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Thank you for choosing Yosemite Community Church for your wedding destination. Please read all information before deciding.
1. Call Faith to place a 30 day hold on the date and time of your choice. Please have 2 or 3 choices before calling 209-372-4831.
2. Fill out the 'Chapel Wedding Reservation Form' and return it with the payment due. Faith will send your confirmation via your e-mail address. Please remember to include e-mail address on your reservation form.
You can now visit our web site at:
Thank you,
Faith
YCC Secretary
YOSEMITE CHAPEL WEDDINGS AND MARRIAGE RENEWALS
ONLY official website
www.yosemitevalleychapel.org
(This is our ONLY official website
and we do not honor any other sites who claim to be the Yosemite Chapel).
Questions? Call:
209-372-4831 (ask for Faith)
Congratulations as you make plans for your wedding or marriage renewal ceremony! We are pleased that you are considering the chapel as a possible site for this special occasion. For over a century, this humble house of God has served as both beacon and clarion, brightly shining and triumphantly declaring the love of God to those who live here and those who visit.
By way of introduction, we want to familiarize you with us in a general way and specifically as it relates to the use of the chapel for weddings and marriage renewals. Doing so will allow you to have the information you need to determine if the chapel is the most suitable location and setting for your special day.
OUR BACKGROUND
The History of Yosemite
Community Church:
The chapel was
built in 1879 by those who recognized that the God who created our wonderful
surroundings is even more incredible than His creation. As the psalmist
declares “O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places” (Psalm
68:35). The chapel would serve as a gathering place for residents and visitors
alike who understood that by opening to God’s love and embracing His plan for
our lives we can know Him personally, fellowship with Him ongoing and worship
Him eternally. Over the years we have maintained that emphasis and, to this
day, Yosemite Community Church continues to be a church where God’s children are
welcome, Christ Jesus our Savior is exalted and His Word is proclaimed. All for
the glory of God.
The Mission of Yosemite Community Church: Be a caring community of believers serving as a center for spiritual growth and renewal where those who live, work and visit in Yosemite National Park may encounter the living Christ through joyful worship, Bible study and regular fellowship. While striving to bring others to Christ by invitation and example, we are called to minister to the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of every person as God gives us strength and direction through the Holy Spirit.
The Ministry of Yosemite Community Church: Our ministry, the activities associated with the chapel, are by definition an outflow of our mission which, in turn is born out of the purpose for which the chapel was originally established. Therefore, services and ceremonies conducted in the chapel, by nature, must reflect that mission and purpose which adhere to the basic tenets of the Christian faith. As that relates to weddings and marriage, God tells us in His Word that He ordained the union of a man and a woman in holy matrimony and marriage represents the relationship between Christ and His Bride, which is His Church. The information provided below, outlining practices and policies consistent with our mission and ministry, will ensure that we have met our responsibility to help you have a meaningful ceremony and that you have established a foundation upon which you can grow together in your new life as husband and wife.
GETTING STARTED
We are able to make
reservations for up to 13 months prior to your wedding or marriage renewal. NO
WEDDING MAY BE CONDUCTED ON THE CHAPEL LAWN OR GROUNDS. THIS IS NOT A SITE
WHERE WEDDINGS MAY BE CONDUCTED AS PER THE OFFICE OF SPECIAL PERMITS.
The National Park Service requires that you obtain a Special Use Permit for all weddings and renewals in Yosemite National Park. For information and application, please call the Special Park Use Office at 209-379-1854.
Couples desiring a CATHOLIC WEDDING must arrange directly with Father Duffy, the resident Catholic priest of Yosemite. He will send you his special wedding packet for Catholic weddings. Please call Fr. Duffy at 209-372-4729 or write to P. O. Box 457, Yosemite, CA. 95389. This packet you are reading DOES NOT pertain to a Catholic wedding.
CHAPEL FACILITIES
The chapel seats
approximately 125 persons and has a center aisle (approximately 4' x 40'),
altar, organ, baby grand piano, and simple worship setting. There is only one
rest room, which is used by the public. Because this bathroom must meet the
needs of not only the wedding or marriage renewal party, but also guests, the
church staff, and the public in general, it is not possible to use the rest room
as a dressing room to prepare for your wedding or marriage renewal. You should
arrive at the chapel already dressed and fully ready for the ceremony. There is
no side room for the Bride to wait in prior to the
ceremony. The chapel is wheelchair accessible by a wheelchair lift (elevator).
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OFFICIATING
MINISTER AND CEREMONIES
Our commitment to the mission and ministry of Yosemite
Community Church carries with it our desire to bless you, encourage you and
assist you in this important planning process.
