The Most Elegant Ahwahnee Hotel and Yosemite Chapel Wedding: Insider Details

A wedding at the incredibly iconic Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite means taking in some of the best views the park has to offer, and the incredible historic architecture of the hotel.

Ahwahnee Hotel Wedding

Yosemite offers some of the most stunning views in the world, meaning it couldn’t be more perfect for a wedding. There’s incredible wedding venues, such as the Ahwahnee Hotel or Yosemite Valley Chapel, to enjoy a more traditional ceremony and reception, or you can opt for an intimate elopement at somewhere like Taft Point or El Capitan Meadow. You can find exactly what fits your vision here, and no matter what, it’s sure to be absolutely breathtaking.

A ceremony at yosemite valley chapel

Yosemite Valley Chapel is an absolute gem for a wedding here in Yosemite, exuding both historical charm and romance. The tiny chapel sits right in Yosemite National Park, and is surrounded by towering trees and the iconic cliffs. It’s such a magical spot, and is perfect for anyone wanting a more secluded, low-key ceremony. Then, it’s conveniently located so you can easily go explore in the park to capture portraits in all the best locations! The chapel books up quickly, so be sure to grab your permit far in advance!

a yosemite wedding timeline

Yosemite is somewhere you’re going to want to spend time exploring and fully enjoy it, without feeling rushed. This is why typically I will recommend a full day package that covers 12 hours so we have more than enough time to not only capture all the moments, but also just take it all in in a relaxed way! But to not overwhelm you and to make the day feel less hectic, I recommend splitting this 12 hour day into two separate days. This would allow you time for getting ready, the travel time to explore the park, a ceremony and reception, as well as day after portraits, which are a super special way to end your Yosemite wedding.

Here’s an example of what that would look like:

Day 1:

2:00-4:00 am - Bride, groom, and wedding party get ready

5:30-6:30 am - First touch at Tunnel View and Sunrise at Glacier Point

6:30 am - Ceremony at Glacier Point

7:00-10:45 am - Family portraits + newlywed portraits

11:00-2:00 pm - Reception

Day 2:

3:00-4:00 am - Bride and groom get ready

5:30 am - Sunrise portraits at Taft Point

A Wedding at Ahwahnee Hotel

Ahwahnee Hotel is an iconic destination for weddings here in Yosemite, and was designed and built in the 1920s with luxury in mind. It’s architecture, decor, and cuisine are all top-notch, and perfectly complement the natural setting of the park. Being as it sits on the Eastern end of the Yosemite Valley, it means you can walk out onto the grounds and see views of the stunning Half Done, Yosemite Falls, and Glacier Point. You don’t even need to leave the property to see some of the biggest attractions in Yosemite! But, if you are looking to explore the park more, there is also a convenient shuttle bus stop in front of the hotel to take you to any of the main park destinations.

Within the interior, you will find the cozy Great Lounge with a crackling fire, which is the perfect place to warm up and relax in the evenings. For larger events, such as a wedding reception, there is also the Solarium which is a stunning space flooded with natural light and large windows to take in the surroundings. The Ahwahnee Dining Room is another stunning space with 34-foot-high beamed ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that is sure to wow your guests. There’s many spaces that you can consider to find the perfect space for a wedding!

While you can host your reception or even an indoor ceremony in the spaces above, you can also opt for an outdoor ceremony on the expansive lawn with Yosemite’s breathtaking scenery as a backdrop. If the weather permits, you can even enjoy an elegant outdoor reception to celebrate with Half Dome in the background. If you want to truly experience the magic of Yosemite with all of your favorite people, Ahwahnee Hotel is the ideal destination for a wedding!

day after wedding portraits at taft point

Day-after wedding portraits are the perfect way to keep the celebration going and soak up more time together without the rush of the wedding day. Instead of squeezing all your photos in between the ceremony and reception, you get to relax, enjoy your guests, and know you have another day to capture gorgeous shots. And even better, especially in Yosemite, you can choose a completely different location! This allows your gallery to have a lot more variety, and have the chance to explore somewhere new. It can be a spot that’s a bit more adventurous that may even require a little hike, but you won’t need to worry about keeping your dress spotless anymore and just enjoy the moment! It allows you to relive the magic just a bit more and end your wedding weekend with even more beautiful memories!

For this wedding day, we planned a day-after session at Taft Point, one of my favorite spots in Yosemite! There really are no words for the views here, and it makes the most stunning backdrop for you and your person. But there’s a very wide range of locations you can choose from around the park that are all equally gorgeous!

Yosemite Wedding photographer

Hi, I’m Priscilla, a Yosemite Wedding and Elopement photographer, and there’s nothing more dreamy than a wedding here in Yosemite! I guide my couples every step of the way, offering expert planning, jam-packed location guides, and a personalized experience that truly feels like you! From the ceremony location to the details that will make your day unforgettable, think of me as your personal Yosemite wedding guide.

Ready to create the wedding day that puts you and your partner at the center? Click here to get in touch, and let’s start planning your greatest adventure yet!