Every year thousands of couples tie the knot at National Parks. And while you may be able to just show up to go hiking, it’s a lot more involved to host a formal event in one–like A LOT! This couple learned that the hard way, but with a team of talented vendors behind them, they managed to host not one, but three incredible events throughout Yosemite all on the same day. Keep scrolling to see more of these jaw-dropping photos by Heirlume Photography and to hear about everything that went right and everything they wish they knew beforehand…
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three events, one celebration
When thinking about the location of their wedding Yosemite immediately came to mind. They followed their hearts to create the day that they really wanted, a celebration with 40 of their closest friends and family that went from sunrise to sunset. Their adventurous spirits and international lifestyle added a unique layer to their planning process, as they typically connected with their vendors from far-off corners of the world. From curating a relaxed and alternative brunch at the stunning Cathedral Beach, complete with lux rugs and plush poufs, to orchestrating the logistics of the entire 3-event celebration, the vendor team led by The Wandering Bride was dedicated to bringing their vision to life. Celia and Travis had a clear and sophisticated aesthetic, and we were fortunate to collaborate with an exceptional team of vendors to translate their dreams into reality. And OMG the results! An unforgettable day filled with their innovative style, adventurous personalities, and breathtaking scenery. This wedding was a true testament to the beauty of love, adventure, and the power of bringing people together in one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth.
their love story
Celia and Travis met in June of 2019 as actors in the Broadway company of Wicked. Celia did all of the wedding planning on the road while traveling the country as Glinda! The couple connected over their love of acting and a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Both love backpacking, hiking, climbing, and exploring the world with their beloved pup Sawyer.
the fashion
Celia stunned in the Salacea dress by Kyha Studios, an Australian wedding brand. Both the bolero and the veil are also from Kyha. Travis’s suit was a custom suit by Label NYC.
the first look
The couple shared their first look at sunrise, as the sun crept up behind Half Dome, with their ceremony following an hour after that at 7:15 am. Celia said, “People thought we were crazy for getting married so early, but I cannot imagine it any other way. It was the most beautiful setting for the most important day of our lives, and everyone was in awe of the beauty of that morning.”
the flowers
The palette and colors for the bouquet and tablescapes were all chosen by Celia, the bride. It was her vision. Alyson from Flower & Forage tried to think of how Yosemite would look in early fall and that is what inspired her when ordering flowers for their wedding. The golden meadows in the Yosemite Valley and the architecture of the Ahwahnee were the biggest inspirations when designing. The flowers included white cosmos, salmon ranunculus, red dahlia, oncidium orchid, cymbidium orchid, Sarracenia, and asparagaceae (asparagus plant).
the ceremony
To begin the day, the couple said “I do” just after sunrise at Glacier Point utilizing the built-in amphitheater for their guests’ seating. Glacier Point is dog-friendly, so they were able to have their beloved dog present for their ceremony!
brunch
Following the ceremony, the guests were invited to Cathedral Beach for brunch which consisted of elegant to-go brunch boxes, champagne, juices, and coffee. Cathedral Beach is also dog-friendly and is in Yosemite Valley along the Merced River, which is about 30 minutes from Glacier Point.
the reception
To conclude the wedding day, Celia and Travis hosted their reception at the iconic Ahwahnee Hotel with an outdoor cocktail hour on the Terrace followed by a plated dinner in the Solarium and dancing in the Winter Club. The Ahwahnee Hotel is also in Yosemite Valley and is not dog-friendly unfortunately.
the cake
In keeping with the organic vibe of the day, the couple opted for a simple two-tiered buttercream frosted wedding cake with minimal fresh flower decorations.
hot tips from the pro
The Wandering Bride went above and beyond to make this couple’s wildest dreams come true when it came to their wedding venues and they want to help you out too! Here’s everything you need to know about getting married at Yosemite or any other National Park, for that matter.
- If a couple wants to get married in an outdoor location within Yosemite National Park, there are specific locations within the park that are approved for wedding ceremonies, they do need to obtain a Wedding Permit through the National Park Service.
- The permit can be found online here. It needs to be completely filled out and mailed to the Special Park Uses, along with $150 check/cashier’s check/money order, to the address also found online through the link above. If approved, they will then mail you a permit that needs to be signed and mailed back to the National Park Service, to the Special Park Uses address. Then, your wedding permit will be mailed to you!
- If your requested date and time is not available, they will reach out to inquire about alternative dates for your wedding. Be sure to include a few alternative dates and times for more of a chance to get approved in your ideal location. You can apply up to a year out from your requested date all the way up to 21 days out.
- Make sure to include your social security number that is requested on the form, or it will not be approved.
- Even if you obtain a permit, this does not give you a private location during your approved times, so it is important to work with local vendors who can help ensure your ceremony is set up and made as private as possible.