By Joel Reyes, California Elopement Photographer
Last updated: March 2026
Yosemite is one of the most affordable epic elopement destinations in the world. You’re standing in front of some of the most famous landscapes on earth, and the park entrance fee is $35. Here’s what the full experience actually costs.
Quick Budget Overview
Budget elopement: $3,000 to $6,000
Mid-range elopement: $6,000 to $12,000
Premium elopement: $12,000 to $20,000
Detailed Breakdown
Park Entry and Permit: $185
Park entrance: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days). Annual pass: $80.
Ceremony permit: $150.
Total: $185. This is the cheapest part of the entire elopement.
Photography: $3,000 to $8,500+
2-hour coverage: $1,500 to $3,000. Enough for the ceremony and portraits in one area.
Half-day (4 to 5 hours): $3,500 to $5,000. Ceremony plus multiple locations within the Valley.
Full-day (8+ hours): $5,000 to $8,500+. Ceremony, Valley portraits, Glacier Point or Taft Point, sunrise to sunset coverage. My full-day Yosemite packages include photo, video, and drone.
Officiant: $300 to $600
California requires an officiant (no self-solemnization). Budget $300 to $600 for someone who will travel to Yosemite and perform a personalized ceremony.
Lodging: $100 to $600+ per night
Camping: $26 to $36/night (reserve through Recreation.gov months in advance).
Curry Village tent cabins: $150 to $200/night. Basic but you’re inside the park.
Yosemite Valley Lodge: $250 to $400/night. Comfortable, central location.
The Ahwahnee: $500 to $1,200/night. The iconic luxury hotel in Yosemite Valley.
Outside the park (Mariposa, El Portal, Groveland): $100 to $250/night. More options, lower prices.
Florals: $200 to $500
A bouquet and boutonniere from a Mariposa or Fresno florist. Order in advance for delivery or pickup.
Hair and Makeup: $300 to $600
Limited options inside the park. Most artists travel from the Fresno, Mariposa, or Oakhurst area.
Travel
Driving: Yosemite is about 3 hours from San Francisco, 4 hours from Sacramento, 5 hours from Los Angeles.
Gas: Budget $50 to $100 round trip depending on your starting point.
Car rental (if needed): $50 to $150/day.
Meals: $30 to $80 per person per day
Casual (in-park): Pizza Deck at Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village dining, deli sandwiches. $30 to $50/day.
Fine dining: The Ahwahnee Dining Room. $80 to $150 for two (dinner).
Outside park: Mariposa and El Portal have several restaurants. $40 to $80/day.
Total Cost Scenarios
The Simple Yosemite Elopement ($3,500 to $5,000)
Drive to Yosemite. Permit ($185). Photography 2 to 3 hours ($2,500). Officiant ($350). Small bouquet ($200). One night at Curry Village ($175). Dinner at the lodge ($80). Total: ~$3,490.
The Full Day Experience ($7,000 to $12,000)
Park entry and permit ($185). Full-day photo and video ($7,000). Officiant ($500). Florals ($350). Hair and makeup ($400). Two nights at Yosemite Valley Lodge ($700). Dinner at The Ahwahnee ($200). Total: ~$9,335.
The Multi-Day Adventure ($15,000+)
Permit ($185). Two-day photography ($10,000). Officiant ($500). Premium florals ($500). Hair and makeup ($500). Two nights at The Ahwahnee ($1,800). Meals ($400). Guided hike to Taft Point ($200). Total: ~$14,085.
How to Save Money
Camp. Yosemite campgrounds are stunning and cost $26 to $36/night. Getting a reservation is the hard part. Book exactly 5 months in advance at 7 AM Pacific.
Weekday. Fewer crowds, easier parking, and some vendors offer weekday rates.
Spring or fall. Shoulder seasons have lower lodging rates.
DIY flowers. Wildflower bouquet or a simple arrangement from a grocery store florist.
Stay outside the park. Mariposa and El Portal are 30 to 60 minutes from the Valley with significantly cheaper lodging.
[Plan Your Yosemite Elopement →]
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