Sunny Fall Cathedral Beach Elopement Wedding | Jennifer & Alfredo
A Fall Yosemite Elopement in Late September
J + A picked September for their elopement because it’s a month that already held so much meaning for them. It’s when they started dating, got engaged, and now, it’s when they said “I do.”
Basically, their whole love story just keeps coming back to September!
And the best part is that they chose to travel to Yosemite from Southern California to have their ceremony with a handful of guests.
For their stay, they rented out a cozy rental cabin in Yosemite West to stay with their close family and friends.
For their elopement day, the morning was super relaxed. It started out with hair and makeup in the common area while people were helping each other get ready, and you could just feel how much they wanted the day to unfold slowly.
No pressure, just being present.
PLAN YOUR ELOPEMENT: Elopement Planning Worksheets | Elopement Photo Packages
J+A chose to start their elopement adventure with a first look and vow exchange.
So we made a plan for A to meet me around 2 PM at Tunnel View for some detail photos while we waited for J to arrive. Once they were both there, they went for a double first look (aka, seeing each other at the same time).
So I set them up in a quiet spot, gave them a countdown, and they turned around together. It was one of those moments that just hits with big smiles, a few tears, and joy.
Right after that, they exchanged private vows, and honestly, it was such a sweet, emotional part of the day. A lot of laughter, a few happy tears, and just the two of them soaking it all in before heading to the ceremony.
An hour later, we drove down to their sunny Cathedral Beach elopement, where their guests were already waiting.
We’d planned to do family photos before the ceremony while everyone was still fresh and ready, then moved right into their ceremony by the Merced River.
J + A walked down the “aisle” and were celebrated by their guests and their officiant who was a dear friend of theirs.
From my end, the view of their ceremony and the nose of El Capitan had this surreal feel. It was perfect.
After the ceremony, we drove up to Glacier Point for sunset. That drive is always worth it. Even more so this time because it was J + A’s first time seeing the view.
As we took photos in front of that stunning Half Dome view, with a golden and soft light, I made sure to let them have a moment just to be together.
By the time the stars started coming out around 7:30 PM, we wrapped up and they headed back to their Airbnb for a carne asada dinner with their people. Good food, some music, and the kind of company that makes everything feel just right.
Where is Cathedral Beach?
Tucked along the Merced River, Cathedral Beach at the forefront of the Cathedral Beach Picnic Area and is one of the first scenic spots you’ll come across when entering Yosemite from Highway 140.
It’s one that tends to stop people in their tracks!
With its quiet picnic area, river access, and that unforgettable view of El Capitan’s nose rising above the trees, it feels like a peaceful little pocket of Yosemite Valley that’s perfect for couples looking for something stunning yet down-to-earth.
This location makes a beautiful first impression, no doubt.
Whether you’re drawn to the calming sound of the river, the soft afternoon light, or just the ease of stepping into nature without a long hike, Cathedral Beach delivers all of it.
Is Cathedral Beach a Good Place to Elope?
Cathedral Beach is actually one of Yosemite’s pre-approved wedding ceremony locations, which means it’s fully permitted for elopements and intimate weddings with up to 50 guests, given availability and permit approval.
That gives you the freedom to keep it just the two of you, or to bring a few of your favorite people along for the celebration.
There’s something special about having the river behind you, tall pine trees surrounding you, and El Capitan right there in view that makes Cathedral Beach a great place to elope.
It makes everything feel grounded, calm, and kind of like time slows down; The way you’d want your elopement day to feel like.
Other reasons why Cathedral Beach is a good place to elope are:
Open access from late Spring, after Memorial Day, to Fall (around Oct 31, depending on weather conditions)
Flat terrain and a short path to the water’s edge from the parking area
A simple restroom facility on site
Accessible picnic tables and grills
Pro Tip: Although you need a ceremony permit to marry at Cathedral Beach, the permit doesn’t grant you a ‘reservation’ for the area, the picnic tables, or the grills since it’s all first come-first serve. But, you can plan ahead and pick a weekday morning or evening for your elopement to avoid any crowd.
More Reasons to Elope at Cathedral Beach
It’s a great fit for couples who want to feel present, connected, and surrounded by natural beauty while keeping things simple without needing to hike (for themselves and for guests if you’re having any).
