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A beautiful
chapel built in 1879, Yosemite Valley Chapel seats approx. 125
for weddings
Mariposa
County Wedding Destination for those Seeking Unique and
Memorable Events
By: Debbie Stock
It's ea sy to be swept off your
feet in Mariposa
County. Hopefully you won't fall anyplace but "in love" with
surroundings that not only inspire, but make the heart beat
faster. For those seeking a romantic getaway, there's no better
place than Mariposa's Yosemite National Park. And when you're
ready to "tie the knot," why not consider getting hitched at a
quaint chapel that has successfully hosted thousands of
marriages throughout its 130 years of existence?
In Yosemite Valley you can
actually get married, bring your own minister to officiate, and
invite 125 friends to share in your joy at the charming chapel
located at the base of a striking mountain rock formation called
Half Dome. The ceremonies are simple and fees affordable,
costing between $600 - $1000 (subject to change.) Guests will
have to pay the national parks entrance fee which is around $20
per car. This is the sort of event that brides and grooms
seeking a more natural wedding will prefer, with simplicity
being key. If you are happily married, each year in early May
the church offers a marriage renewal ceremony to couples.
yosemitevalleychapel.org
While the church doesn't allow
anything more than a simple ceremony on location with no rice or
other objects being thrown as the bride and groom exit the room,
there are other great options for weddings and receptions in the
valley. Ahwahnee hotel is close to the chapel, but could
be unavailable, or quite expensive. A place worth investigating
is the Tenaya Lodge. Catering and events are their specialty,
and the hotel generally has greater availability in rooms for
guests.
For more casual, themed weddings,
the Hotel Jeffery in Coulterville, a California gold rush ghost
town, is ideal. The weddings are incredibly affordable and the
charm of an authentic hotel with over 150 years of history makes
for a memorable, unique event suiting fun-loving people who know
how to lighten up. Second or third marriages, and even divorce
parties gleefully enjoy the hotel, its proprietress, and
resident ghosts who smile and silently toast when wedding
ceremonies are "in the house." hoteljefferygold.com
The free Mariposa County Visitors Guide offers
additional resources for weddings, anniversaries, and other
special events. Call: (866) 425-3366, or order online at
homeofyosemite.com
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