Yosemite Elopement Locations & Wedding Venues
ultimate yosemite wedding & Elopement Guide for 2025
ultimate guide to a yosemite wedding
Your roadmap to planning an elopement or micro wedding in Yosemite
With its massive mountains, rushing waterfalls, peaceful meadows and buzzing wildlife- Yosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful locations to elope in the US. As photographers who have documented and helped plan countless Yosemite elopements, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know while planning your Yosemite National Park wedding. Discover the best locations for your ceremony and photos, where to stay, the best time of year to visit, elopement packages, pricing and more.
Yosemite Elopement + Micro Wedding Specialists
PHOTOGRAPHY – VIDEOGRAPHY – PLANNING
Hey, we’re Sav & Greg the husband and wife team behind Authentic Collective!
As experienced Yosemite elopement photographers who have guided countless couples through their dream day in the park, we’re here to help you plan an unforgettable experience—from choosing the perfect ceremony spot to understanding permits and park regulations. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about eloping in Yosemite, including the best time of year, how to get legally married, permit requirements, recommended locations, pricing, packages, and more!
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pros and cons of planning a yosemite wedding
Is eloping in Yosemite right for you? Here are some considerations:
How To Plan A Yosemite Elopement
A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
As Yosemite elopement planners – most couples book us before they even have a permit!
We help couples from the moment they decide to elope in Yosemite—guiding them through choosing the best time of year and most scenic locations, recommending local vendors and lodging, navigating permits, creating custom timelines, planning meaningful activities, and prepping for the day. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. As Yosemite elopement photographers, videographers, and planners, we’re here to make the process simple, stress-free, and genuinely exciting. Planning your first Yosemite elopement? Don’t worry—we’ve been photographing and planning elopements in the park for over 6 years, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Want to start planning your Yosemite National Park wedding? Here’s how!
Best Places To Get Married In Yosemite National Park
elopement locations and wedding venues IN Yosemite national park
Best Places To Elope In Yosemite
To apply for your permit, you’ll need to select a preferred ceremony location and an alternate location (incase your first choice is unavailable). Beyond the basics of choosing which locations you find most aesthetically pleasing for your elopement ceremony, you need to consider the guest count and seasonality. Each ceremony location has a guest count designated by the national park service based on the space and parking available in the area. Some ceremony sites during certain times of the year are either inaccessible due to road closures or flooding that can occur within the valley.
There are designated ceremony locations for weddings with between 11 to 100 people, or you’re able to get married pretty much anywhere within the park if you are eloping with a group size up to 10! Below we’ll outline each available designated wedding ceremony location as well as elopement locations that are available for small group. We’ve categorized these by the area of Yosemite National Park they’re located in.
Yosemite Ceremony Locations
Yosemite Valley has some of the most beautiful locations for wedding ceremonies. A benefit of having a Yosemite Valley wedding is that the valley is quite compact- it’s not huge, but there is SO much to see and do. This means that you’ll be able to go to multiple locations and get a variety of scenery on your special day by just staying in the valley. There are waterfalls, meadows, mountain views, rivers, lakes and beaches!
The Yosemite wedding venues in this area are very accessible, with the locations being just a short, easy walk from the parking lot. It’s true that you don’t have to hike to get beautiful views in Yosemite! Also, a lot of the locations in the valley are open year round due to the lower elevation. If you’re staying outside of Yosemite and are driving into the park for your wedding, these locations are a shorter drive than the other options as well.
Sentinel Beach
Sentinel Beach Picnic Area is our favorite ceremony location in Yosemite Valley for weddings with guests. The lighting in the morning hours is absolutely stunning, with the Merced River, Yosemite Falls and mountain views in the background.
GUEST COUNT: 0-100
SEASON: CLOSED NOVEMBER to MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
Hike: None
Cathedral Beach
Cathedral Beach is the best elopement ceremony location in Yosemite Valley for epic views of El Capitan (you may recognize it from Free-Solo!). Like most Yosemite valley weddings, we typically recommend sunrise ceremonies here to avoid crowds that gather on the beach in the evenings.
