Do You Need a Permit to Elope in Yosemite?

Short answer: Yes, you do need a permit to elope in Yosemite National Park. But don’t worry—it’s a simple process, and we’re here to guide you through it.

Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony with a few guests or a private vow exchange with just the two of you, a special use permit is required for all weddings and elopements in Yosemite, regardless of group size.

Why Does Yosemite Require a Permit for Elopements?

Yosemite is a protected National Park, and permits help the park manage visitor impact, preserve the natural environment, and ensure events don’t conflict with regular park operations.

Permits also give you official permission to hold your ceremony in designated areas—which helps ensure your special moment isn’t interrupted or restricted on the day of.

What Type of Permit Do You Need?

You’ll need to apply for a Special Use Permit for a Wedding Ceremony through the National Park Service (NPS).

Cost: $150 non-refundable fee
Required for ALL elopements and weddings, no matter how small
You can apply up to one year in advance

How to Apply for a Yosemite Elopement Permit

Download the permit application from the NPS website: Yosemite Special Use Permit Info
Fill out your application and email it to the park office
Include your top location choices and preferred date/time
Pay the $150 fee when your permit is accepted

We help all our couples navigate this process and can recommend the best ceremony sites based on your vision and season.

What Locations Can You Use with a Permit?

Yosemite has a list of pre-approved ceremony sites where events are allowed. Some of the most popular include:

Glacier Point (up to 50 guests)
Taft Point (up to 10 people)
Sentinel Dome (up to 10 people)
Cathedral Beach (up to 50 guests)
Bridalveil Fall area (up to 50 guests)
Yosemite Falls Picnic Area (up to 50 guests)
El Cap Meadow (up to 10 guests)
Tuolumne Meadows locations (seasonal)

These aren’t the only ceremony site available to you though. If you are a full group 10 people or under (us and the officiant included), we can go anywhere in the park that people are allowed. We’ll help you choose a spot that matches your priorities—whether that’s epic views, accessibility, privacy, or a specific time of year.

What If You Don’t Want a Traditional Ceremony?

Even if you’re planning to privately exchange vows on a hike or during a photo session, a permit is technically required. The only time a permit may not be needed is if you’re not conducting a ceremony at all and are simply taking photos (and even then, some restrictions may apply).

If you’re unsure, ask us—we’ll help you stay on the right side of the rules while still creating an unforgettable experience.

We Make the Permit Process Easy

As Yosemite elopement photographers and guides, we’ve helped dozens of couples secure their permits and find their dream ceremony spots.

We’ll:

Help you pick the best location for your season and group size
Guide you through the application process
Coordinate timing to take advantage of the best light and conditions

Let’s Make Your Elopement Official (and Magical)

If you’re planning to elope in Yosemite, we’ll walk you through everything you need—including permits, timelines, and location ideas.