...but how do you know eloping will be right for you?
Examples:
I would love to wear a dress with sleeves, but I want peak waterflow in the park for the waterfalls. I'm thinking I'd prefer if the temperature was milder, maybe in the 50s-70s. (April-May)
I've always dreamed of a winter wedding in the snow! (Yosemite usually gets the brunt of it's snow in the middle of winter: January/February).
Examples: I have always wanted to get married underneath a raging waterfall in Yosemite but I don't want to have to hike far. (Yosemite Falls/Bridal Veil).
I've seen some gorgeous panoramic views at Yosemite, I want something with a view! (Tunnel View, Taft Point, Glacier Point).
I would love something more intimate, maybe by a body of water. (Cathedral Beach, Tenaya Lake).
I'm imagining exchanging vows in a meadow with a beautiful view of sights in the Yosemite Valley. (Swinging Bridge, El Capitan Meadow, Cooks Meadow)
What type of weather are you imagining for your day?
What type of location/backdrop are you dreaming about
Examples:
I want to spend my elopement day exploring and adventuring different places in Yosemite with my partner, maybe including some fun activities together during summertime so we can enjoy an outdoor picnic and a boat ride on the lake.
I'm envisioning a small ceremony with just a few of our close family members, along with a small celebration at our AirBnB after we spend a few hours in the park together.
What do you want your day to feel or look like?
Before you can start planning the more obvious parts of your Yosemite elopement day, like when and where, you must begin by getting clear on the overall vision for your day. I always suggest to my elopement couples to start dreaming.
It might seem strange to hire an elopement photographer before you have everything else figured out, but here's why you should.
A good Yosemite elopement photographer is going to be able to help you with the rest of the planning. They will have had lots of experience with working here and can help you by providing you with the resources, knowlege and insider tips you need in
order to plan a Yosemite elopement that will go off without a hitch. Additionally, a good photographer will have experience with other vendors that are comfortable traveling to Yosemite. Interested in working with me? Let me introduce myself!
It might seem strange to hire an elopement photographer before you have everything else figured out, but here's why you should.
A good Yosemite elopement photographer is going to be able to help you with the rest of the planning. They will have had lots of experience with working here and can help you by providing you with the resources, knowlege and insider tips you need in order to plan a Yosemite elopement or wedding that will go off without a hitch.
Additionally, a good photographer will also have experience with other vendors that are comfortable traveling to Yosemite. Since I myself am a Yosemite Photographer, I want to share some more about the vendors I love but first, let me introduce myself!
You might be choosing to elope because the idea of a big wedding feels overwhelming, costly, or maybe even both. That’s why I’m here: to make sure your elopement is as easy, meaningful, and stress-free as it can be.
Here’s what’s included in all my packages:
Cathedral Beach is a day-use area located along the banks of the Merced River, with spectactular views of El Capitan, as well as the Cathedral Spires. This was actually the first location that I shot a Yosemite Wedding, and a great spot if you have a larger guest count (up to 50 people).
Because of the location being right next to the river that runs swiftly during winter/early spring, this area is closed from November through Memorial Day Weekend, but on occasion can open up a bit earlier if conditions aren't hazardous. Pit restrooms are located nearby if nature calls!
If you're looking for a jaw-dropping spot for your wedding photos, then few things can beat the raw power and stunning beauty of lower Yosemite Falls. During peak spring runoff Yosemite Falls can dump up to 2,400 gallons of water over the upper falls, which comes cascading down into the lower falls area.
There are few things that can match the sheer power and feeling of standing at the base of the tallest waterfall in North America. I promise this will be a moment you won't soon forget! Just make sure you're prepared to get wet!
Swinging Bridge, is another location located along the Merced River which offers a charming and intimate setting for your special day. Perfect for small gatherings of up to 20 people, this spot is especially stunning in the spring when everything is lush and vibrant. Keep in mind, ceremonies can’t be held directly on the bridge, but the nearby beach offers a lovely alternative. Note that restroom facilities are basic and parking is limited, so carpooling is a must. Definitely can't beat the views of Yosemite Falls and the Valley!
This stunning spot offers panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra, making it an unforgettable setting for your vows. Keep in mind, Glacier Point is only easily accessible when Glacier Point Road is open, typically from late May to early November. Outside this window, snow closes the road, making access challenging. For a serene ceremony with breathtaking scenery, plan your elopement during these months. And remember, the early morning light of sunrise will give you the most magical photos and a quieter, more intimate experience.
Taft Point towers 2,000 feet over the valley floor and offers incredible views of Yosemite Valley, Merced River, and El Capitan. To reach Taft Point, you'll need to tackle a short 1.1-mile one-way hike at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Due to the altitude, this hike can be more strenuous than a typical 1-mile trail, so it’s best suited for those who are comfortable with higher elevations. If you’re prone to altitude sickness or prefer not to hike, you might want to explore other options. But if you’re up for the adventure, the views are truly worth it! Keep in mind sunsets are the best lighting at this spot and make for epic shots, but just make sure you're prepared to hike back in the dark, and bring flashlights or a headlamp!
