There are hundreds of locations to have your Yosemite wedding or Yosemite elopement. In this article I will discuss the most popular sites along with their pros and cons. I will also discuss less popular, and more adventurous, locations for couples who would like to get off the beaten path.
Can I Get Married in Yosemite National Park?
Yes, you most certainly can get married in Yosemite National Park. There are some rules and regulations in place to protect cultural and environmental resources and you are required to get a special use permit.
Yosemite National Park is 1,187 square miles (1,910 square kilometers) with 1,101 square miles (1,771 square kilometers) designated as wilderness. With that much space, it’s safe to say there are hundreds of locations to get married within Yosemite. In this article, I’ll discuss the most popular locations within Yosemite Valley, along the Glacier Point Road, and along the Tioga Road in the Tuolumne Meadows area, as well as some more obscure and adventurous locations for couples who would like to get off the beaten path.
Yosemite Valley Weddings
Yosemite Valley sits at 3,960 feet (1,207 meters) above sea level and measures about seven miles long with granite walls rising from 3,000 to 4,000 feet (914 to 1,219 meters) high; the width averages about one mile. Within this relatively small space (compared to cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, London, Paris, etc.) lies some of the most breathtaking views in the world.
Pros:
- Iconic views of Half Dome, Glacier Point, El Capitan, Royal Arches, Washington’s Column, etc.
- Waterfall views: Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Ribbon Falls, Sentinel Falls, Royal Arches Cascade, etc.
- Easy access with very short walks to most locations.
- Restaurants, grocery stores, gifts shops, and restrooms are nearby.
- Hotel accommodations are located within Yosemite Valley.
- Sunrise and sunset are quieter than the rest of the day.
Cons:
- Very busy, specifically on weekends and during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day, and all holidays).
- Parking is limited and can fill up fast.
- Traffic can be a nightmare.
- Just about every ceremony site can be crowded with tourists.
- Waterfalls are seasonal and most of them dry up by mid-to-late June until the first significant storm of the season, which is usually in November.
Yosemite Weddings at Tunnel View
Tunnel View, also know as Discovery View, is the first view of Yosemite Valley many travelers experience if entering from the south on Highway 41, the Wawona Road. Sitting at an elevation of 4,409 feet (1,344 meters), Tunnel View is a great spot for sunrise and sunset ceremonies. From this point your views are facing east, but you do not actually see the sunrise because of the cliffs. At sunset, you can catch the alpenglow on El Capitan, Half Dome, and Leaning Tower as the light shifts from hues of gold to orange and then pink.
Tunnel View is a very popular year round destination. Sunrise and sunset can be very busy and parking can sometimes be challenging. If you do not like crowds and prefer more privacy for the ceremony, there are a few spots within a short walking distance that get you away from the parking lot.
Pros:
- Great views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Falls.
- Short walk to a quieter spot away from the parking lot.
- Great for sunrise and okay for sunset.
- ADA accessible if not leaving the main viewing area.
Cons:
- BUSY! Parking can be a challenge.
- Noisy if in the vicinity of the parking lot.
Yosemite Weddings at Bridalveil Falls
Fed by Bridalveil Creek, Bridalveil Falls plunges 620 feet over the south wall of Yosemite Valley. The falls is nestled between the north slope of Leaning Tower and the southwest slope of Cathedral Rocks and is just down the hill from Tunnel View. Other names for this falls include Cascade of the Rainbow, Falls of Louise, and the Native American name Pohono, meaning ‘daily puffing wind.’
Bridalveil Falls sits in the shade from sunrise till about midday when it goes into the sun. For couples who would like to be near a waterfall, it is possible to get very close to the base on a short walk from the parking lot. Keep in mind that while this is a year-round waterfall, it flows stronger from mid-to-late winter through late spring into early summer before it starts to dry up.
Pros:
- Short walk from the parking areas to the base of the waterfall.
- ADA accessible trails.
- Toilets located in main parking lot.
Cons:
- Busy and finding a quiet spot can be challenging.
- Parking can be a challenge.
- Waterfall is seasonal and gets very low from late June until the first storm of the year which is usually in November.
Yosemite Weddings at Cathedral Beach
Cathedral Beach is located on Southside Drive just passed the El Capitan Crossover and is a very popular spot for picnicking and enjoying the Merced River during hot weather. There are great views of El Capitan from the beach. Cathedral Beach is a good spot for sunrise ceremonies as the Dawn Wall on El Capitan catches the early morning sun. Mid-to-late morning into late afternoon ceremonies are fine as well.
Pros:
- Easy access and a short walk from the parking lot.
- Picnic tables available for self-catering.
- Great views of El Capitan.
- On the Merced River.
- Good spot for sunrise and early morning ceremonies.
- Toilets available.
Cons:
- Can be noisy and busy with families and tourists enjoying the river and views from the meadows.
- If during rafting season, rafts take out at Sentinel Beach.