We book wedding every day of the week.
We uses various styles of ceremonies – from traditional to contemporary – casual to formal. They are Christian, but are not denomination oriented. They include references to God and Jesus Christ, along with some Bible verses (which you may wish to choose) and a personal prayer of thanksgiving and commitment for your marriage, which Our minister likes to say for you as husband and wife. Occasionally, couples like to write their own vows or certain other portions of the ceremony, or add items such as music, poetry, prayers, or John Muir readings. These just need to be consistent with, and retain the elements of, a Christian ceremony. You may want to book your own minister. The fee schedule changes please view the section titled FEES AND SCHEDULING. Contact the chapel at 209-372-4831. www.yosemitevalleychapel.org
PRE-MARRIAGE
COUNSELING
We wish for you to have a lovely, memorable wedding day
and we pray that you have a good, solid, growing marriage. Premarital counseling
is intended to equip you with the tools and skills you will need to grow
together. Therefore, premarital counseling is required before your wedding in
the chapel. To facilitate this valuable aspect of your future health and
vitality as a couple, and to provide you an opportunity to meet with the
minister prior to your wedding, we offer a one-day Marriage Enrichment Seminar.
This seminar is held in the chapel the first Saturday of each month (there is no
seminar in January, July or September). History, experience and feedback from
participants tells us you will find the seminar time well worth your while. The
seminar begins at 8:15 a.m. and is over at approximately 4:30 p.m. There is a
one-hour break around noon for lunch. Due to the limited lunch hour and the
driving time involved to return to the chapel on the one-way loop, we encourage
you to bring your own picnic lunch to enjoy on the chapel grounds. In addition,
we provide two refreshment breaks. Typically, 5 to 20 couples attend the
seminar. Unfortunately, child care is not available and we ask that you do not
bring infants or children to the seminar.
The seminar consists in part of the following:
Practical, positive ideas to further enhance marriage communication and conflict resolution skill
The “death” and “rebirth” of a marriage
Informal discussions
Thought-provoking and fun worksheets
The potential of a “maximum marriage” through the nurturing of our three basic human dimensions
Christian values in marriage
Review of the wedding ceremony and comments on rehearsals
Distribution of books and materials
FEES AND SCHEDULING
The following fees, payable to
Yosemite Community Church, may or may not be applicable to your given situation,
but are listed here for your information:
Using Our Minister:
|
Chapel
rental - |
$350.00 |
USING YOUR MINISTER:
|
Chapel
rental - |
$350.00 |
I will need one of these three items from your minister.
1. Proof of ordination 2. Proof of license 3. A letter on your ministers letterhead. You pay the minister yourself.
All checks should be
payable to YOSEMITE COMMUNITY CHURCH
To confirm your reservation immediately, you may send a check for the total
applicable amount along with your CHAPEL RESERVATION REQUEST FORM. This
will allow us to confirm your reservation immediately assuming the date and time
requested are available. You may call the church office to check the
availability and arrange a tentative date and time. We will hold tentative
reservations for 30 days to allow couples time to firm up their plans. To
confirm a tentative reservation, please return the pink CHAPEL RESERVATION
REQUEST FORM, along with your payment for all applicable fees. Please make
your check payable to the
Yosemite Community Church
and mail to P.O. Box 456, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389. We will send you a confirmation of your
reservation via your e-mail address.
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CANCELLATIONS AND SCHEDULE CHANGES
We hope you do not
have to cancel your reservation; but if you do, please let us know in writing
as soon as possible so we may make the chapel available to others. If we receive
the notice of your cancellation at least 30 days before your wedding
reservation, 50 percent of the chapel and minister's fees and 100 percent of all
other unused fees will be refunded. If you notify us of your cancellation or
schedule change less than 30 days before your wedding reservation, all
fees are non-refundable. Mail cancellation to: Yosemite Community Church,
P.O. Box 456, Yosemite CA 95389.
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ON YOUR WEDDING OR MARRIAGE RENEWAL DAY
Please arrive at
the chapel 30 minutes before the starting time of your ceremony to meet
with our minister so the ceremony can begin on time. Weddings and renewals are
scheduled 90 minutes apart. You will have the chapel reserved one-half hour
before, and ending one hour after, the scheduled time of your ceremony. For
example, if your ceremony is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m., then your
reservation is from 12:30 until 2:00 p.m. The last ten minutes of your reserved
time must be set aside for clean-up. Remember that the road in front of the
chapel is one-way. If you are driving from the Yosemite Village area, give
yourself plenty of time to drive to the El Capitan crossover and then to the
chapel. There will be ample time for your wedding and pictures if you
begin on time. Your chapel reservation is only for the time that has been set
and it is likely that the chapel will be in use for other services during the
periods immediately preceding and immediately following your wedding.
