SWINGING BRIDGE, Yosemite Ceremony Location

Bride and groom lean in for a kiss as they walk across swinging bridge.

ROLLING MEADOWS, QUIET WOODS, AND VIEWS OF YOSEMITE FALLS

The Swinging Bridge Picnic Area is a lovely outdoor wedding venue for more intimate weddings and elopements along the Merced river in the Yosemite Valley. Who doesn’t want some of the best views of the Yosemite Falls as the backdrop for their wedding ceremony? But that’s not all Swinging Bridge has to offer; with sandy beaches along the Merced river, quiet groves of pine trees, and open meadows, there’s no shortage of gorgeous backgrounds for your wedding photos.

Marriage ceremonies can take place anywhere in the picnic area but sadly not on the bridge itself. The most popular site at swinging bridge is near the parking lot just to the left of the bridge. The site features an incredible view of the Yosemite Falls across the meadows and Merced river and is flanked by two large pine trees. This wedding venue is also ideal if you have family members with mobility issues that wish to be a part of your adventure. There is also a set of bathrooms at the parking lot for additional convince.

With its ease of access and beautiful views it’s no surprise that the Swinging Bridge picnic area can get rather busy and parking is rather limited. To avoid crowds ruining your wedding day experience, plan your vows to be early in the morning before 10am or two hours before sunset.

Over the years I’ve found Swinging Bridge to be one of the more popular micro wedding and Yosemite elopement sites in the Valley and it has become favorite of mine for events with a few guests.

Found Your wedding Ceremony Location? Book your Yosemite elopement photography package now! Yosemite Packages start at $3,000.

Maximum Guests- 20
Open Year Round,
Falls flow between November through July

Elevation - 4,013 ft

Moderately Trafficked

Best Time of Day - Early Morning
Parking At Site

Where to find it

Swinging Bridge picnic area is located in the Yosemite Valley Just past Sentinel Beach and before the turn to the Yosemite Valley Lodge. There is additional parking at the Yosemite Falls Day use area but it is across the bridge and meadow from the location.

Address: Yosemite National Park, 9000 Southside Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389