Yosemite has always had its ups and downs. Weather, fires, and even Government shutdowns. But this has definitely been a doozy. With Covid 19 shutting down most of the country, Yosemite was not immune to the pandemic closers.
So what do you do? How should you plan? Who do you talk to?
Here is what I know….
-For venues in the park run by Aramark, they have laid off most of the event works and are working with a 2 women crew in the office that only answers emails. Here is the email to contact them. groupsales-Yosemite@aramark.com (please note that they are hard to get a hold of, keep emailing eventually they will answer)
-Email is the way to get a hold of most of the venues and vendors in and around the park.
-For now, most venues are rescheduling weddings through June 2020.
-Aramark venues and most venues around Yosemite are rescheduling or allowing couples to cancel with a full refund. Refunds are very slow.
-The fall months of 2020 and all of 2021 are beginning to book up quickly so if you are interested in moving your wedding or booking a new wedding I would suggest looking into it now.
-2021 Glacier Point and Taft Point areas will be closed because of road construction. Unless you want to hike 5 miles uphill.
-If you are a California resident you can now get a marriage license by video if you both are present and have a photo ID. They will then mail you your marriage license. Again, you have to be a California resident to do this. You will want to contact your local County Clerks office.
-We won’t know for sure what the requirements will be for gatherings. Guest counts, logistics, vendor requirements, etc. these are all still big question marks in the industry.
-My recommendation, plan further out if you want more guests. I would plan for next year towards the middle or end of the year. If you want 2020, Elope, or plan a small wedding for 20 or less and I would not plan for earlier then later fall.
-For those still needing help adjusting their wedding or would just like to talk out their options please shoot me an email. I know how emotional this time can be, so talking with someone with knowledge of the area helps put things in perspective. roshel@addyrosedesign.com
From all the wonderful venues and vendors that we work with, We all know your frustration and how emotional this time is for you! Our hearts are with you and please connect if there is something we can help you with.
Cheers, Roshel
