You probably fell in love with the dramatic and stunning views of Taft Point, Glacier Point, and Tunnel View you saw on social media. The views at these locations are indeed epic. But they’re also some of the most popular sunrise and sunset spots in the whole 1000+ square miles of the park. The crowds there can be far from the secluded or private vibes you want for your elopement. I disliked the crowds so much that I actually thought I hated Yosemite when I visited as a child. However while gobs of visitors flock to popular locations, the hidden gems remain secluded, reminiscent of slower times, and perfect for a meaningful celebration.

Here are some alternate locations where you can elope in Yosemite. These lesser known gems provide views that are just as insta-worthy without the crowds. I often suggest these locations for a more relaxing experience!

Where to elope in Yosemite? Let me introduce you to some lesser known gems

Sentinel Dome

If you’re dreaming of a Taft Point or Glacier Point elopement without having to share it with potentially 2-10 other eloping couples, Sentinel Dome is an awesome option. After about a mile hike up, you get 360˚ views across Yosemite. This means you can see both towards El Capitan and the sunset (like Taft Point) and towards Half Dome and the sunrise (like Glacier Point) from one spot. This is something unique to Sentinel Dome; you can’t see Taft Point from Glacier Point and vice versa. Having a two for one makes sunsets and sunrises at Sentinel Dome twice as epic. There are twice as many options for the epic photos and exploring you’ve been dreaming of. While not totally secluded, this lesser known location means you’re not likely to have to share it with other guests.

North Dome

North Dome is a rare and practically unknown gem with epic views of Half Dome similar to Glacier Point. It requires a fairly strenuous ~10 mile (round trip) hike to get there and thus isn’t for everyone. However since it’s so remote and takes commitment to get there, you’re pretty much guaranteed to have it to yourself. I recommend getting a Yosemite wilderness permit and backpacking up so you can experience a sunrise from North Dome without having to hike all through the night. Or alternately, spend a sunset there and stay the night. It’s perfect for couples wanting a big adventure, total seclusion, and epic “Glacier Point” type views for their Yosemite elopement. If I were eloping in Yosemite, I’d choose North Dome!

Artist’s Point

I remember my first sunrise at Tunnel View being far less magical than pictures online make it seem. It was almost comical how many people were there. Imagine a literal wall of landscape photographers and their tripods with hundreds of other guests buzzing around snapping vacation photos. I’m not joking; there were so many people I couldn’t count them all. That kind of chaos is absolutely not what you want for your elopement day. Just a mile up the trail is Artist’s Point, an area that gives you the exact same view as Tunnel View with not another soul in sight. The hike up is considered moderate, but peacefully experiencing that view all by yourselves is worth the trek up. Artist’s Point is perfect for a peaceful sunrise elopement with Tunnel View views without the Tunnel View crowds.

My Favorite of These

I love all three of these locations for different reasons, but if I had to choose my favorite would have to be Artist’s Point. Artist’s Point gives you so much bang for your buck – epic views, peace & quiet, and the trail is pretty short. It’s an awesome option for saying vows since it is so quiet and sunrises here are spectacular.

Are these the only hidden gems where you can elope in Yosemite?

Nope! Online, there are only a few Yosemite locations that get all the glory (like Taft Point). But this park has so much more to offer than just those popular places! With all my years of photographing elopements in Yosemite and exploring this park as a kid, I have so many epic locations I can suggest for where to elope in Yosemite. When we plan your Yosemite elopement together, I take all your dreams and ideas to create the elopement day of your dreams. We will incorporate all the views you’re stoked about and maybe even some of these lesser known gems to beat the crowds! Yosemite is so much fun and I can’t wait to help you have the best day of your lives there. Contact me here to start planning your Yosemite elopement!

Can’t get Taft Point, Glacier Point, or Tunnel View out of your mind?

I’m all for these locations! They are STUNNING and I’ll always say yes to making your dreams come true. Here’s a couple tips to keep in mind when choosing one of these more popular locations:

1. Know you’re not going to be totally alone. There will be other hikers and potentially other eloping couples at these locations.
2. A weekday in the shoulder season will often be the least crowded. When needed we’ll utilize adjacent areas that have basically the same view for a more private experience.
3. Add visiting a less popular location into your timeline for the peace and quiet, then enjoy the fun at one of these more popular bangers.

Want more info? Here’s everything you need to know about eloping in Yosemite and specifically eloping at Taft Point.

And bonus – all the info on getting your Yosemite elopement permit 🙂