GUEST COUNT: 0-50
SEASON: CLOSED NOVEMBER to MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
Hike: None
Swinging Bridge
Swinging Bridge is a popular location as it offers gorgeous views of Yosemite Falls, the meadows and the Merced. You are NOT allowed in the meadow. The beach is often flooded until late summer.
GUEST COUNT: 0-20
SEASON: OPEN YEAR ROUND EXCEPT ON HOLIDAY WEEKENDS
Hike: None
Lower Yosemite Falls
This ceremony location is in a small area beside the main paved trail. While the trail leading to the ceremony site has views, the actual ceremony site leaves a bit to be desired. We recommend this spot for photos more than a ceremony!
GUEST COUNT: 0-50
SEASON: OPEN YEAR ROUND EXCEPT ON HOLIDAY WEEKENDS
Hike: None
Yosemite Valley Chapel
Built in 1879, this iconic chapel is located in Yosemite Valley and is available for small weddings. To book this location you have to go through Yosemite Valley Chapel Weddings and there is a minimum of a $1200 fee. Or, just take photos here for free!
GUEST COUNT: 0-50
SEASON: OPEN YEAR ROUND EXCEPT ON HOLIDAY WEEKENDS (SATURDAY, SUNDAY, AND MONDAY).
Glacier Point
Glacier Point is the most popular elopement location in Yosemite National Park. It offers iconic views of Half Dome and the surrounding area. Your wedding will be at the amphitheater if you have guests. It gets BUSY so plan for sunrise!
GUEST COUNT: 0-50
SEASON: NOT AVAILABLE IN JULY OR AUGUST. USUALLY CLOSES NOV-DEC AND REOPENS APRIL-MAY.
Hike: None
Bridalveil Falls
A waterfall ceremony location surrounded by forest. Location lies at the forest clearing on your right where the fall comes into view. This is a unique location as it’s lesser known and lesser photographed!
GUEST COUNT: 0-50
SEASON: Open Year round
Hike: Short Walk
Cascades Picnic Area
Ceremonies are permitted within the picnic site area, ensuring a minimum distance of at least 6 feet away from the river’s edge. Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited parking is available for up to 8 vehicles.
GUEST COUNT: 0-30
SEASON: OPEN YEAR ROUND EXCEPT ON HOLIDAY WEEKENDS
Hike: None
Merced Grove
This short hike takes you to a small patch of sequoia trees. It’s a dirt path which at the time of our hike, was lined with cut down trees. There is a moderate slope down to the ceremony spot.
GUEST COUNT: 0-30
SEASON: FROM LATE OCTOBER TO JUNE THERE MAY BE SNOW ON THE TRAIL.
Hike: 3 Miles Roundtrip
Tuolumne Grove
This ceremony location is a short hike through a wooded area. There is an incline from the parking lot to the ceremony site which has giant sequoias.
GUEST COUNT: 0-30
SEASON: OPEN YEAR ROUND.
RESTRICTIONS: CEREMONY MUST BE ON PATH, NO STANDING ON ROOTS OR NEAR TREES.
Hike: 2.5 Miles roundtrip
Chilnualna Falls Trailhead
Location is located to the west of a large house (personally owned inholding), at the southwest end of the parking area, down slope from the parking lot. Truthfully, it’s not very remarkable.
GUEST COUNT: 0-50
SEASON: OPEN YEAR ROUND EXCEPT ON HOLIDAY WEEKENDS (SATURDAY, SUNDAY, AND MONDAY).
Tenaya Lake Beach
Tenaya Lake is a much less travelled area than locations in Yosemite Valley or along Glacier Point Road. This is one of our favorite beaches to hang out at during the summer months. The crystal clear blue water and mountain views are to die for!
GUEST COUNT: 0-50
SEASON: THE ROAD TO ACCESS TENAYA LAKE (TIOGA ROAD) OPENS LATE MAY/JUNE AND CLOSES SEPTEMBER 30TH.
