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A few years ago, as a single fellow, I was hiking the Meysan Lakes trail in acclimation for Whitney (across the road from the standard Whitney trailhead at the Whitney Portal). I thought to myself when making it to the lakes, "Wow, this would be a great little place for a small, simple, and discreet, wedding ceremony." Now, my fiancée asked me last night what I would want for our wedding. I described this, named the fellow we both know who would excitedly perform the ceremony, and said that we should do a reception, with all those not up for the hike, in some hall or shelter in the Lone Pine area.

She floored me when she said that it would be wonderful, even when I reminded her of the shoes, the sweat, and the modified wedding wear that would undoubtedly be involved. It's appropriate as one of our first meetings was on a hike in South Korea.

I'm open to any and all ideas. And please let me know of any complications we might run into, though it seems that if our expectations are simple, there shouldn't be any. California and the Sierras are not required by any means. Neither of us live in the West.

Thanks so much!

-Shawn

A very important day indeed! Do it up, I'm sure you'll pick a beautiful place that you both will remember for the rest of your lives. Just some thoughts; will you need access for family members, weather considerations, possible alternate plans. Take LOTS of pics and videos!!!

Mazel Tov!

Thanks! And for any who read and respond, we're now speculating on the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, it would work better as some of our people are in the Southeast.

Does anyone know of a good spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains or anywhere in that region to do this kind of thing?

Thanks a ton,

-Shawn

Nice Shawn, and congratulations. Let me know if you are looking for a photographer for your wedding. I have been hoping to shoot a couple of outdoor adventure type weddings to add a little variety to my portfolio. I shoot weddings and events as part of my living. I wish my wedding had been a simple outdoor wedding like you are planning.

Alasdair
www.alasdairturner.com

The wife and I got hitched up at Minaret Summit in the Sierra and it was awesome. Weather was perfect, flowers were out, it was beautiful. I think we had a dozen people there including the minister.

I have seen pics of other mountain weddings and they are beautiful also. If you two love the mountains, it is the only way to go. It's great to go back to the same spot later and just remember how special the place is for you.

I hope you find a great spot and post some pics after the ceremony.

Glacier Point and Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park . The Chapel in Yosemite Valley.

You should try and find an area that has a nice meadow with a very easy hike in to accommodate as many people as possible for the ceremony. Rock Creek is the first that comes to mind for me. Nice and flat on the way in. There are many cabins available in the valley though you will need to book far in advance.

One issue you will likely run into anywhere is parking. I would plan a mid-week wedding to avoid running into an impossible situation with regard to parking. The Mammoth Area works well too. If you did Reds Meadow, the whole group could take the bus in and go for a stroll to one of the nearby meadows.

Tuolumne Meadow as suggested above is also a great idea.

Cheers and Congrats!

Perhaps you could call these guys, I'm sure they've seen a few options:
http://highsierraphotography.com/

If you are looking for some place in the Blue Ridge, consider something around the Pisgah Inn. They are up on the parkway at 5000 ft. a bit south of Asheville. Very classy place last time I was there. www.pisgahinn.com Mt. Pisgah is very close to the inn but I wouldn't recommend it for the ceremony. Great views but too many towers on top. Black Balsam Knob is south a ways, has open meadows and great views. I'm sure the Pisgah Inn folks could throw you a nice reception. Post another request on the Eastern US board and you'll likely get lots of good suggestions from the locals.

Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada seemed like a good place for a wedding and/or honeymoon when I visited that area (I am not married, that thought just struck me when I visited). You could get pretty fancy if you choose with the Chateau Lake Louise there.

There is beautiful, jaw-dropping Alpine scenery & hiking around Grindelwald, Switzerland. Besides the Eiger, the Moench & Jungfrau are both there, as well as many 'lesser' peaks. Access is VERY easy (Kleine Scheidegg, train through the Eiger, Jungfraujoch, etc.). Pilatus (near Lucerne) also has a train that goes to the summit, & is very beautiful (you can also hike there). Good luck & congratulations!