Tenaya Lodge Wedding

Planning a Tenaya Lodge Wedding? What an absolute dream!

The Tenaya Lodge is a breathtaking resort located SO close to Yosemite. A couple can have their ceremony and reception there...and then drive up to Yosemite for some couple portraits!

What I personally love about a Tenaya Lodge wedding:

• It's proximity to Yosemite. The Tenaya Lodge is located just outside of Yosemite's south entrance, this perfect for a "day after" session in the park if you both want photos in Yosemite in your wedding outfits.
• The Tenaya Lodge is in a breathtaking location; it's truly a magical place.
• The Tenaya Lodge is an all Inclusive Venue. I love that for the most part, the Tenaya Lodge includes everything, such as food, tables, chairs, linens, microphones for the vows, etc. It just makes things so much easier for couples to plan!
• I love how spacious the Tenaya Lodge is. It can accommodate hundreds of people. This venue is perfect for those who want a larger wedding around the Yosemite area.
• It's a hotel, offering convenience for guests.
• Everything can occur at the same place, including the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. This makes things so easy!

Helpful tips and information about planning a Tenaya Lodge Wedding

Tenaya lodge wedding is one of the most stunning and unforgettable places around Yosemite National Park.

Features of Tenaya Lodge

Your Tenaya lodge wedding will be held in a lodge that is surrounded by nature and provides a warm and rich ambiance.  You can find stairs at the deck that can lead you to an open pavilion you'll find the most breathtaking scenery

This pavilion can be used as the ceremony space or a cocktail hour space. The reception space is held in a huge ballroom that is about 10 thousand square feet. This ballroom has large windows, showcasing the beauty of the mountain and sugar pine trees.

Facilities for the guests

The Tenaya Lodge offers guests convenience in that it is not only a wedding venue, but also a hotel. The Lodge can provide the accommodation of 240 rooms. The suites of the lodge are built with a contemporary interior and have luxurious furniture installed. Private cottages are also available at the Tenaya Lodge with fireplaces and outdoor seating areas.

Guests Capacity

The guest capacity depends upon the events and whether guests will be seated or standing.

• Ceremony area capacity

The capacity for guests in the ceremony area in the indoor spaces is 300 and for outdoor space is about 400 guests.

• Reception area capacity

The reception area indoors fits about 400 seated guests. If you prefer the reception to be held outside, then the seating capacity is 200.

The Tenaya Lodge Wedding Packages

The Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite offers complete Wedding Packages for all seasons.

Each package includes hand-passed reception hors d’oeuvres, an
elegant lunch or dinner, champagne toast cake presentation & coffee service.

The package also includes: complete tableware, stemware, round or square tables, chairs,
sound system, microphone, dance floor & a variety of elegant linens.

The Tenaya Lodge is also wheelchair accessible.

The Tenaya Lodge Cost - Ceremony

The ceremony fee: $700

What's included?

• The ceremony site with the choice of the Grand Entrance or Counties Lawn
• Use of their sound system to hook up microphones for the vows, officiant, and music
• White folding chairs
• A raised stage
• An arbor
• A ceremony rehearsal (to be scheduled the day before your ceremony)

The reception venue will be assigned according to the number of guests anticipated to be in attendance.

Food & Beverage

The Tenaya Lodge has menus ranging from $45.00 to $75.00 per guest. Please note, all food and beverage, except for the cake, must be provided by the Tenaya Lodge. The Tenaya lodge has the option to have a hosted or cash bar.

Tenaya Lodge Photography

Photographs may be taken in any of the breathtaking outdoor vistas around Tenaya Lodge. I also highly recommend making a trip to Yosemite for some more epic portraits of you two!

Music & Entertainment

The Tenaya lodge allows a DJ, live music, or acoustic background music until 9:00 pm on the Counties Lawn & the Grand Terrace. However, music can continue to play indoors until 12:00 am.

Valet Parking

Complimentary valet parking will be available for you and your guests.

Décor

Tenaya Lodge offers a variety of décor items for a nominal fee, which include:

• Specialty chair covers
• Napkins and linens
• Luxury chargers
• Vases
• A candy or S’more stations

Tenaya Lodge Wedding Review

Here is a review I found from a couple who had their wedding at the Tenaya Lodge. I feel this helps give on a good idea of what is to be expected on their wedding day!

"We had our wedding at the beginning of September, and could not have been happier about our special day! Charlene was an excellent coordinator, and worked with us diligently on all of the planning leading up to the big day (including assuaging our fears about fire season). The venue itself was a great location to host an outdoor (but not too rugged!) wedding, and we loved that the resort had plenty of things to keep our guests entertained for a holiday weekend. The day-of service by all of the staff was amazing; not once did we feel stressed about the logistics/setup. Finally, the food options for the wedding were delicious (and we are foodies, so we cared a lot about this one!). All in all, we would highly recommend this location. Note: The wedding was a little on the pricier side, but you get what you pay for!"

-The Knot

Photo Locations in YOSEMITE

Below, I'm covering my favorite photo locations within the actual park!

HALF-DOME

Ok, so this location is not for the faint of heart. It is quite a hike, approximately 16 miles round trip. Also, it’s a steep hike. It will be quite the workout. The tip takes about 12 hours to complete.

As of now, a permit is required to hike Half-Dome. This location will of course lead to photo with epic views, but realistically speaking, I do not think it’s the best option for Yosemite elopement or intimate wedding photos. I’d only recommend this for avid hikers and the most adventurous of couples!

TAFT POINT

I mean…the photos taken at Taft Point are out of this world EPIC. This location is easier to get to than Half-Dome, but it is also quite dangerous to hike to. I mean it. There have been quite a few deaths there from people who unfortunately slipped and fell.

A Yosemite wedding photographer really needs too shoot with caution here. Wedding photographers usually carry a lot of gear, and this location just isn’t that safe for that.

Additionally, I would always advise the couple to stand at least 15 feet back from the edge of the cliff. Safety comes first and needs to be prioritized at all times.

Taft Point Address:
Located on Glacier Point Rd., Yosemite, CA. before Glacier Point parking.

TUNNEL VIEW

While I don’t think this is the best location for a wedding (it tends to get super crowded), it is an excellent spot to take some couple portraits!

Talk to Yosemite wedding photographer about scheduling a photo stop here!

EL CAPITAN MEADOW

This is one of my personal favorite spots to take Yosemite wedding photos. There is something about it that is absolutely magical. It’s a beautiful meadow surrounded by mountains of epic rock formations.

How to Access it?

It’s in the valley of Yosemite right after passing the Yosemite Valley Lodge. Parking is available on the side of the street.

For more info on planning a Tenaya Lodge wedding, click HERE.

LET’S CHAT!

You probably have a million thoughts running through your head when it comes to planning your wedding day in Yosemite. I’m here to guide you through every single step of planning your special day.

To view my portfolio and get in touch with me, contact me HERE.