EXPLORE

Yosemite National Park is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful, natural gems in California.
Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, this national park is home to some of the most iconic landscapes. From the beautiful granite cliffs to giant sequoia trees, there’s a place for every couple who is looking for a grand adventure. We might be biased, but it is truly one of the most iconic national parks in the country.
But when it comes to planning… Where do you start?
We realized SO many of you had no idea.
Today we’re going to dive into FOUR important things you need to keep in mind while planning an unforgettable experience for your couples. Let’s dive in!
Seasonal breakdown:
Yosemite is open all year round, which means depending on the time of year you visit, the landscapes and weather could shift drastically. A photo experience in January is going to be more serene and quiet. The park is often snowcovered, and several of the areas of the park are closed including Glacier Point and Tioga Pass. The valley floor remains plowed for easy access. We recommend an early morning session if you want to experience the park without anyone around! Meanwhile, summer in Yosemite is a different story. While everything’s open, the crowds are some of the biggest they’ll be all year. On busy days, it can take hours to get to an entrance due to the influx of hikers and explorers. You’ll also have to be prepared for incredibly hot temperatures and maybe even smoke depending on the condition of the land around the park. But one thing that doesn’t change is the beauty. Regardless of what month you go, we promise you’ll be in awe of all the park has to offer.
Don’t forget your permit:
Obtaining a permit is a crucial part of booking a Yosemite session. Without the correct permit, you will not be allowed access to the park for photography reasons. The larger the party, the earlier you will want to secure your permit! Groups of 11 or more are also restricted to certain locations in order to keep the park preserved. This is something you cannot afford to skip over in your planning process, and you should help your couple navigate very early on.
Lodging for every lifestyle:
Every couple is different, and every event is different. Some might enjoy roughing it on their adventure, while others are looking for a sophisticated getaway. In and surrounding Yosemite, there is a wide variety of housing options, from camping to hotel stays, and everything in between. To get the full Yosemite National Park experience, we recommend checking out accommodations in Yosemite Valley. Staying in the park allows for unparalleled access from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave. There are also several towns within driving distance from the park, such as Mariposa, that have incredible hotels and accommodations.
Location Scouting:
Just like every couple has different accommodation preferences, every couple will have different comfortability when it comes to adventure. There are many options, ranging from an all-day hiking adventure to an all-ages and abilities location. Remember that if your couple has a group of +11, the options are limited to the pre-approved areas. If it’s just you and your couple, the sky’s the limit. Personally, we love Cathedral Beach if you’re looking for a super accessible area. It can host 50 guests and the views are unmatched! On the other hand, if you’re looking for a little adventure, try heading up to Cathedral Lake. This is a 7-8 mile hike depending on if you want to see the upper or lower lake. The elevation is quite high, so keep that in mind. Experience in hiking is needed for many locations!
Interested in learning more? This is how our Yosemite location guide was born! In this guide, we cover all four topics above, as well as vendors, venues, experiences, and so much more. This guide is your one-stop-shop for everything Yosemite.
Regardless of your couple, and their dream, there is an experience awaiting them, and we believe that you can help plan the most beautiful elopement or ceremony of their dreams.
No more wondering and hoping you pick the right locations. No more looking at the weather radar and guessing.
The Immersed Yosemite Location Guide has your back. It’s time to create an incredibly unforgettable adventure.
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