By Elizabeth Zachry

Destination weddings have become increasingly popular.  If you are considering having a destination wedding but want to keep it relatively close, then Yosemite could be your answer.  When planning a Yosemite wedding you have the option of having your wedding ceremony and reception in the Yosemite Valley at one of the hotels, or just outside the park at the Tenaya Lodge.

Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, the Ahwahnee, and the Wawona hotels are all located inside the Yosemite Valley, offering the unique wildlife and vistas offered in Yosemite.  Their locations are perfect for nearly any size wedding, and are capable of servicing anywhere from 25 to 200 guests.  Along with fantastic views and their unique location, all three hotels offer world class chef’s to prepare the food for your reception, with packages ranging from $39 per guest up to $165 per guest (varying depending on location, time of the week, and food packages).   You have the option of booking mid-week or on weekends year-round.

Tenaya

The Tenaya Lodge encompasses 35 acres of gorgeous property located two miles south of Yosemite.  Tenaya is positioned to offer you a beautiful wedding location, while also offering the unique amenities associated with Yosemite.  There are a variety of locations throughout the property that are ideally suited to host wedding ceremonies and receptions, and the lodge can accommodate as many as 800 guests and the wonderful chef at Tenaya works with couples to create a menu that fits their needs and style.  They are a fully certified green hotel, using organic and sustainable resources in addition to focusing on recycling and composting.  The recently renovated spa offers a great place to relax either before or after your wedding day.

In addition to all of these fantastic amenities, all locations provide you with help from an event coordinator.  The coordinator can help you plan activities for your guests, turning their trip into a vacation.  These activities include biking, rafting, hiking, a group moonlight tram, and anything else you can think of that the Yosemite Valley offers.

Contact information:

Janis Kunz – Group Services manager for DNC Parks and Resorts at Yosemite, Inc.  – jkunz@dncinc.com

http://www.yosemitepark.com/MeetingsEvents_Weddings.aspx

Kim DaSilva – Wedding and Special Events Manager Tenaya Lodge – kdasilva@dncinc.com

http://www.tenayalodge.com/Weddings.aspx