Yosemite Elopement Permit Guide

Navigating Yosemite Elopement Permits: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

Planning a Yosemite elopement in 2025? Before you dream of exchanging vows beneath towering granite cliffs or beside a roaring waterfall, there’s one important detail to take care of: your elopement permit.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know to legally get married in Yosemite National Park, avoid stress, and ensure a seamless experience.

Why You Need a Permit to Elope in Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is protected land, and the National Park Service (NPS) requires a Special Use Permit for all weddings and elopements—no matter how small or simple. The permit helps preserve the park’s beauty, ensures Leave No Trace principles are followed, and avoids conflicting events.

Even if it’s just the two of you with no setup, a permit is required. It’s part of planning responsibly and respectfully.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Yosemite Elopement Permit

1. Choose Your Ceremony Date

Yosemite elopement permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, so the sooner you apply, the better. You can apply up to one year in advance.

2. Select an Approved Ceremony Location

The NPS provides a list of designated wedding ceremony sites based on group size. Some of our favorite approved locations include:

• Glacier Point (when road is open)
• Tenaya Lake
• Sentinel Dome
• Yosemite Valley locations like Cathedral Beach, Artists’s Overlook, and El Cap Meadow

Group size will influence your options, yet any groups of 10 or under can go anywhere people are allowed in the park. We can help you choose the best fit.

3. Complete the Application Form

The form is available on the official Yosemite NPS Special Use Permit page. You’ll need to include:

• Preferred date and time
• Desired location
• Number of participants (including vendors)
• Contact info and event details

4. Pay the Application Fee

The current fee is $150 (non-refundable) and must be submitted with your application. Payment instructions are on the permit form.

5. Submit Your Application

You can submit your application by mail or courier. We recommend overnighting with FedEx or UPS for tracking and priority handling.

6. Await Approval

Permits are typically processed within 2–4 weeks, but it may take longer in peak seasons. Once approved, you’ll receive an official permit document—print and bring it with you on your wedding day.

2025 Yosemite Elopement Permit Tips & Reminders

• Mid-week weekday elopements (Tues–Thurs) are ideal to avoid crowds
• Sunrise or early morning ceremonies give you better light and privacy
• Some locations (like Taft Point, Glacier Point, or Tuolumne) may have limited seasonal access depending on road conditions
• Always practice Leave No Trace

Can a Friend Officiate Your Yosemite Elopement?

Yes! California allows friends or family to legally officiate weddings if they become ordained online. Just make sure they understand what’s required on the marriage license.

We’re happy to help guide your officiant through the process if needed.

Don’t Stress the Paperwork—We’ve Got You

As your photographers and Yosemite guides, we’re here to help with every step of the planning process—including permits. We’ll help you:

• Choose the best ceremony spot
• Understand guest and group size rules
• Avoid common permit pitfalls
• Craft a timeline that flows seamlessly

Reach out here to get started planning your 2025 Yosemite elopement!