Good question, we know it's a little confusing. The venue is on private property located INSIDE the park boundaries, in a tiny little community called Foresta, long story, but it's an old private inholding. Yosemite is HUGE and driving can take hours, so please look up Foresta, CA from wherever your are planning on staying ahead of time to see just how long the drive takes. It's the mountains, just because something says it's 6 miles away, doesn't mean it won't be an hour drive.
There are sooooo many camping options in and around the park. AND the venue, also known as The Flying Spur, allows FREE CAMPING ONSITE!!! This, I believe, is the best option, so you can dance and drink your merry way into the night. But there are also other campgrounds all over the park. Make sure you reserve other campground options QUICKLY, they book up way faster than you think.
DO NOT FRET! The reservation system gets a TON of backlash, but it's actually a really great thing! And, you will not have to worry about it because you're basically a VIP guest of the park due to the wedding. When you get to any of the 4 entrances just tell them you are attending a wedding in Foresta. They will either give you a guest pass or just have you pay the entrance fee. A little reservation history and more explanation: The reservation system started in 2020 due to COVID. Yosemite in the past 10 years has absolutely exploded with visitation with 5+ million people visiting the park primarily over the course of a 3-month period. You might have heard horror stories of people waiting in 4-hour lines just to get into the park and then once in just driving the loop of the valley because there was nowhere to park. Thus, the reservation system was born. This help spread out usage, protect the resource, and make for a way better visit for all guests. And they've even modified it that if you enter before 5AM and after 4PM you don't even need one at all!! As people who have seen Yosemite and the damage humans create in just a few months, we love the reservation system.
Open a book, look online. JK. There's endless on endless things to do in the park. Hiking for all levels of physicality, swimming, boating, climbing, renting a bike, backpacking, driving around to incredible views, seeing wildlife, having picnics, trail running, dancing in the moonlight. Like we said, the park is HUGE, you could spend days driving and hiking around and only see a glimpse of its magic. The options of infinite. We will be making a PDF hand-out to go with your invitation that has our favorite recommendations.
Dogs: Of course, as long as they get along with other hog dogs. Our dogs are a huge part of our family, so there will be at least a few dogs running free. So, bring them along if they can hang!! *On site there is a dog enclosure, as well, if they need some space from all the shenanigans. Kiddos: Of course!! Our world has tons of little tiny ones in it. We envision pure beautiful chaos with dogs, kids, drunk uncles, raging rangers, ultimate frisbee hooligans, dirtbag climbers, the whole lot of things. *Just know, there will be a point in the night where things shift and songs like W.A.P. will be played and dancing accordingly will take place. ;)
Absolutely not. Just try and not wear any stilettoes. We want everyone to feel comfortable and fun. Just bring a layer, this time of year can be a little unpredictable.
There are 4 entrances of the park, well 5 but Hetch Hetchy doesn't apply to this event. All have their quirks, challenges, and stunning views. Just remember, this is mountain/canyon driving, 10 miles can take hours. :) Big Oak Flat - HWY 120 Arch Rock - HWY 140 South (Wawona) - HWY 41 Tuolumne - HWY 120/395 Airport: From Fresno- HWY 140 or HWY 41 From San Fran - HWY 120 or HWY 140
- Buck Meadows/HWY 120: 50 min (limited area but cute little spot) - Midpines/HWY 140: 1 hr (beautiful canyon drive) - Mariposa/HWY 140: 1h 9 minutes (beautiful canyon drive) - Groveland/HWY 120: 1hr 1 minutes (beautiful hilly road) - Yosemite Valley: tough one, depends on WHERE in the valley, 30 min roughly (stunning drive) - Oakhurst/HWY 41 or 140: 1hr 40 min (do not recommend staying that far) - Yosemite West/HWY 41: 45 min (do not stay here if you get car sick, Hwy 41 is next level windy) - Sonora/HWY 120: 1 hr 45 min (do not recommend staying that far, incredibly steep windy section, very long drive) - El Portal: 30 minutes! (Right outside Arch Rock Entrance)
~ The Merced River runs through Yosemite Valley just a short drive from the venue. *If bathing in the Merced - hippie baths only. Please do not use soap or shampoo in river. It can disrupt and harm the ecosystem and should only be used in actual showers. Thank you! ~ Curry Village Pool (Yosemite Valley) showers are available for a small fee. ~ Make a friend Friday night at the Welcome Event who’s staying in a hotel or airbnb!