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how much of an impact that the time of year can in your Yosemite elopement experience and the scenery you’ll get to enjoy.
If you’re dreaming of tying the knot at iconic spots like Glacier Point or Taft Point, keep in mind that these areas are closed from sometime in November through May due to snow. Winter road closures also occur on the Tioga Pass which will affect your ability
If Yosemite Falls is a must-see for your wedding, the best time to visit is from late spring to early summer. This is when the falls are at their most impressive, fueled by snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada. By late summer and early fall, the flow tends to dwindle, and the falls may not be as spectacular.
to visit places like Tenaya Lake or Tuolumne Meadows. To stay on the safe side if you're planning on including some of these high-altitude locations, plan to elope between June and October. However, you also should be prepared for more visitors during these months, as Yosemite’s tourism peaks.
To dodge the crowds and enjoy a more intimate setting, consider eloping on a weekday from August to October. As the summer vacationers head back to their routines, Yosemite becomes a bit quieter, offering a more serene backdrop for your vows. Whether you’re captivated by the majestic falls or the stunning sunrise, Yosemite’s varied seasons provide a perfect canvas for your unforgettable elopement.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how much of an impact that the time of year can have on your Yosemite elopement experience and the scenery you’ll get to enjoy.
If you’re dreaming of tying the knot at iconic spots like Glacier Point or Taft Point, keep in mind that these areas are closed from sometime in November through May due to snow. Winter road closures also occur on the Tioga Pass, which will affect your ability to visit places like Tenaya Lake or Tuolumne Meadows. To stay on the safe side if you're planning on including some of these high-altitude locations, aim to elope between June and October. However, you also should be prepared for more visitors during these months, as Yosemite’s tourism peaks.
If Yosemite Falls is a must-see for your wedding day, the best time to visit is from late spring to early summer. This is when the falls are at their most impressive, fueled by snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada. By late summer and early fall, the flow tends to dwindle, and the falls may not be as spectacular.
To dodge the crowds and enjoy a more intimate setting, consider eloping on a weekday from August to October. As the summer vacationers head back to their routines, Yosemite becomes a bit quieter, offering a more serene backdrop for your vows. Whether you’re captivated by the majestic falls or the stunning sunrise, Yosemite’s varied seasons provide a perfect canvas for your unforgettable elopement.
Waterfall Elopement with a dog witness and Taft Point sunset
swinging bridge yosemite elopeemnt
YOSEMITE secret waterfall elopement
Need more help when it comes to planning your Yosemite Elopement? Click below to grab a free copy of my Yosemite Elopement Planning Quick Start Guide, so you can come back to all this information in your own timing! :)
yosemite elopement guide
start this adventure!
I am proud to offer my clients a full 50-page location guide to help you choose from even more locations inside of Yosemite National Park for your elopement day. You're not limited to the list of ceremony locations the park provides here, unless you have more than 11 people present.
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Of course! It just limits your location choices if you have more than 11 people. If you're planning on including guests at your elopement, then you'll want to make sure you get a proper headcount in advance, as well as checking this list for the rules on which locations allow which number of guests maximum.
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Important question to ask! I always recommend that each couple get familiar with the full list of regulations regarding weddings/special events inside Yosemite. Click here to view the NPS website regarding weddings inside the park.
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I do! Click here to visit a blog post I wrote about my favorite resorts near Yosemite. I also provide my clients with a full Yosemite Elopement guide with even more lodging recommendations organized by different areas of the park. I'll also link a couple recommendations below:
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Some must-have items to bring when eloping Yosemite are: cold weather items, bug-repellent, a clear umbrella or 2 (just in case!), extra towels if you plan to get close the falls, sunscreen, snack foods, extra water, a first aid kit, headlamps
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I always recommend to my clients to plan for a weekday elopement if at all possible, to both minimize the amount of tourism, as well as the possibility couples applying for wedding permits for your desired location/time.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays are the most ideal days of the week for a Yosemite elopement or wedding.
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In my opinion, the most underrated part of Yosemite is the northern side of the park located off the Tioga Pass. Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, and the entire pass are a gorgeous place to visit, especially if you enjoy hiking, backpacking, camping, and scenic mountain alpine lakes and backcountry!
I also think if you're coming all this way that a visit to the east side of the sierras via Tioga Pass is so worth it! The drive is scenic and I love Mammoth, Bridgeport, Bodie, and Lake Crowley
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According to the National Park Service website, pets are not allowed to attend any wedding ceremonies within the park. If you really want to include your animal in your ceremony, I have some few suggestions of locations we can include them at just outside the park (like we did this day) and afterwards we can travel into the park without your pet to get photos! In this case you wouldn't need a special use permit.
For more info on pets/weddings click here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs