Top 5 Yosemite Wedding Venues
More often than not, the weddings we photograph take place mainly outdoors, in Yosemite National Park. But sometimes we get to work at wedding venues near the Park, and we have yet to find one we don’t love! Although there aren’t MANY options for Yosemite Wedding Venues, we wanted to share with you a list of our favorites!
1. Lillaskog Lodge – Groveland
We’ve shot at Lillaskog Lodge a couple of times, and we love the views at this place. It’s a huge cabin, with a designated wedding ceremony spot, plus 360 mountain views. It’s also not too far from Yosemite, being just 11 miles from the Big Oak Flat entrance gates! A favorite overall.
Why we love Lillaskog Lodge:
- 2 different options for your ceremony locations
- amazing views all the way around
- cozy cabin vibe
- lots of windows (which means great getting ready pictures)
- the closeness to one of Yosemite’s entrances
2. Rush Creek Lodge – Groveland
This famous lodge in Groveland is famous for a reason! Also very close to Yosemite Gates, this venue has beautiful cabins (aka getting ready rooms – lots of windows, pretty pictures), and one of my favorite ceremony areas outside of Yosemite! Although it’s a lodge, and you’ll see guests walking around, the ceremony location is super private and quiet. It’s above the whole lodge (you need a golf cart to get there), so that is a HUGE plus!
Why we love Rush Creek Lodge:
- private ceremony area away from the lodge’s guests
- beautiful surroundings
- great cabins and getting ready spots
- very close to one of Yosemite’s entrances
3. Tenaya Lodge – Fish Camp
Tenaya Lodge has to be one of our favorite Yosemite Wedding Venues! It’s only 10 minutes from our home, which we don’t mind haha, but it’s also:
- The location is prime, just 5 minutes from the South Gates of the Park!
- The scenary around the hotel is beautiful, surrounded by tall trees and mountains.
- The rooms and cabins are beautiful, making the getting ready pictures always gorgeous!
If you choose Tenaya Lodge as your getting ready spot, or your reception venue, or where you’ll be spending your whole wedding – it’s a great choice either way! Being so close to the Park makes it easier to plan a day where you go in and out of Yosemite on your wedding day. But it’s also a pretty location overall, so you don’t have to!
Why we love Tenaya Lodge:
- indoor and outdoor ceremony location options
- gorgeous surroundings
- lots of trails nearby (and waterfalls)
- beautiful cabins and rooms for getting ready images
- very close to the south gate entrance of Yosemite
4. The Pines Resort – Bass Lake
A local favorite! The Pines Resort is just 20 minutes from our home, and the lake views are unmatched! We photograph quite a lot of receptions at this place, and it’s always a great time. They offer a beautiful reception space that can fit 100-150 people, catering, and more!
Why we love The Pines Resort:
- private dock for pictures
- lake views
- great location for your stay
- experience with weddings
5. Chateu du Sureau – Oakhurst
This one is for those who are looking for fairytale vibes for their wedding day. The Chateu du Sureau is located in Oakhurst, about 30 minutes from the South Gates of Yosemite National Park. Everything about this place is unique – the getting ready rooms, the bars, the dining room, and the surrounding area. It makes you feel like you’re in Europe for the day!
Why we love the Château du Suerau:
- very unique rooms and ceremony locations
- located in downtown Oakhurst
- close to the South Gate entrance of Yosemite
- amazing catering and restaurant (once a Michelin star winner)
And that’s a wrap for our Top 5 Yosemite Wedding Venues!
We’re Stephan & Adriana, Yosemite Elopement Photographers – we’ve been living in the mountains (just 15 minutes from the gates of Yosemite!) since 2021 and capturing elopements and intimate weddings since 2019! We fell in love with this job and with being able to meet and help people from all over the US and the world! If you’re considering a Yosemite Wedding, check out more helpful blog posts below:
