After hiking 211 miles on the John Muir Trail, Dan proposed to Karen on Day 18 during sunrise on Mount Whitney.
After getting engaged at the end of the John Muir/Nüümü Poyo Trail, it seems appropriate that we tie the knot at the beginning of the trail — in Yosemite National Park! This past year has been anything but easy, but we are so excited we have the opportunity to celebrate with our loved ones in a place that is super special to us. Even if you can’t make it to Yosemite, we will find a way to celebrate with you soon!
Q&As
Where is the ceremony going to be?
Glacier Point Amphitheater! Also see map below. We scored a permit to get married at Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park from 10am-noon, which is located at the end of Glacier Point Road from Wawona Road. Fun fact: Glacier Point Road will be closed for renovations in 2022 for road improvements, so we’re really lucky! There are only pit toilets available and a large lot for parking but plan to get there early in case there are crowds.
More information about Glacier Point can be found here:
NPS - Glacier Point
Yosemite Hikes - Glacier Point Road
Yosemite requires reservations to enter or stay in the park. How do I get in if I don’t have one?
Each permit obtained from Recreation.gov allows entry for a 3-day window for the date range you reserved. The permit allows anyone in the vehicle to enter under the same permit. We currently have enough permit holders to cover everyone, but we do have to arrange for carpooling on Saturday so that we can make sure everyone gets in. Yosemite is increasing their guest limit and additional tickets will be made available on June 10, 2021 at 08:00 am PDT. Remember that the permit does not cover the entrance fee, so if you have a National Park Pass, here’s your chance to flash it! Or, pay the fee at the entrance.
What is the dress code?
There is no “dress code” but the bridal party will be somewhat matchy matchy and there will be some wedding attire involved. Both Dan and I are wearing boots, so we do recommend that you wear comfortable footwear because the terrain is uneven and we want everyone to be comfortable. That being said, if there had to be a dress code, it would be… “hiking chic” — n. dressed up version of regular hiking, attire for a summer picnic would be appropriate. Of course, if you would like to show up in a tux or a ball gown, nobody can deny you of that.
Are dogs allowed?
The permit lady says that dogs can be at the wedding ceremony (which is an exception, apparently they’re usually not). Dogs are generally allowed on paved roads, so Glacier Point is OK and so is the valley. They are not allowed on trails and always have to be on a 6-ft leash. For more information, see the NPS guidelines for pets in Yosemite. For additional questions, contact Koya.
What will the weather be like?
Well, that’s a hard one since mountain weather is always changing, but see below for average temperature ranges for the month of June. Expect to be colder in the morning and really warm during the day, so bring layers!
Will there be food?
A small picnic lunch will be provided after the ceremony on Saturday at Glacier Point. Plan to bring snacks or find Jen (she always has good snacks). Saturday afternoon/evening, we will be having a BBQ lunch back at the AirBnB,
We are planning to explore around Yosemite. What should we go see?
While there are many trails around the park, we have some favorites that we can recommend. Keep in mind that the main attraction, Yosemite Valley, is an hour drive from Glacier Point where the ceremony will be held.
Sentinel Dome - Short (2.2 mile RT) hike near Glacier Point.
Taft Point - (2.2 mile RT) Hike to an iconic location with epic views and sheer drop-offs. Also close to Glacier Point area.
Four Mile Hike - (4.7 miles one way) This trail is steep and goes from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point. Our real favorite is to link this with the Panorama Trail (8.5 miles) and come back down with the Mist Trail (3 miles). If you have the time…
Other Great Hikes in the Valley - Our favorites are Mist Trail of course, Lower & Upper Yosemite Falls, and just sightseeing/spying on climbers on El Capitan
Not feeling like walking? Check out Washburn Point and Tunnel View!
What else should I be aware of?
As some of you venture off on trails or wander around exploring nature, keep in mind the 7 Leave No Trace principles.
Cell reception is limited in most of the park. We recommend downloading an offline map (including the area where you are staying) on your phone ahead of time so that you are able to navigate within the park.
Bring sunscreen and bug spray!
Adventure down memory lane…
Your presence is enough of a present.
Seriously, even if you couldn’t make it to Yosemite, Dan and we always welcome (and would rather) you come visit us in Portland and spend some one on one time with us! But for those of you who insist, we have created a registry for your perusal. Please keep in mind we will be out of town and we wouldn’t want to miss any packages, so to be safe, please arrange for delivery in July :) Thank you so much!!! —>
“You can tell it’s an Aspen tree by the way it is.”
“Alicia’s Keys”
“Am I on speaker phone?”
“Hamburglarrararar”
“Spoon side!”
“No New Friends”
“You’re cute. I’m cute too!”
“Sunflower! *dolphin squeal*”
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.”