Details
Disclaimer!
As of March 1, 2016, Aramark has succeeded Delaware North as the concessionaire for Yosemite National Park. Due to a trademark dispute, Aramark has changed the names of many iconic Yosemite destinations. In protest, we’ll continue to use the names we know Yosemite by. To avoid confusion, however, note that:
- The Ahwahnee Hotel is now The Majestic Yosemite Hotel
- Yosemite Lodge at the Falls is now Yosemite Valley Lodge
- Badger Pass Ski Area is now Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area
- Curry Village is now Half Dome Village
Accommodations
Yosemite’s National Park status prevents us from setting aside a block of rooms for our wedding. Although February is the low season for tourism, we still would recommend deciding your accommodations soon – we want you there to celebrate with us!
The Ahwahnee Hotel
1 Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Yosemite Lodge at the Falls
9006 Yosemite Lodge Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Travel and transport
Notable details
- By law, tire chains must be carried in vehicles from October - April. The park’s resource on winter driving provides more information. Tire chains can be rented; this page gives details. To avoid using tire chains, you can park your car on Highway 140 outside of Yosemite, before chain controls are encountered (location will vary based on conditions), at a YARTS bus stop and use YARTS to travel to and from the park. For the latest updates on road conditions, call 209-372-0200 or visit this page.
- The National Park Service collects an entrance fee per vehicle, which is good for seven days.
- Don’t leave any food in your vehicle – black bears are part of Yosemite’s spectacular biodiversity!
Directions and transportation
To get directions from your location to where the wedding is held, click here.
Airport
The closest airport is the Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT). The distance from FAT to the Ahwahnee is 96 miles.
Parking
All parking in Yosemite Valley is free of charge. At the Ahwahnee, valet parking is complimentary.
Yosemite Valley Shuttle
The free Valley Shuttle makes stops at all Yosemite Valley destinations, including the Ahwahnee Hotel and Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. In the winter, the shuttle runs from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm every 30 minutes.
The reception ends at 10:00 pm – don’t miss the last shuttle if you’re going to party with us all night!
Childcare
Due to the very limited size of our venue, we regret that we can’t invite children to our ceremony or reception. Please let us know if you’d like us to help set up childcare for your children!
Things to do
“Nature chose for a tool, not the earthquake or lightning to rend and split asunder, not the stormy torrent or eroding rain, but the tender snow-flowers noiselessly falling through unnumbered centuries.” – John Muir, on Yosemite’s glacial origin
Winter is our favorite time of year in Yosemite, when the crowds give way to Muir’s snow-flowers carpeting the Valley. Yosemite’s website is an excellent resource for planning your visit. A few recommendations below!
Badger Pass Ski Area
Badger Pass is California’s oldest ski resort, and where Emily (and Sarah and Ann!) learned to ski! They offer backcountry ski tours, cross-country skiing, snow tubing, and snowshoeing in addition to downhill skiing and snowboarding.
Curry Village Ice Skating Rink
The Curry Village Ice Skating Rink, originally built as part of a bid to host the 1932 Olympic Winter Games, is another way to immerse yourself in the winter beauty of Yosemite.
Yosemite Valley Floor bus tours
Valley Floor bus tours are available year-round to take in the sights of glacier-carved Yosemite Valley.
Hike!
Spend some time in the quiet of Yosemite in winter snow. Hiking information is available here.
Nature and history programs
The park provides nature, history, and ranger-led programs on the natural history of this striking place.