Now is the time to make your reservations in Yosemite National Park if you are planning on exchanging vows this year in this awe-inspiring destination! Weddings and celebrations in Yosemite are truly a dream come true.
Weddings and ceremonies may be scheduled up to one year in advance and more than 21 days prior to your event. A permit is required and may be obtained by completing an APPLICATION and submitting it for review with a non-refundable $150 fee. Permits are issued on a first-come basis, allow you up to two hours for the event, and do not guarantee your chosen site. Permits will not be issued for holidays or holiday weekends. Permits do not include Park entrance fees for you or your guests.
The first thing to do is choose your ceremony site. Note that different locations within the Park have different capacities for group size and accessibility. The Park recommends that you hold your ceremony early in the day or late afternoon on weekdays, when there are fewer visitors in the area, as you may not restrict other visitors from enjoying the area you are using for your ceremony. A visit to the Park to assess the various options is highly recommended prior to finalizing your site plans.
To protect the Park’s natural resources, they have imposed several restrictions regarding decorating, music, seating, etc. Be sure to review their requirements, also be advised that pets, other than service animals, are not allowed to attend ceremonies. As always, please respect the natural world found within the Park, as well as other visitors who are enjoying the scenic views and majesty of Yosemite. And most importantly, be prepared to have a jaw-droppingly beautiful back drop for your special day!
Once you have your site approved and reserved, contact Melony Vance at the Groveland Hotel to discuss a room block for your guests (guests receive a 15% room discount), and to plan your Reception Dinner. The Groveland Hotel offers a lovely rustic setting as well as an exceptional customized dining experience that celebrates YOU!