Yosemite Wedding & Elopement Photographer
Yosemite Weddings & Elopements
Granite walls, ancient sequoias, and some of the most iconic landscapes on earth. Recommended vendor at Tenaya at Yosemite and preferred photographer for elopements throughout the park.
Why Yosemite
A Lifetime of Yosemite Knowledge
Yosemite is the place that made me fall in love with landscape photography before I ever picked up a wedding camera. I've been shooting in this park for my entire professional life — every trail, every overlook, every secret ceremony spot, every season, every kind of light. When Tenaya at Yosemite made me a recommended vendor, it was because they could see the work spoke for itself.
Yosemite is also one of the most logistically demanding places in the country to get married. Permits are required for almost every ceremony location. Group sizes are strictly limited. The best spots book up 12+ months in advance. Weather can change dramatically between morning and afternoon. Knowing where to be, when to be there, and what's allowed is not optional — it's the difference between a perfect day and a canceled one.
Whether you're planning a full wedding at Tenaya Lodge, a sunrise elopement at Glacier Point, or a 3-person micro ceremony at Taft Point, I know this park. Let me take the logistics off your plate.
Selected Work
Yosemite Moments
Top Venues & Locations
Best Places to Get Married in Yosemite
The venues and ceremony sites I've shot at most often, and why each one is worth considering for your day.
Tenaya at Yosemite
The premier full-service wedding venue near Yosemite. Full-scale weddings, accommodations, catering, and multiple indoor and outdoor ceremony locations. Preferred-vendor relationship.
Glacier Point
The most iconic ceremony location in Yosemite — panoramic views of Half Dome, Nevada Falls, and the High Sierra. Open June to October. Requires a Special Use Permit.
Taft Point
A dramatic cliffside ceremony site with unobstructed views of El Capitan and Yosemite Valley. Accessible via a 2.2-mile round-trip hike. Intimate elopements only.
Cathedral Beach
A quiet riverside meadow with El Capitan towering directly above. Easy access, no hike required, and one of the most photographically perfect spots in the valley.
Swinging Bridge
A classic valley ceremony spot with Yosemite Falls in the background. Easy access, beautiful any time of year, and ideal for smaller ceremonies.
Majestic Yosemite Hotel
The historic Ahwahnee Hotel, a National Historic Landmark. Full indoor wedding venue with incredible grand hall architecture and lawn ceremony options.
Tunnel View
The classic postcard view of Yosemite Valley. Accessible by car, stunning at sunset, and perfect for portraits even if the ceremony happens elsewhere.
Rush Creek Lodge
A modern boutique lodge at the western entrance to Yosemite. Preferred-vendor relationship. Multiple ceremony spaces, on-site accommodations, and full reception coordination.
When to Visit
Best Time of Year for Yosemite Weddings
Live Conditions
Yosemite, California
Live conditions update every time the page loads. Check this widget close to your date for real-time planning.
Summer
June – August
Peak season. All roads open, every location accessible. Warm days, cool nights. Wildflowers in the meadows. Expect crowds at popular overlooks — we'll work around them.
Fall
September – October
Quieter, cooler, and visually stunning. Fewer crowds, golden light, and dramatic weather. Glacier Point Road typically closes by late October or early November.
Winter
December – March
Snow-covered valley, waterfalls frozen mid-cascade, and a completely empty park on weekdays. Most high-elevation roads closed. Magical for couples who want solitude.
Spring
April – May
Waterfall season. Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Falls are at their most powerful. Wildflowers begin emerging. Weather can be variable — rain jackets recommended.
Permits & Logistics
Getting Married in Yosemite: What You Need to Know
Yosemite National Park requires a Special Use Permit for almost every wedding ceremony, including small elopements. Permits cost $150-$250 depending on the location and must be submitted at least 21 days in advance, though popular spots like Glacier Point and Taft Point often book out months ahead. Group sizes are strictly limited — some locations cap at 35 guests, others at 12. As part of your planning, I'll walk you through which locations fit your group size, help you submit your permit application, and coordinate with park rangers on the day of your ceremony.
Common Questions
Yosemite Wedding & Elopement FAQ
How much does a Yosemite wedding photographer cost?
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Yosemite elopement packages start at $4,995 for 4 hours of coverage. Wedding packages start at $5,995 for 6 hours. Full-day and multi-day coverage ranges from $6,000 to $10,000+ depending on scope, travel, and whether you need a second shooter. Every package includes planning support, permit assistance, color-enhanced digital files, and an online gallery.
Do I need a permit to elope in Yosemite?
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Yes. Yosemite National Park requires a Special Use Permit for any wedding ceremony in the park, including elopements with just the two of you. Permits cost $150-$250 and must be applied for at least 21 days in advance. Each ceremony location has different capacity limits — Glacier Point allows up to 100 people, Taft Point only allows 25. I help all of my couples apply for the correct permit as part of the planning process.
When is Glacier Point open?
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Glacier Point Road typically opens in late May or early June and closes in late October or early November, depending on snow. The exact dates vary year to year. For couples planning a Glacier Point ceremony outside of that window, alternate locations like Tunnel View, Swinging Bridge, or Taft Point can provide similar dramatic backdrops.
Can we have guests at a Yosemite elopement?
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Yes, within the capacity limits of your ceremony location. Most park locations allow 12-35 guests, with Glacier Point allowing up to 100. Full weddings typically happen at Tenaya at Yosemite, Rush Creek Lodge, or The Majestic Yosemite Hotel, which don't have park capacity restrictions and can accommodate 100-200+ guests.
What's the best time of year to elope in Yosemite?
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Late May through October offers the most reliable access and weather. Mid-September through mid-October is my favorite — cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, stunning light, and fall colors starting to turn. Winter elopements (December-February) are dramatic and quiet but require flexibility on location access and willingness to deal with cold temperatures.
Also Serving
Nearby Destinations
Other places I shoot regularly that pair beautifully with Yosemite.
Free Planning Tools
Plan Your Day
Planning your Yosemite day? These free tools are built for couples doing exactly what you're doing.
Estimate your total elopement budget — photography, permits, travel, and more.
Open →✓Permit DatabaseCheck permit requirements for every national park and wilderness venue.
Open →◑Golden Hour TimelineBuild a photo-optimized wedding day timeline with local sunrise and sunset data.
Open →→Location QuizAnswer a few questions and find the destination that fits your style.
Open →
Your Yosemite Adventure
Planning a Yosemite Wedding or Elopement?
Tell us your date, your vision, and what draws you to Yosemite. We'll get back to you with location recommendations, availability, and a custom proposal.