intimate wedding vows as the sun sets on Cathedral Beach

CATHEDRAL BEACH, Yosemite Ceremony Location guide

THE MERCED RIVER, QUIET WOODS, AND VIEWS OF EL CAPITAN

Cathedral Beach Yosemite Wedding Summary:

  • Guest Capacity: 50 people maximum.

  • Best Landscape Feature: Direct, unobstructed views of El Capitan over the Merced River.

  • Best Season: August through October (River is low, beach is accessible).

  • Accessibility: Level 1 (Flat, 2-minute walk from parking).

  • Permit Required: Yes, Yosemite National Park Special Use Permit ($150).

Bride and groom stare loving at each other on the shore of the merced river as the sun sets in Yosemite
Abstract geometric art with overlapping circles in teal, pink, and brown, and black curved lines on a black background.

The tranquil waters of the Merced river,

a pebble beach, and spectacular views of El Capitan make Cathedral Beach a favorite spot among couples and park visitors alike. Offering one of the larger guest limits of ceremony locations in Yosemite National Park, it is a perfect choice for those planning a medium sized wedding. However those planning a more intimate event should also consider it. The gorgeous backdrop of El Capitan also make it a fantastic option for micro weddings and elopements where accessibility is important.

A wedding ceremony outdoors at cathedral beach with a bride and groom holding hands and smiling, accompanied by a officiant, in a natural setting with trees and sunlight.

With parking just a short, flat walk away Cathedral beach is accessible even for those wedding guests with mobility issues. Making it an ideal destination if you plan to have grandparents in attendance. My favorite time of year for Cathedral Beach is mid to late October as the fall colors are gorgeous and make the already beautiful setting just outrageous. In early summer the high water levels of the Merced River mean that much of the beach will be underwater. August to November is usually the best time of year for Cathedral Beach weddings.

small wedding party listens to ceremony as sun sets on El Capitan
Bride and groom walking by a river in a wooded mountain area during sunset

The Deets

  • Closed November Through Memorial Day Weekend

  • Elevation - 4,013 ft

  • Moderately Trafficked

  • Best Time of Day - Early Mornings, late afternoons

  • Parking at Site

sweet wedding vows between two lovebirds eloping to yosemite

Since the star of this outdoor wedding venue is El Capitan try to plan your marriage ceremony close to sunset to get that golden light on the granite cliff face. It is also just a short drive from Bridalveil falls, Cook Meadow and Yosemite Falls so it is easy to start your adventure off here and then quickly travel to other phenomenal photo locations.

October wedding ceremony at Cathedral beach at sunset
wedding party lifts hands in celebration as couple kisses
noon elopement ceremony at Cathedral Beach

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Where to find it

Cathedral Beach is located on the South side of the Yosemite Valley, shortly after the Highway 41 Junction and Bridalveil falls.

California 95389

gps coordinates

37°43'23.7"N 119°37'30.3"W

 
Couple holds back tears as they say I do at Cathedral beach.
The Merced river flows past the sandy Cathedral beach.

Easy access, stellar views of El Capitan and Picnic tables to boot!

Check out the Yosemite Elopement Guide

View my Yosemite wedding Portfolio

Wedding reception picnic at Cathedral beach
Bride cries as she reads her wedding vows.

DISCOVER MORE WEDDING AND ELOPEMENT CEREMONY LOCATIONS IN YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Mid day wedding at Cathedral beach.
A couple gets married outdoors by a river with tall trees and a large mountain in the background.
A bride and groom standing outdoors on a gravel path during their wedding ceremony, with trees and autumn foliage in the background, exchanging vows with a small book and paper in their hands.
A forest trail surrounded by tall trees and lush green foliage, with sunlight filtering through the canopy.
A couple dressed in wedding attire standing close and sharing a kiss in a natural outdoor setting with tall trees, a river, and rocky cliffs in the background at sunset.
Wedding ceremony taking place outdoors with a mountain and forest background, with the bride and groom exchanging vows in the center, surrounded by bridesmaids and groomsmen.
A wedding ceremony taking place in a forested area with tall trees and mountains in the background.
A bride and groom holding hands by a river, with tall trees and a large rocky mountain in the background.
A wedding ceremony taking place outdoors in front of a mountain and trees, with a bride and groom facing each other and an officiant holding a book.
A large fallen log on a pebble shoreline in a forested area with tall pine trees, a river, and a granite mountain under a clear blue sky.
Wedding ceremony with bride and groom standing in front of officiant in a forest by a river, surrounded by trees and mountains.
Bride and groom exchanging vows outdoors with trees in the background
A sunlit forest trail with tall trees, greenery, and patches of sunlight on the ground.
A bride and groom share a kiss on a gravel beach with a large granite cliff, tall pine trees, and a river in the background at sunset.
A wedding ceremony taking place outdoors with a mountain and trees in the background, featuring the bride and groom facing each other, surrounded by friends and family.
A wedding ceremony taking place outdoors in a forested area with tall trees and large granite cliffs in the background.
A bride and groom stand facing each other by a river in a forested area with a mountain in the background.
A wedding ceremony taking place outdoors near a river, with a bride in a white gown and long veil, a groom in a blue suit, and an officiant, set against a backdrop of tall trees and a large granite cliff under a clear blue sky.
A fallen tree trunk in the foreground with El Capitan rock formation and pine trees in a forested landscape under a clear blue sky