Yosemite Elopement Photographer

Elopements and Micro Weddings in Yosemite National Park

Hey There!

I’m Katie Dawn, your Yosemite elopement photographer and guide

And I can’t wait to show you all my favorite spots when you elope in Yosemite. Yosemite is one of the most famous national parks for a reason- it’s truly an unbeatable landscape, and there’s no where else in the world like it. The vast valley, steep cliff sides, and glowy morning and evening sun rays are just breathtaking, the landscape are such a dream.

The first time I visited Yosemite was in 2021, and I’ve been obsessed with the views there ever since. After having spent my fair share of time around El Cap, I’m an expert hiker, location scouter, and picture-perfect-view finder for elopements in the area, and I’m so excited to show you all the prettiest spots that made me fall in love with the valley years ago.

How to plan a Yosemite elopement

Pick a location:

When you elope in Yosemite, you will have to choose one of the designated areas in the park to say your vows. There’s dozens of them all over the park, so you’ll have a variety of scenery to choose from. When the ceremony is over, you’re free to take photos anywhere you want in the park, and there’s tons of amazing, picture perfect views for photos with steep cliffs and epic sunsets.

Pick up your license and permit:

In order to marry in California, you will need to stop by the county clerk’s office to pick up your license, pay the $100 fee, find an officiant, and have a witness- I can sign as a witness and I can also officiate if you just want to have the ceremony between the two of you! You’ll also need a permit from the National Park before you can legally elope in Yosemite.

Do something fun:

Spend the remainder of your day doing something you both love that would mean the most to the two of you- whether that’s hiking Half Dome, having a picnic, FaceTiming friends and family, going for a dip in an alpine lake, or sharing a private dinner, just do something that feels like you.

Best time to elope in Yosemite

Summer: Late June-early August

Summer in Yosemite is when all the roads and viewpoints in the park will be accessible, and and the the weather will be sunny- but keep in mind, it can get HOT, and it will be CROWDED. You can avoid the crowds by waking up early for some sunrise vows, but if you’re going to be in the park at peak times, expect other people to be around.

Fall: September-early October

Fall is lovely in Yosemite: the crowds are much better, the weather is nice and cool, and most roads and trails will still be accessible for the majority of the season. This is probably the best time of year to elope in Yosemite if you want accessible roads and less people. Just keep in mind the possibility of snow, especially later in the season, and plan accordingly.

Winter: November-March

Winter is the quietest months in Yosemite, so the least crowded, however it is also the least accessible, so roads, trails, and many businesses will be closed during this time. The upside is you’ll be all alone if you want to be, but the downside is there won’t be much to do in the park and those epic views of the valley will be pretty limited.

Spring: April-early June

Spring is the best time to see the waterfalls at their fullest. Access to Glacier Point Road is still closed, but the weather will be warmer, and there’s more access to other roads and trails in the park. The valley is green and lsuh during this time of year, and temps are moderately temperate.