Top 7 Yosemite Wedding Locations for Elopements and Intimate Weddings

Yosemite is almost impossible to fully describe until you’ve seen it for yourself. From world-famous landmarks like Half Dome and El Capitan to dreamy meadows, giant sequoia groves that have been around for literally THOUSANDS of years, and viewpoints that will have your jaw on the floor, this place is seriously so special.

But Yosemite isn’t just a great park to visit – it’s also an amazing place to have your elopement or intimate wedding! There are so many ways to experience this place, from the iconic spots you may already have saved to your Pinterest board to hidden gems that fly a little more under the radar.

And yes, Yosemite is also one of the most popular national parks in the country, which is why having a variety of locations definitely helps. If you’re dreaming of saying your vows at one of its famous viewpoints, chances are you’ll be sharing the experience with a few other people. But don’t worry! There are also plenty of lesser-known spots where you can find a little more breathing room and create something that feels quieter, more intimate, and like your own little slice of Yosemite.

So, how do you figure out which spot is right for you? In this guide, I’m breaking down some of the best Yosemite wedding locations, from the overall vibe and accessibility to the best season to visit. I’ll also share planning tips, seasonal considerations, and any permits you might need along the way. So if you’re ready to start daydreaming about getting married in one of the most INCREDIBLE places on Earth, keep reading!

Yosemite is just one of the MANY incredible places to elope in California! If you’re still figuring out which corner of the state feels most like you, I’ve got a whole guide to the best places to elope in California to help you explore your options.

A Quick Overview of the Best Yosemite Wedding Locations

There’s truly no shortage of stunning wedding locations in Yosemite, and each one has its own vibe, scenery, and level of accessibility. To help narrow things down, here’s a quick breakdown of the best elopement spots in the park

• Most Iconic: Glacier Point, Tunnel View, Taft Point
• Most Private: Valley Meadows, Sequoia Groves, Tioga Road
• Most Accessible: Glacier Point, Waterfalls
• Best for Guests: Glacier Point, Tioga Road
• Most Adventurous: Tioga Road, Taft Point

Where Can You Actually Get Married in Yosemite?

Before we dive into the best Yosemite wedding locations, let’s clear up one really important question: where can you actually get married in Yosemite National Park? The good news is that you can take photos basically anywhere in the park! The main restrictions are on where your actual ceremony can take place.

Like many national parks, Yosemite limits ceremonies to designated locations to help protect and preserve the landscape. You can find the full list of approved Yosemite ceremony sites on the park’s website. It’s also worth noting that some locations have pretty strict guest limits. So if you’re planning to invite around 35 to 50 people, you’ll want to make sure you choose a spot that can comfortably accommodate everyone.

Yosemite Wedding Permits

When you’re ready to officially book your ceremony location, you’ll need to apply for a special use permit. The application costs $150, and you can submit it up to one year in advance. If you’re hoping to get married at one of Yosemite’s more iconic locations, I definitely recommend applying ASAP to give yourself the best chance of securing your preferred spot. To learn more about the permit process, including what’s allowed and what isn’t, be sure to check out Yosemite’s wedding and commitment ceremonies webpage.

What Are the Most Iconic Yosemite Wedding Locations?

Alright, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! These are THE most iconic Yosemite wedding locations—the ones with the jaw-dropping views you’ve probably seen all over Instagram and Pinterest.

Now, because these are some of the most spectacular spots in the park, they’re also some of the most popular. Even outside of peak season, you should expect to see other people around. But honestly, even as someone who normally loves quieter places, I just don’t care when it comes to Yosemite. It’s THAT beautiful. Every time I visit, I’m completely blown away, and for me, it’s 100% worth sharing the view with a few other people.

That said, if having a more private and intimate ceremony is important to you, you don’t have to choose between that and experiencing Yosemite’s most iconic scenery. One of my favorite ways to approach this is to have your ceremony somewhere a little quieter, then visit one of these incredible viewpoints later in the day for portraits and exploring. You get those quiet, intentional moments together and the chance to soak in the scenery Yosemite is famous for. It really is the best of both worlds!

Okay, now let’s get into the good stuff!

Glacier Point

• Best time of day: Sunrise
• Open: May through October
• Best for couples who: Want unbelievable High Sierra views, love the idea of exchanging vows at sunrise, don’t mind sharing the view with other visitors, or are planning to include a larger group of guests.

