Yosemite Weddings | Rush Creek Lodge
Welcome to your ideal destination wedding
Located near Yosemite National Park’s Highway 120 West Entrance in Groveland, California, Rush Creek Lodge is a full-service Yosemite wedding venue offering on-site ceremonies, receptions, lodging, dining, spa experiences, activities, and guided Yosemite excursions for destination weddings of up to 200 guests.
Surrounded by forest and mountain scenery, Rush Creek is designed for multi-day celebrations where couples and their guests can stay, celebrate, and experience Yosemite together. Whether you need space, lodging, catering, and entertainment for a large wedding or a private dining room for a more intimate gathering, we’re here to help with every step–from choosing vendors to walking down the aisle.
Yosemite Wedding Venue for Large Celebrations
For events with 50-200 guests | Seasonal Minimums ApplyRush Creek Lodge accommodates large Yosemite weddings of 50–200 guests, with options for ceremony and reception spaces, group lodging, catering, and on-site activities. Every wedding party has specific needs, and we’re happy to work with you on lodging, budget realities, meal options, facilities choices, and recreation ideas. You can rely on our flexibility and creativity in realizing your dream destination wedding. We reduce the pressure of planning, giving you more time to enjoy your guests and the beauty that surrounds you.
Elopement Package
For events with 20-40 guests | Sunday – ThursdayRush Creek’s Yosemite Elopement Package offers couples an intimate wedding venue near Yosemite for celebrations of 20–40 guests, available Sunday through Thursday. This special package aims to reduce the pressure of planning, giving you more time to enjoy your guests and the invigorating views of the surrounding forest and spectacular Sierra sunsets.
Intimate Celebrations
Up to 48 guests | Private Dining RoomCouples have the option of having their ceremony on- or off-site and return to our wedding venue near Yosemite for an intimate meal in our Private Dining Room. We are thrilled to invite couples to celebrate their love in a truly one-of-a-kind way, Yosemite style.
Make the Most of a Yosemite Wedding Weekend
Rush Creek Lodge makes it easy to turn your celebration into a multi-day Yosemite wedding weekend, with on-site lodging, dining, spa experiences, activities, and guided Yosemite excursions for you and your guests. Plan a welcome gathering or rehearsal meal before the wedding, spend your wedding day celebrating together, then reconnect over activities, a post-wedding brunch, or time exploring Yosemite National Park.
Proposal Package
Moments that last a lifetimeDesigned for unforgettable moments in Yosemite, this proposal package creates a romantic foundation, with the option to personalize every detail. Whether you’re envisioning something intimate and quiet or elevated and cinematic, we’ll help you plan a proposal that feels effortless, meaningful, and uniquely yours.
Testimonials
Hosting Magical Mountain Weddings for DecadesAn idyllic destination where past and present “I do’s” sing through the trees. Take it from those who have experienced a Rush Creek Wedding, and dive into our selection of testimonials.
Plan Your Yosemite Wedding at Rush Creek Lodge
Learn more about hosting your next event at Rush Creek Lodge.
You can also email Yoanna, our Group Sales Director at yoanna@rushcreeklodge.com, or call her at (209) 379-2373 x1516 to discuss your group’s needs and how we can best serve you.
Images provided by The Chaffins Photography, Captured by Serafina, and Kim Carroll.
FAQs About Yosemite Wedding Venues
How much does it cost to get married in Yosemite?
There is no single cost for a Yosemite wedding, as pricing varies depending on whether you plan a ceremony inside Yosemite National Park, a resort wedding near the park, or a full destination wedding weekend. Costs may include a Yosemite permit, park entrance fees, a marriage license, vendors, lodging, catering, transportation, a reception venue, guest count, and the season.
Where do people get married in Yosemite?
Couples get married at approved Yosemite National Park wedding venues and ceremony sites, Yosemite-area chapels, private event spaces, and resort venues near the park. Rush Creek Lodge offers a resort-style Yosemite wedding venue for ceremonies, receptions, lodging, and guest experiences just outside the park’s Highway 120 West entrance.
Is Rush Creek Lodge inside Yosemite National Park?
No. Rush Creek Lodge is near Yosemite’s Highway 120 West entrance, not inside the park. Its location offers easy park access plus resort amenities, lodging, dining, event-planning support, on-site activities, and guided park excursions.
Do we need a permit for a Yosemite wedding?
Ceremonies inside Yosemite National Park require a Special Use Permit. On-property ceremonies at Rush Creek do not follow the same park permit process. Check current NPS rules for in-park ceremonies or photos.
What makes Rush Creek different from other wedding venues near Yosemite?
Rush Creek combines Yosemite wedding and reception spaces with on-site lodging, dining, spa services, a pool, resort activities, and guided Yosemite excursions, allowing couples and their guests to stay and celebrate together in one destination near Yosemite National Park. Event options range from intimate celebrations and elopements to larger, multi-day weddings of up to 200 guests.
How many guests can Rush Creek Lodge host for a wedding?
Rush Creek hosts large weddings of 50–200 guests, elopements of 20–40 guests, and intimate celebrations of up to 48 guests. Seasonal minimums and availability may apply.
Can guests stay at Rush Creek for the wedding weekend?
Yes. Guests can stay on-site in lodge rooms, suites, and hillside villas.
Can we have our ceremony in Yosemite National Park and reception at Rush Creek?
Yes. Couples can pursue a permitted ceremony or photo session in Yosemite, then return to Rush Creek for dining, lodging, and celebration.
Does Rush Creek provide wedding planning?
Rush Creek provides venue-related support, including dining, facility coordination, setup and breakdown, service staff, and day-of venue coordination. Couples may want a dedicated planner for full design, vendor management, and detailed planning.
What can guests do during a Yosemite wedding weekend?
Wedding guests can enjoy Rush Creek’s pool, spa, tavern and restaurant, daily activities, game room, guided Yosemite excursions, hiking, and scenic exploring.
What is the best season for a Yosemite wedding?
There is no single best season. Spring offers waterfalls, summer brings long adventure-filled days, fall has comfortable weather and golden scenery, and winter offers a quieter mountain setting.
How far in advance should we start planning?
Start planning your Yosemite wedding 12 to 18 months in advance for larger weddings, peak seasons, holiday weekends, room blocks, and Yosemite National Park ceremonies that require permits. Smaller weddings and elopements may need less lead time, but early planning helps secure preferred dates, lodging, vendors, and park permit approvals.
Can Rush Creek host a multi-day wedding celebration?
Yes. Rush Creek can host welcome gatherings, rehearsal meals, wedding-day events, post-wedding brunches, group activities, and downtime across multiple days.