yosemite-tenaya25

Beautiful Yosemite Wedding Venue and Adventure Base

August 4, 2025
Words by Lauren Ertl
Photos courtesy of Tenaya at Yosemite

There’s no doubt that nature can have a profound effect on the heart. You feel lighter, as if all your cares could float away on a breeze. It’s this exact feeling that draws so many couples to want to say “I do” surrounded by the quiet majesty of Earth’s natural wonders… If I’m describing your ideal wedding day, perhaps you’ll want to consider tying the knot at Tenaya at Yosemite.

Among the towering pines of the Sierra National Forest just two miles from Yosemite’s southern entrance, Tenaya Lodge isn’t just a wedding venue—it’s a complete destination that offers the best of mountain adventure and resort-style comfort. Whether you’re planning a wedding weekend, a honeymoon escape, or a nature-inspired getaway with family and friends, Tenaya is a rare gem that lets you do it all in one place.

Accessible Yet Remote

Despite the remote feeling Tenaya exudes, the Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is a relatively convenient 90-minute drive. Plus, the drive itself is part of the charm—winding through rolling foothills into the alpine forests of the Sierra Nevada.

Once you’re there, you feel worlds away—but without the long travel times or logistical headaches that can come with more remote locations.

A Seamless Destination Wedding

Couples tying the knot at Tenaya Lodge can choose from sun-drenched forest terraces, twinkle-lit pavilions, intimate patios, and grand ballrooms to accommodate their wedding events with guest counts ranging from 20 to 400 attendees. Wedding packages here are also designed and include access to ceremony and reception coordination, personalized menu tastings, classic rentals (including linens, chairs, and tableware), and even discounted spa treatments for the bridal party.

The culinary team offers both plated and buffet-style menus—featuring locally inspired ingredients and elegant entrees like cedar-plank salmon, beef tenderloin, and vegan bucatini pasta. For couples booking receptions of 100 guests or more, Tenaya even offers a complimentary wedding night in one of their romantic Honeymoon or Spa Suites.

Deliciously Convenient Dining

One of the biggest perks of staying at Tenaya Lodge? You don’t have to venture far for a great meal. The resort offers multiple on-site dining options to satisfy every craving, from casual bites to refined cuisine. Jackalope’s Bar & Grill is a guest favorite, serving up hearty, locally inspired fare and craft cocktails in a relaxed mountain lodge setting—perfect for post-hike hunger or a celebratory dinner. Timberloft Pizzeria is a family-friendly stop for wood-fired pizza and fresh salads, while Harvest & Grounds Café is ideal for quick breakfasts, coffee runs, or grabbing a snack before heading out for the day.

For wedding weekends, having dining options right on property makes planning welcome dinners, morning-after brunches, or casual get-togethers that much easier. Guests can gather for scrumptious food and enjoy each other’s company without needing to leave the comfort of the lodge.

Adventure for Everyone

No matter the season, Tenaya Lodge is designed for play. On-site amenities include a heated indoor pool, seasonal outdoor pools, a fitness center, and a full-service Ascent Spa for deep relaxation before or after adventure. Guests can try their hand at archery, rent mountain bikes, or explore nearby trails right from the property.

In the winter, the resort transforms into a snowy playground. Think ice skating under twinkle lights, snowshoe hikes through the pines, or sipping hot cocoa beside a roaring fire. There’s even a sledding hill and snow play area for little ones.

In warmer months, guided nature hikes and night walks offer a chance to connect with the land in a more intentional way. For those interested in culture and history, the nearby Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad and the town of Oakhurst offer glimpses into the region’s gold rush past.

Gateway to Yosemite

Of course, one of the most compelling reasons to choose Tenaya Lodge is its unparalleled proximity to Yosemite National Park. Located just two miles from the park’s southern gate, Tenaya allows couples and guests to easily explore Yosemite’s most iconic sights—Glacier Point, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls—all within a scenic drive.

For adventurous couples, pre- or post-wedding hikes, waterfall picnics, or even a sunrise engagement shoot among the granite cliffs are just a few ways to weave Yosemite’s magic into the celebration.

A Place to Celebrate and Reconnect

Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement, a multi-day destination wedding, or simply a romantic escape with a touch of wilderness, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is the perfect fit. Here, moments truly feel like they slow down, priorities realign, and nature does what it does best: remind us of what really matters.

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