If you’re looking for some of the BEST views of Half Dome in the entire park, Glacier Point is where you want to be. But that’s not all! You also get jaw-dropping views over Yosemite Valley, and the best part is that there’s no hike required to get there. That makes it an amazing option if you’re bringing guests along.

If you want to get married at Glacier Point, there are a few things you should know. First, the road is only open once the snow has melted, which is generally from May through October. This location is also CROWDED pretty much all the time, even right around sunrise. And since the Glacier Point Amphitheater is one of the most popular Yosemite wedding locations, I highly recommend applying for your permit literally right when it opens a year in advance to give yourself the best chance of securing your date.

Taft Point

• Best time of day: Sunset
• Open: May through October
• Best for couples who: Want to end their elopement day at sunset, don’t mind sharing the area with other people taking photos, and are up for a short hike.

Lots of people know Glacier Point, but Taft Point is just as iconic and is essentially Glacier Point’s more adventurous sister location.

Taft Point has become pretty popular for elopements over the last few years and here you get incredible views in every direction, including straight down into Yosemite Valley. At sunset the whole landscape absolutely glows.

Like Glacier Point, the road to Taft Point also closes once the snow arrives, so you’ll want to plan your day between late spring and early fall. Getting here also requires a 2-mile round-trip hike, but it’s a beautiful walk through the forest and SO worth it.

If you’re planning a full-day elopement, I love the idea of experiencing both locations. You can spend the morning at Glacier Point, explore other accessible areas in the park during the day, then head out for the hike to Taft Point and end your day surrounded by those sweeping valley views. This gives you two iconic Yosemite experiences, and one very full day of adventure. Honestly, what more could you ask for?!

An update on Taft Point elopement ceremonies

One important thing to know is that while Taft Point used to be an approved ceremony location, it no longer is. While you can’t exchange your vows here, you are absolutely free to read letters, exchange gifts, share a picnic and, of course, take wedding photos. And yes, you’ll probably see a few other couples taking portraits while you’re there. But don’t worry. I have a little hidden nook I LOVE taking couples to that’s tucked away from the crowds and still has those same unreal views.

If you want to see what including Taft Point in your elopement day can actually look like, check out this blog!

Tunnel View

• Best time of day: Sunrise or blue hour
• Open: Year-round
• Best for couples who: Want THAT iconic Yosemite view and really don’t mind sharing it with a crowd.

There’s honestly nothing quite like Tunnel View. You drive through a dark tunnel carved into the mountain, and then, BOOM! One of the most mind-blowing views of your life is suddenly right in front of you. El Capitan, Yosemite Valley, and Half Dome are all right there, and it never gets old, no matter how many times I visit.

But I’ll be real with you: Tunnel View is more of a scenic stop than a true wedding location. Should you include it in your day? ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY. But it’s almost always packed with people, so I’d treat it as a place to stop for a few epic photos rather than somewhere you’ll want to spend a ton of time.

Fun fact, though: Tunnel View actually has some of the best cell service in the park, which makes it the perfect spot to pull out your phone, send a photo, and text your favorite people back home to let them know you JUST GOT MARRIED!

El Capitan Meadow

• Best time of day: Sunset
• Open: Year-round
• Best for couples who: Are eloping in the spring when the waterfalls are flowing, or want to feel tiny surrounded by Yosemite’s towering cliffs.

If you’re hoping to include El Capitan in your elopement day, El Capitan Meadow is a great choice. The meadow itself is seriously dreamy and feels like it’s straight out of a movie. If you’re visiting in the spring when the waterfalls are flowing? Chef’s kiss. It’s absolutely incredible. Since there’s no hiking required to get here, it’s also a fantastic option if you’re planning to include guests.

One important thing to keep in mind about this location is that the meadows are incredibly fragile. Be sure to stay on established trails and avoid walking through the grass so this beautiful landscape can stay healthy for years to come.

Bridalveil & Yosemite Falls

• Best time of day: Sunrise
• Open: Year-round (but best in the spring)
• Best for couples who: Are visiting in the spring and want to experience the incredible power of Yosemite’s waterfalls.

