for you!
Mammoth Lakes: My second favorite place in all of California, similar to the mountain views of Yosemite
**Kings Canyon National Park:** Granite walls and sequoia trees can be found here
**Mount Shasta:** A towering mountain in Northern California
**Alabama Hills:** For those who loves the mountains but want some desert too
None of these fit your vibe? Reach out and we can discuss locations further!

The Best Advice for Yosemite Elopements

Be patient. Yosemite is possibly the most crowded park in California. So, expect crowds at popular locations like Glacier Road. You might have to wait for a particular shot or parking spot.
Elope on a weekday or at sunrise to avoid crowds. Take advantage of slower times.
Come prepared. Yosemite is in the mountains, so the weather is more intense and can change quickly. Wearing layers is always a good strategy.
Read up on Leave No Trace (LNT) guidelines so you’re best prepared to recreate responsibly. It’s all about keeping the environment clean, healthy, and thriving.