Yosemite National Park is the ultimate adventure elopement Yosemite destination. With its towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking valleys, it’s a dream location for couples who want an intimate, wild, and unforgettable wedding experience. Whether you’re exchanging vows on a cliffside at sunset or hiking to a secluded spot for a private ceremony, a Yosemite adventure elopement allows you to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s uniquely yours!

Best Yosemite Locations for an Adventure Elopement

Choosing the right location for your elopement is key to setting the tone for your adventure. Yosemite is packed with jaw-dropping views, and whether you want a dramatic cliffside ceremony or a quiet riverside vow exchange, there’s a perfect spot for every couple.

Glacier Point

This is a very popular spot in Yosemite! You can drive up to Glacier Point so no hiking is required! If you’re thinking about eloping in Glacier point this is a great spot! The park also allows you to have up to 50 people during your ceremony. If you are having multiple family members of all ages at your Yosemite elopement, or family photos then this spot will be perfect! You can get to Glacier Point by heading down Wawona Road and after traveling about 13 miles, turn on to the Glacier Point Road at the Chinquapin intersection.

Taft Point

This location is so incredibly breathtaking and overlooks Yosemite Valley. The pictures honestly speak for themselves! It is located west of Glacier Point. To get there you drive down Glacier Point road for about 6 miles and the trail is on the left! Hiking there is only 2.2 miles there and back! It is a fairly easy hike. Taft Point doesn’t have any guardrails which is great for photos but if you are bringing your kids along it can be dangerous for small children!

Tunnel View

Tunnel View showcases the best views of Yosemite Valley! April is the perfect time to capture the stunning sunrise at Tunnel View. Unlike the period from October to early April when the sun rises around 2-3 hours later, from mid-April to September, you can witness the sun peeking just after sunrise, offering a breathtaking sight. It’s an exciting opportunity for photographers to be able to capture stunning photos! It is located at the east end of the Wawona Tunnel along the Wawona Road. Additionally, you can drive up to this spot and walk up to the beautiful vista!

Bridalveil Fall

For a stunning waterfall backdrop, Bridalveil Fall is ideal. Accessible year-round, this location allows up to 50 guests and is positioned in a forested clearing where the falls are visible. Restrooms are nearby.

Cathedral Beach

Nestled in Yosemite Valley, this pebble beach spot is stunning in fall, with views of El Capitan as your ceremony backdrop. The site is available from the Tuesday after Memorial Day until October 31st and closes at dusk. Limited parking (six vehicles max) means carpooling is recommended. Groups over 35 people (up to 50 people) require a monitor.

Pro Tip: For the best lighting and fewer crowds, plan your Yosemite adventure elopement at sunrise or sunset on a weekday.

How to Incorporate Adventure into Your Yosemite Elopement.

For those who love the outdoors, hiking to your ceremony location is a great way to add adventure to the day. Trails like Sentinel Dome or Bridalveil Fall provide stunning backdrops and an intimate setting away from crowds. If you love water activities, kayaking on the Merced River offers a unique way to celebrate your elopement. Paddling through Yosemite Valley with breathtaking cliffs around you makes for an incredible post-ceremony adventure. For the true adventure seekers, rock climbing in Yosemite Valley is an epic way to incorporate your passion into your wedding day. Whether it’s a quick climb post-ceremony or a full climbing session the next day, this is an unforgettable way to celebrate.

For a more laid-back but equally stunning experience, stargazing at Glacier Point is an incredible way to end your elopement. Long-exposure photos under the Milky Way create magical images you’ll cherish forever. Exploring quieter areas of the park in the early morning is another way to create intimate moments together. Wildlife spotting and sunrise walks allow you to soak in the beauty of Yosemite without the crowds.

Pro Tip: Adventure elopements don’t have to be a one-day event. Consider making it a multi-day experience with a camping trip or a cozy Airbnb stay in the park to extend the adventure! (and don’t forget to bring me along to capture it all!)

Best Time of Year for an Adventure Elopement in Yosemite

The time of year you choose to elope in Yosemite will shape the experience, from weather conditions to accessibility.

Spring (March – May) is perfect for couples who want waterfalls and blooming wildflowers. The park is lush and vibrant, but higher-elevation roads like Glacier Point and Tioga Pass may still be closed.

Summer (June – August) is ideal for high-elevation locations like Glacier Point and Taft Point. However, Yosemite Valley can be crowded and hot, so early morning or late evening ceremonies are best.

Fall (September – November) is a dream for couples who want fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and meadows. The lighting is perfect, and the landscapes take on a warm, autumn glow.

Winter (December – February) transforms Yosemite into a magical, snow-covered wonderland. While Glacier Point and Tioga Road are closed, Yosemite Valley remains accessible, offering stunning winter scenery.

Pro Tip: If you want privacy, ideal weather, and great lighting, September or October is the best time for a Yosemite adventure elopement.

How to Prepare for an Outdoor Adventure Elopement

Permits & Legal Requirements

To elope in Yosemite, couples need a special use permit, which can be obtained through the official Yosemite National Park website. It’s recommended to apply at least six months in advance for the best date selection. If you’re planning a hiking or camping elopement, additional wilderness permits may be required. You can read more about to get a permit here! 

Essential Gear for an Adventure Elopement

Since outdoor elopements require preparation, wearing comfortable hiking shoes or boots is a must! Stilettos on a cliffside are not a good idea. Dressing in layers is also essential, as mornings and evenings can be chilly. If you’re hiking before sunrise, bring a headlamp or flashlight. For couples wanting a celebratory moment, consider biodegradable confetti or florals to keep the park pristine.

Backup Plans for Unexpected Weather

Yosemite’s weather can be unpredictable, so having an alternative plan is always a good idea. In case of rain or trail closures, consider indoor options like the Yosemite Chapel or an Airbnb elopement. Choosing backup locations with easy access will help ensure the day runs smoothly, even if conditions change.

Real Adventure Elopement Story: Glacier Point Elopement

One of my favorite elopements was Matt and Ara’s! The elopement day started off at Tunnel view! There we went to my secret cliff spot which is definitely one of my favorite spots for photos. This spot looks even more amazing during sunrise and it catches the sun peaking between the mountains and gives the atmosphere such a golden and romantic vibe! If you’re considering a sunrise elopement I definitely recommend this spot at Tunnel View. See photos from a sunrise elopement at this spot here!

After having Tunnel View as a beautiful backdrop to kick off this epic elopement, we then hiked to Taft Point for some truly adventurous epic photos! Along the way I captured some candid photos of Matt and Ara hiking in the woods and being their true selves. When we got to Taft Point it was so breathtaking! Here is where we captured some of my favorite photos from the elopement! Taft Point is a very popular spot and is known for its best views overlooking Yosemite Valley. From there we then headed to our last spot, Glacier Point! Here is where they shared their vows right as the sun was setting. It was so magical. See more of their epic Yosemite elopement photos here!

Making Your Yosemite Adventure Elopement Unforgettable

Adventure elopements are all about embracing the unexpected, soaking in the experience, and making the day truly yours. Yosemite is one of the best places in the world for an adventurous elopement, offering epic landscapes, unforgettable hikes, and once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities.

If you’re ready to start planning your adventure elopement in Yosemite, reach out, and let’s bring your vision to life. See more of my work here and contact me here!