Hike: None
Tuolumne Meadows Lodge
Site is located upstream from Tuolumne Meadows Lodge on the Dana Fork granite slab. Take dirt path toward the river stay left and follow for approximately 250 yards (300 meters), until you reach the cascade area.
GUEST COUNT: 0-25
SEASON: ROAD OPENING UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30TH. THERE MAY BE SNOW STILL IN THE AREA.
Hike: short walk
Yosemite Elopement Locations
If you’re eloping with 10 guests or less, you’re not restricted to having your elopement ceremony in one of the designated ceremony sites! If you do have over 10 guests but love these locations, you can still take newlywed photos here.
We keep our favorite locations as hidden gems exclusively for our couples, in order to maintain the privacy and intimate experience in these locations. It’s important to hire a Yosemite wedding photographer who’s familiar with the park so that they can guide you to the best places for photos. Here are some popular spots!
Taft Point
Taft Point features dramatic cliffs and views of Yosemite Valley that are sure to take your breath away. However, it is also one of the busiest places. We recommend just photos here, not a ceremony.
GUEST COUNT: 0-10
Season: Closes during winter due to snow
Hike: 2.2 Miles Roundtrip
TUNNEL VIEW
Tunnel View is a stop right along the road that offers an iconic view of Yosemite Valley with El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Falls in view. This location is super busy starting at sunrise. However, we know of a couple trails that offers the same view but even better, without the crowds!
GUEST COUNT: 0-10
SEASON: OPEN YEAR ROUND
HIKE: 0-1 MILES ROUNDTRIP
Yosemite Meadows
Yosemite Valley has countless meadows that are beautiful for photos. We prefer to keep the locations of our favorite meadows just for our clients, as people have been disrespecting the meadows by not staying on the designated trails. All photos you see of ours are taken on trails.
CEREMONIES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN OPEN MEADOWS
SEASON: OPEN YEAR ROUND
HIKE: NONE
Hidden Gems
There’s lots of hidden gems around Yosemite we love taking our couples to. From places in Yosemite Valley that offer better vantage points than the popular spots to less traveled locations along Tioga and Glacier Point Road.
These are spots we don’t share online to keep the privacy of these locations for our couples. Our couples have access to our exclusive location guides after booking.
We’ll show you the best locations
You won’t find the best locations online. You need a photographer who has spent time hiking around the park and scouting these locations in person to help you plan your Yosemite elopement.
We provide our couples with exclusive location guide, custom timeline, vendor recommendations and even lodging ideas!
Yosemite Wedding Venues & Receptions
Even if you’re having a small wedding or elopement, “receptions” can be a great way to celebrate after your ceremony! This is when you can have dinner, share your first dance, eat some cake, and even have guests give toasts.
Reception venues include Yosemite Valley Lodge, AutoCamp Yosemite, Rush Creek Lodge, Wawona Hotel, Curry Village, Yosemite Bug, Redwoods in Yosemite or other restaurants, AirBnB/VRBO’s outside of the park. Here are a few of our personal favorite reception locations:
Picnic Areas
A free and convenient option is to set up a picnic at one of the many picnic areas in Yosemite Valley! Sentinel Beach, Cathedral Beach and Swinging Bridge all have picnic tables you can use on a first-come-first-serve basis. There are others as well, but these are the most scenic.
PRICE: Free
DISTANCE FROM YOSEMITE: In Yosemite Valley
GUEST COUNT: varies
The Ahwahnee Hotel
The Ahwahnee Hotel is not to be missed! On the outside the hotel is a bit unassuming, but once you step indoors you can really see how grand this location is. This is the nicest hotel and reception venue, conveniently located inside of Yosemite Valley.
PRICE: $$$
DISTANCE FROM YOSEMITE: IN THE VALLEY
Guest COUNT: 0-180
Mountain Room Restaurant
The Mountain Room in Yosemite Valley Lodge is an elegant dining room for your wedding reception. It has stunning architecture with floor to ceiling windows, filling the room with natural light. It’s right in the valley and is a convenient option to rent out for your micro wedding reception!
