THE BEST WEDDING & elopement VENUES IN YOSEMITE
WHERE CAN you HAVE YOUR Wedding CEREMONY IN Yosemite National PARK?
One step into this majestic valley and you’ll see towering granite cliffs, stellar vistas, quiet forests, and thunderous waterfalls. It’s no wonder people have flocked to this valley for thousands of years. Yosemite weddings are always nothing short of spectacular. It’s easily one of the best places to elope in the US and can even be a great option for larger weddings. There’s really something for everyone here. So let’s break down where to have your ceremony based on the number of guests;
ELOPEMENT VENUES: ELEVEN GUESTS OR LESS
For those couples eloping or having intimate ceremonies with fewer than eleven people you can basically have it anywhere in the park. There are some restrictions on riverbanks and the meadows but that’s about it, the sky really is the limit here. Through my travels in the park I've found countless spots I think are perfect for an intimate ceremony and I’ve listed some of my favorites below.
My Top Elopement Recommendations:
WEDDING VENUES: TWELVE TO ONE HUNDRED GUESTS
With more than eleven guests you’ll be restricted to short list of gorgeous locations approved by Yosemite National Park. They can accommodate events ranging from small micro weddings to the whole extended family with up to one hundred guests. Each site has its' own guest limits so make sure it will fit your needs.
Official wedding ceremony site list:
Big Weddings 100+ Guests
Have more guests than one hundred guests? Not a problem! Yosemite can accommodate the largest of weddings either inside the park or just outside it. Many of the iconic lodges make for a fantastic venue and some of the resorts outside the park can be a true luxury experience.
Tenaya lodge
Ahwahnee Hotel
YOSEMITE’s best ELOPEMENT locations
1. OLMSTED POINT
Let’s start with my absolute favorite. An absolutely amazing place to elope with your closest friends and family, or just the two of you. Olmsted Point is hands down my favorite ceremony venue that I've discovered in all of Yosemite National Park. As you will see if you take a look at the gallery below, the views, no matter which way you look are breathtaking. While many people stop at the vista point along the Tioga pass, few take the short trail that leads into the sprawling slopes of high Sierra granite. To sweeten the deal, just down the road is Tenaya Lake a photo opportunity gold mine. There's even a waterfall nearby! It's convenient, it's beautiful,
MAXIMUM GUESTS - 11
AVAILABLE FROM ROAD OPENING UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30TH
PARKING AT SITE
When to go:
Summer and early fall are typically the only times this area of the park isn’t snowed in. Early summer is my favorite time to visit Olmsted to see the surrounding peaks still have snow.
My Favorite Things:
Incredible views of Half dome and Clouds rest. Easy access, yet little crowds. Great secondary locations just a short drive away.
Watch out for:
The only downside for Olmsted is it is far from the valley or south rim. Just make sure to plan your itinerary accordingly.
3. TAFT POINT
Taft Point is accessible by the same trailhead as Sentinel Dome. While these two locations might be next door to each other, they offer vastly different views and unique adventures. While Sentinel dome has a higher view point and more 360 views, Taft point is a granite cliff with sheer drops to the valley floor below, giving it some of the best views of the valley below, as well as a peek at El Capitan that is second to none. But it’s most famous spot really steals the spotlight. A granite precipice that juts out from the sheer cliffs which makes for some very adventurous photo opportunities. Definitely not a good choice for those with a fear of heights and please, be safe. While photos here may be to die for, lets keep the adventure going.
MAXIMUM GUESTS - 11
AVAILABLE FROM ROAD OPENING UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30TH
PARKING 1 MILE AWAY
My favorite things
The cliff shots at Taft are some of the most jaw dropping photos I’ve ever taken.
When to go:
My favorite time to visit Taft is in the early fall. The crisp air, cloudy skies and lack of crowds makes the experience here all the better.
Watch Out for:
Taft’s beauty comes at a price. This place is crazy busy. You might be sharing the sunset with 7 other couples doing photos.
2. SENTINEL DOME
Sentinel dome is the ceremony location of choice in Yosemite National Park if you want some of the most iconic images possible away from the crowds. This lovely site has arguably the best views of Half Dome in the park and, compared to Glacier point, fewer people make the short hike out to the peak of the dome. You’ll also spy Nevada and Vernal falls. If you don’t mind a little hiking seriously consider this as your destination. Sunrise and sunset here is to die for. There’s nothing like watching the golden light hit the granite slopes of Yosemite’s many spectacular peaks. Can you think of a more perfect backdrop for a vow exchange?
MAXIMUM GUESTS - 11
AVAILABLE FROM ROAD OPENING UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30TH
PARKING 1.20 MILES AWAY
My Favorite Things
360 views of Yosemite national park. With some of the best views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome you can get.
