A GUIDE TO YOUR ELOPEMENT IN YOSEMITE

So, you’ve decided to elope to Yosemite, but you have no idea where to start. Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. In this blog we’ll cover travel, park fees, locations and so much more for your Yosemite elopement!

Time Travel

A lot of people don’t realize just how far away Yosemite is to civilization. Of course, that’s why it’s so beautiful, but it’ll be a long drive to your Yosemite elopement. If you’re coming from one of the major airports, either Sacramento, San Francisco, or LAX, or Reno, give yourself some time.

Here’s something most people don’t know: Once you’re in Yosemite, it’s a long drive in between places, too. For example, the road through Yosemite Valley is one way, and it’s a long road, so if you miss your destination, you have to drive all the way back around. Ugh. If it’s a busy weekend, that could take you a half-hour, maybe longer. Plan your route ahead of time and be sure to bring a paper map. Cell service in the park is horrible so you won’t be able to rely on Google Maps.

‘Tis the Season

Depending on the time of year, you might need a reservation. Basically, if you’re traveling to Yosemite in the summer, check the requirements. According to their web site, May 24-26: (Memorial Day Weekend), June 15 – August 15: (Every Day) and August 30 – September 1: (Labor Day Weekend) will all require a reservation. NO reservation is required from May 27 – June 14 or August 16 -29. Reservations open at 8am PDT on Tuesday, May 6 2025, via Recreation.gov.

• Each reservation costs $2 (non-refundable)
• Reservations are valid for three consecutive days.
• Standard park entrance fee still applies.

Both reservation options cost $2 and permit the use of one vehicle for a continuous period of three days. Upon arrival at Yosemite, visitors must either pay a park entrance fee of $35 or provide a lifetime or annual pass. It is important to note that the person who made the reservation must be in the car upon arrival and present a valid photo identification.

Okay, so let’s talk about seasons. Honestly, my favorite time of year at the park is the Fall. Summer can get hot. It can also be super-smokey. In the fall, you have the stunning leaves that turn a multitude of colors and some stunning sunsets from the higher elevations.

Late spring is also a good time to visit. It’s a little trickier, however, because you never know how quickly snow will melt off. I’ve seen snow in May and no snow in April. It just depends.

Permit Power

This is a common question. Basically, if you’re having a ceremony in the park, you’ll need a permit. I mean, it makes sense. You don’t want fifty couples at Bridalveil Falls. So if you’re planning a ceremony at one of Yosemite’s scenic locations, you’re going to need to visit their permit page. The permit will cost $150 and locations book up fast, so be sure to get your permit early. There are limits to how many wedding guests you can have, too, but that changes yearly so just keep it in mind. An additional charge of $50.00 per hour will be charged if you’re wedding has between 30-50 guests.

Things to keep in mind: Your permit fee is non-refundable so be sure of your date and location before sending in the paperwork. I recommend you look at my galleries to get an idea of where you’d like your ceremony. Speaking of that, your guests will have to pay to get into the park, too. No special discounts. Also, weekends are so busy! I recommend couples select a date during the week. You don’t want to get married during rush hour. It’s a pain.

Just to make things easier, here’s the link to the permit application. You’re welcome.

Licensed to say I DO at Your Yosemite Elopement

One thing I always worry about is that my couple will forget about the marriage license. I know. it sounds silly, but remember to swing in to any county courthouse on your way into the park. It will need to be a California license so this will require some planning on your part. Luckily, there are plenty of cities on your way from the airport.

Final Thoughts on Your Yosemite Elopement

There’s a lot of planning that will go into your Yosemite elopement, but it’s so worth it. You will not find a more stunning place to visit. I always marvel at the diverse landscape. From stunning waterfalls to breathtaking cliffs to gorgeous valley, there’s always something new and unique which makes it the perfect place for an elopement.