PRICE: $$
DISTANCE FROM YOSEMITE: IN THE VALLEY
Guest COUNT: 0-150
Chateau Du Sureau
This reception venue doubles as a quaint restaurant and bed & breakfast! That means you and your guests can celebrate your wedding here, then walk back to your room to rest for the night. We’ve shot multiple receptions here and absolutely love it. The venue is stunning and the food and drinks are fabulous.
PRICE: $$
DISTANCE FROM YOSEMITE: 1.5 HOUR Drive
GUEST COUNT: 0-120
vacation rentals
There are many AirBnB’s, VRBO’s and other rentals that allow small parties and receptions on the property. The best way to find these is to browse rental properties and contact the owners directly for more information.
PRICE: VARIES
DISTANCE FROM YOSEMITE: VARIES
GUEST COUNT: VARIES
Evergreen Lodge
You’ll have the option of having your ceremony onsite at Wapama Grove, or apply for a permit to have your ceremony in the park and have dinner with your guests at Evergreen Lodge! Located about an hour drive out of the Valley near Hetch Hetchy.
PRICE: $$
DISTANCE FROM YOSEMITE: 1 HOUR DRIVE
GUEST COUNT: 0-200
Tenaya Lodge
Tenaya Lodge is just outside of the park and is an affordable option for receptions with on-site lodging. They have ceremony options as well, but we suggest getting married in the park for the best views!
PRICE: $
DISTANCE FROM YOSEMITE: 1 HOUR DRIVE
GUEST COUNT: VARIES
When To Elope In Yosemite
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO ELOPE IN Yosemite national park
Spring and early summer are the best seasons to elope in Yosemite for rushing waterfalls, warm weather and lush greenery. We typically shoot weddings in Yosemite in mid-June for this reason! Check our travel schedule below for available dates.
The waterfalls can dry up around August depending on the previous winter’s snowfall. Fall is beautiful for Yosemite wedding providing gorgeous colors and mild weather. Winter is cold and often snowy, but can make for gorgeous images with less crowds. It’s important to note that most beach ceremony locations will be flooded during May and June.
Spring Yosemite Elopement
April, May & June
Spring is when Yosemite truly comes alive. Waterfalls are at their most powerful, wildflowers start to bloom, and the valley is lush and vibrant. That said, many of the high-elevation locations like Taft Point and Glacier Point are still closed until late May, and the Merced River can be high causing flooding at some beaches.
That’s why we only book Yosemite elopements in early to mid-June—when everything is finally accessible but before the summer crowds fully roll in.
Summer Yosemite Elopement
July to September
Summer brings full access to all of Yosemite’s iconic spots and clear weather almost every day. It’s a great time for elopements in the high country, but it’s also the busiest season.
Expect crowds, traffic, and limited parking unless you plan for sunrise or a weekday ceremony. That said, sunset at Taft Point or Glacier Point is absolutely worth it if you’re willing to plan around the busy season.
Fall Yosemite Elopement
late october to early november
Fall in Yosemite offers cooler temps and fewer crowds, making it a quieter time to elope. However, if you’re hoping for vibrant fall colors, this may not be the best location—most of the trees in Yosemite are evergreen, and the valley tends to look more brown and dry than golden. Waterfalls are usually just a trickle by this point, and while it’s still beautiful in its own way, fall isn’t the top pick if you’re after lush greenery or colorful foliage.
It’s a great time to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed pace—just keep an eye on road closure dates, as Glacier Point Road often shuts down for the season by late October.
Winter Yosemite Elopement
November to march
Winter in Yosemite is peaceful, quiet, and covered in snow—perfect for couples who love the idea of a cozy, intimate elopement. Yosemite Valley remains open year-round, but most of the park’s famous overlooks are closed due to snow.
If you’re up for chilly temps and a bit of adventure, winter can be incredibly magical (just be ready for limited access and cold weather conditions).