When to go
Late summer and early fall are usually the best times to visit Sentinel dome. Always check to see if the glacier point road is open the time of year you wish to have your wedding here.
Watch out for
It’s a little over a mile hike out to Sentinel dome with a bit of elevation gain. But the final stretch up to the top is steep. Not grandparent friendly.
4. Yosemite Falls Creek
For eloping couples who want a world class waterfall as the backdrop to their big day this is the place. Venture down the winding trails around Yosemite falls and cross the wooden bridge till you find this secluded little beach along the creek at the end of the trail. With quite forests around you, a babbling creek, and stellar views of the falls before you this spot is a tranquil escape in an otherwise busy park. Plan for early mornings or late afternoons for the best experience.
MAXIMUM GUESTS - 11
OPEN YEAR ROUND
NO PARKING ONSITE
My favorite things
There’s a reason Yosemite falls is all over postcards. It is an incredible view and this off the beaten path spot is the perfect place to view it.
When to go
Yosemite Falls only runs in the spring and summer months with peak flows in early summer. In the fall and winter months the falls and creek are usually bone dry and not the best backdrop.
Watch out for
Yosemite falls does not flow year round. So if you’re going to have a ceremony here make sure the falls are flowing!
YOSEMITE’s Official WEDDING VENUE list
1. GLACIER POINT AMPHITHEATER
Glacier point is the one of the most iconic spots in Yosemite National Park. With such jaw dropping views of Half Dome, it’s easy to see why. When the golden light of sunrise or sunset lights up Half Dome behind you, you’ll be happy you picked Glacier point. Marriage ceremonies here are held in the amphitheater so it is one of the few locations in the park where your guests will have a seat. The biggest downside to this location is that with great fame, comes great crowds. Avoid weekends at all costs and try to have your ceremony as early as possible for the best experience.
MAXIMUM GUESTS - 50
AVAILABLE FROM MEMORIAL DAY UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30TH
PARKING AT SITE
My Favorite Things
Being able to step out of your car and have breathtaking views of Half dome makes this place a big winner for families.
When to go
The views of Half dome are always spectacular, but as you’ll likely want to do a sunrise ceremony here go with the summer months unless you don’t mind the cold.
Watch out for
This place is crowded. Plan for an early morning or late afternoon wedding. Make sure the road is open during the time of year you will be visiting.
2. Cascade Picnic Area
The Cascades picnic area is located on the west end of the Yosemite Valley. It's actually the first major stop when entering the park via the El Portal entrance and across the street from The Cascades waterfall viewing area. Wedding ceremonies can be held anywhere in the picnic area as long as you are six feet from the Merced River. While a good number of people stop at The Cascades viewpoint, I've found the picnic area to be lightly used. With a circular grove of mature trees perfectly located along the riverbank this ceremony location at the Cascades picnic area is an ideal choice for your big day.
MAXIMUM GUESTS - 30
OPEN YEAR ROUND
PARKING AT SITE
My Favorite things
The mighty Merced flowing by, the roar of the cascades behind and the quite groves of trees makes this a tranquil spot for a wedding.
When to go
Cascade is great year round but if you want to hear the falls and have the Merced running in the background plan for a spring or summer ceremony.
Watch out for
There isn’t much to watch out for here. It isn’t crowded, it is easily accessible, and it is lovely. Just make sure the falls are flowing if you want them to be a part of the wedding.
3. LOWER YOSEMITE FALLS TRAIL
When you try to picture Yosemite National Park, you'll likely imagine Yosemite Falls right there alongside Half Dome in your mind. This iconic waterfall is a real treasure of the natural world. It's no surprise so many want it as the backdrop for their wedding inside the park. While you can't have your “I do’s” right on the viewing platform, you can say your vows at a designated area between a fork in the trail out to the falls. There the upper section of the falls is in full view. Keep in mind Yosemite Falls is one of the busiest places in the park so the trail out to it can be very crowded. I’d only recommend this location if you can have your ceremony very early in the morning.
MAXIMUM GUESTS - 50
OPEN YEAR ROUND
NO PARKING ONSITE
My Favorite things
The views of the falls are breathtaking. Several locations have incredible picture windows of the falls.
When to go
Early spring is the best time for ceremonies at Yosemite Falls to avoid the crowds and still get water in the falls.
Watch out for
This place has hoards of people. So only pick it if you want to do an early morning ceremony in the off season.
4. SWINGING BRIDGE PICNIC AREA
The Swinging Bridge Picnic Area is a lovely little spot located along the Merced river in the Yosemite Valley. It also happens to be one of the more popular ceremony sites in the park. I’ve done more weddings here than anywhere else. And it’s easy to see why as it features fantastic views, stony beaches, pine trees, and open meadows. Wedding ceremonies can take place anywhere in the picnic area but sadly not on the bridge itself. The site is moderately trafficked due to the beautiful views from the wooden bridge. One thing to note here, the usual vow location is in a shaded area with views of Yosemite Falls but they tend to be in bright sun. So plan for early morning or late afternoon to get the best photos.
