Some places don't need much help. Glacier Point is one of them.
Yash and Tatum came to Yosemite with a few things: handwritten vows, a pair of powder blue shoes, four of their favorite people, and their pup Ash in a tiny tuxedo.
The park handled the rest, with Half Dome right in front of them, the High Sierra behind it, and the first dusting of fall snow on the peaks.
This was a Yosemite elopement the way we love them: intimate, a little playful, and absolutely epic, with no grueling hike required.
Why Glacier Point for a Yosemite Elopement?
If you've ever seen a photo of Half Dome looking close enough to touch, there's a good chance it was taken near Glacier Point. It sits about 3,200 feet above Yosemite Valley, and the view takes in Half Dome, Nevada and Vernal Falls, Mount Starr King, and miles of the High Sierra.
Here's the part couples love most: you don't have to hike for it. You can drive almost all the way, and the overlooks are a short, easy walk from the parking lot. You arrive in your wedding outfit and still look like yourselves, not like you just finished a trail. We call that *epic without the strain
What an All-Inclusive Yosemite Elopement Looks Like
Planning a wedding in a national park from out of town can feel like a lot. You have to sort out the permit, find an officiant, track down a florist, build a timeline, and figure out where to go. Our All-Inclusive package brings all of that under one roof, with a team that already works together.
For [NAME 1] and [NAME 2], that meant:
Photography from me, from the details and portraits through the ceremony and celebration
An officiant who also keeps you organized. Marie of Let’s Get Married by Marie led their ceremony. She also helps our couples with planning and coordination, so nothing falls through the cracks
Florals from our florist, including a bouquet and boutonniere designed around a seasonal color palette they picked
A plan built for Yosemite, with spots scouted ahead of time, a timeline built around the light, and a Plan A, B, and C for the weather
One team and one plan meant no juggling vendors from hundreds of miles away.
Something Blue, Something Theirs
Tatum's style was romantic. She wore a lace gown with a long, sheer cape that caught every gust of mountain wind. With it she wore powder blue pointed flats and lace ankle socks, which are practical for granite and also count as her something blue. Yash wore a classic black tux with a bow tie, black lace-ups, and a calla lily boutonniere with a hint of blush.
Her bouquet mixed white and blush roses, calla lilies, and soft pink astilbe, tied with long pink ribbon that moved beautifully in the breeze. beautifully crafted with my florist, through my inclusive package. She finished the look with a delicate floral pendant.
Her bouquet, made by our florist as part of their All-Inclusive package, mixed white and blush roses, calla lilies, and soft pink astilbe. It was tied with long pink ribbon that moved beautifully in the breeze. She finished the look with a delicate floral pendant.
They each wrote their vows by hand. Those little cards say more about a couple than anything we could write here, so we’ll keep the words between them.
Portraits Above Yosemite Valley
Before the ceremony we went exploring among granite boulders and old Jeffrey pines, with big views in every direction. I don’t pose couples stiffly. I give gentle direction, find the angles that suit them, and let them be themselves. For these two, that mostly meant laughing.
The Best Dressed Guest
Let’s be honest, Ash stole the show. In his little tux, he walked with his people and posed like a pro for family photos with Half Dome country behind him.
Planning to bring your dog? You can, as long as you follow Yosemite’s rules. Pets are allowed in developed areas and on fully paved roads, sidewalks, and bike paths, on a leash no longer than six feet. They aren’t allowed on unpaved trails. We plan your spots and timeline so your pup can be part of the day without breaking any rules.
A Ceremony With Half Dome as the Witness
As the clouds rolled in and softened the light, we found a quiet spot near Glacier Point for the ceremony. Tatum and Yash stood with Half Dome behind them, and their four guests gathered close.
Marie led a personal and warm ceremony, with plenty of laughs, especially during the ring exchange. Marie works with them through the planning process, to make sure the ceremony sounds like them and not like a script.
Thinking About Your Own Yosemite Elopement?
Here’s what we always walk couples through first:
You need a permit, even if it’s just the two of you. Every wedding or elopement ceremony in Yosemite needs a Special Use Permit from the National Park Service. The application fee is $150 and isn’t refundable. You can apply up to a year ahead, and your application has to be in at least 21 days before your date.
Timing matters for Glacier Point. Glacier Point Road is seasonal. It usually opens in May and closes once the snow arrives, typically by November. If you’re dreaming of a winter elopement, Yosemite Valley is open all year and is magical in a whole different way.
Leave no trace, always. We don’t use tripods or setups, just handheld cameras and a light footprint.
No drones in Yosemite. We’re happy to offer drone footage where it’s allowed, but drones are prohibited everywhere in Yosemite. Your views will be captured from the ground, and honestly, the ground views here are hard to beat.
Want it all handled? Our All-Inclusive package brings together photography, your officiant, and florals with one team and one plan. If you’d rather book photography only, we offer that too.
See how our Yosemite elopements work and what’s included on our Yosemite elopement photography page, or tell us about your plans.
We’d love to hear your story.
Vendor Love
Photography & Planning: Mariela Campbell Photography
Officiant and coordination: Marie, Let’s Get Married by Marie (included in the All-Inclusive package)
Florals: Our florist The Nature of Things (included in the All-Inclusive package)
Location: Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite Elopement FAQ
Is there an all-inclusive elopement package for Yosemite?
Yes. Our All-Inclusive Yosemite elopement package includes photography, an officiant who also helps with planning and coordination, and florals (a bouquet and boutonniere in a seasonal color palette). Travel is included, and everything is handled by one team that works together on every elopement.
Does your Yosemite elopement package include an officiant and flowers?
Our All-Inclusive package does. It includes your officiant, a bouquet and boutonniere, and photography. If you already have an officiant or just want photos, we also offer a photography-only package.
How much does an all-inclusive Yosemite elopement cost?
Our 2027 Yosemite elopement packages start at $3,500 for photography only and $5,400 for the All-Inclusive experience, which adds the officiant and florals. Travel is included.
Do you need a permit to elope in Yosemite National Park?
Yes. Any wedding or elopement ceremony in Yosemite needs a Special Use Permit from the National Park Service, even if it’s just the two of you. The application fee is $150 and isn’t refundable. You can apply up to one year ahead and no later than 21 days before your date.
Can you elope at Glacier Point?
Yes, with an approved Special Use Permit. Glacier Point Road is seasonal and usually opens in May and closes with the first heavy snow, typically by November, so plan a late spring, summer, or fall date.
Do you have to hike to elope at Glacier Point?
No. You can drive almost all the way to Glacier Point, and the overlooks with Half Dome views are a short, easy walk from the parking area.
Can you bring your dog to a Yosemite elopement?
Yes, within park rules. Leashed pets (six-foot leash maximum) are allowed in developed areas and on fully paved roads, sidewalks, and bike paths. They aren’t allowed on unpaved trails.
Can you fly a drone at a Yosemite elopement?
No. Drones are prohibited everywhere in Yosemite National Park, even with a wedding permit.
Ready to Plan Your Own Yosemite Elopement?
Tell me your dates, where you're traveling from, and what you're picturing. I respond within 24 hours with honest availability and location advice — no pressure, just a real conversation about your day.
→ Start your inquiry at marielacampbell.com/contact
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