The Couple’s Guide to Yosemite National Park Wedding Ceremony Locations

Yosemite National Park has some of the most beautiful locations for your vows, not to mention some of the most epic backdrops of rivers, waterfalls, and trails for your photos and videos. When couples first reach out to us, most of them don’t know which location within the park they want to wed at, and that’s ok!

Yosemite National Park has a list of about a dozen pre-approved ceremony locations for you to choose from! The sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are limited to a two hour maximum and a $150 application fee. If you are eloping or have less than 11 guests in attendance, you can use any location, with the exception of open meadows and riparian environments.

See our post on the 5-must know details for planning your Yosemite elopement or destination wedding here for more of the logistical details!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options, that is 100% normal. It’s hard to choose with so many beautiful locations in Yosemite National Park, which is why we are sharing the details of each ceremony spot, from epic views and accessibility to our favorite hidden gems:

Yosemite Valley Locations

Cascades Picnic Area

Max. Guests: 30

Located in Yosemite Valley, the Cascades picnic area is a woodsy, picturesque area to say your vows. It’s easily accessible from the park entrance, and you can host your ceremony anywhere in this area as long as it is six feet away from the Merced River.

Lower Yosemite Fall Paved Trail

Max. Guests: 50

Looking for a breathtaking view that is still easy for your guests to access? Lower Yosemite Falls might be the perfect fit for you! There is no parking available, so guests must take the shuttle but the location is wheelchair accessible, along with a few benches and facilities for use!

Swinging Bridge Picnic Area

Max. Guests: 20

The Swinging Bridge Picnic Area is an intimate ceremony spot located right along the stoney beaches of the Merced River. It is an excellent choice if you’re looking for breathtaking views of Yosemite falls. While no ceremonies are allowed to take place on the bridge itself, the groves of pine trees and open meadows serve as gorgeous backdrops for your wedding film and photos.

Cathedral Beach Picnic Area

Max. Guests: 50

While this venue is closed November through Memorial Day Weekend, it’s one of the most peaceful and tranquil locations you can find at Yosemite National Park. We recommend saying “I do” here between September and October due to the colorful warm-hued leaves in the fall.  Also, If you have eldery family members or guests who have difficulty getting around, this location has on-site parking!

Sentinel Beach Picnic Area

Max. Guests: 100

If you’re looking to accommodate a larger wedding party, Sentinel Beach Picnic Area is the place for you. This location is fairly similar to the Cathedral Beach Picnic area, with closures from November through Memorial Day Weekend. However, the beach is a bit longer and you get amazing views of the upper Yosemite Falls!

Bridalveil Fall

Max. Guests: 50

For the full Yosemite National Park experience, Bridalveil Fall will check everything off your list: towering granite cliffs, an epic waterfall, and plenty of trees and foliage! The area is gorgeous and misty for those wanting to capture an ethereal, boho chic vibe on their wedding day.

Wawona

Glacier Point Amphitheater

Max. Guests: 50

Glacial Point is one of the most well-known and iconic locations in Yosemite National park, and for good reason! The popular ceremony location is in the amphitheater and is one of the only locations in Yosemite that provides guest seating. Note that it is only available from the Tuesday after Memorial Day to September 30th due to road conditions.

Chilnualna Falls Trailhead Parking Lot

Max. Guests: 50

Chilnualna Falls is surrounded with an idyllic waterfall with massive boulders that look like they came straight out of a fairytale. A quieter location, Chilnualna is one of the few rare waterfalls that flow year-round in Yosemite, but its peak is in May!

Tuolumne Meadows Locations

Tenaya Lake Beach

Max. Guests: 50

We might be biased, but we love Tenaya Lake Beach for its picturesque views that make for some for the most stunning wedding videos! Open from late Spring to September 30th, Tenaya Lake sits at an elevation of over 8,000 feet, which means that along with the already beautiful lakeshore, you’ll likely have some snow-capped mountains making an appearance as well!

Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Area

Max. Guests: 25

One of the hidden gems and lesser known ceremony locations in Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Area is a peaceful area to recite your vows. Bonus: the accompanying lodge is located right down the road if you’re looking for somewhere close by to stay!

Big Oak Flat Area

Merced Grove & Tuolumne Grove 

Max. Guests: 30

Have you dreamt of getting married surrounded by Sequoia trees? You’re in luck because both Merced Grove and Tuolumne Grove will surround you with everything nature has to offer, and then some! These locations are suited for our more adventurous couples who will have to take a beautiful hike to get to this stunning ceremony spot.

If you’re still feeling overwhelmed with options for your Yosemite National Park elopement or destination wedding, reach out to us here and we will help you find the best place for you and your fiancé to say “I do” in California!