Groom tenderly holds bride for kiss at Olmsted point

OLMSTED POINT Yosemite Ceremony Location guide

Easily the best place to elope in Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is one of those destinations where every place you look is another incredible viewpoint or towering mountain. So l when I say Olmsted Point is by far the most incredible ceremony site you can pick, without backpacking into the backcountry of course, you know it’s going to be special. This location is easily accessed via highway 120. In fact its right off the road. And while the visitor viewpoint next to the parking lot has some cool views. But that’s not what we are here for. A short 500ft hike down some granite steps takes you to the true gem. Few venture down the short trail but the view at the end gives the look and feeling of being deep in the wilderness. With views of Half Dome and Clouds Rest that are to die for, no matter which way you look the views are breathtaking. From the many domes around Tenaya Lake, to the iconic Half Dome itself, stunning vistas abound. For more epic photos you can cross the road and scale the sloping granite that leads to the peak above.

Couple leans in forehead to forehead at Olmsted point

Beautiful

Rain Or Shine

The Deets


Maximum Guests- 11

  • Open Road Opening to September 30th

  • Elevation - 8,261 ft

  • Lightly Trafficked

  • Best Time of Day - Morning, Late Afternoon

  • Parking at Site


But what really makes me love this spot for weddings,

and why I recommend it to so many couples for the marriage ceremony, is what’s nearby. From Olmsted its only a few minuets drive to Lake Tenaya, another of my favorite spots. And then you can continue on down the Tioga road to Tuolumne Meadows for another incredible elopement photo spot. It’s perfect for sunrises, sunsets and if you want to do the three aforementioned spots my three hour coverage package is perfect.

It’s accessible, in a great location, and has some of the best views in the park. You can’t go wrong saying “I do” here.

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Where to find it

Located on Highway 120 along the Tioga pass road. About 1 hour and 20 minutes from the Valley Village.

Parking Lot: Yosemite Valley, CA 95389

gps coordinates

37°48'39.2"N 119°29'06.5"W

 
Couple listens to their officiant lead them through their wedding.
Sunset on the mountains west of Olmsted point.

The viewpoint is only a few hundred feet from the parking lot, but you’d never guess that based on how few people make it out there!

Knotted pint with Half dome in background
Sunset on Half dome from olmsted point