With its iconic waterfalls and impressive rock formations, Yosemite National Park is rightfully one of the nation’s most popular natural attractions.

As elopement photographers, we’ve seen the best that this park has to offer. Let’s explore the best locations and tips to elope in Yosemite National Park.

What makes eloping in Yosemite National Park so special

To put it simply, the views in Yosemite are unmatched. Situated in the heart of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite’s dramatic landscape guarantees that your experience will be unforgettable. Heart-pounding cliffsides, towering waterfalls, and alpine meadows are all within reach here.

And although it’s large, much of this park is accessible via car thanks to five different entry points and plenty of paved routes. We love Yosemite for couples who want the just right amount of adventure, with most of these elopement locations within a short hike of their respective parking areas. 

Where to elope in Yosemite National Park

Taft Point

Overlooking several of the most loved locations in the park — including Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls — Taft Point is the best lookout points you can imagine. You’ll see one of the most incredible sunsets of your life here (we mean it!). 

When to elope at Taft Point

Unfortunately, due to dangerous driving conditions, the road to access Taft Point is closed during the winter and early spring months — usually from November until late May. If you want to have a Taft Point elopement, summer and early fall are the best times to do so.

The unbelievable views also mean that this spot is very busy during the summer months. Around sunset, you can expect many crowds and possibly other elopement couples soaking it all in. For this reason, we recommend choosing a weekday for your elopement date. This way you can soak up the views and enjoy a more intimate setting. 

Get ready for a hike

Although it is only two miles round-trip with fairly easy conditions, this hike could be an important consideration for your elopement. If you want to bring your closest loved ones (up to 11 people are permitted for elopements at this location), this hike could be challenging for those who aren’t used to higher altitudes or have different accessibility needs.  

Because of the hike, Taft Point elopements are best for those who simply want to soak up the views. We recommend hosting your ceremony here and then relocating to a more accessible spot for evening celebrations and refreshments.

Glacier Point

You’ll find that cliffside views are a trend here in Yosemite National Park — and Glacier Point is a favorite for incredible views of one of the park’s most popular sights: Half Dome. 

When to elope at Glacier Point

During the winter, the road to access this viewpoint is closed due to hazardous conditions. As a result, Glacier Point is only accessible from late May to September. But also please note that wedding and elopement permits are not given here in July or August. This means your elopement options are limited to late May, June, and September. However, with heavy snowfall, roads here may not open until mid-June. The best way to stay up to date is to check weather and road conditions on the park’s website.

That being said, it’s all worth it for the views, but most importantly, for the incredible memories with your partner. For a quieter elopement, sunrise ceremonies are best to avoid the crowds — and catch one of the most breathtaking sunrises you’ll ever see.

Easy to access

As a designated viewpoint, it’s easy to park and hop directly over to the ceremony site. The Glacier Point Amphitheater can host up to 50 guests and is just a short walk from the parking lot. However, if you have 11 guests or fewer, you’re free to explore the surrounding trails and stunning views.

This accessibility makes this spot our favorite couples who want incredible views and want to incorporate some special details too. Whether it’s an intimate ceremony with your family or a light picnic to celebrate.

Yosemite Falls

As one of the tallest waterfalls in the United States, an elopement at Yosemite Falls would truly be one of a kind. The roaring waters and generous mist are a refreshing setting for a wedding in Yosemite National Park. 

When to elope at Yosemite Falls

Although the designated ceremony area is accessible year-round, the falls flow from November to July, with their peak in May. A spring elopement at Yosemite Falls also means that you can generally avoid the crowds that come during the summer months. However, if you do choose a summer elopement, we recommend choosing an early ceremony time, before the crowds arrive.

A simple walk

With a paved trail marking the path from the Yosemite Valley Lodge, accessing this ceremony site is as simple as it gets. Additionally, the ceremony area can accommodate up to 50 guests if you and your partner would like to include your closest loved ones. 

More places to elope in Yosemite Valley

• Cathedral Beach Picnic Area
• Bridalveil Fall
• Cascades Picnic Area
• Yosemite Valley Lodge

For more, Yosemite National Park has a whole list of ceremony locations for your convenience here.

Feeling inspired to elope at Yosemite National Park?

It’s easy to see why! The countless views and impressive ceremony spot options make Yosemite National Park one of our favorite locations as elopement photographers. Get in touch and we can plan a Yosemite elopement that feels true to you.