Choosing Your Yosemite Wedding Date
01
Choose A Weekday
We always recommend eloping on a weekday (Monday–Thursday is ideal) to avoid the heavy crowds in Yosemite. An early morning (around sunrise or the hours following) ceremony is essential for the most intimate experience. It’s important to note that it gets HOT in Yosemite during the summer, and very busy, so mid-day should be avoided at all costs. Another essential reason to choose sunrise on a weekday is that you’ll want to get in the gates before it gets busy, or you can be stuck in a line of cars trying to get into the entrance for hours.
02
Be Aware Of Important Dates
When selecting your wedding date, it’s also important to know the typical opening and closing dates for the different locations you may be interested in. Glacier Point Road (access to Glacier Point, Taft Point and other trails) typically opens in April, May or sometimes as late as June depending on snowfall. It usually closes in November or early December. Tioga Road (access to Tenaya Lake and tons of other trails) typically opens late May and closes October or November. You can view more historical opening/closing dates here. It’s also important to note that most beach ceremony locations will be flooded during May and June. You can still have your ceremony there, but the view will be different.
03
Stay Flexible
Before locking in a date, reach out to your photographer not just to check their availability and permits, but also to get insight on the best timing for your vision. An experienced Yosemite photographer can help guide you based on what you’re after—whether that’s full waterfalls in early summer, wildflower blooms, glowing granite walls at sunset, or snow-dusted peaks. They’ll also know what areas are open and accessible during different seasons, so their guidance can be invaluable in choosing a date that aligns with the scenery and conditions you’re hoping for.
Our Travel Schedule
NO TRAVEL FEES DURING THESE DATES
Yosemite, California
June 9th – June 20th 2025
We offer waived travel fees and special offers during these dates. Contact for more info.
Yosemite Wedding Permits
permits are required for all ceremonies in yosemite national park
A permit is required for all weddings in Yosemite National Park, regardless of size or guest count. This means that yes, you do need to obtain a permit for your ceremony. The good news is, it’s just $150!
How to get a special use permit for your ceremony
You can apply for your permit up to one year in advance by physically mailing your application to Yosemite’s permit office, along with a $150 check. It’s highly recommended to apply for your permit as soon as possible to provide the best chance at securing your desired ceremony location and time.
You’ll need to include your top choice for your ceremony location and time, as well as a back-up option. Not only do we help couples by providing insight into the best locations and timing, but we also have a direct relationship with the permitting office and can get assist with getting your permit approved.
PS – The permit process is not a fast one- be prepared to email them multiple times before getting a confirmation.
Yosemite Wedding Vendors
Elopement Photography, Videography & Planning
Authentic Collective – View our photos & elopement videos
We provide all of our clients with a curated list of Yosemite elopement vendors tailored to their specific location and date—helping them connect with local pros who know the park and don’t charge extra travel fees. But if you’re just starting your search, here are a few great options based in California who are familiar with Yosemite and the surrounding areas:
Florists
bouquets & boutennieres
Officiants
Hire a private chef or catering
- Cindie Wilding
- Donny Alexander
- Kathleen Malloy
Hey, we’re Savannah & Greg!
YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHERS
We’re a husband and wife team specializing in elopement photography and videography. We believe eloping is the best way to get married, so much so that we did it ourselves! We know it can feel overwhelming not knowing where to start, which is why we help couples set a date, pick a location, make a timeline, etc!
Booking Lodging and Travel To Yosemite
How to Plan Your Stay and travel for a Smooth Elopement
Booking your travel and lodging is a major part of creating a smooth, stress-free elopement experience. From picking the most convenient airport to staying close to your ceremony spot, a little upfront planning can make a big difference in how relaxed and enjoyable your trip feels. Here’s what to consider before you book.
Where to fly into for your elopement
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is the best airport to fly into as it’s the closest, only about 1.5 hours to the South Entrance via Oakhurst. It’s the most convenient major airport for reaching Yosemite and has rental car options. If you’re flying in, we recommend renting a car—you’ll need one to get around the park and to your lodging, especially with limited shuttle service and no Uber/Lyft in the area.