Plus here are other reasons to elope here:
EASY ACCESS AND PARKING
There’s a small parking area just off Southside Drive, a few steps from the river itself. While the lot isn’t large (and can fill up midday, especially around summer), carpooling, early arrivals or weekday elopements make it easy to grab a spot. From the parking area, your ceremony ‘spot’ is just a short walk through the trees.
GUESTS ARE WELCOME
If you’re hoping to include close family or friends in your elopement, this location is a great fit. Guest count is capped around 50 people, with monitoring likely required if you’re having 35-50 guests (an additional fee will apply). Just keep in mind that seating is not allowed on site so your guests will need to stand up, with exception for guests with special needs.
VIEWS OF EL CAPITAN, PINE TREES, AND RIVER
The views of El Capitan from Cathedral Beach are nothing short of jaw-dropping. Plus it is surrounded by scenery that you don’t get anywhere else in the Park like the pine trees and the river that flows through.
But before you choose this as your elopement location, there are a couple things to keep in mind:
The site is not private. It’s a public beach and you will see visitors in the area. In addition, there may be a wedding scheduled before or after yours!
Although you may have up to 50 guests here, staff requires monitoring for 35-50 guests and you can’t set any seating furniture
The parking area is small so carpool arrangements will need to be made
The nearby restroom is simple and it’s not a place to change or to get ready
This is not a paved area, it’s all dirt in the parking lot and sandy where ceremonies are usually held which makes this location not wheel-chair friendly
Best Time to Elope at Cathedral Beach
Cathedral Beach is accessible from late May to early October, when Southside Drive is open and the riverbank is accessible (no snow or floods are likely).
And although there’s really no bad time to elope during this timeframe, if you’d like to avoid the tourist crowd, it’s best to book your elopement date for early June or late September.
Choosing between those two would just mean figuring out what you’d prefer: lush greenery, rushing river sounds, and mild temperatures? Or, warm-color foliage, crisp air, and even fewer crowds?
As for time of day, mornings and mid-afternoons here tend to be beautifully lit (the light has a chance to filter through the trees and bounces off the granite walls).
But keep in mind that mid-afternoon is when Cathedral Beach may be at its busiest with beach-goers enjoying the area too.
How To Elope at Cathedral Beach
Here’s the simple version of how to make your Cathedral Beach elopement happen:
Pick a date: Late spring through early fall is your best window, and early morning or late afternoon is best.
Apply for a Yosemite wedding permit: You’ll need a special use permit from the National Park Service, which costs $150. You can download the application and mail it at least 30 days in advance. Be sure to specify Cathedral Beach as your ceremony location.
Hire an elopement photographer and any other vendors for your day: Choose vendors familiar with Yosemite and with the elopement experience that way you can just show up and enjoy the day.
Plan for buffer time and embrace the little moments: Things don’t always run on the dot and that’s okay! Give yourself extra time for parking, walking in, and just settling into the moment. You’ll appreciate not having to rush the day.
Pro Tip: For a more detailed Yosemite Elopement Planning guide check out this blog post!
Yosemite Elopement Photography & Other Vendors
Even the most low-key elopement deserves thoughtful planning. Here are some vendor ideas to help you make this day come together:
Elopement Photographer: Look for someone who’s not only familiar with Yosemite but also offers planning support especially with permits, locations, and timeline advice (I’d be more than honored to work with you too!)
Officiant: You can bring one or have a friend or family member get ordained online.
Hair + Makeup Artist: MUA and hair stylists like Angelina from Timeless Artistry Beauty Co (@timeless.artistry.co)will travel into the park or work nearby in Oakhurst, Mariposa, or El Portal, and will be happy to meet you at early start times!
Florist: Local florists can create travel-ready bouquets and boutonnieres that hold up well in warm or dry weather, and follow Yosemite National Park regulations.
Catering or Picnic Services: Whether you’re having a day just the two of you or with guests, consider booking a luxury picnic setup (just outside the park, if needed) or catering dinner to celebrate afterward.
Cathedral Beach Yosemite Elopement Checklist
To prep your elopement at Cathedral Beach, I’ve put together a comprehensive checklist (and a packing list) for you to get started!
You can download it below.
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Hey, I’m Sara!
I’m a California elopement photographer based in the Central Valley.
If you’re recently engaged or ready to start planning your elopement day, I’m cheering you on and I’d love to help!
Let’s talk about your vision, gush over stunning locations and spend the day creating memories.
I’m here to guide you through the process + capture your day how you dream it.
YOUR PERFECT DAY STARTS HERE
