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Frequently Asked Questions
What are your rates?
My Officiant Fee is $450 and covers everything in Yosemite Valley with no personalization of the ceremony. For personalization and other perks please see my packages. My Other Fee, if applicable, covers travel, lodging, hiking, food, etc.
Do you require a deposit to save the date?
Yes, I require a 50% deposit of the Total Fee to save the date.
What forms of payment do you take?
I take Venmo, Zelle, cash, or check. You can also pay through PayPal but you must send it 'Friends and Family', otherwise they take a percentage.
What is your ceremony like?
How long is your ceremony?
My Yosemite wedding ceremony is more spiritual in nature and takes between twelve and fifteen minutes. Please see About Me for more information.
About Me
Can I customize my ceremony?
Yes, absolutely. I’m happy to perform a custom ceremony or to incorporate any cultural practices or unity ceremonies you wish to include. Custom, or personalized, ceremonies will fall under a different pricing structure. Please contact me for more information.
Can you recommend a location for the ceremony?
Yes, absolutely. Let me know your budget and what kind of adventure you are looking for. If you are hiring a photographer, I highly recommend collaborating with them as they are the real artists and may have some favorite spots to shoot.
Who is the closest County Clerk near Yosemite?
The Mariposa County Clerk is the closest clerk near Yosemite. Please visit the link below for more information.
Mariposa County Clerk
Can I bring my pet?
Pets are not allowed in areas designated wilderness in Yosemite National Park.
Pets in Yosemite
What does your rate include?
My quoted rate is inclusive; there are no additional costs. My Officiant Fee covers unlimited correspondence, performing the ceremony, and filling out the marriage license. My Other Fee, if applicable, covers travel, lodging, hiking, food, etc.
What are your payment terms?
To save the date, I require a 50% non-refundable deposit. Payment in full is required seven (7) calendar days prior to your event to lock the date. Parties who do not pay in full risk losing their date if I have other inquiries.
Do you have a contract?
Yes, I will send you a contract once you confirm you would like to move forward with my services. I also consider our email correspondence as binding for any minor changes or adjustments to the original terms.
Do you only officiate for small elopements?
Will you officiate for a larger group?
I am currently focusing on small Yosemite wedding elopements, but I’m happy to discuss officiating for a larger group of around 20-30 guests. Please contact me to discuss the details for consideration.
What is the difference between a public and confidential marriage license?
A public marriage license requires the signature of at least one witness and the person solemnizing the marriage. A confidential marriage license is not available in the public records and requires the signature of only the person solemnizing the marriage.
Am I limited to certain areas where the ceremony can be performed?
For larger groups, yes, but for small parties you are almost limitless; however, some areas may be closed for restoration, to protect sensitive habitats, or for safety concerns. Visit the website below for more information.
Ceremony Locations
Where can I get more information about Yosemite?
The National Park Service has a great website with lots of information on the park. Please visit the link below.
Yosemite Website
What is the weather like in Yosemite?
For current weather conditions, click the link below.
Yosemite Weather
What packages do you offer?
I am offering four package options: Meadows, Waterfalls, Peaks, and the Ultimate Yosemite Adventure. Click the link below for more information.
Packages
Which locations does your Officiant Fee cover?
My Officiant Fee covers all locations in Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View to Mirror lake, so long as there is no significant hiking involved. For example, Columbia Rock or Vernal Falls would be under the Hiking & Destination category.
What is your cancellation policy?
Click below to view my cancellation policy.
Cancellation Policy
How long have you been officiating?
I was the Banquet Manager for The Ahwahnee Hotel for ten years, from 2006 to 2016, and in that time I oversaw over a thousand weddings. The first wedding I officiated was on the side of Half Dome in 2010.
Will you travel outside of Yosemite to officiate an adventure elopement?
Yes, absolutely. I love to travel and explore new areas. In addition to Yosemite, I’ve officiated in Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes, Bishop, the Nelder Grove, Big Sur, and on the summit of Mount Whitney. Please contact me with details for a quote.
Do I need a witness?
If you get a public marriage license then you need at least one witness. There is no age requirement in CA for witnesses; however, they must be old enough to know they are witnessing a marriage ceremony and be able to sign their name on the official marriage license.
Where can I get a California Marriage License?
You can get a public marriage license from any California County Clerk. If you are visiting from outside of California, you can obtain a marriage license in the county you fly into or the Mariposa County Clerk’s office, which is the closest office to Yosemite.
Do I need a permit to get married in Yosemite?
Yes, the National Park Service requires a Special Use Permit to have a commitment ceremony in Yosemite. Please visit the link below for more information.