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REHEARSAL
Because rehearsals
are reviewed during the Marriage Enrichment Seminars, our minister does not
usually attend rehearsals. However, special arrangements for his attendance may
be made directly with him. Please note that a rehearsal fee is charged to cover
his time and travel. You will have the opportunity to discuss the ceremony with
him at the Marriage Enrichment Seminar or the private counseling. If you wish
to schedule a rehearsal, please contact the church office 209-372-4831. There
is no additional rental fee for scheduling a rehearsal. Rehearsals are
scheduled for one hour only. They are usually scheduled at 6:30 PM or at 7:30
PM (although sometimes our calendar allows an alternate time).
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MUSIC
You are free to
provide whatever music you wish for your ceremony (including instruments, tape
players, etc.) as long the volume and selections are within reason of what one
would expect to hear in a chapel. A list of local area musicians (and other
services) is enclosed for your reference.
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CHAPEL DECORATIONS AND FLOWERS
Because the chapel is small, we recommend that flower
arrangements be kept to a minimum. The chapel has two freestanding candelabras
for your use. Candles are rented (see FEES
AND SCHEDULING).
If you plan to light a Unity Candle during the ceremony, bring one 3" base
candle, the side candles will be rented and are the chapels property. NO
tape or tacks are permitted in decorating. Nothing is allowed that will leave
any remaining "print" on the chapel. No decorations are permitted on the
piano or organ and these instruments are not to be moved from their fixed
locations. No use of candles is permitted outside the altar area.
NO REAL
FLOWER PETALS CAN BE USED INSIDE THE CHAPEL, YOU MAY USE SILK FLOWER PETALS
ONLY.
RICE THROWING, ETC.
The throwing of rice,
birdseed, flower petals, balloons, confetti, etc., is not permitted, either
inside the chapel or on the chapel grounds.
NO RECEPTIONS AT
THE CHAPEL
There is no area in
which you are permitted to have a reception at the chapel. PARK SERVICE PERMITS
NO refreshments or food of any kind, NO EATING OR DRINKING AT THE CHAPEL OR
ANYWHERE IN THE GROUNDS INCLUDING THE PARKING LOT.
PETS
PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CHAPEL!!! NO EXCEPTIONS!!!
PARK ENTRANCE FEE
Please inform your wedding
or marriage renewal party and guests that everyone will be required to pay
applicable National Park Service vehicle entrance fees to enter the park.
MARRIAGE LICENSE
You must bring your California
Marriage License
(issued within 90 days of your ceremony) with you
to your wedding ceremony (California residency is not required for a
marriage license). The minister must have your license before your ceremony can
begin. A Standard License may be obtained from the County
Clerk in any
California county. (If you
should desire a Confidential License for use in Yosemite, you must obtain
that license at the Mariposa County Courthouse (209-966-2007) in the town of
Mariposa, CA.)
RECEPTIONS AND LODGING
The chapel has no facilities for wedding
receptions and none are allowed on the chapel grounds or in the parking lot.
Arrangements for a reception can be handled directly with Yosemite Concessions
Services Corporation. You can call their Special Functions Department at (559)
253-5673. For hotel reservations within the park, call (559) 252-4848.
SEASONAL CONSIDERATIONS
During winter, be prepared for snowy and icy conditions by carrying the
required tire chains in all vehicles. The local 24-hour recorded road and
weather information telephone number is 209-372-0200. It is especially
important during the winter months for all those who attend your ceremony to be
prepared with outdoor footgear since the paths to the chapel may be snow or ice
covered.
IN WINTER TIRE CHAINS ARE REQUIRED. THEY MUST BE CARRIED IN YOUR VEHICLE EVEN IF CONDITIONS ARE NOT SNOWY OR THE ROADS SHOW NO SIGNS OF SNOW OR ICE.
Please also be aware that during peak visitation periods, such as holidays and the summer months, you should plan for extra travel time due to increased traffic into the park and possible delays at the park entrances.
In planning your travel to Yosemite National Park, please call the recorded Road and Weather line of the park at 209-372-0200 for the most up-to-date information.
QUESTIONS?
If you have further questions, please call our office at (209) 372-4831. If we
are not available to take your call when you phone, please leave a message on
our voice mail and we will call you back as soon as possible.
