Yes. The National Park Service requires a Special Use Permit for all weddings and commitment ceremonies held within Yosemite National Park. The application process is straightforward, and I’ve created a detailed guide to walk you through each step.

For more information, visit my article How Do We Get a Special Use Permit for a Yosemite Wedding.

You can get a public marriage license from any California County Clerk. If you are visiting from outside of California, you can obtain a marriage license in the county you fly into or the Mariposa County Clerk’s office, which is the closest office to Yosemite. For more information, read my How Do We Get a California Marriage License article.

The closest County Clerk’s office is located in the town of Mariposa, California, approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley. Many couples visiting Yosemite find it to be the most convenient location for obtaining their California marriage license.

Visit the Mariposa County Clerk’s official website for more information. Marriage licenses are issued at 10th and Bullion Streets, in the Hall of Records. Appointments are required, so please call ahead at (209) 966-2007.

A public marriage license becomes part of the public record and requires the signatures of the officiant and at least one witness.

A confidential marriage license is not part of the public record and requires only the officiant’s signature. To qualify for a confidential marriage license, California law requires that the couple already be living together as spouses.

For more information, please read my article, How Do We Get a California Marriage License?

The marriage license is valid for 90 days from date of issue. Within 10 days after the ceremony takes place the completed license must be recorded by returning it to the county in which it was issued.  A certified copy of the Marriage Certificate is the official legal document for providing proof of the union to change your name or apply for benefits. Certified copies of the marriage license are not automatically issued in California. For more information, please read my article, How Do We Get a California Marriage License?

If you get a public marriage license then you need at least one witness. There is no age requirement in CA for witnesses; however, they must be old enough to know they are witnessing a marriage ceremony and be able to sign their name on the official marriage license. If you get a confidential marriage license, then no witness is required and only the person solemnizing the ceremony needs to sign the license.

My journey into officiating began long before it became my full-time profession.

From 2006 to 2016, I served as the Banquet Manager at The Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park, where I had the privilege of overseeing more than a thousand weddings. During those ten years, I worked closely with couples and vendors, helping ensure that each wedding day came together seamlessly.

I officiated my first wedding ceremony in 2010, and I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed being part of such a meaningful moment in a couple’s lives. In 2016, I decided to focus on officiating professionally, and since then I’ve had the honor of officiating hundreds of weddings throughout Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada.

Looking back, I realize those years at The Ahwahnee gave me far more than event experience—they taught me how to remain calm under pressure, adapt to the unexpected, and help couples feel relaxed and confident on one of the most important days of their lives. Those are lessons I carry with me to every ceremony I officiate today.

While my passion is creating intimate Yosemite weddings and adventure elopements for parties of 20-30 guests, I will consider officiating larger, more traditional weddings as well. Please contact me to discuss the details for consideration.

Absolutely. While my passion is creating intimate Yosemite weddings and adventure elopements, I do consider officiating larger, more traditional weddings as well.

Every wedding is unique, so before providing a quote, I’ll ask a few questions about your plans, including your ceremony location, guest count, timeline, and the type of ceremony you’re envisioning. This helps me understand the level of preparation and time involved so I can recommend the option that’s the best fit for your day.

If you’d like to discuss your wedding, I’d be happy to learn more about your plans and see how I can help create a meaningful ceremony that reflects your relationship.

One of the biggest differences between an intimate elopement and a larger, more traditional wedding is the amount of time involved.

Elopements are typically smaller, more flexible, and follow a streamlined timeline. Larger weddings, on the other hand, often include additional coordination, larger guest counts, wedding parties, and more moving parts throughout the day. It’s also not uncommon for timelines to shift, which means I reserve additional time on my calendar to ensure I’m fully available for you and your guests.

When I commit to a larger wedding, I’m not just reserving the time for the ceremony itself—I’m setting aside a significant portion of my day so I can be present, prepared, and never feel rushed. As a small business owner, reserving those additional hours also means I’m unable to accept other ceremonies or appointments during that time.

My pricing simply reflects the time, flexibility, and level of commitment required for each type of celebration. I’d rather reserve more time than necessary and give you my full attention than watch the clock and rush one of the most important moments of your wedding day. Whether you’re planning a private Yosemite elopement or a larger wedding with family and friends, my goal is the same: to provide you with a meaningful, personalized ceremony and the attention your wedding deserves.

Every ceremony I officiate is designed to reflect your relationship, your personalities, and the incredible setting you’re celebrating in. Whether you prefer a nature-inspired, spiritual, secular, or non-denominational Christian ceremony, I’ll create a ceremony that feels authentic to you while embracing the beauty and wonder of Yosemite National Park.

The level of personalization depends on the service package you choose. My simplest ceremony is heartfelt, meaningful, and thoughtfully crafted, while my personalized ceremonies incorporate more of your story, allowing me to share what makes your relationship unique. The more you choose to share about your journey together, the more personal your ceremony can become.

Most of my ceremonies last approximately 13 to 17 minutes, although the exact length varies depending on the amount of personalization, whether you choose to exchange personal vows, include a unity ceremony, or incorporate other meaningful elements into your celebration.

My goal is never to make a ceremony longer than it needs to be. Instead, I focus on creating a ceremony that feels genuine, engaging, and memorable—one that allows you to be fully present as you begin this new chapter together.

Rather than watching the clock, I encourage couples to simply be present with one another. Whether your ceremony lasts 13 minutes or 17, my hope is that it feels unhurried, meaningful, and uniquely yours.

Absolutely! One of my favorite parts of officiating weddings is creating ceremonies that reflect each couple’s unique relationship, personalities, and values.

