I Do Venues: Evergreen Lodge ~ A Yosemite Wedding
Photography by: Tinywater Photography
About the Venue
Tucked away in the woods, Evergreen Lodge is the perfect place for couples wanting a memorable wedding day experience at one of the nation’s most beautiful national parks: Yosemite. With the historic lodge, beautiful cabins, new event hall, and serene setting among the majestic pines, the Evergreen Lodge is a truly special place for you and your husband to say, “I do.”
Exchange vows in the lodge’s neighboring meadows surrounded by a canopy of trees and the song of birds. While your guests enjoy cocktails and appetizers in the main plaza, which can be tented or left open-air, escape to the Park with your new spouse and let the majesty of the natural surroundings be the perfect backdrop for your wedding pictures. If you want to carry on with the nature-theme, continue the celebration outdoors in the plaza; or if you’re dreaming of something more formal, move into the newly completed Tuolumne Hall where you and your guests can dance the night away.
Ask the Experts
The Evergreen Lodge is a nature-lover’s dream venue - romantic, pristine, serene, fun, and unique. The location is breathtaking - a glimpse of the waterfalls, half dome, or just the valley floor will make the most memorable and stunning wedding photos imaginable.
This couple did a fantastic job of blending just the right amount of whimsy, reality, and their own personalities into all aspects of their celebration. I love the beautiful bride’s simple, modern dress and her natural-looking makeup - next to her handsome husband’s retro-styled grey suit and fanciful brightly colored socks, everyone knows they are in for a festive night. The ranunculuses, roses, dahlias, and lush green elements keep the bouquet rustic yet elegant.
In a setting as naturally beautiful as Yosemite National Park, it’s important not to let your design overwhelm it's natural surroundings. This is a location where less is defiantly more and the simplicity of this couple’s ceremony is perfectly paired. The Chuppah and natural wood chairs are perfect for the meadow - the rustic lines and honey colored wood tones make this ceremony look completely at home. In an outdoor setting, it is often necessary to create a "frame" to achieve balance and structure. For the reception, the use of paper lanterns loosely floating overhead adds a softness and contrast to the soaring trees, open meadows, and wildflowers that surround you. In the evening these same elements create a whisper of soft light overhead - perfect! I love how this couple achieved a cohesive feel by tying everything together; the neutral colored linen and low table centerpieces adorned with natural wildflowers that add the ideal touch of whimsy and fun while drawing the eye up to the towering pine trees so that your guests can take in all the natural beauty surrounding them.