You’ve stumbled across my page because you’re interested in a Yosemite Wedding and are trying to figure out how to get a Yosemite Wedding Permit. It’s really easy honestly! Fun fact, couples from all over the world travel to Yosemite National Park every year for their elopement or micro wedding. With my Yosemite Elopement Packages, I make it easy for couples with photography AND planning. Part of my packages include assisting you will all your Yosemite wedding permit needs so you don’t have to do the boring footwork.
Want to take the steps solo? Check out these steps to get a wedding permit for Yosemite National Park.
1. Choose Your Wedding Location
- Yosemite offers a variety of beautiful locations for wedding ceremonies, such as Glacier Point, El Capitan Meadow, Taft Point, or Yosemite Falls for example.
- The specific location will determine availability and possibly the fee. With my Elopement Packages I provide couples with a guide of Yosemite elopement locations and rules for each spot.
2. Check Availability
- Some popular locations may require booking well in advance. Check the National Park Service (NPS) website or contact the park directly to confirm the availability of your desired location and date. Consider the season as some locations as not available during the winter months due to road closures.
3. Submit a Permit Application
- You’ll need to submit a Special Use Permit application. The form is available on the Yosemite National Park website here.
- Fill out the application with all the required details, including the desired location, date, and number of guests.
4. Pay the Permit Fee
- The non-refundable fee for a wedding permit in Yosemite is $150. However, this may vary, so check the current fees on the NPS website or with the park office. If you have already booked me as your elopement photographer, don’t worry, I got your back and will check on current fees for you.
5. Submit the Application and Payment
- You can mail (that’s right snail mail!) the completed application along with the fee payment (check or money order) to the park office. Some locations may also allow for online or email submissions.
6. Wait for Approval
- Once submitted, the park office will review your application. If you are approved, the park will issue a permit specifying the location, date, and time of your ceremony. Keep this permit with you on the day of the event to show to a Park Ranger if needed. I cannot stress this enough, HAVE YOUR SPECIAL PERMIT ON YOU. Hard copy, not a screen shot, the hard copy!
7. Follow Park Regulations
- Make sure you follow all the park’s rules and regulations, including those regarding the number of guests, noise levels, and environmental protections. Leave no trace. The permit will include specific guidelines you must follow.
- Each location has specific rules with florals and decor, so you’ll want to make sure to abide by those as well!
8. Contact the Park Office for Any Changes
- If you need to make changes to your permit or if any issues arise, no biggie, contact the park’s Special Park Uses Office directly. If we’re already booked, don’t worry, I will handle all the necessary communication if needed.
For the most up-to-date information, it’s best to visit the Yosemite National Park website or contact the park’s office directly.
Helpful Yosemite Wedding & Elopement Resources
Yosemite Elopement Guide
How to Elope in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park Elopement
How much does it cost to elope in Yosemite?
Yosemite elopements are intimate, romantic, and are becoming more popular. This stunning destination location offers a variety of venues, ranging in cost and style. Depending on the type of elopement ceremony you are looking for, the cost of eloping in Yosemite can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Here are a few costs to consider:
- Yosemite Elopement Photographer | $4,000+
- Yosemite Elopement Planner | $1,500+
- Park Wedding Permit | $150+
- Marriage License | $70+
- Officiant | $500+
- Hair & Makeup | $500+
- Florist | $500+
- Lodging/Hotels (Per night) | $150+
- Dinner | $300+
Yosemite Elopement Packages
We offer Yosemite Elopement Photography and Planning Packages so you don’t have to worry about finding an elopement photographer and an elopement planner separately. With our vendor recommendations, we arrange it all and make it easy for you!
I will guide you through your entire elopement process, planning, and photograph your special day. We will capture all the raw moments, emotions, and feels.
Our most popular elopement package includes an intimate picnic where we can provide a picnic setting after exchanging “I do’s!” Picnics are customized to your vibe, I send a “Picnic Vibe Questionnaire” to all couples! We can provide a champagne/sparkling soda toast, beer/wine toast, or heck, maybe you would prefer some ganja and snacks, either way, we got you covered (21 and over).
Elopement Photography and Planning Packages
People from around the world are drawn to Yosemite because of its stunning variety of landscapes and beauty. Let’s celebrate your elopement day together in the most beautiful place and I will capture all of it.
What do elopement packages include?
- Elopement planning
- Elopement Guide and Checklist
- Timeline assistance
- Easy communication – always available by text
- Wedding day photo coverage
- High resolution images
- Online private gallery for download/viewing
- Printing rights
- Location scouting and research
- Permit assistance
- Vendor recommendations
Elopement package – add-on’s
- Second-Shooter (my husband!)
- Romantic picnic & toast customized to your vibe
- Music set-up for First Dance
- Couples Photo Session in your elopement destination
Clients spend an average of $5,000 for elopement packages.
Please contact me for my full Elopement Pricing Guide.
How much planning is included?
Questionnaire
First, we will send a detailed questionnaire to get to know you better, so we can begin location scouting. We want to help you find the perfect backdrop for your elopement ceremony.
Location
Once I receive your questionnaire, I will put together a location guide for you. After you choose your location, next, we send an email to advise you with the following steps reminding you to book your lodging and travel arrangements.
Vendor Recommendations
We’ll send over our vendor recommendations for your area so you can start your vendor research. We want to make sure you have plenty of time to book you other vendors.
Permits
You’ll receive permit information and links to help you get the correct information for your location. You’ll need to secure special event permits for many sites. We will help guide you through the permit process.
Questionnaire #2
4 months before your elopement date, you’ll receive a second questionnaire to help us better understand your vision for your day. If you decided you would like to add on a second-shooter to your day or a toast picnic, first dance music, this is the last chance to do so.
Timeline
Once I receive your second questionnaire, I will start putting together your elopement day timeline.
Marriage License
At some point throughout this process, you’ll need to get your marriage license. We’re available to answer any questions about obtaining your marriage license— you can’t get married without it!
Final Details
Finally, we’ll reach out a few weeks before your elopement to check in on any last-minute details, discuss weather forecasts and ensure everything is ready for your elopement day!
Ready to Elope in Yosemite National Park? Let’s Connect!
I would love to chat with you about photographing and planning your Yosemite elopement. Get in touch with us by using the contact form and we will be in touch shortly.
