Rilee Photography Preferred Wedding Venues & Vendors.
It’s always in the details…
The magic of your wedding day lies in the details, and the right team makes those details effortless. We know that finding a caterer, florist, or planner for a destination wedding can feel overwhelming, there are so many moving parts to align.
To help you navigate the process, we have compiled a list of our favorite creative partners. These are the vendors who share our commitment to artistry and client experience. When you choose from this list, you aren't just hiring a vendor; you are hiring a professional we trust to stand alongside us as we capture your story.
Evergreen Lodge
The Hidden Gem of the High Sierras: Why Evergreen Lodge is one of our favorites:
For any photographer, the environment is more than a simple backdrop; it is a living character in every frame. At Rilee Photography, we are often asked where to find the perfect intersection of natural majesty and refined comfort. Our answer is almost always the Evergreen Lodge. Located on the pristine border of Yosemite National Park, this historic mountain resort offers a rare combination of elements that make it an ideal destination for both professional photography and an unforgettable getaway.
A Timeless Aesthetic in the Heart of the Woods
Nestled within a lush forest, the property feels like a secluded sanctuary where the pace of life naturally slows down. Its visual appeal lies in the intentional balance between historic roots and modern needs. The lodge maintains a classic mountain atmosphere that honors its heritage while seamlessly integrating contemporary amenities. This ensures our clients enjoy the rugged beauty of the woods without sacrificing the comfort and sophistication of a world-class resort.
Excellence Through the Seasons
Unlike many seasonal mountain venues, Evergreen Lodge remains open year-round, allowing the beauty of the location to evolve with the calendar. We have captured vibrant summer greens, golden autumn transitions, and the crystalline wonder of a snow-covered winter. This reliable canvas is supported by an exceptional staff whose experience is evident in every interaction. Their deep knowledge of the property ensures every visit runs smoothly, allowing us to focus entirely on the creative process.
The Secret Majesty of Hetch Hetchy
Proximity to the Hetch Hetchy area of Yosemite is perhaps the most compelling reason to visit. While the main valley draws significant crowds, Hetch Hetchy remains a peaceful, best-kept secret. It offers dramatic granite cliffs and thundering waterfalls on a scale that rivals the valley, yet it stays uncrowded throughout the year. This nearby landscape allows our clients to experience the untouched spirit of Yosemite in a quiet, intimate setting. Whether seeking a stunning venue for a milestone event or a quiet cabin escape, Evergreen Lodge remains a premier choice in the Sierra Nevada.
Lillaskog Lodge
With panoramic views of Yosemite’s majestic mountains, Lillaskog Lodge is the perfect venue for your wedding or event. Spend quality time with your friends and family enjoying our mountain retreat and make memories for a lifetime! Meaning “little forest” in Swedish, Lillaskog is full of rustic charm and natural beauty. Ideal for events for up to 150 people, weddings and/or receptions following elopements in Yosemite, and small group/family retreats, the lodge offers an exclusive and private outdoor space for you to celebrate special times in a natural setting.
Their space is completely customizable, so you can make it YOUR event. The lower lawn features a charming gazebo with a stunning mountain view as the backdrop, ideal for a romantic ceremony as well as for taking breathtaking pictures. The upper lawn and adjacent cobblestone area provide plenty of space to set up your reception and celebrate your new marriage, or a large family reunion.
Located just 11 miles away from Yosemite National Park and surrounded by the Stanislaus National Forest, there are endless adventures available for your guests.
Get married in the great outdoors at Lillaskog Lodge, or, enjoy a retreat in nature and make beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
Rush Creek Lodge
Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite is a modern mountain resort located just half a mile from the Big Oak Flat entrance of Yosemite National Park. Set on twenty acres of wooded hillside, the property offers a sophisticated yet relaxed alternative to traditional park lodging, blending contemporary design with the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada. The resort serves as a gateway to the park while providing enough amenities and activities to function as a standalone destination for families and couples alike.
The accommodations consist of 143 lodge rooms, suites, and hillside villas. Each space is designed with a rustic sensibility and includes a private balcony or deck, many of which offer views of the forest and the sunset. While the rooms are equipped with modern comforts like Wi-Fi and Alexa devices, they intentionally omit televisions to encourage guests to connect with the natural surroundings. The villas are particularly popular for larger groups, featuring multiple bedrooms and gas fireplaces for a more residential feel.
On-site recreation is a central part of the experience. The property features a large heated saltwater pool and two hot tubs, one specifically designated for families and another for adults. For children and the young at heart, the resort offers a 60 foot embankment slide, zip lines, and an expansive indoor game room that includes a custom built treehouse structure. Nightly traditions such as complimentary s'mores by the outdoor fire pits help foster a community atmosphere. Additionally, a professional recreation team is available to lead guided excursions into Yosemite or provide expert advice for self-guided adventures.
The wellness and dining options further enhance the stay. The Rush Creek Spa offers a unique range of treatments and facilities inspired by the park’s granite landscapes and waterfalls, including a Himalayan salt block sauna and an aromatherapy steam room. Guests can choose between the main restaurant for a more formal dining experience or the tavern for casual fare and local craft beers. As a certified B Corporation, the lodge is also recognized for its social and environmental commitments, which include a youth employment program and innovative sustainability initiatives like a comprehensive water reclamation system.
Fire Fall Ranch
Fire Fall Ranch is a premier luxury destination situated on three hundred scenic acres near the western entrance of Yosemite National Park. As the newest addition to the collection that includes Evergreen Lodge and Rush Creek Lodge, this resort elevates the mountain experience by blending sophisticated design with the rugged charm of a historic Sierra ranch. The property is characterized by its sprawling meadows, forested hillsides, and a sense of quiet seclusion that makes it feel like a private sanctuary just minutes away from the park boundary.
The accommodations at Fire Fall Ranch consist of masterfully crafted standalone cottages and villas that prioritize privacy and space. Each unit is designed with an upscale aesthetic featuring vaulted ceilings, double sided indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and expansive covered decks. These living spaces are intentionally situated to provide guests with personal views of the surrounding wilderness, creating an environment where the transition between indoor comfort and the natural world is almost seamless.
Central to the guest experience is the Ranch House, which serves as the hub for dining and social life. The on site restaurant offers a refined menu focused on seasonal ingredients and mountain inspired cuisine, while the tavern provides a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying craft cocktails and local brews. The property also features a general store for essentials and a beautiful pool area that overlooks the meadow. For those seeking relaxation, the ranch includes a tranquil pond and numerous lookout points designed for quiet reflection or sunset viewing.
Beyond its physical beauty, Fire Fall Ranch provides a comprehensive recreation program. Guests have access to professional guides who lead customized excursions into Yosemite, ranging from classic valley tours to off the beaten path hikes. On the property itself, miles of private trails offer opportunities for walking and exploration without the crowds. As part of a socially conscious hospitality group, the ranch operates with a commitment to environmental sustainability and community development, ensuring that its luxury offerings are matched by a dedication to preserving the Sierra Nevada landscape.
