Glacier Point, Yosemite Elopement - Adam + Megan | Yosemite Elopement Photographer
Glacier Point, Yosemite Elopement
This Glacier Point, Yosemite elopement was second shot with Krystal Preciado of Preciado Photography! For more woodsy wedding inspiration, visit:
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Glacier Point is a sight in Yosemite that will leave you absolutely wonderstruck. From Glacier Point, visitors can take in a panoramic view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite’s high country from an elevation of 7,214 feet. Needless to say, it’s a pretty epic location to commit your life to your partner. John Muir once callled Yosemite ”the grandest of all the special temples of nature I was ever permitted to enter.”
To plan a small wedding, elopement, or vow renewal in Yosemite you’ll need two Special Use permits: one for the wedding/ceremony, and one photo permit in addition to your park entrance fees. (Find more information on Yosemite permits here) and select a spot from the designated ceremony location list which includes various locations from throughout the park, ranging in size, accessibility, and crowds. Pets are not allowed at any ceremony sites.
Thinking about eloping in Yosemite National Park?
where is Glacier Point, Yosemite?
where is yosemite national park?
Yosemite National Park is in Central California at the gateway of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The park is about 140 miles from Sacramento and 170 miles from the San Francisco airport - roughly 3 hours from both. From Los Angeles, Yosemite is 342 miles via US-395N (the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway) which has a few absolutely awe-inspiring spots for sightseeing. This route adds about 60 miles onto the more direct route, but I SWEAR it’s worth it!
where is glacier point in yosemite?
Glacier Point is adventurous yet accessible thanks to its nearby parking lot and paved trails, and is typically open late May through October but conditions and closures vary. It takes about an hour to drive there - take Wawona Road (north from Wawona or south from Yosemite Valley) about 13 miles until reaching the Chinquapin intersection. Turn onto Glacier Point Road + continue until you reach the parking lot.
Note: In 2021, Yosemite National Park is rehabilitating Glacier Point Road. Glacier Point will be accessible ONLY by hiking the Four Mile, Panorama, and Pohono Trails (all of which are difficult). update: Yosemite has postponed rehabilitation plans. Read more here!
where to stay in yosemite
Of course there are gorgeous hotels nearby but for a much more unique experience, check out these pet-friendly Airbnbs in the Yosemite area!
Megan and Adam’s wedding ceremony was performed by a family member, which made the day that much more special! Adam and Megan exchanged hand-written vows while a handful of close family members stood just a few feet away.
After their small wedding ceremony at Glacier Point, the family left for the reception, which was held at Curry Village (formerly Half Dome Village). We explored Glacier Point a little more, snapping a few photos on the trails and in this little historic cabin at the very top! It actually was built in the 1920’s and is known as the “Geology Hut,” and it’s where Park Rangers worked (then known as Nature Guides).
Next we ventured down to the scenic overlook at Tunnel View, which has been mesmerizing park visitors for decades with views of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Falls. It’s even said that this is the shot that made landscape photographer Ansel Adams a household name! Heads up though: the estimated daily visitor count for this spot is between 5,000-7,000 people.
Another amazing, easily accessible location for photos is in Yosemite Valley. The soft glow of sunset made for such a romantic end to their wedding day! From Yosemite Valley, you can visit the Merced River, El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks and more. Due to the delicate nature of this stunning national park, it’s important to stay on marked trails or boardwalks and follow the principles of Leave No Trace, ensuring this incredible legacy of conservation and wildlife will live on for generations to come.
what to do near Yosemite
One of the best perks about having a small wedding is the opportunity to really explore, combining your wedding and honeymoon! Instead of just one day, this wedding experience can be something you enjoy for a weekend, or even a week or two! If I was getting married in Yosemite I’d make an entire trip of it.
Spending days sightseeing at spots in Yosemite like Lower Mariposa Grove, Tuolumne Meadows, or catching the sunrise at Mono Lake (I caught it once with the grace of good timing on a trip back from Tahoe, and it’s a sight I’ll never forget! It honestly looked like something out of a Studio Ghibli movie!).
In the afternoons and evenings, check out nearby attractions in the area like Idle Hour (one of the area’s highest-rated wineries), Ice Skating at Curry Village Ice Skating Rink, or axe-throwing at Yosemite Ake Throwing in Oakhurst.
where to eat near Yosemite
Dining options within the park are fairly limited (here’s a list of in-park options), but the nearby town of Oakhurst has several more options. For a coffee + breakfast before heading into Yosemite, stop at The Cool Bean Cafe off Highway 41. Craving a formal dinner with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options? The Elderberry House serves French and European dishes with dietary restrictions in mind in an elegant, romantic atmosphere. More casual dining is available at Smokehouse 41or Sugar Pine Pizza.
Just to reiterate: in 2021, Yosemite National Park plans to rehabilitate Glacier Point Road and this ceremony location is inaccessible by any other road. To get there, you’ll have to hike! The park does still have other absolutely gorgeous ceremony spots that will be accessible in 2021. For more information on the rehabilitation or preparing for your trip to Yosemite, click here.
*UPDATE: Yosemite has postponed the rehabilitation plan: click here to see more
Download my free Elopement Planning Start Kit here to begin the adventure of dreaming up your best elopement or intimate wedding day with your partner, or contact me so I can help you brainstorm options!