California’s Sierra Nevada mountains are like no place on Earth. And I know you know because you’re choosing to get married, elope, or have an Adventure Session here. Places like Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, Glacier Point & Taft Point are some of the finest intimate wedding and elopement locations Yosemite National Park has to offer. On the other side of Tioga Pass, the Eastern Sierra is truly striking with its massive escarpment and towering peaks. Mammoth Lakes, Bishop Creek, Convict Lake, Rock Creek, & June Lake are breathtaking mountain wedding locations. Lake Tahoe is a destination all its own with many gorgeous venues and stunning elopement locations.
While the Sierra in general has a plethora of spectacular locations, Yosemite National Park has its own unique aspects to be aware of. So what do you need to know about coming to have a wedding or elope in Yosemite? First, In order to have a wedding or elopement in Yosemite National Park you are going to need a special use permit. This is important and does require some proactive initiative to make sure your desired location is available based on when and how many guests will join you. And how many people you have matters a lot.
If you have a total of 10 people or fewer you can get married anywhere the public is allowed with exception of open meadows and riparian environments. These elopements and small intimate weddings definitely have the most flexibility. Groups of 11 or more will have designated sites to choose from based on their group size. You can learn more about locations for groups here. And it is Yosemite, so even with these restrictions for larger groups, the locations are stunning. Please always respect park resources and tread lightly.
Next, you’re going to want to plan your trip and where you’ll stay. We have a Frequently Asked Questions Page with a Yosemite Wedding or Elopement Planning Guide that is also a great resource. There you’ll find helpful tips to plan your entire Yosemite experience. We talk about where to fly into, where to stay, understanding the seasons, things to consider, and so much more.
Adventure Elopement Experience, Elopement Photography, Intimate Wedding Photography, Wedding Photography, Adventure Session, Couple Session, Flying Dress Couple Session… What are the differences?
Let’s dive into this below. And please Contact Us if you have any further questions or would like to discuss your Wedding, Elopement, Proposal, or Couple Session vision.
And be sure to also check out Shawn & Brittany’s landscape photography and films at ShawnReeder.com and BrittanyColt.com. As well as their private photography workshop offerings at Outdoor Photo Experience.