Thank you for your interest, for allowing us to share with
you and for respecting the policies and practices outlined above. We pray that
God will guide you as you plan and bless you as you honor Him in your lives.
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YOSEMITE
COMMUNITY CHURCH
P.O. Box 456
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
(209) 372-4831
Rev. 08-25-05
LOCAL FLORISTS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, MUSICIANS, & HAIR
The Yosemite Community Church as a courtesy provides this list of local resources if you desire floral, photography, hair and makeup or music services for your wedding. All arrangements and fees are made directly with the individuals. The Yosemite Community Church cannot be held responsible for arrangements or correctness of information. We recommend that you perform your own due diligence prior to signing a contract.
| FLORISTS | PHOTOGRAPHERS |
|
SWEET PICKINS Christina Bilby 40291 Junction Road Ste 101 Oakhurst, CA 93644 559-642-3656 www.sweetpickinsflorist.com christina@sweetpickinsflorist.com |
DAN
WARSINGER PHOTOGRAPHY P.O. Box 1767 Yosemite Nat'l Park, CA 95389 800-746-8678 or 209-966-6622 www.YosemitePhoto.com daniel@yosemite.net |
|
MOUNTAIN FLOWERS & GIFTS P.O. Box 1174 Mariposa, CA 95338 209-966-4656 800-433-4656 |
IMAGES BY
RIKKI ALLEY Fine Wedding Photography P.O. Box 2183 Yosemite Nat'l Park, CA 95389 209-617-5095 www.RikkiAlley.com |
|
REDBUD BOUQUET NATIVE DESIGN Laura Blackman 49269 Road 426 Suite B Oakhurst, CA 93644 559-641-2837 559-676-1973 |
ROBBINS
PHOTOGRAPHY By: Nancy Robbins Yosemite Nat'l Park, CA 95389 209-617-7147 www.robbinsphotography.com |
|
FRANCO'S IN FULL BLOOM 1731 West Bullard #218 Fresno, CA 93711 559-431-2278 559-421-4350 (fax) |
LEROY AND
ELLIE RADANOVITCH 5674 Twin Oaks Road Mariposa, CA 95338 209-966-5522 |
|
YOUR WEDDING FLOWERS Marline & Charles Beiswanger 2328 Santa Cruz Drive Atwater, CA 95301 209-358-4147 |
CHRISTINE LOBERG P.O. Box 2066 Yosemite Nat'l Park, CA 95389 559-692-2444 www.yosemitephotos.com |
|
PETAL PUSHERS Corinna Loh 18749 B Main Street P.O. Box 867 Groveland, CA 95321 209-962-7827 866-573-1132 |
DIANE
CRISP PHOTOGRAPHY
2686 Preston Road Raymond, CA 93653 209-966-3022 www.DianeCrispPhotography.com |
|
CHRISTER
NORDEN |
| MUSICIANS | VIDEO |
|
BILL CARROLL, Organist/Pianist Yosemite Nat'l Park, CA 95389 Office 209-372-4475 Home 209-372-4917 |
CRISP VIDEO PRODUCTION |
| CHRISTINA (TINA) TINER Pianist/Organist/Vocalist P.O. Box 644 Mariposa, CA 95338 209-966-2941 |
ANYTHING ON VIDEO BOB SEQUERA 5700 Lehamite Falls Mariposa, CA 95338 209-742-7585 |
| CINDY MILLER,
Vocalist Ahwahnee, CA 93601 559-658-7258 |
PROFESSIONAL VIDEO ART BERNHEISEL Groveland, CA 800-962-6174 209-962-5152 provideo@mlode |
|
IRENE CUMMINGS,
Vocalist 5075 St. Andrews Rd., #11 Mariposa, CA. 95338 209-966-8260 |
SALON & SPA SERVICES |
|
CHRISTER NORDEN
Pianist 209-372-4405, 818-566-1800
JAN DAVIS |
SAKINI SPA & SALON
Full Service Salon 40325 Hwy 41 Oakhurst, CA 93644 559-658-6868 |
|
DIANE FOULKS Pianist/Organist 209-966-2993 foulks@sti.net |
DEANNA PICOU Licensed Hairstylist and Makeup Artist P.O. Box 277 Yosemite, CA 95389 Will come to your hotel room 209-372-4987 |
|
SIERRA ENTERTAINMENT Pop, Jazz, Classical, Chamber John Kilburn www.sierraent.com 800-781-9199 |
Revised 8-24-05
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©Yosemite Community Church 2003-2006
All Rights Reserved
Last Updated:09/09/2006