Whether you’d like to incorporate cultural traditions, religious elements, a unity ceremony, family involvement, personal vows, or other meaningful touches, I’m happy to work with you to create a ceremony that feels authentic and uniquely yours.

If you’re looking for a fully personalized ceremony, we’ll spend time getting to know one another so I can learn about your story and thoughtfully weave those details into your ceremony. Because personalized ceremonies require additional planning, writing, and collaboration, they are offered as a separate package.

If you’re not sure which option is the best fit, I’d be happy to discuss your vision and help you choose the ceremony that best reflects the experience you’re hoping to create.

Absolutely! Although Yosemite is where I officiate most often, I love helping couples celebrate in beautiful locations throughout California and beyond.

Over the years, I’ve officiated weddings in Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes, Bishop, Big Sur, the Nelder Grove of Giant Sequoias, and even on the summit of Mount Whitney.

If you have another destination in mind, I’d love to hear about it. (And yes… if you want to send me to the Himalayas, I’m always open to the conversation!)

Contact me with your plans, and I’ll be happy to provide a customized quote.

Not quite.

The National Park Service limits wedding ceremonies to designated locations throughout Yosemite National Park, and the available locations depend largely on your group size.

Some areas may also be temporarily closed due to restoration projects, wildlife protection, safety concerns, or seasonal conditions.

I’ve created a detailed guide comparing many of Yosemite’s ceremony locations and would be happy to help you find the one that’s the best fit for your wedding.

Absolutely! Helping couples choose the right location is one of my favorite parts of the planning process.

I’ll ask about your vision, budget, guest count, mobility considerations, and the type of experience you’re hoping to have. Whether you’re dreaming of an easy walk to a spectacular overlook or a full-day hiking adventure, I’d be happy to recommend locations that fit your style.

If you’re working with a photographer, I also encourage collaborating with them. Photographers know how light changes throughout the day and often have favorite locations that photograph beautifully.

Yes! I offer several packages designed to fit a variety of wedding styles and budgets.

Whether you’re looking for a simple ceremony, a fully personalized experience, or a package that includes professional ceremony videography, there’s an option to fit your vision.

Visit my Choose Your Experience page to compare each option and find the one that’s right for you.

My quoted price is all-inclusive—there are no hidden fees.

Your officiant fee includes unlimited communication leading up to your wedding, preparation of your ceremony, officiating your ceremony, and completing and signing your California marriage license.

If your ceremony requires significant travel, hiking, overnight lodging, or other additional expenses, those will be clearly outlined in your quote so you’ll know exactly what to expect before booking.

My pricing is based primarily on the location of your ceremony.

Ceremonies at easily accessible locations within Yosemite Valley are generally offered at my base rate. Locations that require additional driving, hiking, or travel time—such as Glacier Point, Taft Point, Sentinel Dome, Tuolumne Meadows, Columbia Rock, Nevada Fall, or other backcountry destinations—may require an additional travel fee.

Every wedding is unique, so I’m happy to provide a personalized quote based on your specific location and plans.

Yes. Once you decide to move forward, I’ll send you a Ceremony Agreement outlining everything we’ve discussed, including the services being provided, pricing, payment schedule, and other important details.

My goal is for both of us to have a clear understanding of the expectations so you can book with confidence and focus on enjoying your wedding planning.

Yes. To reserve your wedding date, I require a 50% non-refundable deposit along with a signed Ceremony Agreement. The remaining balance is due before your wedding date, as outlined in your agreement.

If you need to reschedule, I’ll do my best to accommodate your new date. Deposits and payments may be transferred to another available date within one calendar year, provided the request is made in writing before your original ceremony date.

Complete payment terms are included in your Ceremony Agreement.

Zelle is my preferred payment method, although I also accept Venmo.

If you’d prefer to pay by PayPal, check, or cash, simply let me know, and I’ll be happy to provide the necessary information.

I understand that plans can sometimes change.

If you need to cancel your wedding, please notify me in writing as soon as possible. Your 50% deposit is non-refundable, as it reserves your wedding date and prevents me from accepting other bookings for that time.

If a cancellation occurs within seven days of your scheduled ceremony, additional fees may apply as outlined in your Ceremony Agreement.

My complete cancellation policy is included in the agreement you’ll receive before booking, and I’m always happy to answer any questions you may have before you sign.

Yosemite experiences all four seasons, and the weather can change quickly depending on the time of year and elevation. Spring often brings blooming wildflowers and spectacular waterfalls, summer is typically warm and dry, autumn offers cooler temperatures and beautiful fall colors, and winter can transform the park into a breathtaking snowy landscape.

Because mountain weather is unpredictable, I always recommend dressing in layers and being prepared for changing conditions. Every season has its own unique beauty, and with a little flexibility, each can provide an unforgettable setting for your wedding.

For a more detailed look at Yosemite’s seasons, weather patterns, and how to prepare, visit my Best Times of Year to Get Married in Yosemite National Park and Planning For the Unexpected: Yosemite Weather, Wildfires, & More articles.

In many cases, yes! Yosemite National Park allows pets in certain developed areas, including paved roads, sidewalks, and some designated locations. However, pets are not permitted on most hiking trails, wilderness areas, or many of Yosemite’s more remote ceremony locations.

If having your four-legged family member present is important to you, I’d be happy to help recommend pet-friendly ceremony locations and discuss the park’s current regulations so you can plan accordingly.

For more information and helpful tips, be sure to read my Can We Bring Our Dog to Our Yosemite Wedding? article.

The National Park Service has a dedicated page for Yosemite National Park. You can find more information about the park on their official website.