Informational

How to Plan Weddings in Yosemite National Park

The Ultimate Guide for Planning Weddings in Yosemite National Park
(complete with pricing and photos)

If you are looking for information on planning weddings in Yosemite National Park you have come to the right place! There’s little doubt as to why it is among the most popular national parks in the US, with its granite domes, scenic viewpoints, and towering waterfalls. It is one of the best backdrops to have your wedding photos taken in any season! Read below for information 

How to Get a Permit for Weddings in Yosemite National Park

Every ceremony requires a nonrefundable $150 permit, as well as a separate photo/video permit

You can schedule your wedding event for up to a year in advance or at least 21 days before the date. Yosemite is one of most popular National Park Wedding Venues so I highly recommend submitting your application sooner than later to avoid any delays and headaches in sheduling.

Locations for Yosemite National Park Weddings and Photos

Yosemite has iconic photo backdrops that blend perfectly with the surrounding. If you want the best sunset view, you can check out Taft Point for its daring views of the falls and valley. Glacier Point serves as the must have Yosemite background of Half Dome, followed closely by Tunnel View. If you want waterfalls, Bridalveil Falls is the most accessible and is a short easy hike. And finally on the outskirts of the park, Mariposa Grove serves as a more unexpected Yosemite National Park wedding venue if you want to be dwarfed by these majestic trees. The indoor locations include the central Ahwahnee Hotel, and the nearby Convict Lake Resort and Evergreen Lodge.

Check out the more complete list of ceremony specific locations. Check the availability of these locations as some are closed down during certain times, especially in the winter (such as Glacier Point).

man holding woman from behind smiling next to a waterfall at Vernal Falls in Yosemite National Park
best places to elope in california yosemite national park

Best Times for Weddings at Yosemite National Park

Choose a date or season that is special to you and will be for years to come. Have other options available because Yosemite tends to get crowded in peak seasons, during the summer and spring, when the waterfalls are gushing. 

Summer is the most popular time, but doing a winter wedding can also allow for some spectacular and quiet images. Springtime has the most color and most water in the falls, however. If you are real lucky, you can be there during a “snowfall” whereas the trees are colored from the spring change, but there was a fresh coat of snow the day before to have the unique view of Yosemite that I personally have only seen once in my life!

man kissing woman on forehead at Yosemite National Park at night

Places to Stay

There are plenty of places to explore, so a single day wouldn’t be enough for your wedding in Yosemite National Park. To get the whole experience, check out accommodations in camping locations, cabins, and resorts within and outside the park or even Airbnbs. Top places include Yosemite Valley Lodge, Autocamp, and the Ahwahnee Hotel. Groveland is the nearest town right outside Yosemite. Oakhurst is a 30 minute drive outside the Park as well.

Most Popular Yosemite Elopement Locations

There are plenty of picturesque places for Yosemite National Park weddings. Some of the places for smaller elopements you can consider include Tenaya Lake, Mirror Lake, Cook’s Meadow, and Washburn Point. Each of these places is available all-year-round, but all still require a Yosemite National Park wedding permit.

Conclusion

Yosemite National Park Weddings offer the most magical outdoor experiences you can imagine. If you have ever been there, you know why it is one of the most popular national parks in the USA…and why it is one of my favorite places in the world to visit! With so much natural beauty, and so much variety all within the Park, it is arguably the best place to elope in the US! If you are thinking of other California elopement locations, see my posts about the Best Places to Elope in San Francisco or the Best Places to Elope in Lake Tahoe for more wedding planning help.

If you would like to discuss your Yosemite National Park wedding please CONTACT ME to discuss ideas!
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