FAQs
Question
What will be the weather? Will we have Snow?
Answer
It looks like we will! The Weather Channel is estimating in the 40s during the day and high 20’s at night. And is scheduled to snow that day. So please, Dress warmly and please bring a thick winter coat and layers. We will keep a close eye on the weather as we get closer and update you accordingly. NO MATTER WHAT YOU MUST HAVE SNOW CHAINS/ CABLES FOR YOUR CAR!! https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tirechains.htm It is required by law for state parks that vehicles keep snow chains in their car. If you get stopped and do not have them it could potentially be a $5000 fine. There are places in Oakhurst that you can buy snow chains/ cables. ( at Orielly’s you can return them if not used), but you can also purchase them on Walmart or amazon. We’ve spoken to people that have lived in Yosemite for over 40+ years and she says she has never needed to put snow chains on her car. ( so take that with a grain of salt ) Please call us if you have any more questions or concerns!
Question
Will it be Open Bar?
Answer
Yes and no, we will have specific drinks available, but not a full bar. And only open to a certain amount. Please have cash with you if you plan to have a lot of drinks or take shots. You may also go to Tenaya’s restaurant [ Jackalope’s Bar & Grill ] if you want more options.
Question
What is the Dress Code?
Answer
We would love it if you dressed in our wedding colors! [ See top photo for reference] Since the ceremony will be in the park, we request ‘Dressy Casual’. You will have free time in the park with plenty of bathrooms so your can bring a change of clothes or dress comfortably; hiking boots or walking shoes please! There will be time to change if you would prefer to be more dressed up for dinner.
Question
Where exactly will the ceremony be?
Answer
Our permit is for the the Lower Falls in Yosemite Valley. There should be plenty of parking across the street. i will be sending out a GPS location the closer we get to the date.
Question
Is there transportation to the ceremony?
Answer
On a good day it takes 45min to an hour to get into the valley floor. Please plan for snow and/or construction to be an additional delay. I would estimate to leave no later than an hour before the ceremony time. Because there will be hours of free time after, we request that groups carpool and site see the park. Please keep in mind there is a fee per vehicle ( $35 - valid for 7 days ) And there is limited parking at the ceremony site. We will be providing alternative locations to park, but there will be some walking involved. https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm ** PLEASE NOTE - THIS TIME OF YEAR IT IS REQUIRED TO HAVE SNOW CHAINS FOR YOUR VEHICLE TO ENTER THE PARK.
Question
Will you have seating at the ceremony?
Answer
Unfortunately we cannot. The ceremony should only be about 10-15min.
Question
Are you doing family/ friend photos?
Answer
Yes! Directly afterwards we want to have photos so please stick around.
Question
What are you doing after photos?
Answer
Colton and I are going to travel around the valley floor for photo/video. So you are welcome to explore the park then! But please be back at Tenaya Lodge by 5pm for dinner!
Question
Will there be dancing?
Answer
Yes, but we have the room til eleven! Let us know if you have any song requests
Question
Are you doing any wedding reception traditions?
Answer
Only a first dance and dinner. We will not be having any garter/ bouquet throwing or cake cutting.
Question
Are kids welcome?
Answer
We would recommend you keep you young ones at home as our wedding will be more of an adult environment, but we are happy to discuss this with you, one-on-one as we understand there are different kids age groups :) Please know that it is very important to us that we have good audio from our ceremony and toasts, if your young one becomes noisy during these moments, we ask that you keep them out of recording range : )
Question
Do you have any hotel recommendations?
Answer
Yes! We haven’t stayed everywhere but we do recommend the ones listed on our travel page. If you plan to stay at Tenaya Lodge we will have a discount code - “ RIPLEY “ Please know White Chief and Narrow Gauge are much older and rustic lodging, so winter might be a little rougher stay than South Gate or Tenaya, but you will be right in the trees (and possibly Snow).