The closest to the ranch is Fresno airport. It is likely you will have a layover but it is only 45 minutes from the Ranch. The drive is also through the mountains and quite pretty! You can also fly into Sacramento and San Fransisco but will have about a 3 hour drive.
I would recommend getting a smaller RV or Sprinter van if you are not familar with driving in curvy. steep mountains. Bass Lake in North Fork is not far from the ranch and has a few RV parks and cabins on it. I'd recommend looking there. The address to the ranch is 52948 Meadow Ranch Rd, North Fork. I would note that the buses for the ceremony and reception pick up and drop off at the hotel block so you would need to drive and meet there for bus transport. As you know, we love RVing so it is also a great area for this and AMAZING. You can also look into National Forest Land and BLM, some land you are simply allowed to park on if noted there and boondock.
The travel page details this with a breakdown in the introduction. We recommend likely having a rental car as a best option but we will supply bus transport on the ceremony day from and to the hotel.
NO HEEL WEDDING - Be Comfy :) For the ceremony and main reception wedding day, the family and bridal parties will be wearing formal outfits but with sneakers. Of course, we need to be able to climb a few pretty rocks briefly for a gorgeous view and photo opt! But also, why not have your dancing shoes on all day. You can wear a cocktail dress, dressy jumpsuit, button up and tie, but not required to wear gowns or full suits - but also, I know some of us LOVE dressing up so feel free if you'd like. After parties: Casual please and comfy! Hiking adventure: Hiking shoes and outfits to pair. NOTE: Please pay attention to the weather. Yosemite this time of year is beautiful but can be high 70s in the day and drop into the 50s at night. It can also just be cooler in the day. I just would always bring something to keep you warm with you as a just in case.
October 10: Lunch on bus; horderves and cocktail food when we first arrive to ranch for reception, dinner, dessert. Of course drinks! October 11: Lunch at After Party
Yosemite has been our absolute favorite destination from all of our travels—especially during our unforgettable RV adventure. There's something truly magical about it, and it holds a special place in our hearts. We couldn’t think of a more meaningful place to celebrate with the people we love and share that magic all over again.
Please RSVP by July 7. Since it is a destination and remote wedding, we need time to wrap any remaining details up. I imagine you do too!
You have to book the hotel to get the special rate by 9/9/25. Reservations for the Event will be made by individual attendees directly with reservations at (559) 658- 3462. Use Smith/Vargas Wedding.
Yes! There is a series of emails you will get to give you as much details as possible to feel PUMPED but also prepared for the adventure. Some examples: - What to pack - What documentaries to watch to learn more about Yosemite - Detailed schedule - Read ID reminder for travel - Submit to our wedding music playlist And more!
Yes, starting May 7, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will begin enforcing the REAL ID Act, which means all travelers aged 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification—or an approved alternative—when flying domestically within the United States or entering certain federal facilities. This requirement is a part of nationwide efforts to enhance the reliability and accuracy of state-issued identification documents. ✈️ What is a REAL ID? A REAL ID is a state-issued driver's license or identification card that meets increased security standards set by the federal government after 9/11. These enhanced standards were created to reduce fraud and improve the integrity of identification used for federal purposes. REAL ID-compliant cards are issued by your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and usually display a star symbol in the upper right-hand corner (though the symbol may vary slightly by state). REAL ID is not a national ID card, nor does it replace a passport. However, starting in May 2025, if you wish to board a domestic commercial flight in the U.S. without using your passport, you must use a REAL ID-compliant license or another federally accepted form of identification. 🛂 What Counts as Acceptable ID? If you do not yet have a REAL ID, there are still several other acceptable forms of identification you can use to board a domestic flight. These include: A valid U.S. passport or passport card A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trusted Traveler card, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI A U.S. military ID (active duty or retired) A Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) A DHS-designated Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) (currently available in a limited number of states like Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington) A U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (EAD) A Foreign government-issued passport, with certain visa types
One fun thing we’re working on is building multiple playlists for the wedding. We’d love to include your music favorites to make the celebration even more special. Please take a moment to submit your song requests via this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBkNvBTdoR8tsUk6HT8eoicSPCKpWUxb64olCVrRosshzGpQ/viewform?usp=dialog .
No! :) I will keep thinking of them! Ask away and text us if you have questions too and we will continue to add answers here.