Don’t worry, it’s actually fairly easy to elope in Yosemite, but as marriage holds legal standing there are a few rules to follow. Don’t worry, it’s actually pretty easy and we’ve got all the links and information you’ll need right here. There are only three things that you and your partner need to elope (or have a wedding) in Yosemite National Park:
- California Wedding License ~ $60
- Yosemite Wedding Permit – $150
- Wedding Officiant ~ Price varies
You can find all the detailed information about a wedding license here on California Department of Public Health’s website. In order to obtain a valid California Wedding License, you will need to visit a California County Clerk’s Office and a photo ID for both you and your partner. The license is valid for 90 days and must be returned to the County Recorder’s Office within 10 days after the wedding ceremony. If you are not a California resident and only traveling to Yosemite for your wedding, I would suggest stopping by the Mariposa County Clerk’s Office to obtain your wedding license. The office is small and rarely crowded, so it’s easy to get in and out quickly. They even have the application available as a PDF to get you started. A quick note: after the wedding license has been returned and recorded, you will need to obtain an official copy of the license.
Next up is your Yosemite Wedding Permit. While there seems to be much confusion about the need for this among some vendors, the Yosemite Wedding Permit is absolutely required for your wedding. In fact, without this we will not be able to create any photographs on your wedding day. Thankfully it is also easy to obtain. First, choose a location with your partner that you think will work well for your wedding ceremony. Take a look through our location guide for ideas and if you have questions give us a call. With a location and date in hand, visit this National Park Service website to download the permit. If you have any availability questions, you can phone or email the permit office. Then mail the completed permit in with a check and you should be good.
Finally you need someone to actually perform the wedding ceremony. Here you’re a little less bound to specifics. If you know someone that you’d like to have officiate your ceremony, you’re able to do that. This adds a personal touch to the ceremony too. Of course, you are also free to bring any legal wedding officiant for your ceremony. Here is the contact information for a few local wedding officiants that we work with regularly and highly recommend.