Permit Application ProcessTo apply for all types of special use permits, submit an application. For a wedding permit, download the application [826 kb DOCX] and mail the original application with payment (check or money order) to: Postal mail: Overnight (FedEx/UPS): For wedding permit information contact Catherine by email or by phone 209/379-1858. Permits cannot be processed until we receive your original application and any required payments. PolicyA special use permit is required for any wedding or commitment ceremony held at any location within Yosemite National Park. The permit cost is $150 (if event monitoring is required, you will be charged an additional $50 per hour). Weddings or ceremonies may be scheduled up to one year in advance and more than 21 days prior to your event. Please complete the application [826 kb DOCX] and include any special needs of your party (e.g., access for persons with disabilities, elderly guests, etc.). Be sure to include the nonrefundable application fee of $150 with your application. Please review the ceremony location list for ceremony sites in Yosemite and indicate the specific location on the application. If you are interested in reserving facilities operated by our concessioner, please contact Yosemite Hospitality. After favorable review of your application, a special use permit will be prepared and mailed to you for signature. Upon receipt, please review, sign and return the permit to our office for final approval. The application fee and permit processing fees are non-refundable once the permit office has received your permit application. The applicant's Social Security number (bride or groom) must be listed on the wedding application. If the Social Security number is not listed, the permit will not be processed. (If you do not have a Social Security number, please contact us.) If your ceremony plans change, notify our office immediately. After the permit is approved we will send you an authorized copy. The approved permit must be in your possession at the time of the ceremony. Entrance fees into the park are not waived for either ceremony participants or guests (read more about entrance fees). Visit the state of California's website for information about marriage licenses. Get current road and weather information by calling 209/372-0200 (press 1). Restrictions and Event ManagementA visit to the park is highly recommended prior to finalizing your plans in order to decide on a site for your ceremony. Review the ceremony locations list and all group size and site specific restrictions. We do not issue permits for formal ceremony receptions in day use areas. The ceremony permit does not allow your event to restrict other park visitors from your chosen location nor does it guarantee you a specific site. It is recommended that you avoid sites that attract a large number of visitors, or schedule your ceremony for early or late in the day, and/or on weekdays, when there are fewer visitors in the area. The wedding or ceremony party is allowed up to two hours for the event. Permits will not be issued on holidays or over holiday weekends due to heavy visitor use activity. An additional charge of $50.00 per hour will be incurred for an event monitor for those outdoor activities of 30-50 people or more (excluding events managed inside facilities operated by Yosemite Hospitality). All fees are non refundable. Additional restrictions are imposed as follows:
Unexpected EventsYosemite is a wild place and wedding plans often go awry. On any given day, chances are everything will be fine. However, you should be aware of some events that commonly disrupt weddings:.
Yosemite ChapelThe Yosemite Community Church (Chapel) secretary schedules all ceremonies in the Chapel. The Yosemite Valley Protestant minister and the church secretary can be reached at: 209/372-4831, or by writing to: Yosemite Community Church You may arrange to have someone from outside the park perform the ceremony. Yosemite Hospitality FacilitiesThere are limited park facilities for receptions and other group events. Visit Yosemite Hospitality reception facilities to learn more about making arrangements with the concessioner. For further assistance or information about permits, please contact the the Special Park Uses office at 209/379-1434 or by email. |
Last updated: July 30, 2023