After shifting pandemic plans from a full Santa Cruz Mountain Wedding, they opted for a more intentional celebration with their closest friends and family. N & C started their day getting ready at Rush Creek Lodge (one of my FAVORITE places to stay when going to Yosemite, besides camping of course 😉), a place I first was introduced to earlier on in my career at G+D’s wedding. We then caravaned into Yosemite National Park to have their ceremony along the Merced River with El Capitan towering behind them and reflecting in the water. Family and friends brought their foldable chairs, and Willi Wildflower brought the floral magic for their ceremony in the valley.
After their ceremony, they had a beautiful breakfast spread picnic, and I took N&C around the park for portraits. We ended the evening with stunning private dining for their reception at Rush Creek Lodge. With incredible attention to detail down to the delicate maidenhair fern pressed into the wedding cake, their celebration was an intimate, beautiful, grounding experience among the trees and granite of Yosemite National Park.
N&C thanks for having me along for the ride 🙂
Below is a ChatGPT written blog post so I can optimize my website for google, feel free to scroll below to read or skip right to the pretty photos below!
Yosemite National Park Wedding: An Intimate Celebration at Rush Creek Lodge and the Merced River
If you’re considering a wedding surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of the Sierras, let me share the story of N&C’s unforgettable celebration. This couple’s journey to their wedding day was a testament to the magic of choosing Yosemite as your venue—a place where towering granite cliffs, lush forests, and serene rivers create the ultimate romantic setting.
Why Choose Yosemite National Park for Your Wedding?
Yosemite National Park is one of the most iconic wedding destinations in the world. Known for its dramatic landscapes, the park offers breathtaking views of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. Yosemite Valley, the heart of the park, is a particularly popular location for wedding ceremonies and portraits thanks to its unparalleled scenery and natural grandeur.
For couples seeking an unforgettable outdoor wedding experience, Yosemite provides countless options. Whether you’re dreaming of a riverside ceremony, a forested elopement, or a grand celebration with views of the granite cliffs, Yosemite has it all.
Rush Creek Lodge: A Hidden Gem for Outdoor Weddings
N&C began their wedding day at Rush Creek Lodge, a charming venue just minutes from Yosemite National Park’s entrance. Rush Creek Lodge is a favorite among couples for its rustic-modern accommodations, warm hospitality, and incredible amenities. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a larger wedding, this lodge is the perfect place to host your celebration.
Highlights of Rush Creek Lodge:
- Proximity to Yosemite: Located near the park’s Big Oak Flat Entrance, the lodge offers easy access to Yosemite’s most iconic locations.
- Beautiful Accommodations: Guests can enjoy cozy rooms, hillside villas, and cabin suites, creating a retreat-like atmosphere for your wedding weekend.
- Stunning Reception Spaces: With options for both indoor and outdoor dining, Rush Creek Lodge provides a versatile setting for your reception.
- Relaxed Vibes: The lodge’s laid-back charm and natural surroundings make it an inviting space for couples and their guests.
N&C’s Yosemite Wedding Day
N&C’s day began with getting ready at Rush Creek Lodge, where the excitement was palpable. Having photographed another wedding here earlier in my career, I was thrilled to return to this incredible venue. The couple’s family and friends joined them as we caravaned into Yosemite National Park for their riverside ceremony.
Ceremony Along the Merced River
The ceremony took place along the Merced River, with the iconic El Capitan towering in the background and its reflection shimmering in the water. This serene location in Yosemite Valley provided a picturesque and peaceful setting for their vows. Guests brought foldable chairs, creating an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Willi Wildflower provided stunning floral arrangements that perfectly complemented the natural surroundings, adding a touch of elegance to the rustic beauty of the valley.
Exploring Yosemite for Portraits
After the ceremony, N&C treated their guests to a delightful breakfast picnic, complete with stunning views of the valley. We then spent the afternoon exploring Yosemite for portraits. From the majestic cliffs of El Capitan to the serene meadows and forested trails, the park offered countless opportunities for breathtaking photos. Yosemite’s golden light and dramatic landscapes made every moment feel magical.
Reception at Rush Creek Lodge
The day concluded with a private dining experience at Rush Creek Lodge. The couple’s reception was a perfect blend of elegance and coziness, featuring meticulous details like maidenhair ferns pressed into their wedding cake. Surrounded by their closest loved ones, N&C celebrated under the stars, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Planning Your Yosemite Wedding
If you’re dreaming of a wedding in Yosemite National Park, here are some tips to make your day truly unforgettable:
- Choose the Right Location: From Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point, there are numerous breathtaking spots for ceremonies and portraits. The Merced River and Sentinel Meadow are popular choices for their iconic views.
- Book Early: Yosemite is a sought-after destination, so secure your venue and permits well in advance. Rush Creek Lodge is a fantastic option for couples seeking a nearby base.
- Work with Local Experts: Partnering with experienced vendors who know the area can make a big difference. From florists like Willi Wildflower to local planners and photographers, a knowledgeable team will help your day run smoothly.
- Plan for the Outdoors: Be prepared for changing weather and embrace the natural elements that make Yosemite so special.
Your Yosemite Wedding Photographer
Hey there, I’m Savannah! Northern California Wedding & Elopement Photographer based in Santa Cruz and Yosemite. I’ve had the joy of capturing love stories for over a decade, what started as a passion project during my teen years has blossomed into a career that allows me to document life’s most precious moments. Beyond taking photos, I’m here to help guide you toward a day that feels intentional and true to you. From timeline planning to vendor recommendations, my priority is to make your experience seamless and stress-free. For me, photography isn’t just about the perfect shot—it’s about telling your story in a way that feels true to who you are and creating memories you’ll value forever. As a Yosemite wedding photographer, I’m passionate about documenting the love stories that unfold in this extraordinary setting. Whether you’re planning a Rush Creek Lodge wedding or an elopement deep in Yosemite National Park, I’d love to work with you to create timeless memories. Let’s explore the beauty of Yosemite together and craft a wedding experience that’s uniquely yours.
Vendor Team for N&C’s Yosemite Wedding:
- Venue: Rush Creek Lodge & Yosemite National Park
- Florals: Willi Wildflower
- Photography: Savannah Hayes Photography
Ready to plan your dream wedding in Yosemite? Let’s make it a day to remember. Scroll through the gallery below to see highlights from N&C’s stunning celebration and start envisioning your own Yosemite wedding adventure!
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