Where To Stay
Oakhurst is our go-to—it’s about 30 minutes from the South Entrance and an hour to Yosemite Valley. It has a grocery store, affordable rentals, and lots of great photo-friendly Airbnbs. Mariposa is a similar distance via Highway 140 and offers plenty of cute, well-designed stays. Groveland is another option, though less familiar to us—it seems to have decent lodging but fewer amenities. We don’t recommend Lee Vining or the East Entrance for most elopements since it’s a 2+ hour drive to the valley and Tioga Road is closed in winter. Hetch Hetchy is also not ideal due to limited access and lodging.
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Yosemite Wedding Requirements
TO get married IN Yosemite, YOU’LL need A California MARRIAGE LICENSE
You CANNOT self-solemnize in California, which means you WILL need an officiant and witnesses to get married. However, as an ordained husband and wife team, we can actually legalize your marriage for you. You will still need to obtain a marriage license unless you’re planning a commitment ceremony. You can do this regardless of whether you live in California or are traveling in from out of state.
How To Get A California Marriage License
You can apply for your marriage license at one of the 58 County Clerk offices in California. You can do this in any county; it doesn’t have to be in the county where you will be married. The closest and most convenient County Clerk office for Yosemite is the Mariposa County Clerk.
You will need to make an appointment, then both arrive in person with photo ID to obtain your license. Some counties require a copy of your birth certificate as well, so check into that before you leave home. There is no waiting period, so you can get your marriage license just prior to your elopement. If you want to get your license early, you can up to 90 days before your ceremony.
Then, you will need an ordained officiant as well as one witness to complete the marriage license after your ceremony. You can have up to two witnesses sign, but you only need one (this can be your photographer if you aren’t inviting guests). You can also have one of your family members or friends easily get ordained online to perform the ceremony!
Lastly, you or your officiant will need to return the marriage license to the recorder’s office within 10 days of the ceremony. That’s it- you’re legally married!
Yosemite Activity Ideas
ACTIVITIES & IDEAS FOR YOUR wedding week
Your elopement deserves to be an experience, not just “a few photos”. Here are some elopement ideas and activities to make your day memorable!
Yosemite Wedding Timeline
A Fun Filled Adventure, Not an All Day Photoshoot
Your Day Is 100% Customizable, But Here’s What This Can Look Like..
Let’s be real—a couple of hours just isn’t enough to capture the beauty of Yosemite. You’re traveling all the way out here to one of the most iconic national parks in the world—why rush it? That’s why we specialize in full-day and multi-day elopements.
More time means more epic locations, more time to actually enjoy the experience, and more meaningful, story-driven photos and video. Yosemite is way too incredible to squeeze into a short photoshoot—and your elopement deserves to be unforgettable. Here’s a look at what real Yosemite timeline can look like:
4 Hour Elopement
sunrise in yosemite
Sunrise
5:30am – Meet in Yosemite Valley and share a first look
6:00am – Explore and photos
7:00am – Travel to a secondary location
8:00am – Ceremony (vows, exchange rings, sign marriage license)
8:30am – Celebrate! Picnic with champagne and cake
9:00am – Detail photos (rings, vow books, florals, etc.)
9:30am – Coverage ends
Full Day Elopement
8 hours, split for sunrise and sunset
Morning
5:30am – Meet at Tunnel View | First look
5:45am – Hike to secret spot
5:50am – Explore & photos
6:30am – Drive to Boardwalk
6:40am – Explore & photos
7:00am – Drive to Glacier Point
8:30am – Arrive at Glacier Point | Set up for ceremony
9:00am – Ceremony
9:30am – Photos with guests
9:45am – Celebrate! Picnic, pop champagne, etc.
