There seems to be much confusion surrounding wedding permits in Yosemite. Many couples assume wedding permits are only for large weddings and that they aren’t necessary for elopements or for just taking photographs in the Yosemite. But according to National Park Service, a wedding permit is required for any and all weddings occurring in Yosemite.
Yosemite National Park was created so that all people can enjoy the beauty of this unique area and the wedding permit system is designed to ensure that all vistors have access to the park. Additionally, the permit system lays out the ground rules for weddings in Yosemite so we can make sure to treat the landscape with respect. After all, we all want to be able to enjoy the park in the future too.
If you’ve read this far and are planning on only doing an engagement session or possibly a day after session in Yosemite you may think that a wedding permit couldn’t possibly apply to you, but that’s still not the case. At this point your photography session falls under commercial use photography and is subject to a different, more expensive and mandatory permit process. Luckily, as of 2019 the National Park Service still treats these sessions as weddings in regards to the permit process.
As we noted earlier, there seems to be a lot of confusion about the permit requirements, but it’s simple actually: if you are thinking about having a wedding of any kind or any wedding photographs in Yosemite, you need a wedding permit. If you do not have a permit you risk hefty fines and legal prosecution for everyone involved, including your vendors. We will not be able to be a part of any photography session where a proper permit has not been obtained.
Detailed information on how to apply for your wedding permit can be found on the Yosemite National Park Service website: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/weddings.htm
You may also contact Catherine Carlisle-McMullen in the permit office by email or by phone 209/379-1858.