No reservation is necessary to enter Yosemite National Park in the month of November. However, there is a fee to enter the National Park. More information is listed in the next question.
Yes, entrance fees are required and can be paid using any major credit cards and mobile payment services. Cash is NOT accepted. Note: If you have at least one individual aged 62+ in your vehicle, it is most economical to purchase the senior entrance fee at $20. You are also encouraged to carpool. The fees are as follows: o $35.00 per vehicle, covers everyone in vehicle o $70.00 for annual YNP pass, covers everyone in vehicle o $80.00 for annual America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, covers everyone in vehicle o $20.00 for senior (ages 62+) annual America the Beautiful Pass, covers everyone in the vehicle o $80.00 for senior (ages 62+) lifetime America the Beautiful Pass, covers everyone in the vehicle More information can be found on the following website: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/fees.htm#america-the-beautiful-passes
Visitors may be required to carry or use tire chains at any time. It is best to check road conditions prior to traveling and to carry chains as weather in Yosemite can be unpredictable. To learn the latest on road conditions, call (209)372-0220 (press 1, then 1) to hear current information about road closures and tire chain requirements.
Sorry we cannot accommodate extra guests who were not named on the invitations.
It is best to arrive when the doors to the Chapel open at 2 p.m. With limited parking in the Chapel's parking lot, allow some time to walk from your parking area to the Chapel. Ceremony starts promptly at 2:30 p.m. See next question for more details on parking.
Parking at Yosemite Valley Chapel is limited. Please save the few parking spots in the Yosemite Valley Chapel's parking lot for those individuals who are not able to make a 5-to-10-minute walk. One parking option is parallel to the road called Southside Drive. The designated parking is on the left side just after you pass the Swinging Bridge Picnic Area. The location is about 1/4 mile before the Yosemite Valley Chapel. Another option is the parking lot immediately to the left after you cross the Sentinel Bridge. To access this location, you will make a left at the first stop sign soon after you pass the Yosemite Valley Chapel. This left turn will be taking you on to Sentinel Drive. Just after you cross Sentinel Bridge, there is a large parking lot on the left. This location is about 1/4 mile walk to Chapel. Important: If you miss either of these parking locations, it will take you approximately 20 minutes to drive the one-way loop back. Please plan accordingly.
A free shuttle service is available within Yosemite Valley called Valleywide Shuttle (Green bus). It runs every 22 to 32 minutes from 7 AM to 10 PM. The Ahwahnee Hotel and Yosemite Valley Lodge are stops on it's 90-minute loop but Yosemite Valley Chapel is NOT a stop. A ride from Yosemite Valley Lodge to The Ahwahnee Hotel may take up to one hour. A ride from The Ahwahnee Hotel to the Yosemite Valley Lodge may take 10-15 minutes. See the following website for more information: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/publictransportation.htm
Appropriate wedding attire is requested.
Some ideas (not in any specific order): 1. Park near The Ahwahnee Hotel and take the free shuttle (green line) that circles the valley floor. It may take up to 90 minutes, but the loop will bring you back to The Ahwahnee Hotel. 2. Relax at the Ahwahnee Bar within The Ahwahnee Hotel. Enjoy a drink at the bar or take it to go and sit in the lobby or abundance of seating inside or outside of the Hotel. 3. If staying at the Yosemite Valley Lodge, check into the hotel and relax your dancing feet before the reception and celebration begins. 4. Enjoy a hot or cold drink at Degnan's Kitchen in Yosemite Village, Mountain Room Lounge at Yosemite Valley Lodge, or Starbuck's Coffee at Yosemite Valley Lodge. 5. Pack your tennis shoes and take a nice stroll to Lower Yosemite Falls or through the Meadows, weather permitting. 6. Check out the Ansel Adams Gallery or Yosemite Museum (open until 4 p.m.)
There is only one gas station within the park. It is the Wawona Chevron South that is approximately 45 minutes away from Yosemite Valley and near the South Entrance. It is open 24 hours with available pay at the pump. It is strongly encouraged that you fill your vehicle's gas tank prior to entering the park. Suggestions are Oakhurst (Hwy 41) or El Portal (Hwy 140).
The park observes quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.