10:00am – Detail photos (vows, rings, shoes, jewelry)
10:30am – Break until evening
Evening
6:00pm – Meet at AirBnB for reception
9:00pm – End
Multi Day Wedding
wedding day and adventure session
elopement day
6:30am – First Look at Yosemite Falls Viewpoint
7:00am – Walk to Falls + Explore
8:00am – Walk back to cars + Drive to Sentinel Beach
8:30am – Arrive at Sentinel Beach + Get set up
9:00am – Ceremony at Sentinel Beach
9:30am – Celebrate + photos with guests
10:00am – Shoot details (vows, flowers, accessories, jewelry)
10:30am – Drive to Airbnb
12:30pm – Reception (champagne, first dance, cake & details)
2:30pm – End
Adventure session
3:00pm – Meet Yosemite Meadow + Explore
4:30pm – Drive to Taft Point
6:00pm – Arrive at trailhead + hike
7:00pm – Explore Taft Point
8:30pm – Hike back
9:00pm – End
How Much Does It Cost To Elope In Yosemite?
Getting married in Yosemite is significantly more budget-friendly than hosting a traditional wedding. The cost to get married in Yosemite is $245 which covers your wedding permit ($150), marriage license from Mariposa County ($60) and the park entrance fee ($35/vehicle, unless you have a National Park Pass). You’ll also likely want to purchase wedding attire, hire a photographer, videographer, florist, hair and makeup artist. You may also need to account for travel, transportation and lodging.
Most elopements range from $10k–$20k, while weddings with guests can easily cost $20k–$30k or more. The big difference comes down to guest count and logistics—weddings often require a venue or VRBO, catering, drinks, rentals, and more, while elopements keep it simple with just the two of you, a permit, and stunning natural views.
THE AVERAGE COST OF A Yosemite ELOPEMENT IS $17,510
Permit: $150
Marriage license: $60
Officiant: Free (family/friend or us) to $500 (professional)
Hair & makeup: Free (DIY) or $800 (professional)
Wedding attire & accessories: $2000+
Food & drinks: $500
Travel & lodging: $1500+
Photography & planning: $9,800
Videography: $3500
The average cost of a Yosemite wedding is $23,010
Permit: $150
Marriage license: $60
Officiant: Free (family/friend or us) to $500 (professional)
Hair & makeup: $2000+ (depends on how many people)
Wedding attire & accessories: $2000+
Food & drinks: $2000+
Travel & lodging: $3000+
Photography & planning: $9,800
Videography: $3500
Authentic Collective
Yosemite elopement packages
PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEOGRAPHY & PLANNING ASSISTANCE
Yosemite Elopement Packages
Photography Packages
Looking for a Yosemite elopement package from photographers who are familiar with the park and can guarentee you stunning photos? We’ve photographed countless Yosemite elopements and would love to shoot yours next!
Photography & Videography
Professional photography and optional videography services from an experienced husband/wife team who’ve photographed over 150 weddings together. Posing guidance and direction to make you feel and look great in front of the camera, no experience necessary.
Planning Guide
A 50+ page digital planning guide to help you through the whole elopement planning process. Including tips on booking travel and lodging, buying your attire, activity ideas, packing checklists, including family and more.
Custom Location Guide
A list of all the most beautiful locations in the area you choose based on scenery, accessibility, permits and logistics. We do the work so you don’t have to!
Timeline Creation
We’ll craft a timeline that fits all the locations, activities, and moments you have planned for your day as well as consider ideal lighting and making sure your whole experience is relaxed and stress free.
Vendor Recommendations
Looking for a florist, hair and makeup artist, or other vendors? We’ve got you covered with local recommendations.
Yosemite Elopement Photos
BROWSE YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Elopement Photos
JUNE 5TH 2024
GLACIER + TAFT POINT
Heather & Matt
JULY 20TH 2023
YOSEMITE VALLEY & TAFT POINT
Kaylie & Mitch
JUNE 9TH 2022
TUNNEL VIEW + SENTINEL BEACH
Jennah & Hunter
Contact
Submit the form below and we’ll email you back within 2 business days!
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