How to Elope at Redwoods National Forest and State Parks
There’s something otherworldly about standing beneath the towering giants of California’s Redwoods. The filtered golden light, the hush of the forest, the ancient trees reaching skyward—it’s the kind of magic that makes time slow down. For couples seeking an intimate, meaningful way to say “I do,” a Redwood elopement is a dream come true.
Whether you’re envisioning a quiet ceremony among the trees, a private adventure with your partner, or simply want to skip the traditional wedding stress, a Redwood Elopement offers a peaceful, romantic alternative.
As a photographer who specializes in documenting love stories in wild, scenic places, I’m here to help you plan a Redwood elopement that’s unforgettable, deeply personal, and stress-free. Let’s dive into everything you need to know.
Does this sound like your dream elopement? Keep reading for more info or reach out today, and let’s start planning something truly magical!
Why Choose the Redwoods for Your Elopement?
There’s nowhere else quite like the Redwoods. These ancient forests along Northern California’s coast are filled with soaring trees, lush ferns, and misty trails that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale.
A Redwood elopement is perfect for:
- Adventurous couples who want an epic backdrop for their vows.
- Nature lovers seeking a quiet, grounded wedding experience.
- Eco-conscious couples who want to celebrate their love in a minimal, sustainable way.
Aside from the obvious beauty, there are a number of practical reasons why Redwoods National and State Parks are one of the best places to elope.
Intimacy Like No Other
I can’t even begin to describe how peaceful it feels in the middle of the Redwoods. The moment you step into the forest, the rest of the world falls away. There’s this hush—like the trees are holding space just for you. No honking cars, no buzzing notifications. Just you, your partner, and the sound of the wind in the trees. It’s the perfect setting for couples who want their wedding day to feel slow, intentional, and deeply personal.
Financial Freedom
A Redwood Elopement is a budget-friendly alternative to a big traditional wedding. There’s no need to rent a massive venue or feed a hundred guests. The natural setting is your ceremony backdrop, decor, and photo location all in one—which saves you thousands without sacrificing magic. Whether you’re planning a two-person adventure or a small gathering, you can keep costs low and still have an unforgettable experience.
Mild Weather Year-Round
The coastal climate of Northern California means the Redwoods stay cool, misty, and magical year-round. Summers are rarely scorching, and winters are lush and green thanks to the rain. Even on foggy days (which are common!), the forest feels dreamy and cinematic—perfect for romantic photos. There’s no “bad” season here, just different flavors of beauty.
Remote But Not Inconvenient
One of the best parts about a Redwood Elopement? You’re away from the hustle and bustle. Most locations have little to no cell service—meaning no distractions, no social media, and no pressure. Just you two, fully present. And even though it feels like a hidden gem, the Redwoods are surprisingly accessible. You’re just a short drive from charming coastal towns and breathtaking beaches like Gold Bluffs Beach and the rugged coastline of Crescent City. Many couples even choose to pair a forest elopement with beach portraits at sunset.
Best Places to Elope in Redwoods
Looking for the perfect spot for your Redwood elopement? There are four parks within Redwood National and State Parks: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods County Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, & Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
This area offers some of the most iconic, dense old-growth redwoods. It’s a great option for couples looking for a private ceremony tucked away among the trees. The lush undergrowth and soft light create a cinematic vibe.
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
With dramatic coastline views and thick forests, this park offers the best of both worlds—ocean and redwoods. Perfect if you’re hoping to pair forest vows with beach portraits.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Located within the Redwood National and State Parks system, this park features lush trails like Fern Canyon and the cathedral-like Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. It’s easy to access, and ideal for dreamy forest elopement photos.
Often overlooked (but completely magical), this park is home to the famous Avenue of the Giants—a scenic drive that takes you through some of the tallest trees in the world. It’s less crowded than the national parks and has a wide range of accessible spots perfect for elopements, whether you’re hiking into the forest or pulling off for a peaceful ceremony right off the road. There are also beautiful nearby campgrounds and cabins for getting ready.
Accessibility Tip: Many locations have both easy-access groves and more secluded trails. Whether you want a short walk or an off-the-grid adventure, there’s something for everyone.
Best Time to Elope in Redwoods
Best Time of Year
The Redwoods are beautiful year-round, but the best time to elope in the Redwoods depends on your vision:
- Late spring to early fall (May–October): Drier, sunnier days with warm golden-hour light filtering through the trees.
- Winter (November–March): Dreamy fog, rain-kissed foliage, and fewer crowds—perfect for moody, romantic photos.
Time of Day
Keep in mind that early morning and sunset typically offer the softest, most flattering light for photography. However, for photos in the Redwoods, you might consider early afternoon. These towering trees block a lot of the sun and tend to make the forest floor pretty dark. The weather will also make a huge difference in your choice of time of day, and what the lighting looks like. My best advice would be to scout your exact location the day before. And go around the time you think you want to do the ceremony so you can see what the lighting scenario will look like.
In my experience, an afternoon or mid morning ceremony works great for a Redwood Elopement! And if you plan it just right, you could drive over to the beach for sunset photos after your ceremony and get the best of both worlds.
How to Elope in Redwoods
Permits and Legalities
To legally elope in the Redwoods, you’ll need two things:
- A California marriage license, which can be obtained from any California County Clerk’s office. You don’t have to get it in the same county where you’re eloping.
