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So, You've been dreaming about eloping in Yosemite...
Yosemite Elopement
If you have been dreaming about eloping in Yosemite but not sure about how to make it happen - this guide is for you! I want you to have all the info on how to elope in Yosemite and the process for getting married in Yosemite.
Why Should You Elope In Yosemite?
You Get Epic Views And Scenery
Trails For Everyone
Plenty Of Lodging Options
You can find the perfect spot to get married in Yosemite depending on which sceneries you love. There are beaches, waterfalls, lakes, meadows, and of course the mountains. Some locations are more popular than others and depending on which season you elope, they could be crowded. Some of these popular areas are Glacier Point, Taft Point, Chilnualna Falls, and Wawona Meadow. Each location has its unique beauty that will leave you breathless. Some locations are equally as stunning and without the crowds. As a Yosemite elopement photographer, I help couples find locations that accommodate their needs and are perfect for them.
Another major reason to elope in Yosemite is that you don't need to be an avid hiker or climber to enjoy it. There are trails for everyone whether you are an avid hiker or you just want as little hiking as possible and still get the beautiful mountain backdrops.
You have multiple lodging options from campsites, Airbnb, and Autocamp airstreams. If you want to stay in the park and not worry about traffic, Yosemite has multiple campsites. I recommend booking these campsites in advance to secure a spot because they get booked out quickly. Another option is to get an Airbnb inside or outside of the Park. The closest locations to the park are El Portal, Mariposa, Wawona, and Oakhurst.
How To Elope In Yosemite National Park
Choose Your Date/General location To Elope
Book Yosemite Elopement Photographer
Yosemite Elopement Permits
Book Vendors + Yosemite Lodging
Craft Your perfect Elopement day
Book Your Elopement Photographer
Once you decide you want to elope in Yosemite, you want to choose your date or favorite season and have a general location in mind. This is not set in stone, it's just a starting point. Your Yosemite elopement photographer should be a location expert and can guide you through the best locations to elope in Yosemite and the best time to elope in Yosemite.
Next, you book your Yosemite elopement photographer. Your photographer can help you choose the best location that is the perfect fit for you and your circumstances. Also, depending on which season you want to elope, they will help you choose a location that is accessible during that season. Most locations are accessible in the summer and fall.
This is a very important step because Yosemite wedding permits are first come, first served. You want to apply for the permits at-least 3 months in advance. the sooner you apply the better. Your Yosemite elopement photographer can guide you through this process as well.
You Get Married!
With your Yosemite elopement photographer, you will craft your perfect day together. You get to decide how you want to celebrate your wedding day whether that is exploring different locations around Yosemite, or having picnic by the beach or you have a relaxed day by Tenaya Lake - it's your day and you get to decide. Your elopement photographer will help you put the timeline together so your day goes smoothly and stress-free as possible.
I recommend booking your lodging at-least 6 months in advance especially if you want to stay inside the park. There are a lot of lodging options inside Yosemite National Park like Curry Village, Yosemite Valley Lodge, Wawona Hotel, and the Ahwahnee Hotel. But there are also good Airbnbs nearby in the Mariposa and West Yosemite Village areas.
You also want to book your other vendors like the officiant, florist, hair and makeup, etc Most vendors are available during the weekdays so I recommend booking them in advance for a weekday.
Finally, we get to the best part!! It's your wedding and you get to marry your favorite person ever in the most stunning location!!
Always remember, this day is all about you and for you! You are the STARS
Where To Get Married In Yosemite?
- Glacier Point Amphitheater
- Chilnualna Falls
- Tenaya Lake Beach
- Tuolumne Meadows
- Cascades Picnic Area
- Lower Yosemite Fall
- Swinging Bridge
- Cathedral Beach
- Bridalveil Fall
- Tuolumne Grove
- Merced Grove
Glacier Point Elopement
Top Locations To Elope In Yosemite
Taft Point
Glacier Point
Olmsted Point
- It's accessible
- Different viewpoints
- Best at sunrise or sunset
- There are less crowds during the weekdays (except Fridays)
- Short hike
- There are other locations to take photos along the way
- Panoramic Views
- It's very popular so it can be crowded. I recommend eloping at sunrise to avoid crowds
- Doesn't require much hiking
- Less crowds
- Panaramic Views
- It's a further out drive from the valley
Tunnel View
- Easily accessible
- Has other hidden trails nearby
- Different view points including half dome
- No hiking required
- Best for a first look or just portraits
Check out more Yosemite Elopement Locations
Let's start planning Your Perfect Elopement Day
As an elopement photographer, I want to help couples plan their best day in Yosemite. I love working with couples who want an elopement day that is intentional, meaningful, experiential, and fun.
My priority is to help you craft your perfect day and make it as stress-free as possible for you and I want you to have the space to be your most authentic self.
Hey! I'm Hawa
Yosemite Elopement Photographer
"I will start off by saying that Hawa is an amazing photographer and person. Her photos are absolutely beautiful and they speak for themselves. She took portrait/couple photos for me and left me speechless. Hawa is so fun, attentive and made my boyfriend and I feel so comfortable and we had an amazing time. Hawa sent us our sneak peak pictures in no time and we were blown away. I would always recommend her even before she took my photos and I promise that will never change. Beyond thankful for these memories I get to hold onto forever. Thank you Hawa for all that you do"
olivia & patrick
"Hawa really went above and beyond for our photos! She does her research beforehand, even the location, to figure out the best angles and areas. She asked us questions to get a sense of what we liked and wanted and curated a set of poses based upon our answers. This was very nice especially if you're not sure how you want your photos to be. The photos also arrived quickly and were amazing! I really love my photos and it felt surreal knowing that these are the photos I will be looking at years down the line.She's a great photographer who takes their job serious. I would recommend her to anyone!"
Epiphany & Nash
"I had an amazing couples photo shoot session with Hawaa! She is so sweet and down to earth when you meet her. Her skills as a photographer are phenomenal as she captures the perfect moments with you and your partner. Hawaa guided us through poses and everything felt so natural as she took the photos. The pictures came out beautifully digitally & on print. I’m very happy with how the whole experience turned out I would highly recommend Hawaa & her talent for photography!"
macy & cj
