Glacier Point, Yosemite Ceremony Location

soft light of sunrise bathes couple kissing at glacier point

The crown of Yosemite’s wedding sites, if you can avoid the crowds

After five years of photographing elopements in Yosemite National Park, I’ve done more weddings at Glacier point than I can count. Easily the most popular outdoor venue in the park and it’s not difficult to figure out why. With stunning panoramic views of Half Dome, Clouds rest, North Dome, Mt Star King, Nevada and Vernal falls all easily accessed from a large parking lot. What more could you ask for from a Yosemite wedding venue. There’s even a little gift store where you can grab coffee snacks and ice cream after you say I do.

But the stellar views and easy access does come at a cost. This is one of the busiest locations in the entire park. So do yourself a favor and only consider Glacier point for your marriage ceremony if you’re will to do an early morning or sunset ceremony here. I’ve seen weddings here at 9am struggle to find parking so if you’re planning your vows for latter than 10am or before 4pm look for a different ceremony site in the park.

First kiss at an early morning wedding ceremony at Glacier Point.
indian bride in red dress stares out over Yosemite valley

The Deets

  • Maximum Guests - 35-50

  • Open from road open to September 30th, no permits in July or august

  • Elevation - 3,214 ft

  • Heavily Trafficked

  • Best Time of Day - Early Morning

  • Parking 0.2 Miles Away

noon wedding ceremony at the Glacier point Amphitheater

Eloping with just a few guests?

For couples eloping or planning a more intimate micro wedding, if you have less than twelve guest in your wedding party you are not limited to the amphitheater. Instead head up the Panorama Trail just a little ways to find a more natural site for your marriage vows. Look for the big Pine tree overlooking some killer views of Half Dome and Nevada falls.

newly wed bride leans against groom with half dome in background
Sunrise ceremony performed by Donny Alexander in Yosemite
Groom dances at sunrise wedding in Yosemite's scenic Glacier point

Where to find it

Located at the end of the Glacier point road on Yosemite’s southern rim, Glacier point is a little over an hour from the valley floor. Traffic around Taft Point and the point itself can make getting there a little slower.

Address:

5202 Glacier Point Rd, Yosemite Village, CA 95389

gps coordinates

37°43'43.4"N 119°34'23.8"W

 
Bride and groom look into each other's eyes with Half Dome in the background.
Golden Sunrise wedding at Glacier point amphitheater.

Sunrises here are among the best in the park!

Groom whispers joke in wife's ear as the sun rises on half dome.
Half dome creates a scenic background for an intimate vow exchange.
Wildfires create a smokey sky for an elopement ceremony.