FAQs

Question

Will I need to make an additional park reservation?

Answer

Our Wedding Permit from the National Park Service will count as a reservation for your entry to the park for the day of our wedding only. If you would like to visit the park for additional days you will need to make a reservation online. Please see https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/reservations.htm for more details and visit https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086745 to make your reservation. We recommend doing this as soon as you know which days you plan to visit, as these reservations are limited.

Question

How should I get into the park for the ceremony?

Answer

There are a couple different ways you can enter the park for the ceremony. The first is through using the Yosemite Area Regional Transit bus (YARTS). Yosemite Cedar Lodge, our reception venue, has a bus stop, and the fares for this are typically low. Please see our "Transportation" section for more information on this. If you prefer to drive your own vehicle into the park, your printed out wedding permit will count as a reservation, but does not cover your entry fee. The entry fee is $35 per vehicle, and grants that vehicle entry into the park for three consecutive days. We suggest carpooling with other people to minimize costs and choosing this option if you will be entering the park before or after the wedding day.

Question

What is the dress code?

Answer

We request that guests dress in semi-formal attire (please no jeans). Because we are having a Catholic ceremony, we ask that guest attire keep this in mind. Colorful attire is encouraged, and we suggest bringing an extra pair of comfortable shoes so you can enjoy walking around in the park between the ceremony and reception.

Question

Where can I park for the ceremony?

Answer

There is limited parking surrounding the Yosemite Valley Chapel, and parking will not be reserved for the wedding (anyone visiting the park that day can park there). Though the park limits visitors with their reservation system during the summer, this time of year sees some of the highest visitor numbers in YNP. Please see a map of Yosemite Valley to choose which alternative parking options might be right for you. Free shuttles operate within the Valley, with a stop at many parking lots and the chapel. Some alternative parking options include: the Yosemite Village Parking lot (centrally located and offers easy shuttle access), Curry village (shuttle access), Yosemite Falls Parking (shuttle access). https://npgallery.nps.gov/HFC/GetAsset/27d2a40e-1e0a-4148-b7fb-a82191fc67b3/original.pdf?

Question

How can I be safe around bears in Yosemite

Answer

American black bears (Ursus americana) are one of the most iconic megafauna in the area. They also can cause considerable trouble. To keep yourself and the bears safe, please follow these rules for food storage: During daylight hours only, you may store food inside your car or truck (out of sight, with windows completely closed). Do not leave food in a pickup truck bed or strapped to the outside of a vehicle at any time. -Do not store food in your car (including trunk) or truck after dark: use a food locker. -Remember to clear your car of food wrappers, crumbs in baby seats, and baby wipes--and even canned food and drinks. Think about packing all your food and related items together for easy removal from your car upon arriving in Yosemite. -Food lockers are available at Curry Village parking lots and at nearly all trailhead parking areas. -You may store food out of sight in hard-sided trailers and RVs, as long as windows, doors, and vents are closed when you're not there. Hard-sided RVs are those made entirely of solid, non-pliable material (e.g., no cloth pop-outs) Food may not be stored in pop-up or tent trailers, or other soft-sided campers. -If you see a bear outside of developed areas, keep your distance: Remain at least 50 yards (four shuttle bus lengths). -If you see a bear in a developed area or if a bear approaches you, scare it away by yelling very loudly and aggressively. For more information see this link here: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bears.htm