MAYBE. In years past Yosemite has introduced a reservation-based entry to help overcrowding. However, it seems unlikely that this will be needed in 2025. IF A RESERVATION DOES BECOME REQUIRED. any lodging reservation inside the park (Hotel, Rental home or Camping) will get you in the park for the duration of the reservation. If you are staying outside of the park a copy of our wedding permit will get you in the park for the day of the wedding. We're happy to provide this to anyone that needs it. IF A RESERVATION BECOMES REQUIRED. They would need to be purchased on Recreation.gov https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086745
Yes, the cost is $35 per vehicle to enter the park. This will allow re-entry to the park for multiple days. KEEP THE RECIEPT. Sorry, there is no way around this one.
The ceremony will be at the Glacier Point Amphitheater. at 8:30AM From the parking lot, you can follow the dirt trail to the right or follow the main walkway and stay right at the first fork.
Expect an hour drive from Glacier point to the Yosemite Valley Lodge.
Hotels: Yosemite Valley Lodge (reception is here), Ahwahnee Hotel. (Most expensive option) Curry Village Has a mix of rooms. Small grocery store etc. Wawona Hotel - Closed for renovations in 2025. If you would like to stay at one of these hotels. Please let us know. We will have some rooms held for us. Most are already sold out for our dates. Camping: There are between 5 and 7 campgrounds that will be open this time of year. We recommend bringing a bike if you camp. It's much easier to get around. We like: Upper Pines Lower Pines North Pines Reservations can be made up to 5 months in advance at https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=yosemite%20 Rental Homes: Yosemite West is a neighborhood of rental home inside the park. More on this below. Or The Redwoods has rental cabins and is close to the South entrance.
Oakhurst (South entrance to park). About 90 minutes to Glacier Point. Holiday Inn Express Best Western Hampton Inn The Pines Resort Fairfield Inn El Portal (West entrance) About 1 hour to Glacier Point Yosemite View Lodge. Yosemite Cedar Lodge
The average high is 72 degrees, the average low is 44 degrees in the month of May. The ceremony will be at over 7,000 ft elevation so you should expect very cool temperatures in the morning. The Sierra's are known for quickly changing weather. The reception is at much lower elevation and is indoors.
Yosemite West is a small neighborhood of rental homes. If you get a few people together this is the least expensive lodging in the park and most houses are really nice! Yosemite West is between Glacier Point and the Yosemite Valley. so you can expect a 30-minute drive to the ceremony and reception Rentals can be booked here. https://www.scenicwonders.com/yosemite-rentals
The closest major airport is in Sacramento to the north or Fresno to the south. Fresno is much closer to the south entrance but might be harder to get flights. The Mammoth/Yosemite airport will not be accessible during this time because hwy 120 will not be open for the summer yet.
Glacier Point is a popular tourist attraction in the park. By doing it early in the day we can all enjoy the scenery with fewer tourists.
Most of the driving outside of the Yosemite Valley is winding mountain roads with a speed limit of 35mph. This is the main reason for the long drive times. WILDLIFE May is a busy month in the park for many reasons but also for wildlife. It's common to see animals crossing the roads. Please follow the speed limit and be on the lookout. Multiple Bear and Deer are killed each month by speeding drivers. These locations are marked with "Red Bear" signs. In the Yosemite Valley This one-way road is 2 lanes wide and loops around the entire valley. If you miss your turn you might have to drive around the whole Valley to get back. We will provide the best directions that we can as phone service will be limited. We have scheduled enough time between the ceremony and reception for everyone to enjoy their time in the park and enjoy the scenery without needed to rush.
Virtual Tour of the park https://www.virtualyosemite.org/ National Park Website https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm National Geographic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYrEt74-t9o