MAXIMUM GUESTS - 20
OPEN YEAR ROUND
PARKING AT SITE
My Favorite things
I love the views of the meadows and falls and how easy it is to access some great spots along the Merced river.
When to go
Swinging bridge is best in spring as the meadows are lush and green and Yosemite falls is going at full strength in the background.
Watch out for
There is a small amount of parking here and it fills up fast. The ceremony location is close to the main path so it isn’t them most private.
5. CATHEDRAL BEACH PICNIC AREA
Cathedral Beach offers one of the larger ceremony location options in Yosemite National Park. The tranquil waters of the Merced, rocky beaches, easy access, and spectacular views of El Capitan make it a favorite spot among couples and park visitors alike. Sun sets here are incredible and I highly recommend planning around that. With the golden light highlighting the craggy rock face of El Capitan in the background you couldn’t ask for a better backdrop to say “I do” with. Your family, and friends will be in awe of the granite giant and it really makes for a memorable experience.
MAXIMUM GUESTS - 50
CLOSED NOVEMBER THROUGH MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
PARKING AT SITE
My favorite things
The killer views of El Capitan are the standout here. Between that and the Merced flowing by you have an incredible wedding backdrop
When to go
Cathedral beach is best mid summer or early fall. The water level of the Merced will dictate how much of the river bed is exposed for you to get out on. In early spring there’s often no beach at all!
Watch out for
In early spring there’s little to no beach here. Midday the light on El Capitan is incredibly harsh so time of day is really important for your wedding.
6. SENTINEL BEACH PICNIC AREA
If you have a bigger wedding party, Sentinel Beach is the place for you. It allows for the greatest number of guests of all the ceremony locations in the park. Unsurprisingly, the beach here is a bit bigger than Cathedral. It also tends to be a bit more crowded. As for looks, it's no slouch. Yosemite Falls towers in the background as the Merced flows by. While Cathedral Beach may have better views of El Capitan, Sentinel's backdrop includes views of upper Yosemite falls. That's not a bad trade.
MAXIMUM GUESTS - 100
CLOSED NOVEMBER THROUGH MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
PARKING AT SITE
My favorite Things
More trails than Cathedral and views of Yosemite Falls instead of El Capitan.
When to go
Summertime is king at Sentinel beach. You’ll want to make sure the Merced isn’t flooding otherwise there will be no beach here for your wedding.
Watch out for
Similar to Cathedral water level is an important factor here so you’ll want to plan your date around that.
7. BRIDALVEIL FALLS
Bridalveil Falls checks everything off the list for a Yosemite wedding ceremony location; stunning waterfall, granite cliffs, lush woods, granite boulders, you name it. There is only one spot you can hold a wedding ceremony at Bridalveil, it is just off the hiking trail in a small clearing set aside for wedding ceremonies with a fantastic view of the falls. It is gorgeous. Interestingly though, despite being one of the smaller ceremony locations, it allows for a surprising number of guests.
MAXIMUM GUESTS - 50
OPEN YEAR ROUND
PARKING 0.2 MILES AWAY
My favorite Things
The woods and streams that surround this waterfall are just so picturesque and a short hike across the road takes you to views of meadows and El Capitan.
When to go
Bridalveil Falls flows year round but in fall and winter it is basically a trickle. So my two favorite times are early spring to avoid the crowds, and mid summer to get peak waterfall action.
Watch out for
It can be a crowded location so avoid the busier times of day here. You’ll also want to elope when the falls are flowing for the best experience.
8. TENAYA LAKE BEACH
It's hard to imagine a more picturesque spot than Tenaya Lake. Located along Highway 120 Tenaya Lake sits at over 8,000 feet of elevation meaning there's always a chance you'll have some snow in your wedding photos. With granite peaks wrapping around the lakes clear waters the rugged shoreline makes for an incredible backdrop. Tenaya Beach is also one of the locations available for larger wedding ceremonies. But it also has near infinite possibilities for elopements. It's also just down the road from Olmsted Point, my favorite spot in Yosemite National Park.
MAXIMUM GUESTS - 50
AVAILABLE FROM ROAD OPENING UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30TH
PARKING NEARBY
My Favorite things
An alpine lake surrounded by towering granite peaks and quite woods. Conveniently located near some of my other favorite spots.
When to go
Everything along the Tioga pass is best in the late summer months. You escape the heat, crowds and it’s guaranteed to be open.
Watch out for
This used to be a quieter location in the park but in recent years it has gotten far busier. Storms also frequently rip through this area in early summer.