If you’ve been dreaming of waterfalls, you’re in the RIGHT place. Bridalveil Fall and Yosemite Falls are two of the most jaw-dropping waterfalls in the entire park. In fact, Yosemite Falls plunges a mind-boggling 2,425 feet from the valley rim, making it the tallest waterfall in California!

Both waterfalls are easy to access with very little hiking, which makes them great additions to your elopement day. They can definitely get busy, though, so I recommend visiting around sunrise if you’re hoping for fewer people. And if you really want to see them at their best, plan your trip for the spring when they’re absolutely roaring. By late summer and fall, they can slow down to just a trickle depending on the year’s snowpack.

What Are the Best Yosemite Wedding Locations for Privacy?

Maybe you’re looking for Yosemite wedding locations that feel a little quieter, more tucked away, or just a bit more unique. If that’s you, here are some of my FAVORITE under-the-radar spots.

Sequoia Groves

• Best time of day: Anytime!
• Open: Year-round
• Best for couples who: Want to feel completely immersed in nature and humbled by some of the oldest living trees on Earth.

Yosemite is home to several giant sequoia groves… you know, those MASSIVE trees that have been around for thousands of years! They’re honestly one of those things you just have to see in person. Pictures don’t even come close to capturing their scale and size.

If you’re looking for the most privacy, Merced Grove is the place to go. I still remember visiting on a crowded Saturday and being shocked that there were barely any cars in the parking lot. It’s the smallest of the three groves, but it still feels incredibly magical.

Tuolumne Grove is probably the most popular choice for elopements. It’s a great-sized grove with some really cool features, including a fallen tree where you can actually see part of the exposed root system! The hike is about 3 miles round trip with a decent amount of elevation change, so it’s worth keeping that in mind when planning your day.

Mariposa Grove is the largest and most well-known of the three. You’ll need to take a shuttle to reach it, and paved paths make up much of the main area, so it doesn’t feel quite as tucked into nature as Merced or Tuolumne. That said, if you’re willing to hike a little farther, you can absolutely find quieter corners that feel much more secluded.

Tioga Road

• Best time of day: Anytime!
• Open: May through October
• Best for couples who: Love high alpine landscapes, gorgeous mountain views, and getting away from the crowds.

If you ask me, Tioga Road deserves WAY more attention than it gets. It takes you up into the park’s high country, where you’ll find way fewer people than in the valley but just as much beauty. Some of my favorite stops include Tenaya Lake, a stunning alpine lake that’s perfect for a swim, and Tuolumne Meadows, where you’re surrounded by wide-open meadows, granite domes, and towering mountain peaks. It’s seriously SO dreamy.

Since Tioga Road sits at a much higher elevation, it closes each year once the snow arrives, so you’ll want to keep an eye on road conditions if you’re planning a spring or fall elopement. It’s also about an hour’s drive from Yosemite Valley, but I promise it’s worth every minute. The drive alone is part of the adventure.

Glacier Point vs. Taft Point vs. Tunnel View (How to Choose)

Now that we’ve covered some of the best Yosemite wedding locations, let’s talk about the three spots couples ask me about the most: Glacier Point, Taft Point, and Tunnel View. They definitely have a lot in common (ie – GORGEOUS views, iconic scenery, and yes, crowds). Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which one (or ones!) best fits your day.

If you’re having a hard time choosing, here’s the good news. You don’t necessarily have to! Since each spot shines at a different time of day, it’s totally possible to include all three in your elopement. I’ve even photographed a day that did exactly that. 

We started with a sunrise ceremony at Glacier Point, stopped at Tunnel View on the way into the valley, enjoyed a picnic and explored the meadows, then wrapped everything up with sunset at Taft Point. It was SUCH a fun day and the perfect way to experience so many different sides of Yosemite.

Seasonal Considerations for Your Yosemite Wedding

I’ll start by saying this. There really isn’t a bad time to visit Yosemite. Every season is absolutely beautiful, but each one has its own personality, along with a few pros and cons you’ll want to keep in mind.

Spring and Fall

Spring and fall are two of my favorite times to experience Yosemite. Spring brings roaring waterfalls, fresh greenery, and that feeling that the whole park is waking back up. In the fall, the waterfalls are more of a trickle, but you get gorgeous golden meadows, beautiful fall color (especially up in the high country), and fewer crowds to contend with. The weather is also AMAZING during both seasons, which is a pretty huge bonus when you’re spending an entire day outside exploring.

