If you’re dreaming of an incredible Yosemite National Park wedding or elopement, you’re in the right place! Here you’ll find some of the most stunning, adventure-filled locations that will take your breath away. But with so many options, how do you choose the perfect spot for your big day? 

That’s exactly what I hope to help you with in this blog – from Yosemite National Park wedding location suggestions, to how to navigate the different Park’s entrances and more! 

10 Best Yosemite National Park Wedding Locations

There are 13 designated wedding ceremony locations within Yosemite National Park, however, if your party is fewer than 11 people, you are not limited to the following locations with exception of open meadows and riparian environments.

Here is an overview of my favorite Yosemite National Park wedding locations!

Glacier Point

Glacier Point is perfect for early risers who love a good sunrise. It’s accessible by car (when the road is open), but be prepared for a bit of a drive if you’re staying outside the park—this spot is worth every mile! Just remember, this is a popular location, so arriving early is key to getting those incredible views without the crowds.

Guest Capacity: 50

Pros: Unmatched views, easy access, great for early morning ceremonies

Cons: Crowds can gather quickly, especially after sunrise; limited parking

Glacier Point elopement adventure at sunrise. Located at the end of Glacier Point Road.

Taft Point

For those who love a bit of a hike, Taft Point offers a breathtaking sunset experience. The trail is about a mile long and not too challenging, but be mindful that it gets dark quickly after sunset. 

Guest Capacity: 11 

Pros: Stunning sunset views, intimate setting, adventurous vibe

Cons: Requires a hike, not ideal for guests with limited mobility, can be tricky after dark

Taft Point Sunset Elopement

El Capitan Meadow

This location offers a dramatic backdrop of El Capitan granite cliffs. Plus, it’s relatively flat, making it accessible for all you and your guests.

Guest Capacity: 11 

Pros: Iconic views, accessible 

Cons: Can get a bit busy with tourists because of how easily accessible it is during peak seasons.

Afternoon Elopement adventure at el capitan meadows. Located on on Northside Drive, near the west end of Yosemite Valley.

Cathedral Beach

For a Mercer River riverside ceremony with a view of Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Beach is a stunning choice. It offers one of the larger guest count limit and it’s also easily accessible from the parking lot!

Guest Capacity:  50 

Pros: Riverside location, easy access, beautiful views

Cons: Limited parking, can be crowded during the day, closed November through Memorial Day weekend.

Bridalveil Falls

If you’re looking for stunning waterfall views, beautiful forests, and iconic granite cliffs, Bridalveil Falls offers a misty, magical atmosphere. The trail to the falls is short and easy, making it accessible for all guests.

Guest Capacity:  50 

Pros: Close to parking, stunning waterfall backdrop, easy hike, open year-round

Cons: Can be slippery, and crowded, mist may dampen things (literally!)

Artist Point

If you want the iconic Tunnel View without the crowds, Artist Point is your hidden gem. This location offers an amazing view of Yosemite Valley with a short hike to get there. It’s less crowded, making it perfect for a more intimate ceremony.

Pros: Stunning views, fewer crowds, short hike

Cons: The hike may be challenging for some, limited parking.

Tenaya Lake Beach

For a beachy vibe in the mountains, Tenaya Lake Beach is a unique Yosemite elopement spot. It’s great for couples who want something a little different and love the idea of being near the water.

Guest Capacity:  50 

Pros: Beautiful lake setting, peaceful, easy access

Cons: Cold water (even in summer), limited facilities, crowds during peak season.

Sentinel Dome

For a panoramic view that will leave you speechless, Sentinel Dome is the spot. The short hike is worth the 360-degree views of Yosemite’s iconic landmarks, making it an incredible place to exchange vows.

Guest Capacity:  11

Pros: 360-degree views, incredible photo opportunities, adventurous location

Cons: Requires a hike, limited parking, not suitable for guests with mobility issues

Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Area

If you’re planning a summer wedding, Tuolumne Meadows Lodge offers expansive views of the high country. It’s a bit off the beaten path, making it less crowded and perfect for those who want privacy for their elopement.

Guest Capacity: 25 

Pros: Stunning meadows, fewer crowds, cooler temperatures in summer

Cons: Only open between mid-July to mid-September, you need to watch out for the wildlife (no cooking inside or outside your tent, must use bear-proof storage, etc.)

Tuolumne Grove

Tuolumne Grove is home to some of Yosemite’s giant sequoias, offering a serene and awe-inspiring setting for your ceremony.

Guest Capacity:  30

Pros:  Rather secluded, stunning giant sequoias, peaceful atmosphere

Cons: Requires a hike, limited parking, can be challenging for some guests

How to Choose Your Perfect Yosemite National Park Wedding Location?

