Wild hearts belong in wild places.
If you’re dreaming of saying your vows beneath towering granite cliffs, beside rushing waterfalls, or under a star-drenched sky, Yosemite might just be your perfect “I do” destination. This guide is here to walk you through everything you need to plan a soulful, seamless elopement in one of the most breathtaking national parks in the world.
Why Elope in Yosemite?
- Iconic scenery (Half Dome, El Capitan, Glacier Point)
- Four-season beauty: snow-dusted winters to wildflower springs
- Intimate and meaningful – just you, your person, and the vast wilderness
- A sense of stillness and freedom that no traditional venue can match
Best Time of Year to Elope
| Season | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–Jun) | Lush waterfalls, blooming meadows, some snow at higher elevations |
| Summer (Jul–Sep) | Warm, dry weather, more crowds, late sunsets |
| Fall (Oct–Nov) | Gorgeous golden leaves, crisp air, fewer visitors |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Snowy magic, road closures, best for cozy cabin elopements |
Where to Elope in Yosemite (Top Ceremony Locations)
- Glacier Point – Epic views of Half Dome (closed in winter)
- Taft Point – Dramatic cliffside vows at sunset
- Tunnel View – Iconic backdrop, easy access
- Cathedral Beach – River, forest, and granite views
- Tenaya Lake or Tuolumne Meadows – Ideal for summer/fall elopements with fewer crowds
- Yosemite Valley Meadow – Classic and versatile
- I have a few Secrets up my sleeve as well.
Permits & Legal Stuff
- Special Use Permit: Required for any wedding or elopement in the park. Apply through the NPS website.
- Cost: $150 (subject to change)
- Tip: Apply at least 30–60 days in advance
What to Bring & How to Prepare
- Marriage license (Yosemite is in Mariposa County, but any CA license works)
- Layers (weather changes quickly in the mountains)
- Hiking shoes or boots
- Headlamps if you’re hiking for sunrise/sunset
- Water & snacks
- Leave No Trace mindset
Elopement Timeline Ideas
Sunrise at Glacier Point, Vows at Taft Point, Picnic in the Valley
I have packages ranging from 3 hours to all day!
- 4:00 AM: Get ready at your cabin
- 5:30 AM: Sunrise portraits at Glacier Point
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast + downtime
- 3:00 PM: Hike to Taft Point
- 5:30 PM: Private vow exchange
- 6:30 PM: Sunset portraits
- 8:00 PM: Champagne & stargazing
Local Lodging & Cabin Tips
- Evergreen Lodge
- Rush Creek Lodge
- AutoCamp Yosemite (Airstream glamping)
- Yosemite View Lodge (budget-friendly)
- Airbnbs in Mariposa, El Portal, or Fish Camp
Why Work With a Yosemite Elopement Photographer
Eloping in a place like Yosemite requires more than just taking pretty pictures. You need someone who knows how to:
- Scout secret spots and avoid crowds
- Work with the shifting light and unpredictable weather
- Help with timelines, logistics, and permits
- Make you feel safe, free, and completely yourselves
- Have an ass kicking good time together
That’s what I do at Desert Born Studios.
Let’s Create Something Wild
I’d love to help you plan your dream Yosemite elopement—from scouting the best trails to capturing the wind in your hair at the edge of the world.
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