If you’re looking for that sweet spot where you can experience all the beauty of Yosemite without quite as many people around, I’d definitely put spring and fall high on your list. The experience is going to look a little different depending on which season you choose, but honestly? You really can’t go wrong.

Winter

Then there’s winter, which I think is SO underrated. Lodging is often much more affordable, the park gets incredibly quiet, and seeing Half Dome and El Capitan dusted with snow is seriously magical. It’s a completely different side of Yosemite, and honestly, if you’re craving a little more peace and a little less chaos, winter is worth putting on your list.

The tradeoff is that the high country closes for the season, so your options are more limited to Yosemite Valley and the sequoia groves. And there is one notable exception to all that wintertime peace and quiet: Firefall in mid-to-late February, when the park gets incredibly busy. If you’re planning around that time, definitely keep the crowds in mind!

If you’re curious what a winter wedding in Yosemite actually looks like, I have a whole blog all about it!

Summer

Summer is when everything is open and showing off. The waterfalls are flowing, the wildflowers are blooming, and you can explore just about every corner of the park. It’s also the busiest time of year. Since Yosemite isn’t using timed entry reservations in 2026 as it did in previous years, weekends can get CRAZY. It can also get pretty hot, especially down in the valley.

Lots of couples choose to elope in the summer, and if that’s the experience you’re dreaming about, go for it! Just know what you’re signing up for and plan accordingly. If you’re hoping for a quieter experience, I’d recommend considering a weekday, starting your day early, or looking at some of the park’s less-visited areas. There are still SO many ways to make summer in Yosemite feel incredible, you just have to be a little more intentional about how you plan it.

Road Closures

One last thing to keep in mind when narrowing down your list of Yosemite wedding locations is that not every area of the park is open year-round. Higher elevation roads, like Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road, close once the snow starts falling and usually don’t reopen until late spring or early summer. The exact dates change every year depending on snowfall, but one thing I LOVE is that Yosemite publishes its historical road opening and closing dates, which can be super helpful while planning.

And if your dream location isn’t available, don’t stress. One of my favorite things about Yosemite is that Plan B is usually better than Plan A almost anywhere else.

Yosemite Wedding Locations Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get married anywhere in Yosemite National Park?

Yosemite has a list of approved ceremony locations where weddings can take place. These are spread throughout different areas of the park, including Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point and Wawona, Tuolumne Meadows, and the Big Oak Flat area. You can check out the full list on Yosemite’s ceremony locations webpage. One thing to note is that if your total group size is fewer than 11 people, you’ll have more ceremony location options available beyond the listed spots.

Are there Yosemite elopement locations that are less crowded?

Absolutely! If you’re hoping to avoid the biggest crowds, I always recommend looking at the sequoia groves or exploring areas along Tioga Road. They’re every bit as beautiful as the famous viewpoints, but they tend to be much quieter, giving you a more intimate experience.

Do you need a venue for a Yosemite wedding?

If you’re planning to have your ceremony inside Yosemite, you’ll need an approved permit for one of the park’s designated ceremony locations. Luckily, you can take portraits almost anywhere in the park!

If you’d rather skip the logistics of reserving a ceremony site, a symbolic ceremony is always a great option. You can take care of the legal paperwork before or after your trip, then spend your time in Yosemite simply soaking it all in without feeling tied to a schedule.

Can you have guests at a Yosemite elopement ceremony?

Yes! The number of guests depends on which ceremony location you choose. Some locations, like the Glacier Point Amphitheater, can accommodate up to 50 guests, while smaller locations, like Tuolumne Grove, have lower guest limits.

As you can probably tell by now, I’m just a little obsessed with Yosemite. Whether you’re dreaming of giant sequoias, peaceful meadows, towering granite cliffs, or classic valley views, there’s truly a spot here for every kind of couple.

Yosemite is one of my favorite places in the ENTIRE world, and getting to share it with my couples never gets old. I’ve photographed so many weddings and elopements here over the years, and wrote a whole guide on how to elope here! I know this park like the back of my hand, and if you’re dreaming about a Yosemite wedding, I’d love to help you bring it to life.

Blog post written by Sonder Studio