I LOVE photographing weddings in Yosemite. Definitely some of my favorite light in the entire world. This article will cover basic planning and how to get a permit to have a wedding in Yosemite National Park. I tell clients this information all the time, so I figured I should put it into a blog.

First: Best Yosemite Wedding Locations and Time of Day

Because of the way the park is oriented, a lot of the best vantage points have the best light at SUNRISE, not sunset. So if you’re looking for that spectacular, golden, romantic light, definitely try to do a sunrise wedding at Yosemite. Places like Glacier Point are the BEST at sunrise. Other places are also really good at sunset, but my recommendation is always to try for sunrise. Another plus to sunrise is that there are fewer people. 

Also keep in mind that a portion of the park is not accessible during winter. 

I consistently photograph at a few spots in Yosemite:

Glacier Point

Keep in mind Glacier Point and Taft Point are over an hour away from the rest of the park. So if you want to do something there, it really limits what else you can do. Is it worth it. ABSOLUTELY. The Glacier Point Amphitheater can also seat about 30 people, so if you’re having a larger group, this is a good choice. 

Taft Point

Taft is about 15 minutes away from Glacier Point, and about an hour away from the rest of the park. But it also requires about 2 miles of hiking. 

Tunnel View 

Tunnel View is another higher-elevation valley view where you can drive right to the amazing viewpoint. But it’s only about 15 minutes away from the main valley loupe, which makes it more crowded but also easier to access. 

El Capitan Meadow 

I LOVE this view, it’s my highest recommendation for sunset but is also good most times of the day. This was an epic, foggy day that turned out absolutely perfect. I mean, look at that giant rock. *chef’s kiss* 

Valley Meadow near the Chapel 

The meadow near the Chapel is a nice spot. Long grass, the chapel, and a great view of Yosemite Falls. 

Cathedral Beach 

Cathedral Beach can handle a larger group. It’s right next to the Merced River and is a good, reliable spot regardless of time of day. 

Second: Get Your Permit

The permit process is intimidating, but as long as you know what to ignore, you’ll be fine. They don’t accept applications more than a year out, so you can plan ahead but not that far ahead. They also don’t like applications less than 21 days out. So get it a few months in advance. 

1. Fill out the application (found here). Basically you put in your personal information (including social security number). Social Security number is just to protect the park from people who have gotten a permit before and done damage to the park. Proposed activity is just a small elopement or wedding. Preferred and alternate dates/locations are basically your first and second choice. I’ve never had a couple have a problem getting their first choice, but I can imagine this being a problem with a bigger group or popular holiday. 
2. Email the completed application to the Parks Permit Office. 
3. ALSO print it out and put it in an envelope with a check for $150. The check should be made out to “National Park Service” It has to be a check, they don’t do wireless transfers or anything.
   Address the envelope to:
   Special Park Uses/Film and Wedding
   Yosemite National Park, National Park Service
   P.O. Box 700
   El Portal, CA 95318

If your group is under 10 people, you have flexibility with going almost anywhere in the park. Larger groups have just a few spots that can accommodate.

Bouquet note: The use of hardy flower bouquets and boutonnières are preferable, to ensure seeds do not fall and germinate. Baby’s breath is prohibited. The use of native flower arrangements is preferred. (I’ve never had any issues with this, but it’s a good thing to keep in mind to help preserve the park). I’ve had people who have used wooden or flowers before, too, just so they don’t have to worry about it! Or just no flowers. The park is amazing enough. 

Third: Photographer

Get the best Yosemite Wedding photographer! Hire me if you can! But definitely take photos. 

That’s it! Hope this helps!