Special Use Permit
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Menu
Frequently Asked Questions
How long have you been officiating?
I was the Banquet Manager for The Ahwahnee Hotel for ten years, from 2006 to 2016, and in that time I oversaw over a thousand weddings. The first wedding I officiated was on the side of Half Dome in 2010.
What are your rates?
My Officiant Fee is $450 and covers everything in Yosemite Valley with no personalization of the ceremony. For personalization and other perks please see my packages. My Other Fee, if applicable, covers travel, lodging, hiking, food, etc.
Which locations does your Officiant Fee cover?
My Officiant Fee covers all locations in Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View to Mirror lake, so long as there is no significant hiking involved. For example, Columbia Rock or Vernal Falls would be under the Hiking & Destination category.
What does your rate include?
My quoted rate is inclusive; there are no additional costs. My Officiant Fee covers unlimited correspondence, performing the ceremony, and filling out the marriage license. My Other Fee, if applicable, covers travel, lodging, hiking, food, etc.
Do you require a deposit to save the date?
Yes, I require a 50% deposit of the Total Fee to save the date.
Do you have a contract?
Yes, I will send you a contract once you confirm you would like to move forward with my services. I also consider our email correspondence as binding for any minor changes or adjustments to the original terms.
What forms of payment do you take?
I take Venmo, Zelle, cash, or check. You can also pay through PayPal but you must send it 'Friends and Family', otherwise they take a percentage.
What are your payment terms?
To save the date, I require a 50% non-refundable deposit. Payment in full is required seven (7) calendar days prior to your event to lock the date. Parties who do not pay in full risk losing their date if I have other inquiries.
What packages do you offer?
I am offering four package options: Meadows, Waterfalls, Peaks, and the Ultimate Yosemite Adventure. Click the link below for more information.
Packages
What is your ceremony like?
How long is your ceremony?
My Yosemite wedding ceremony is more spiritual in nature and takes between twelve and fifteen minutes. Please see About Me for more information.
About Me
Can I customize my ceremony?
Yes, absolutely. I’m happy to perform a custom ceremony or to incorporate any cultural practices or unity ceremonies you wish to include. Custom, or personalized, ceremonies will fall under a different pricing structure. Please contact me for more information.
Do you only officiate for small elopements?
Will you officiate for a larger group?
I am currently focusing on small Yosemite wedding elopements, but I’m happy to discuss officiating for a larger group of around 20-30 guests. Please contact me to discuss the details for consideration.
Am I limited to certain areas where the ceremony can be performed?
For larger groups, yes, but for small parties you are almost limitless; however, some areas may be closed for restoration, to protect sensitive habitats, or for safety concerns. Visit the website below for more information.
Ceremony Locations
Can you recommend a location for the ceremony?
Yes, absolutely. Let me know your budget and what kind of adventure you are looking for. If you are hiring a photographer, I highly recommend collaborating with them as they are the real artists and may have some favorite spots to shoot.
Will you travel outside of Yosemite to officiate an adventure elopement?
Yes, absolutely. I love to travel and explore new areas. In addition to Yosemite, I’ve officiated in Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes, Bishop, the Nelder Grove, Big Sur, and on the summit of Mount Whitney. Please contact me with details for a quote.
What is your cancellation policy?
Click below to view my cancellation policy.
Cancellation Policy
Do I need a permit to get married in Yosemite?
Yes, the National Park Service requires a Special Use Permit to have a commitment ceremony in Yosemite. Please visit the link below for more information.
Special Use Permit
Where can I get a California Marriage License?
You can get a public marriage license from any California County Clerk. If you are visiting from outside of California, you can obtain a marriage license in the county you fly into or the Mariposa County Clerk’s office, which is the closest office to Yosemite.
Who is the closest County Clerk near Yosemite?
The Mariposa County Clerk is the closest clerk near Yosemite. Please visit the link below for more information.
Mariposa County Clerk
What is the difference between a public and confidential marriage license?
A public marriage license requires the signature of at least one witness and the person solemnizing the marriage. A confidential marriage license is not available in the public records and requires the signature of only the person solemnizing the marriage.
Do I need a witness?
If you get a public marriage license then you need at least one witness. There is no age requirement in CA for witnesses; however, they must be old enough to know they are witnessing a marriage ceremony and be able to sign their name on the official marriage license.
What is the weather like in Yosemite?
For current weather conditions, click the link below.
Yosemite Weather
Where can I get more information about Yosemite?
The National Park Service has a great website with lots of information on the park. Please visit the link below.
Yosemite Website
Can I bring my pet?
Pets are not allowed in areas designated wilderness in Yosemite National Park.
Pets in Yosemite