- Limited parking that can fill up during peak visitation.
Yosemite Weddings at Sentinel Beach, Swinging Bridge, Leidig Meadow, and Sentinel Meadow
Sentinel Beach, Swinging Bridge, Leidig Meadow, and Sentinel Meadow are a couple of miles down the road from Cathedral Beach and have views of Yosemite Falls. There are a variety of locations in these areas from beautiful meadows, boardwalks, bridges, and spots along the Merced River. These locations are great from mid-to-late winter into late spring when Yosemite Falls is flowing at its peak. In autumn, when the aspen trees and dogwood’s start to turn, there are stunning views amongst the fall colors.
Pros:
- Great views of Yosemite Falls and Sentinel Rock.
- Has access to the Merced River and open meadows.
- Parking nearby and short walks to great views.
- Different options for locations to get away from the crowds.
- Toilets located at Sentinel Beach and Swinging Bridge.
Cons:
- Can be noisy and busy with families and tourists enjoying the river.
- Limited parking that can fill up during peak visitation.
- No toilets at Leidig or Sentinel Meadow.
Yosemite Weddings at Lamon's Orchard
Lamon’s Orchard, also known as “The Royal Arch Farm,” is located in the far eastern end of Yosemite Valley. The orchard was planted by James C. Lamon in the 1860s and Lamon sold his produce to early tourists. This spot is not well know, but has incredible views of Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Washington’s Column.
Pros:
- Great views of Yosemite Half Dome, Washington’s Column, and Glacier Point.
- Has access an open meadow.
- Parking nearby and short walks to great views.
- Different options for locations to get away from the crowds.
Cons:
- Limited parking that can fill up during peak visitation.
- No public toilets near by.
Yosemite Weddings Near The Ahwahnee Hotel
The Ahwahnee Hotel is the crown jewel of the National Park Service. Built in 1927, The Ahwahnee has hosted royalty, dignitaries, US Presidents, and celebrities throughout the years. It is situated in an ideal location with views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Glacier Point.
Pros:
- Great views of Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point, and Half Dome.
- Has access to the Merced River and open meadows.
- Parking nearby and short walks to great views.
- Different options for locations to get away from the crowds.
- Hotel has restrooms, a bar and restaurant, and gift shops.
Cons:
- Limited parking that can fill up during peak visitation.
- Some areas may be restricted to authorized use only.
Yosemite Weddings at Cook's Meadow and Superintendent's Bridge
Cook’s Meadow is on the north bank of the Merced River and is essentially cattycorner to and across from Sentinel Meadow. Superintendent’s Bridge crosses the Merced River and connects the meadows. In Cook’s Meadow you can find spots that have views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Sentinel Rock. At Superintendent’s Bridge there are spots with great views of Yosemite Falls. The old superintendent’s residence is also in the area and there are great views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls from there.
Pros:
- Great views of Yosemite Falls, Sentinel Rock, and Half Dome.
- Has access to the Merced River and open meadows.
- Parking nearby and short walks to great views.
- Different options for locations to get away from the crowds.
Cons:
- Limited parking that can fill up during peak visitation.
- Some areas may be restricted to authorized use or closed for restoration.
- No toilets nearby.
Yosemite Weddings at Lower Yosemite Fall
Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in California, dropping about 2,425 feet (739 meters). The falls consist of three main parts (upper, middle, and lower) fed by Yosemite Creek, but actually are made up of five distinct plunges and one section of cascades. The upper section plunges 1,430 feet (436 meters) over the massive Upper Yosemite Fall. The creek then flows about 800 linear feet (244 linear meters) and drops over a series of small falls and cascades, losing about 240 feet (73 meters) in elevation. The Middle Fall, where Yosemite Creek enters a gorge, drops almost vertically for about 250 feet (76 meters), followed shortly by another fall of about 120 feet (37 meters) and then another fall of about 50 feet (15 meters). The last fall terminates just above the top of Lower Yosemite Fall, which drops 329 feet (100 meters). The only place where all six parts of the falls can be seen is from the Pohono Trail in the vicinity of Sentinel Dome.
Pros:
- Several areas to park, either on Northside Drive just before the shuttle stop or at the Yosemite Lodge.
- A free shuttle stops nearby.
- Modern toilets are located nearby.
- Picnic tables are located near the restrooms.
- Different options for locations to get away from the crowds.
- Paved paths are ADA accessible.
Cons:
- Seasonal waterfall that flows usually from November to late June with peak flow in May.
- Can be very busy from mid-morning to late afternoon.
- Can be noisy from tourists enjoying the views and from the waterfall.
- If you go all the way to the footbridge viewing area during peak water flow it will be very wet and misty.
Yosemite Weddings at El Capitan Meadow
El Capitan Meadow is on the north bank of the Merced River and directly across from El Capitan, a granite monolith rising more than 3,000 feet (914 meters) above the valley floor. El Capitan Meadow gets late sun making this a great spot for last light. Morning can also be really nice, especially when there’s mist rising in the early morning light.
