Check Out a Yosemite Elopement for a Day You’ll Never Forget!

Yosemite National Park is one of the world’s most spectacular locations – what better place to celebrate your big day? This gorgeous national park can serve as the backdrop to your special moment as you say, “I Do.” If you plan on an elopement, Yosemite can be the perfect spot! There are many locations to choose from all over the park, whether you want to stay close to a parking area or prefer a bit of adventure as you hike to your destination. So keep reading to see why a Yosemite Elopement may be perfect for you.

About Yosemite

Did you know Yosemite National Park spans over 700,000 acres and sees about 4 million visitors on average each year? This
breathtaking national park in California is a unique, fun place for an elopement.

Details of the Park Grounds 

There are many stunning areas of Yosemite to have an elopement. Whether you want a bit of a hike to
your location or prefer to stay close to a parking area, there’s sure to be a ceremony location that works for you.
Ceremony spaces for a Yosemite Elopement include Cascades Picnic Area (30 people maximum), Lower Yosemite Fall Paved Trail (50 people maximum), Swinging Bridge Picnic Area (20 people maximum), Cathedral Beach Picnic Area (50 people maximum), Sentinel Beach Picnic Area (100 people maximum), Bridalveil Fall (50 people maximum), Glacier Point Amphitheater (50 people maximum), Chilnualna Falls Trailhead (50 people maximum), Tenaya Lake Beach (50 people maximum), Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Area (25 people maximum), Tuolumne Grove (30 people maximum), and Merced Grove (30 people maximum).

Photography Opportunities for Your Yosemite Elopement

Elopement photography in Yosemite provides the freedom to ensure couples have a relaxed day, lots of smiles, and memorable experiences. This is a great place to celebrate your love for one another and start your new lives with a spirit of adventure.

Photography for a Yosemite Elopement opportunities include:
● Holding one another in front of the mountains in the background
● Standing on a rock, gazing at one another with the park behind them
● Standing side by side, backs to the photographer, looking at the mountains
● The bride’s hand on the groom’s shoulder, showcasing her ring as it sparkles in the golden
sunlight
● The couple holding hands and walking along the paved road
● Sitting on a picnic blanket, overlooking the sprawling trees and mountains
● The couple dancing among the tall grasses, with the forest in the background

The possibilities are really endless.

Wedding Details

In order to get married at a Yosemite elopement, couples will need a wedding ceremony permit, which counts as a reservation for the bridal party and guests on the day of the wedding. Couples will need to bring a copy of the permit and a government-issued ID that matches the name on the permit.

The ceremony can last up to 2 hours. Weddings can be scheduled anywhere from 21 days to one year before the event. Couples must indicate which site(s) they plan on using for the wedding ceremony. Ceremony participants and guests will still need to pay park entrance fees.
Couples can also get married at Yosemite Chapel by scheduling with the Yosemite Community Church
secretary. Someone from outside the park is allowed to perform the actual ceremony.
Because of the natural surroundings, this Yosemite elopement location is susceptible to disruptions from flooding, fires, and road closures.

Couples will need to:
● Select a date.
● Book their photographer.
● Apply for a special event permit.
● Book lodging and vendors.
● Apply for a marriage license before the big day.

Yosemite Elopement

Whether you prefer hiking to your destination or sticking close to a parking area, Yosemite National Park offers breathtaking views to create a unique backdrop for the elopement of a lifetime. A Yosemite elopement provides many locations to make the special day you’ve always dreamed of, from small, intimate gatherings to celebrations with friends and family.
For more elopement content, click on the blog links below! Lets start chatting about capturing your elopement!

• A Gorgeous Estate Wine and Roses Wedding in Lodi, California
• The Pinecrest Chalet Wedding Venue is a Relaxing Forest Dream!

For more information about Yosemite click here