- A special use permit for holding a ceremony in a national or state park. Each park has its own rules, so it’s important to check in advance.
If you want to get married in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Redwoods State Park, or Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, you’ll need to get a Special Use Permit through the National Park Service. This permit allows for a ceremony scheduled for 1-3 hours, and has a non-refundable application fee of $100. You can read about the permit conditions + see further info here!
If you want to get married in Humboldt State Park, you will also need a special wedding permit, but you’ll get it via the California State Parks website instead. You can apply for your permit up to 6 months in advance, and no later than 4 weeks in advance! There’s a non-refundable permit application fee of $150, so make sure to budget for that. You can find further details + instructions to apply here!
If you’re hiring an officiant, make sure they’re legally authorized in California. You can also choose a friend or family member to get ordained online!
Traveling to Redwoods National Park
Planning a Redwood Elopement might feel intimidating at first—after all, these forests are remote and wild—but that’s part of what makes the experience so special. With a little guidance, it’s totally doable. Here’s what you need to know about getting there and finding a cozy place to stay.
Where to Fly Into
Depending on which area of the Redwoods you’re eloping in, there are a few airport options:
- Eureka/Arcata Airport (ACV): The most convenient airport for Prairie Creek and Humboldt Redwoods. It’s small but close!
- Medford, Oregon (MFR): A great option if you’re eloping in Jedediah Smith or Del Norte Coast Redwoods. About a 2–2.5 hour drive.
- San Francisco (SFO) or Sacramento (SMF): These major airports are 5–6+ hours away by car, but sometimes offer cheaper flights. You can make a scenic road trip out of it!
Where to Stay
There are charming lodging options throughout the region, whether you want a rustic cabin, forested Airbnb, or cozy boutique inn. Some ideas:
- Cabins in the Redwoods: Private cabins near Prairie Creek or Humboldt Redwoods are perfect for getting ready and relaxing in nature.
- Lodges & Inns: Check out the Requa Inn, Scotty’s Junction, or Lost Whale Inn for unique accommodations near the coast.
- Camping: For adventurous couples, there are beautiful campgrounds throughout the parks—Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is a favorite! You’re sure to see wildlife there.
- Airbnbs & VRBOs: Our favorite option! Look for rentals in Trinidad, McKinleyville, Crescent City, Orick, or Ferndale depending on your elopement location. For our most recent visit we stayed at this adorable little cabin in Arcata – perfect just for 2. But you might also check out this cozy home, or this incredible treehouse!
Transportation
You’ll definitely want to rent a car—there’s very little public transportation in this area, and many of the best spots require driving on winding forest roads. A small SUV or car with good clearance is helpful if you’re planning to explore more remote trails.
A Note About Cell Service
Heads up—cell reception is very limited inside the parks. Download maps in advance (Google Maps offline or AllTrails), and send any location info to guests or vendors before arriving in the forest. It’s part of the charm, honestly. No distractions. Just you, your love, and the wild around you.
Ceremony Spots to Elope in Redwoods
JEDEDIAH SMITH REDWOODS STATE PARK, DEL NORTE REDWOODS STATE PARK, PRAIRIE CREEK STATE PARK:
Here’s a list of approved ceremony locations, as well as the maximum group size allowed:
—Templeman Grove | 20 participants
—Organ Donor’s Grove | 20 participants
—River Trail | 8 participants
—Crescent Beach Day Use | 20 participants [available Oct 25th – May 1]
—Crescent Beach Overlook | 20 participants [available Oct 25th – May 1]
—High Bluff Overlook | 20 participants
—Merriman Grove | 8 participants
—Zig Zag #2 | 10 participants
—Schmidt Grove | 20 participants
—Prairie Creek Amphitheater | 20 participants [available Oct 25th – May 1]
—Lost Man Creek Gate | 20 participants
—Berry Glen | 6 participants
It’s important to note that other popular places such as Fern Canyon, Stout Grove, and Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail do not allow ceremonies. However, we can still do portraits at those spots!
HUMBOLDT STATE PARK:
Humboldt doesn’t have sites dedicated to ceremonies or special events; instead, you can just let them know where you’re thinking of hosting your ceremony and they’ll give you restrictions/requirements based on that location! The only places you can’t have your ceremony are Founders Grove, Rockefeller Forest, and California Federation of Womens’ Clubs Grove.
Example Timeline for a Redwoods Elopement Day
The best part of eloping is that your day can look like anything you want! The options are endless, but here’s an example of what your day could look like.
9:00 AM – Get ready in a cozy Airbnb cabin near Trinidad State Beach
12:00 PM – First look on Trinidad State beach
12:30 PM – Drive to Redwoods
1:30 PM – Short Hike to Ceremony Site
2:00 PM – Vows + ring exchange
2:30 PM – Explore and take portraits
3:30 PM – Break for rest or Champagne toast + picnic lunch
5:00 PM – Sunset photos on Gold Bluffs Beach
7:00 PM – Intimate dinner or fireside celebration
This can be totally customized based on your vision and priorities!
Ready to Plan Your Redwoods Elopement?
Your love story deserves a setting as unforgettable as your connection. Whether you’re dreaming of forest vows, misty coastal cliffs, or a slow, intentional day wrapped in nature—I’d love to help you bring it to life.
Let’s create something beautiful together. Contact me here to start planning your Redwoods elopement photos.