Pros:
- Incredible views of El Capitan and the Cathedral Rocks and Spires.
- Usually plenty of parking along the road.
- Different options for locations to get away from the crowds.
- Has access to the Merced River.
Cons:
- Can be noisy from tourists enjoying the views and from traffic driving by if you are close to the road.
- No toilets nearby.
- Some areas may be closed for restoration.
Yosemite Weddings along Tioga Road - Tuolumne Meadows Area
Tioga Road travels in an east-west direction and connects Yosemite National Park to the Eastern Sierra’s. Along this 47-mile scenic drive from Crane Flat to Tioga Pass you will travel through forests and past meadows, lakes, and granite domes. Many turnouts offer broad and beautiful vistas. The Tioga Road is open approximately late May or June through October or November.
Common locations within Yosemite along Tioga Road include the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, Olmsted Point, Tenaya Lake, Galen’s Dome, Pothole Dome, Puppy Dome, and Dana Meadows. After you exit the park, Tioga Lake and Ellery Lake offer relatively easy access with dramatic views.
Pros:
- Incredible views.
- Plenty of parking opportunities depending on where you would like to have the ceremony.
- Different options for locations to get away from the crowds.
- Easy access to the Tuolumne River.
Cons:
- The National Park Service is undertaking multiple road construction projects that will last several years resulting in delays and limiting parking in certain areas until work is complete.
- The drive from Yosemite Valley can be slow depending on traffic.
- If entering from the East Side, the line to get through the entrance gate can be long and slow.
- The season is short and the road is only accessible for five to six months out of the year.
- Bugs, specifically mosquitos, can be menacing.
Yosemite Weddings along the Glacier Point Road
The Glacier Point Road travels from Chinquapin to Glacier Point. Along this (approximately) 16-mile scenic drive you will travel through forests and past meadows and granite domes. Many turnouts offer broad and beautiful vistas. The Glacier Point Road is open approximately late May or June through October or November.
Common locations along the Glacier Point Road include Taft Point, Sentinel Dome, Washburn Point, and Glacier Point.
Pros:
- Incredible views.
- Plenty of parking opportunities depending on where you would like to have the ceremony.
- Different options for locations to get away from the crowds.
- Toilets located nearby for some locations.
Cons:
- The National Park Service is undertaking a major rehabilitation project that will last several years resulting in road closures and delays, and limiting parking in certain areas, until work is complete. The road is completely closed for the 2022 season and the locations are only accessible by trail.
- The drive from Yosemite Valley is about one-hour and can be slower depending on traffic.
- The season is short and the road is only accessible for five to six months out of the year.
- Glacier Point is very popular and incredibly busy during the middle of the day. Sunrise (or early morning) and sunset ceremonies are highly recommended.
- There is limited parking for Taft Point and Sentinel Dome.
- Taft Point is an extremely popular destination for sunset, for couples getting married as well as tourists.
Yosemite Weddings on Half Dome
Half Dome, a Yosemite icon, rises nearly 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) above Yosemite Valley and 8,800 feet (2,682 meters) above sea level. In 1865, a report declaring that Half Dome was “perfectly inaccessible, being probably the only one of the prominent points about the Yosemite which never has been, and never will be, trodden by human foot.” In 1875, George Anderson proved the report wrong by reaching the summit in the process laying the predecessor to today’s cable route.
Strong hikers can achieve this summit in one day, a roughly 16-mile roundtrip hike from the Valley floor. Most couples will want to plan two or three nights for this adventure. Here is a suggested itinerary for a multi-day adventure:
- Day one, hike to Little Yosemite Valley and spend the night. (Approximately a 4-mile day.)
- Day two*, wedding day. Hike to the summit and get married. Hike back down and spend the night in Little Yosemite Valley. (Approximately an 8-mile day.)
- Day three, hike back down to Yosemite Valley. (Approximately a 4-mile day.)
*Alternate day two: wedding day. Hike to summit and get married. Hike back to Yosemite Valley. (Approximately a 12-mile day.)
Pros:
- Incredible views.
- For the experienced or adventurous couples, you can hike to the top when the cables are down, no permit needed.
- Different options for locations to get away from the crowds.
Cons:
- If the cables are up you will need to obtain a permit to hike to the top of Half Dome.
- Not suitable for larger groups or couples who are not adventurous.
- The hike is 16-mile round trip from Yosemite Valley with about 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) of elevation change.
- While you can hike/climb Half Dome year round, the cables are only in place from about Memorial Day weekend until sometime in mid-to-late October.
- Depending on the time of day you plan to top out, it can be busy on the cables and at the summit.
- Due to the nature of this adventure your pack will be relatively heavy and you will want to hike your wedding attire to the top before changing.
