How to plan your yosemite elopement
Yosemite Elopement Photographer
If you’re dreaming of an epic, nature-filled elopement, there’s no better place than Yosemite National Park. With its majestic granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and breathtaking meadows, it offers the ultimate backdrop for an adventurous yet intimate wedding experience. Whether you want a cliffside first look at Glacier Point, a romantic ceremony in the valley, or golden-hour portraits with Half Dome glowing behind you, Yosemite delivers some of the most breathtaking elopement locations in the world.
WHY ELOPE
in Yosemite?
Ready to make it official?
yosemite elopement | A real couple's story
How to plan your Yosemite elopement
I give guidance, from picking the perfect ceremony spot to navigating permits, seasonal closures, and lodging. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about eloping in Yosemite and show you a real couple’s experience from a stunning Yosemite elopement I photographed.
One of my favorite Yosemite elopements took place on a fall day. They exchanged their vows surrounded by iconic views. They started their day with a private first look at a scenic overlook, where the valley stretched out behind them. Afterward, we traveled to Yosemite Valley for some stunning portraits among the towering pines and granite peaks.
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how to elope in yosemite: everything you need to know
everything you need to start planning your elopement:
1. Best time to elope in yosemite
2. yosemite Permits
3. Best Locations to elope
4. Can i stay the night in the valley
5. how to get to yosemite
6. yosemite Photographer
7. yosemite Tips
8. yosemite elopement timeline
9. yosemite photographer pricing
TABLE
of Contents
Spring (April–June) brings peak waterfalls, while summer offers full access but larger crowds.
Fall (September–October) is the best season for Yosemite elopements with mild weather, rich colors, and fewer tourists.
Winter transforms Yosemite into a snowy wonderland, though Glacier Point and Tioga Pass close for the season.
THE BEST
TIME TO ELOPE
in Yosemite
Yes!
You must obtain a Yosemite National Park Special Use Permit ($150, ~21 days to process).
Photography in Yosemite also requires a separate photography permit, which all my couples secure.
You can apply through the NPS Yosemite Permit Page.
DO YOU NEED A PERMIT to elope in Yosemite?
WHERE CAN YOU
elope in Yosemite?
Glacier Point offers jaw-dropping views of Half Dome and the entire Yosemite Valley. It’s best for sunrise elopements but is only accessible from late May to October when the road is open.
Taft Point is one of the most iconic Yosemite elopement locations, known for its dramatic cliffside views at sunset. It requires a 2.2-mile hike and is best at golden hour.
Yosemite Valley is perfect for those who want waterfalls, meadows, and easy accessibility. El Capitan Meadow provides golden grasses and towering granite walls, Sentinel Bridge offers a classic Half Dome reflection in the river, and Bridalveil Fall creates a dreamy waterfall backdrop.
There are designated locations where ceremonies are allowed in Yosemite.
Can you stay inside Yosemite for your elopement?
The Ahwahnee Hotel is a luxury option with iconic Yosemite views. Yosemite Valley Lodge is the closest hotel to Yosemite Falls. Curry Village offers affordable cabins and glamping near the valley. AutoCamp Yosemite provides an Airstream glamping experience just outside the park.
It’s important to book early since lodging in Yosemite sells out months in advance, especially in peak season
Yes! Yosemite has several amazing lodging options.
how to get to yosemite and when are the roads open?
Yosemite has four main entrances. Big Oak Flat Entrance (Highway 120) is best for those coming from the Bay Area. Arch Rock Entrance (Highway 140) is the closest to Yosemite Valley. South Entrance (Highway 41) leads to Glacier Point and Mariposa Grove. Tioga Pass Entrance (Highway 120, East) closes in winter, typically from November to May.
Glacier Point Road and Tioga Pass typically open in late May and close by November, depending on snowfall. Always check road conditions before planning your elopement.
I specialize in capturing adventurous elopements in stunning landscapes, and I know Yosemite. When you book me, you get expert Yosemite guidance, including assistance with permits, timing, and locations. I provide seamless elopement planning with a custom timeline and backup plans. My photography style focuses on true-to-life colors with a mix of editorial and candid moments. AND I am ordained:)
yosemite elopement photographer
Why work with me?
- Plan for unpredictable weather and bring layers, even in summer
- Arrive early since Yosemite is busy
- Sunrise elopements provide the best light and fewer crowds.
- Consider a weekday elopement to avoid weekend crowds.
- If choosing between sunrise or sunset, sunrise means empty locations, while sunset gives dreamy golden light.
final Yosemite elopement tips
Example
Timeline
sample timeline one: 6 hour itinerary
Getting Ready Near Yosemite
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Bridal Hair
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Bridal Makeup
12:15 PM | Details & Getting Ready Photos
12:45 PM | Bride Ready for Photos
1:00 PM | Meet at 1st
1:15 PM | Bride Gets into Dress
1:30 PM | Private First Look
1:45 PM | Couple’s Portraits
2:30 PM | Leave to Drive to Taft Point
3:30 PM | Park & Start Hike
4:15 PM | Arrive at Taft Point
4:30 PM | Ceremony Begins
4:45 PM | Ceremony Ends
5:00 PM | Set Up Charcuterie & Cake Cutting
5:45 PM | More Portraits
6:12 PM | Sunset
6:30 PM | Blue Hour Lantern Photos?!?
6:50 PM | Hike Back
7:30 PM | Back at Cars – Time Ends
yosemite elopement
sample timeline two: Full Day itinerary
3:00 AM – 4:30 AM | Bridal Hair & Makeup
4:30 AM | Depart for Glacier Point
Sunrise Ceremony at Glacier Point
5:30 AM | Meet at Glacier Point
5:45 AM | Ceremony Begins (Private & Peaceful!)
6:00 AM | Ceremony Ends → First Moments as Newlyweds
6:15 AM – 7:00 AM | Golden Hour Couple’s Portraits
7:30 AM | Drive Down to Yosemite Valley
Breakfast & Midday Break
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM | Breakfast at The Ahwahnee or Picnic Spot
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Rest / Explore Yosemite Valley
💍 Afternoon Portraits & Sunset Session
12:30 PM | Bride Gets into Dress (If Changing)
1:00 PM | Portraits at lower location
2:30 PM | Drive to Taft Point
3:30 PM | Park & Start Hike
4:15 PM | Arrive at Taft Point
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Adventure Couple’s Portraits
6:12 PM | Sunset
6:30 PM | Blue Hour Lantern Photos
6:50 PM | Hike Back
7:30 PM | Back at Cars – Time Ends
🥂 Optional Celebration Dinner
8:00 PM | Dinner at The Ahwahnee or Private Fireside Meal
