Why a Taft Point Wedding Ceremony in Yosemite is So Dreamy!

Taft Point is the kind of place that will make you feel like you are on the edge of the world. This Yosemite location puts you up on the top of the cliffs with panoramic views of El Capitan and Yosemite Falls. If you ask us, it’s kind of the perfect spot to elope and read your vows to each other! As Yosemite elopement and intimate wedding photographers, we get to go all over the park scouting out the perfect locations. Here’s why we love a Taft Point wedding so much.

About The Taft Point Wedding

Yosemite, California

It’s said that William Taft once ate fried chicken on the edge of Taft Point. The site received its name back in 1909 when President Taft and John Muir hiked from Glacier Point down to the ledge. This was a part of their three-day Yosemite trip as Muir showed the president around. After a sweaty and extensive hike, the pair stopped to eat lunch while staring out at the world below.

These days, the site sees fewer makeshift presidential picnics, but it still remains a spot where history is written. With this location, you are about to have an unforgettable time!

We’ve hiked this trail hundreds of times and shot countless weddings up there, and it doesn’t get old. Seeing Yosemite Valley below you, feeling incredibly small, and taking it all in – those are the things we live for, and we love to share this feeling with our couples.

Details of the Grounds

With Taft Point, you can start out your wedding or elopement weekend by renting out a nearby cabin where you can camp out with your closest friends and family. This gives you the perfect way to make some memories while also providing you with a cozy spot to get ready ahead of your ceremony.

The morning of your wedding day, bring some comfy shoes because this is going to be a bit of a hike! To access Taft Point, you will park near the trailhead and hike for roughly 1.1 miles. It’s an easy-to-moderate walk with only 367 feet of elevation. You’ll still want to include all the hiking gear, including water, bug spray, and a jacket for when the sun goes down.

Taft Point offers a flat space at the top where you can accommodate up to 11 guests, including you, your partner, and your officiant. If you do need a spot with more people, you can always try Glacier Point or other wedding ceremony locations in Yosemite Valley. While Taft Point might only be suitable for elopements and micro-weddings, we think this spot is well worth it!

Photography Opportunities

We need to talk about the picture opportunities up here. When you stand near the edge of the point, you are going to get truly epic pictures with all of Yosemite at your feet. But this “Instagram” picture isn’t the only epic one you’ll get. Taft Point has amazing views (and so much space) all around! So even on a “crowded” day, you’ll always get beautiful pictures without any stress!

The trail leading up to this spot is also pretty photogenic, one of our favorite ones in all of Yosemite. Most of our couples will hike the whole time in their wedding attire, and it’s 100% worth it.

Wedding Details

When you host a wedding at Yosemite, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Permits: The park requires you to apply for a permit through their website for any events. These are first-come, first-served and can be applied for up to a year in advance. We will be happy to help you with this part, of course!

Exclusivity: Because this is public land, you can’t just close off your wedding area. There’s a chance you might get some onlookers. Thankfully, we’ve hiked this trail so many times that we have plenty of secret little corners with amazing views to take our couples to!

Natural Beauty And History Combine For Every Taft Point Wedding

We really hope this guide helps you as you start to plan your Taft Point wedding! By the way, what is the most important investment you can make? A photographer who knows how to fully show off this site. We can help with that, too. We are a husband-and-wife intimate photography team specializing in Yosemite weddings. Want to see if we might be a perfect match for your day? Then let’s chat! Send us a message today to find out more.

Isabel & Sentry had such an epic Yosemite elopement! We started the day having beers at Glacier Point, hanging out with their family and doggo, and then headed over to Taft Point for their private vows at sunset! It was honestly so much fun and such a vibe. Check out some of their photos below, but if you want to see the whole day, click here!