A Wedding Atop Clouds Rest
Married at 9,926 Feet:
Imagine standing on top of the world, exchanging vows on a narrow granite spine, watching the sunrise illuminate the most iconic valley on Earth. That’s not a dream; it was the reality for this adventurous couple who decided their love deserved an epic setting like no other. Their chosen venue? The summit of Clouds Rest in Yosemite National Park at sunrise. But to get that perfect, golden-hour ceremony, the journey had to begin long before dawn. We’re talking a 2 AM start. But first let’s rewind to the day before.
The day before
These two not only wanted the epic hike up to their ceremony, but also some of the more traditional wedding experiences and photos. So we kicked things off with some getting ready photos in the Ahwahnee followed by a first look among the oak trees and granite boulders of the Yosemite valley. From there we hiked our way across the valley for photos along the merced river and the Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center. There were so many laughs and jokes at this point I knew our hike was going to be a blast. We finished the days shoot with some moody dusk shots back at the Ahwahnee hotel before grabbing some dinner to fuel up for the next part of our adventure.
The Call of the Stars
What’s the best way to start a 2am hike? A midnight star photo session at the trailhead obviously. Why sleep when you can create epic photos? And we did just that. Then for some much needed sleep.
The Night Hike
Our adventure began at the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead off Tioga Road near Tenaya Lake. The air was crisp, the sky a canvas of countless stars, and most importantly, fresh coffee courtesy of the groom. Energized we hit the trail, our path illuminated only by the beams of our headlamps. With our 2am departure we planned on hitting the peak just before sunrise. The hike to Clouds Rest is a challenge at any time of day, clocking in at roughly 13 to 14.5 miles round-trip with about 1,775 feet of elevation gain. But doing it in the pitch black adds a whole new layer of intensity.
The first couple of miles lull you into a rhythm with a moderate grade through dense forest and rock piles. I had done the trail just a few days earlier so I knew what was to come. From the darkness came the switchbacks. Around mile 1.5, the trail kicks up dramatically, gaining a butt kicking 1,000 feet over the next mile. In the dark, you can't see the top, just the endless zigzag of the trail ahead of you. We joked, drake water, and climbed higher and higher. After the grueling climb, the trail flattened out near the junction with the Sunrise Lakes trail, offering a brief reprieve before the final push.
The Summit: Vertigo and Awe
As the dawn slowly lit up the landscape we reached the most infamous part of the Clouds Rest hike. The final summit ascent where the trail narrows into a sheer granite ridge, in some places only a few feet wide, with precipitous drop-offs on both sides. We had taken a little longer than anticipated getting up, missing sunrise on the peak by just a few minutes. Undeterred we made the last push to the peak.
A Sunrise Ceremony Like No Other
We arrived at the summit minutes after the eastern horizon had begun to glow with faint oranges and pinks. We had conquered the trail in the dark. But now are next challenge lay before us. The wind howled across the ridge blowing the cold air of the sierra through to the bone. We were both in awe of the beauty, and slowly freezing solid. So it was time to get moving and have ourselves a wedding. Short and sweet is the way to do it. Through the wind these two said I do with their brave loved ones witnessing their vows. We hunkered down for a little breakfast then got ourselves a series of incredible photos. Then it was time to head back to the trailhead. All in all it was a solid 24 hours of laughs, smiles, and killer photos.
Want to Plan Your Own Epic Adventure?
A sunrise wedding on Clouds Rest isn't for everyone, but if you're an adventure-seeking couple, it's an experience you'll never forget. Here are a few practical tips:
No Permit Needed for Day Hiking: Unlike Half Dome, you don't need a permit for a day hike to Clouds Rest. However, if you plan to backpack and camp overnight, you will need a wilderness permit. Note that camping on the summit itself is illegal so you’ll be a bit below it.
Event Permit is Required for a Ceremony but don’t worry you can get one for $150 and approval is basically guaranteed as few weddings happen here.
Timing is Key: This hike is best done from July through Early October when Tioga Road is open. Always check weather conditions, as afternoon thunderstorms can be dangerous on the exposed ridge.
Be Prepared: This is a strenuous hike. Ensure you are physically prepared, acclimatized to the elevation, and carry plenty of water (at least 3-4 liters per person), as there are no water sources near the top. Pack layers, as the temperature and weather can shift dramatically.
Leave No Trace: This is pristine wilderness. Pack out everything you pack in, stay on the trail, and respect the park's regulations to keep it beautiful for generations to come.
