FAQs
Question
When should I RSVP by?
Answer
We kindly ask you to RSVP by Sunday, August 31, 2025.
Question
Where exactly is the wedding?
Answer
We have reserved the Cathedral Beach Picnic Area from 3pm-5pm for the ceremony. It is located in the Yosemite Valley with gorgeous views of El Capitan. If you are staying at the Yosemite Valley Lodge, it is only 10 minutes away by car. Please arrive early to obtain a parking space. This area is still open to the public so please be mindful of other visitors and remember to leave no trace to keep our national parks clean and beautiful! For more information, check the NPS website: https://www.nps.gov/places/000/cathedral-beach-picnic-area.htm
Question
What time is the ceremony?
Answer
We have reserved the Cathedral Beach Picnic Area from 3pm-5pm. We tentatively plan to hold the ceremony at 3:30pm, so please plan to arrive at 3:00pm to find parking.
Question
Where is the reception?
Answer
The reception will be held at the Redwoods in Yosemite Event Center, the address is 8038 Chilnualna Falls Rd., Wawona, CA. This location is still within Yosemite National Park about 45 mins to 1 hr away from the ceremony location. Cocktail hour will tentatively be from about 6-7pm, we will have the space until 10pm.
Question
Is there a dress code?
Answer
Cocktail attire is preferred. We encourage you to wear what you feel most comfortable in, especially comfortable shoes as there may be uneven terrain. Although we don’t require a certain color palette, if you’d like an idea of what color to wear, consider matching the beautiful fall tones we will encounter in the park (e.g: burgundies, oranges, browns, greens, etc.) Ladies, please refrain from wearing white, ivory, light pastels, or similar colors.
Question
Do I need a permit to get into the park?
Answer
A permit should not be needed for this time of year, but the National Park Service has not released this information yet. We will update you all if a permit is required. If you plan on staying at any of the park’s lodging options, your reservation will be your permit into the park (entrance fee still required, see below)
Question
Is there an entry fee for the park?
Answer
Yes! There is an entry fee of $35.00 per vehicle to enter, unless someone in the vehicle has an annual National Parks pass ($70 or free for military and seniors).
Question
Where should I stay?
Answer
The most convenient (yet more expensive) option is the Yosemite Valley Lodge inside the park. It is centrally located to all popular viewpoints, hiking trails, and amenities inside the park, and it’s only 10-15 minutes away from the Cathedral Beach Picnic Area where the ceremony will take place. There are several other lodging options inside the park, including hotels, lodges, and AirBnB’s, but they may be farther away and require a bit of a drive to get to the wedding location. Other hotels are available in Oakhurst, CA, which is the closest town outside of the park but please keep in mind that Oakhurst is still about a 2 hour drive to the wedding location.
Question
Can I bring my kids?
Answer
We initially wanted to celebrate with all of our loved ones, including the little ones. Unfortunately, as we progressed further in the planning process, we elected to have an adults only ceremony and reception. We apologize for any difficulties this may cause. We do plan on having another larger reception at a later time to celebrate our marriage with everyone, we encourage you to bring your children for that celebration!
Question
Can I bring other people to the wedding?
Answer
We selected to have a smaller, more intimate ceremony to focus on what truly matters: getting married with the ones we love. While we wish we could invite everyone, our capacity is limited by the park so we ask that you please do not bring anyone else who was not named on your invitation. But don’t worry! We plan on having a big party at a later time to celebrate with everyone we love!
Question
How is the weather?
Answer
Yosemite typically sees temperatures in the low 70s during the day to low 40s at night in October. It may be chilly, bring a jacket! Please check the website below for more accurate weather forecasts for Yosemite Valley and Wawona areas. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-119.57500&lat=37.72725#.VIiTNDHF8ph
Question
Will I need chains for my tires?
Answer
We hope not! Chains are usually only required during the winter months, but depending on the weather in October, the park may require you to at least bring chains into the park with you. There is a park and ride public transportation system within the park for those who don’t have/don’t want to bring chains. Let’s pray for good weather, but if this is the case, we will maintain communication with you all about alternative plans.