Yosemite National Parks Best Elopement Locations
A Taft Point elopement is about as easy as it gets! Most anyone can hike this 2 mile trail, even in a wedding dress. You definitely can’t pass up Taft Point if you’re entering Yosemite. It has some of the most rewarding views in the entire park for very little effort.
How to get to Taft Point
Just off of Glacier Point Road is the Taft Point trailhead. The parking area has recently been widened and repaved, so you should be able to find parking during all but the busiest times. There are even restroom facilities next to the parking area
You can go at any time, but I recommend visiting Taft Point around sunset when the light is most beautiful.
Once you’re parked, just follow the Pohono Trail toward Taft Point. It’s a mile each way with barely any elevation gain. The trail itself is well marked and easy to follow, but once you’re near the cliffs it can feel exposed.
If you’re afraid of heights, just be cautious!
READ MORE: Grand Tetons Hiking Elopement
Notes about the Taft Point trail
Keep in mind dogs are not allowed on this trail. If you are looking for a spot your pup can tag alone during your elopement, unfortunately the Taft Point trail isn’t it.
One other thing to note about Taft Point for your elopement day is the crowds. This lookout isn’t just famous within Yosemite…it’s a world famous view! People come from all over to see this spot, so I don’t recommend it for your ceremony. Unless you’re flexible and get lucky – this spot is usually buzzing with other hikers, photographers and tourists. It’s not a very private spot.
I recommend hanging out for a few photos and then taking your vows somewhere quieter.
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K&S’s Taft Point elopement photos:
This couple’s Taft Point elopement was pretty perfect. Even though the couple is from California, they were still extremely excited about this location! K even got Half Dome tattooed on her arm.
Since Taft Point photographs best at sunset (my opinion, but wait till you see the photos!) we spent the earlier part of the day elsewhere.
We decided to read their vows in the El Capitan meadow. Their officiant, Donny, met us out there to conduct their ceremony under the massive granite wall. Afterwards, we went a bit deeper into the valley for a picnic, where the cliffs cast shade and sheltered us from the direct afternoon sunlight.
Once the sun was lower, we drove up Glacier Point road to the Taft Point trailhead. It was an iconic, sunny and clear Yosemite afternoon. The sunlight was soft and golden as we explored the cliffs. I cannot think of a better spot in the park to end the day, honestly!
ANOTHER LOCATION YOU’D LOVE: Sunny Mt. Baker Elopement, Washington State
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This blog was written, curated and researched by Mariah Arianna, copywriter for photographers and creatives.