Planning A Yosemite Wedding: A Dream Come True

Planning a wedding in Yosemite means getting married at one of the park's incredible wedding sites, with views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and more. There are a variety of venue options, from the Yosemite Valley Lodge to the Tuolumne Grove of giant sequoias. It's important to apply for a wedding permit well in advance, as they are often booked out over three months ahead of time. On the day before the wedding, it's recommended to review any last-minute details with your venue coordinator and get acquainted with the park. On the day itself, be sure to check in with your venue wedding planner and review all the final details.

Choosing a venue: Yosemite Valley Lodge, Cascades Picnic Area, or Tuolumne Grove of giant sequoias

There are a few venue options to choose from when planning a wedding in Yosemite. The Yosemite Valley Lodge is a beautiful venue, or you could opt for nature's venue at the Cascades Picnic Area. Alternatively, you could choose to get married under the sequoia trees in the Tuolumne Grove of giant sequoias. If your wedding venue is outside of park boundaries, you could consider Rush Creek, Evergreen Lodge, Tenaya Lodge, or Auto Camp.

It's important to note that you should apply for a wedding permit multiple months in advance, as Yosemite National Park weddings are often booked out for wedding permits over three months ahead of time.

On the day before your wedding, you should plan to review any last-minute details with your venue coordinator. This will ensure that your wedding day is stress-free and that you can relax and enjoy your venue. You can also use this day to pick up your marriage license and check into your Yosemite lodging.

Yosemite is a glorious place with incredible sights, good food, and drinks to celebrate your special day. Taft Point, for example, offers phenomenal views and is considered an easy hike.

Applying for a wedding permit: permits are often booked out over three months in advance

If you're planning a wedding in Yosemite, you'll need to apply for a wedding permit. Permits are often booked out over three months in advance, so it's important to plan ahead.

To apply for a permit, you'll need to contact the Yosemite National Park Service. They will be able to provide you with the necessary forms and information. Be sure to have all the required information ready, including the date and location of your wedding, as well as the number of guests you're expecting.

When choosing a location for your wedding, you'll have a variety of options within the park. Popular spots include the Yosemite Valley Lodge, the Cascades Picnic Area, and the Tuolumne Grove of giant sequoias. Each location offers its own unique backdrop, with views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan.

If your wedding venue is outside of park boundaries, be sure to plan ahead and review all the final details with your venue coordinator. This will ensure that your big day goes smoothly and that you can enjoy your time in Yosemite stress-free.

Getting your marriage license: don't forget to pick it up before your drive day

When planning a wedding in Yosemite, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the day goes smoothly. One important task is to obtain your marriage license. Don't forget to pick it up before your drive day, as this will save you a lot of stress and hassle.

It is recommended that you don't plan any wedding-related tasks for your drive day. Instead, use this time to relax and settle into your accommodations. By picking up your marriage license beforehand, you can avoid any last-minute panic and focus on enjoying your special day.

There are a few other things to keep in mind when planning a wedding in Yosemite. Firstly, be sure to apply for a wedding permit well in advance, as Yosemite National Park weddings are often booked out for wedding permits over three months in advance. Secondly, choose a venue that suits your vision, whether it's a beautiful lodge, a picturesque picnic area, or among the sequoia trees.

By planning ahead and taking care of important tasks like obtaining your marriage license, you can ensure that your Yosemite wedding is unforgettable for all the right reasons.

Hair and makeup: find someone local, bring someone in from outside the park, or do it yourself

When it comes to hair and makeup, you have a few options. You can either find someone local, bring someone in from outside the park, or do it yourself. If you choose to go with a local, be sure to ask for recommendations from your venue coordinator or wedding planner. They will likely have a list of preferred vendors that they can recommend. If you decide to bring someone in from outside the park, be sure to book them well in advance and let them know the specific location of your wedding so they can plan their travel accordingly. Keep in mind that they may charge a higher fee for travelling. Alternatively, if you feel confident enough, you can always do your own hair and makeup. This option gives you complete control over your look and can save you money. However, it's important to consider the time and stress involved in doing it yourself, especially if you're not experienced in hair and makeup.

Yosemite offers a range of incredible wedding venues, from the Yosemite Valley Lodge to the Cascades Picnic Area, or even under the sequoia trees in the Tuolumne Grove of giant sequoias. Each venue provides a unique and unforgettable experience. Be sure to apply for a wedding permit multiple months in advance, as Yosemite National Park weddings are often booked out for wedding permits over three months ahead of time.

Your first full day in town should be spent taking care of any last-minute wedding tasks. Don't leave this until the day before your wedding. Review any final details with your venue coordinator and wedding planner, and use the rest of the day to relax and enjoy your venue. On your drive day, simply focus on getting to your accommodations and settling in. Don't plan any wedding-related activities for this day.

Yosemite is renowned for its breathtaking views and natural beauty. Taft Point, for example, offers an incredible viewpoint over a cliff, providing phenomenal sights for your wedding photos. There are also numerous hiking trails to explore, such as the 2.2-mile round trip hike from the small parking lot to Taft Point, which is typically considered an easy hike, although conditions may vary depending on the time of year.

Remember to pick up your marriage license and review all the necessary paperwork before your big day. With proper planning and attention to detail, your Yosemite wedding is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Accommodation: check into your Yosemite lodging the day before your wedding

When planning a wedding in Yosemite, it's important to remember to check into your accommodation the day before the wedding. This will give you time to relax and settle in before the big day.

There are a variety of venues to choose from, both inside and outside the park boundaries. If you choose a venue outside the park, such as Rush Creek, Evergreen Lodge, Tenaya Lodge, or Auto Camp, be sure to spend the full day before your wedding taking care of last-minute details. Don't leave anything until the actual day before! Review any final details with your venue coordinator in the morning, so you have the rest of the day free to relax.

If your wedding is inside the park, such as at the Yosemite Valley Lodge, Cascades Picnic Area, or Tuolumne Grove of giant sequoias, you will still want to arrive the day before to check into your lodging and get acquainted with the park. Drive into Yosemite National Park and familiarise yourself with the map and circular loop of the valley.

No matter where you choose to stay, be sure to pick up your marriage license and wedding permit in advance. The park is often booked out for wedding permits over three months in advance, so don't leave this to the last minute!

With incredible sights, good food, and drinks, Yosemite is a glorious place to celebrate your wedding.

Frequently asked questions