9. MERCED GROVE & TUOLUMNE GROVE
If you love Yosemite, but want a wedding among the Giant Sequoias, and don't mind a bit of a hike to your ceremony then getting married in these groves is a great option. These towering giants make for an unforgettable scene to say I do. As trails go, both groves are relatively easy treks. But in formal attire, it might be a little much for parties that don’t love to hike. The trail out the Merced Grove is a bit longer, but it is also not as heavily trafficked as the Tuolumne Grove.
MAXIMUM GUESTS - 30
AVAILABLE FROM ROAD OPENING UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30TH
PARKING TWO MILES FROM THE GROVE
My Favorite Things
There’s nothing I enjoy more that seeing a couples face light up when they see a giant sequoia for the first time.
Watch out for
Its a three mile round trip hike to both sequoia groves with a decent amount of elevation gain.
When to go
The groves are great to visit in the summer months! The trails are mostly shaded and at a good amount of altitude to help avoid the heat.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN PICKING A YOSEMITE WEDDING VENUE
PERMIT AND SITE USE
All ceremonies in the national park require a permit. The cost is $150, that makes Yosemite not only an amazing place to elope, but one that is budget friendly. But that permit doesn't grant you special access to your chosen ceremony location. Site use is first-come, first-served. That means a park visitor has just as much of a claim to your desired spot as you do. So when picking a location in Yosemite keep that in mind. Two ways to get around that are have your Yosemite wedding ceremony in the off season, September 30th till Memorial day, and/or in the morning. Ceremonies are also limited to a two hour maximum.
NUMBER OF GUESTS
This is going to be a big factor in picking the venue for your ceremony location. Many locations in the park have a limit on how big the wedding can be. Have one hundred wedding guests? Then you'll be limited to Sentinel Beach. If you want to get married at Lower Yosemite Falls then your wedding can't have more than fifty people. Other locations may only allow as few as twenty guests. In addition, most locations will require a park official to monitor your wedding if you have fifty or more guests at an additional cost of $50 an hour.
Now if you are eloping to Yosemite, or will have less than eleven people attending your wedding, the park really opens up and you can have your ceremony basically anywhere with the exception of the meadows and riverbanks of the park. This freedom makes the park one of the best places to elope in California.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR YOSEMITE WEDDINGS AND ELOPEMENTS
As a general rule please be respectful park resources and do your best to tread lightly. Yosemite National Park is a world treasure so let’s do our best to keep it pristine for future generations to enjoy
All wedding ceremonies in the park require a permit. The park does not grant Wedding permits on holiday weekends or holidays (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday). As those can be some of the busiest days in the park, you really don’t want to have your wedding then anyways.
Sadly pets are not allowed to attend wedding ceremonies in Yosemite National Park.
Amplified microphones are prohibited for wedding ceremonies. Music and speakers are also prohibited with the exception of iPods/iPhones and 2-3 inch speakers. Because of this, keep in mind that most locations in Yosemite are near waterfalls or rivers, it can sometimes be hard to hear people speak.
Yosemite also does not allow the throwing of bird seed, rice or flower petals
Ceremony decorations are also strictly prohibited. But it’s pretty hard to improve upon Yosemite anyways.
You must avoid standing or walking on plants, grasses and tree roots in the park. Strive to leave no trace and keep the park pristine. If getting married in the Giant Sequoia groves, standing under the sequoia trees is prohibited. It can damage their shallow roots.
For your bouquets and boutonnières is recommended to use hardy flowers and native flower arrangements. This will ensure no unwanted seeds fall out and germinate. Baby’s breath is prohibited
READ THE YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK'S CEREMONY POLICY
Additional Resources & FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yosemite National Park has designated sites throughout the park for weddings with more than twelve guests. If you are planning on having fewer than twelve guests you can have your ceremony pretty much anywhere in the park.
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You can apply for a permit up to a year in advance and it is recommended you apply at least six months out. The parks require permit requests to be made at least a month in advance.
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To get married in Yosemite you’ll need to acquire a special event permit from the park which costs $150. Wedding vendors, catering, and accommodations can add additional costs but the permit is the only thing required.
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While most park guests are accommodating for weddings they are not required to move. Unfortunately the permit does not give you exclusive use of the area and you may not ask guest to move. That why it is recommended to have your ceremony early in the morning or late in the date to avoid crowds.
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The first step in planning a wedding in Yosemite is picking where in the park you want to have it. Then pick a time of year that location is accessible and set your date. Acquire your wedding permit and you’re basically all set. Hire a Yosemite wedding photographer that can help you with the process and advise on the details.
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Yes. A permit is required to take wedding photos in the national park. The permit covers a two hour time slot for your ceremony at a single location but wedding photos can be taken throughout the park during the rest of the day.
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Yes. You can get married in the Chapel but if getting married in Yosemite park there are far more scenic locations to choose from.