Should you elope in Yosemite?

Yosemite is one of the most visited National Parks in the world, and for good reason. It’s stunning, with unbeatable views and photo ops- perfect for a small wedding or Yosemite elopement.

So should you host your wedding in Yosemite?

As a Sierra Nevada native, here’s my honest photographer’s take on planning a Yosemite elopement. It may not be what you think:

Depending on the season, day of the week, or the time of the day, your Yosemite elopement experience can vary widely.

Without a little bit of flexibility, a Yosemite elopement may not be recommended at all. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge Yosemite fan. I grew up in the Sierra Nevadas, a few miles from the park boundary.  Back then, no permits were required for popular locations (like Half Dome) and no ticketed entry reservations required. You could camp with very little planning depending on the season. It was a different time.

Fast forward to today and the logistics of Yosemite have changed. The truth is, it’s crowded. Popular locations for wedding ceremonies are often not very private. Can you get off the beaten path? Sure. But if you’re including guests, you may be limited. And most of us want those iconic locations for a reason, they’re gorgeous backdrops for photos and bucket list locations to visit.

Planning a Yosemite wedding takes a little inside knowledge and a lot of “go with the flow.” Leaning on local vendor resources and their advice can transform your Yosemite wedding experience.

With years of wedding experience in Yosemite National Park, I think Yosemite absolutely worth it! But it takes a little extra planning, preparation, and perhaps some compromise. Your wedding day is not a photoshoot, it’s way more important than that, and so your experience must take priority!

So, should you get married in Yosemite? Yes, if it’s on a weekday.

This goes without saying, but spare yourself the hassle of trying to navigate park traffic on a weekend. It will cut into your time to enjoy each other, and it will stress you out! No one wants to spend one of the best adventures of their lives in bumper to bumper traffic.

Should you get married in Yosemite? Especially yes if it’s a weekday in the shoulder season.

Even weekdays during peak season are super busy. According to the Yosemite NPS website, 75% of all visitors come between May-October. For many of us, that’s the ideal time to get married. From personal experience, I think the months when school is out are the most busy- June, July, & August. One of my favorite seasons for a Yosemite Elopement iis October. The crowds are notably less and the changing colors are magnificent. If you’re taking advantage of sunrise (many do) you also get the benefit of a later wake up call for travel to popular sunrise spot Glacier Point.

Should you get married in Yosemite? Yes, if you have a very small or no guest list at all.

If you have less than 11 guests that means you can choose nearly any location within the park with a few exceptions. That means you can truly choose a spot with a little more privacy. If it’s just the two of you, we can really sneak away. Check out my location guide for more info.

Should you elope in Yosemite? Yes, if you’ve had an honest conversation with yourself regarding your comfort level as the center of attention.

This can’t be avoided. The tourists you’ll be sharing the park with get so excited to see a couple dressed in their wedding clothes! To be honest, I usually find it pretty sweet when countless languages and accents are wishing you a heartfelt, “congratulations!” It’s such a unique experience.

But let’s chat about what moments you need privacy.  Not all of us thrive as the center of attention. So it’s important that while you’re saying your vows, or having your first look, we choose a location where you can focus, not feel rushed. And especially not feel several pairs of strangers eyes spying (or even worse, documenting it for themselves on their phones). As long as we plan for the moments you need privacy, we can always stop by those popular iconic locations later.

Should you get married in Yosemite? Yes, if you’re willing to get up at sunrise.

This one goes without much explanation- you will have a much more private experience if you can beat the crowds. Still, even in the peak season, you will share many iconic locations with other early birds. (And some other wedding and engagement couples too).

Should you plan a Yosemite elopement?  YES!

Yosemite is worth it! I would love to help you plan and prepare for the best possible experience! I can also offer guidance on locations, timelines, and tips for enjoying your elopement day to the fullest.

Are you getting married outside of park boundaries?

If you’re hosting an event with a big guest list outside the park (think Tenaya Lodge, Evergreen Lodge or Rush Creek Lodge & Spa) it’s absolutely worth it to make a day for yourselves within the park. Reach out for ideas to make your Yosemite adventure day the perfect start to your wedding week.

Ready to plan your perfect Yosemite elopement?

As a Sierra Nevada local I delight in sharing all my best Yosemite elopement tips with my couples. If  Yosemite calls to you, but you’re not sure where to go from there, don’t worry. Reach out and I can help you start planning. If you’re still deciding where to get married, here’s a guide to the best Yosemite wedding locations inside the park. And if you need help filling out your permit, you can learn exactly how the Yosemite wedding permit process works here.