Choosing the perfect location depends on your adventure level, guest list, and the type of experience you want to create. Are you early risers who love a quiet, intimate ceremony? Glacier Point at sunrise might be your spot. More of a sunset chaser? Taft Point will deliver those golden hour vibes.

Consider the accessibility of each location—some spots require hikes, while others are more accessible. If you have guests with limited mobility, you’ll want to choose a location that’s easy to get to. Parking and crowd levels are also important to consider. Some locations, like Bridalveil Falls and Glacier Point, can get crowded, so an early morning ceremony might be best.

Lastly, think about the time of year. Yosemite is vast, and conditions can change with the seasons. High elevations like Tuolumne Meadows may be snow-covered in the winter, while lower locations may be more accessible year-round.

Additional Tips for Your Yosemite Wedding or Elopement

Stay Inside the Park: Yosemite is massive, and staying inside the park will save you a lot of drive time—sometimes up to an hour each way if you’re staying outside.

Plan for the Elements: The weather in Yosemite can be unpredictable. Bring layers, and be prepared for anything from sun to snow, depending on your location and time of year.

Permits and Regulations: According to NPS.gov, wedding permits are required for all Yosemite locations, and some restrictions apply (like no amplified music or drones). Be sure to check the latest guidelines and secure your permit early. You can also check more details about this in my full Yosemite Elopement Guide here!

Navigating Yosemite’s Different Entrances

Yosemite National Park has five entrances, each offering a unique route into the park and impacting your drive time and experience. Here’s a quick rundown of the main entrances to help you decide which one might work best for your wedding or elopement:

Big Oak Flat Entrance (Highway 120)

Located on the west side of the park, this entrance is popular for those coming from the San Francisco Bay Area. It provides quick access to Yosemite Valley and is a great option if you’re planning to stay in the park’s central areas like Yosemite Valley or El Capitan Meadow.

Arch Rock Entrance (Highway 140)

This entrance is also on the west side and is the most direct route into Yosemite Valley, making it a favorite for those coming from places like Merced or Mariposa. If you’re staying near the park’s western boundary or planning a wedding in the Valley, this is your best bet.

South Entrance (Highway 41)

This entrance is ideal if you’re coming from the Fresno area or planning to visit Glacier Point or the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. It’s also the closest entrance to Wawona and Fish Camp, two popular areas to stay.

Tioga Pass Entrance (Highway 120 East)

If your elopement is in the summer and you’re coming from the east (like from Nevada or the Lake Tahoe area), Tioga Pass is the gateway to Yosemite’s high country, including Tuolumne Meadows. This entrance is the highest in elevation and offers incredible scenery along the way. This entrance usually closes in November until it re-opens in May.

Hetch Hetchy Entrance (Highway 120)

For those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience, Hetch Hetchy is an option. This entrance leads to a less-visited area of the park, known for its serene reservoirs and waterfalls.

Hetch Hetchy is located a bit more than an hour away from Yosemite Valley and it’s open only during daylight hours (from sunrise to sunset). Some roads may close during November through March due to snow and icy roads.

Yosemite Elopement Resources

• How to Plan Your Yosemite Elopement Timeline
• Top 5 Reasons to Elope in Yosemite
• Yosemite Elopement Guide
• Yosemite Elopement Photographer

My Yosemite Elopement Packages

Hi! I’m Christina! Documenting love in the great outdoors and helping my couples create an unforgettable meaningful experience is my everything! That is what this is all about! I’m here to celebrate you and get to know what is most important to you so we can make it happen! Eloping in Yosemite is truly an amazing way to celebrate the future you are building together.

Offered throughout every elopement package:

• Help you hand pick a location
• Provide resources and custom location guides on lodging, activities, and the best places to indulge in delicious foods
• Scout locations with boots on the ground to find the best places and lighting for your ceremony and photos
• Secure the right location permits to make sure your wedding is legal!
• Recommend vetted vendors to help make your dream of a day come true. 
• Create your custom timeline (there are 2-3 options to choose from!) with room to breathe and enjoy your day.
• Deliver a joyful experience along with swoon-worthy photos in your own online gallery!
• Have a backup plan for it all!
• Deliver sneak peeks within 72 hours and a full wedding gallery within 6 weeks! 
• Provide a Fine Art Wedding Album design for you to print and hold onto your photos to thumb through for years to come

My elopement packages offer a half, full, or multi-day experience! I offer a ton of flexibility in designing our time together and would love to get to know you more to help you plan! To learn more, head over to my contact form and we can get together on a call!