FAQs
Question
Where are we staying?
Answer
We know that a destination wedding is a big ask, so accommodations are on us. We've booked rooms for all of our guests at the Yosemite Valley Lodge, our treat. Here is the hotel website, with room amenities and map included: https://www.travelyosemite.com/lodging/yosemite-valley-lodge/ If you can come: no need to do anything! Just let us know you'll be joining us by September 30th. We will send out hotel check in instructions closer to the date. If you can come, but not until a later date: please let us know when you will be checking in no later than September 30th so we can adjust the reservation. If you can't come: We'll miss you! Just let us know by September 30th and we can cancel the reservation with no financial penalty.
Question
What do we need to know about entering the park and checking into the hotel?
Answer
Entrance fee to Yosemite National Park is $35 per car. Right now reservations are not required; we'll keep an eye on this and update you closer to October to make sure nothing changes. Hotel check-in is 4 PM. We'll update you on how to check in as we get closer to October, but Annie and Jose will likely check in for the group at 4 PM on October 12th and get everybody's room keys.
Question
What will the weather be like?
Answer
It will likely be a nice crisp fall, in the 60-72 F range during the day. But...October in the mountains can be anything. Days could be as high as 80 F. There's also a chance it could be chilly, down to about 40 F. The evenings will definitely be cool no matter what, so make sure to bring some clothes to stay warm if you need to. We should have a much better idea of the weather about a week before the wedding, but until then plan for nice fall days and cool nights.
Question
What do I wear to the ceremony?
Answer
The ceremony will be outside on a river beach, so please wear shoes you are comfortable walking in sand and pine needles in. Annie will be wearing a wedding dress and Jose will be wearing a suit. Dinner will be at the Ahwahnee Hotel, which has a dress code. They ask "...gentleman to wear long pants and a shirt with a collar, and ask women to wear a dress, skirt or long pants with a blouse. Please refrain from wearing shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, flip-flops, and baseball caps".
Question
Can I bring anything to the ceremony?
Answer
Because the ceremony will be in a national park, we are not allowed to bring or throw rice, flower petals, confetti, or glitter.
Question
Why is there nothing under the "Registry" section of this website?
Answer
This website host only allows you to create a registry through them, not add ones from individual stores. We're registered at Amazon and Pottery Barn, searchable under "Annie Jensen" and "Jose Medina".
Question
Do I need to take any precautions about bears?
Answer
Bears in Yosemite have unfortunately learned that they can get food in visitor's cars, and will sometimes break into cars in the hotel parking lots if they smell any food left behind. Please make sure you don't leave anything with a scent in your car overnight. This includes items with a scent that may not seem like food to us: chap stick, sunscreen, essential oils, an old fast food bag that once held french fries. Anything with a scent may tempt a bear. You can keep food and ice chests in the car during the day, as long as the windows are closed and it's out of sight. At night, everything has to be removed, even if an ice chest that's empty and bear-proof. Here is more information on safe food storage in bear country: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bears.htm
Question
Where can we eat in Yosemite?
Answer
Our hotel, the Yosemite Valley Lodge, has a cafeteria that's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are also other eateries, from little grocery stores where you can grab a take out sandwich to sit down restaurants, throughout Yosemite Valley. A full list of restaurants is here: https://www.travelyosemite.com/dining/yosemite-dining-experience/ Jose and Annie will also be stocking up on chips, snacks, and drinks. Please stop by our room in the evenings and have some happy hour drinks and snacks with us!
Question
Will we have cell reception in Yosemite?
Answer
Yosemite Valley is a valley surrounded by large granite cliffs, so cell reception can be hit or miss. Generally, you'll have reception and be able to send text messages or call. But sometimes you may have not be able to, depending on where you and the recipient are in the valley.
Question
Will we have internet in Yosemite?
Answer
The internet service in Yosemite is limited, even for hotel guests. If you would like to watch TV on your personal devices, be sure to download it before arriving in Yosemite; you probably won't be able to stream anything.