When it comes to wild, rustic, and beautiful wedding locations; Yosemite is one of California’s most stunning locations. With impressive mountains, forests, waterfalls, lakes, and valleys – it is sure to showcase your adventurous love story with a Yosemite Weddings and Elopements.
No wonder so many couples put Yosemite at the top of their list when they start planning engagement photography locations and wedding venues.
Here are some of my favorite places to shoot weddings and elopements; and a few that are on my dream list!
Chapel Weddings
I admit to having a thing for charming chapels, especially ones nestled in the woods. Yosemite Valley Chapel is the prettiest place for an elopement or intimate wedding. After your ceremony, there are so many scenic spots for photos. So, you could easily spend the whole afternoon roaming around the beautiful surroundings!
Lodge Weddings
A lodge wedding is perfect for intimate Yosemite weddings and elopements because you can give your guests all the comforts and luxuries while being right amidst nature for some stunning wedding photography opportunities.
Yosemite Valley Lodge is a gorgeous location and we love that it’s so close to Yosemite Falls. Evergreen Lodge is another beauty that’s set up for Yosemite weddings with the quaintest cabins in the woods.
Tenaya Lodge is another gorgeous lodge for a romantic wedding in Yosemite. Offering both indoor and outdoor ceremony options for weddings. The Sierra National Forest is the most stunning backdrop you could dream of for your wedding day photography.
Hotel And Resort Weddings
When you are imagining an elegant wedding at an upscale hotel The Ahwahnee Hotel should be on your radar! Nearby there is Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Glacier Point. Couples travel internationally to say their vows in Yosemite!
Double Eagle Resort and Spa at June Lake is surrounded by the blessings of Mother Nature and a pristine spot for a wilderness-inspired wedding. The ceremony areas are rustic and luxurious with the cocktail hour location by the brook that is so pretty and intimate.
The Adventure Yosemite Weddings and Elopements Movement
Yes, getting married is an adventure! And there is a new wedding trend that literally takes the idea to new heights. Couples are putting on their hiking boots and heading to the most epic places for jaw-dropping shots! Cliff ledges, mountain tops, and in front of epic waterfalls. It’s not for the faint of heart – It’s gritty, high-energy and exhilarating!
But, you will be on top of the world! Yosemite National Park is full of places that are just perfect. Here are just a few that make my heart sing when I hear from nature-loving couples who are considering a Yosemite weddings and elopements or an engagement shoot.
Taft Point is a viewpoint with epic views of Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan. Standing near the edge of the cliff (10 feet away is plenty close!) to exchange your vows at sunset will be an awe-inspiring moment. And the wedding photos will rock your world!
Glacier Point is an easy-access spot with stunning canyon views and is popular for Yosemite weddings. Half Dome will make it’s debut in your epic photos. If you’re wanting jaw dropping then Glacier Point will be your destination! Glacier Point is also wheelchair and stroller friendly! Guests of all ages will be able to share in your moment.
Olmsted Point is another magnificent place that will wow you and your guests. There are several viewpoints with breathtaking scenes, a picturesque lake, and a waterfall. Olmsted Point has it all and the hiking isn’t too difficult.
The Logistics of your Yosemite Weddings
Choosing the perfect location depends on how much hiking and adventure you are up for and what your guests can handle. Most places need permits for outdoor weddings and photography and I’m happy to assist you to secure the required permission.
Garden weddings, park weddings, golf clubs, ranch, and resort weddings are more options that couples can choose from in the Yosemite area. You can go all out and have a luxurious affair or plan an intimate vow exchange – whichever way you go, it’s going to be gorgeous and I can’t wait to document your epic love story!
Drop me a line so we can talk more about your Yosemite engagement or Yosemite wedding!
Check out my other blogs about some amazing Fresno wedding venues!
