YOSEMITE

Locations

Yosemite at a glance

Yosemite is a huge park, with Yosemite Valley as the focal point for most visitors. The higher elevation areas offer breathtaking views, and are only available in the summer and fall months. Valley locations are often more accessible, and Yosemite Valley offers an impressive variety of locations in a small area.

Yosemite Valley Locations

Cathedral Beach

Seasons: All, great fall colors and beautiful in the snow

Accessibility: Most, flat and close but on sand, not paved

One of my absolute personal favorites, Cathedral Beach is tucked away so often a little quieter than other spots, and has incredible views of El Capitan. It was a small parking lot and is accessible for most people.

Yosemite Falls

Seasons: All, falls are most rushing in the spring

Accessibility: Most, flat and paved but requires a little distance traveled

A quintessential Yosemite location with the rushing falls! This one is great in late winter/early spring when the falls start to go but aren’t yet at their heaviest, when the mist can wreck havoc on hair and makeup!

Meadow Locations

Seasons: All

Accessibility: Most, not paved and require a bit of walking into allowed meadows

There are multiple gorgeous meadow areas in Yosemite Valley. These are great spots on their own or a perfect second or third location to round out your session. Which meadow we choose will depend usually on other locations to minimize travel time between spots!

Valley View

Seasons: All

Accessibility: Most, flat and paved at look out, or a little walking around the river

The most accessible location, Valley View offers gorgeous river views as well as an incredible view down the valley. It changes dramatically through the seasons but is available year-round!

Tunnel View

Seasons: All

Accessibility: All, paved lookout

A gorgeous overlook of Yosemite Valley!

Higher Elevation Locations

Taft Point

Seasons: Summer & Fall, only when road is open

Accessibility: Limited, requires a longer drive and then a two mile hike out to the point

One of the most incredible sunset views in the park, Taft Point requires a two mile hike out and back, and is only available in months without snow (usually June/July - October).

Glacier Point

Seasons: Summer & Fall, only when road is open

Accessibility: Most, paved but requires a little bit of walking and slight incline

Incredible views of Half Dome! Particularly impressive at sunrise.

You can’t go wrong with anywhere in Yosemite. Not sure which to choose? Let us pick based on the lighting and time of year.

Frequently Asked QUESTIONS

  • We love Yosemite in all of its seasons! Here are our pros and cons for each season:

    Winter: + gorgeous snow covered landscapes that are practically to yourselves, - unpredictable weather and no access to Taft or Glacier Points.

    Spring: + breathtaking rushing falls and fewer crowds than summer, - still unpredictable weather with road closures likely until June.

    Summer: + great warm weather meaning great sunrises and sunsets with all areas are open, - crowds.

    Fall (our favorite!): + still (usually) great weather and gorgeous sunrises and sunsets with some fall colors and fewer crowds, - early storms are possible.

  • Like lots of tourist spots, Monday - Thursday tend to be quieter with people coming up for the weekends. Saturdays are usually crazy, especially in the summer!

  • Yosemite requires a permit booked at least 21 days out for all weddings. Make sure to apply for it and we’ll also send the links and help. If you’re doing an engagement or anniversary session, no permits are needed.

  • If you’re flying in from out of town, there isn’t really a close airport. Fresno has Yosemite in it’s airport name, but is still two hours away. Fresno, Merced, and Stockton are all about two hours away, and then Sacramento, San Jose, Oakland, and SFO are all about four hours away. We’d suggest picking based on price, and if you’re going somewhere before or after. SFO would be our last choice because you have to go over a bridge, meaning bad traffic is the most likely. Flying into any airport at morning or especially evening commute time can be rough, so make sure to give yourself extra time! Once you land, you’ll need to rent a car and head up the mountain!

  • If you’re looking to camp, be sure to book it early as campgrounds fill up as soon as they’re released six months out. For hotels, we love the Yosemite Valley Lodge right in the park, or Yosemite View Lodge just a half hour outside right at the south gate. Be aware that tons of hotels/motels/airbnbs have Yosemite in the name, but can be at least one to two hours drive outside Yosemite Valley. If you’re looking to splurge, check out the Ahwahnee!

  • Absolutely! All of our clients will receive a curated vendor list.