If you’ve been dreaming about saying your vows at the base of giant redwood trees, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is one of the most beautiful places in Northern California to make it happen. I’ve been photographing elopements in the redwoods for over seven years, and this park is one I recommend over and over again for couples looking for accessibility, easy access to an airport, and of course, breathtaking trails and groves.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to a wedding or elopement at Armstrong Redwoods, including ceremony sites, permit information, guest limits, and tips for making the most of your day.
Armstrong Redwoods Ceremony Locations
Armstrong Redwoods currently offers a few designated areas where weddings and elopements are permitted. While the park is full of incredible redwood groves, ceremonies are typically held in specific locations that can accommodate groups and meet the park’s permit requirements.
Let’s compare the sites and see which one might be best for your wedding or elopement.
Group Picnic Area (Smokey’s Den)
Max capacity: 150 people.
The Group Picnic Area, often referred to as Smokey’s Den, is the most popular ceremony location in Armstrong Redwoods and easily my personal favorite for larger groups. This specific site has an amazing cathedral-like redwood setup that looks amazing in pictures.
One of the biggest advantages of Smokey’s Den is that it can accommodate up to 150 guests. The space includes picnic tables, aBBQ grill, water fountain and bathrooms. Because it’s located just a short walk from the main parking lot, it’s also one of the most guest-friendly locations in the park. However, that also means that this area tends to be a little noisy since it’s right next to the road and parking lot.
This specific site accepts permit applications up to 18 months in advance since it’s so popular (more on that later), so be sure to plan ahead!
The Forest Theatre
Max capacity: 400 people.
The Forest Theatre is one of the most unique ceremony locations in Armstrong Redwoods.
The space includes a ton of built-in wooden seating arranged in rows. Because the seating is already installed, couples don’t need to worry about renting chairs or arranging additional setup. The background of the theatre is stunning and definitely feels a little more formal than the picnic area.
Another advantage of the Forest Theatre is its accessibility. While there is a short walk required to reach it, the trail is close to some parking spaces, making it easy for guests of all ages to attend. It also feels a lot more private than the Group Picnic Area.
Currently, The Forest Theatre is only reservable on a very limited, case-by-case basis, and must be approved by events staff so be flexible when it comes to this spot!
Pioneer Nature Trail
Max capacity: 3 people.
The Pioneer Nature Trail offers a completely different experience from the more structured ceremony areas in the park.
This is the most popular hiking trail in the park and will take you to the oldest and tallest tree in the area. That said, because it’s so popular, it tends to be busy. It’s not uncommon to have to step aside to let visitors pass, though there are always a few pull outs for more privacy.
Because the trail is narrow, ceremonies here are usually best suited for true elopements. That said, it’s one of the best places in the park for portraits and post-ceremony photos.
Photographer tip: If you want to explore other redwood parks, you might also enjoy my guide to the best redwoods elopement locations in California, where I compare some of the most beautiful parks across the state.
Things to Know Before Your Armstrong Redwoods Wedding
Florals
Because Armstrong Redwoods is a protected natural area, there are some restrictions on decorations, plants, and flowers that can be brought into the park. Only florals that are native to the area are allowed for ceremonies. Luckily, if you work with a local florist who’s familiar with the park’s guidelines, this usually isn’t an issue.
Crowds
While many people assume Armstrong Redwoods is quiet, the park actually sees a similar number of visitors each year as its more well-known counterpart, Muir Woods in the San Francisco area (another incredible redwood wedding location, by the way).
To avoid crowds, I recommend planning an early morning or late afternoon ceremony and choosing a weekday instead of a weekend whenever possible.
Parking
There is a $10 day-use fee to enter Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Parking can also be somewhat limited during peak hours, especially on weekends and during the summer months, so it’s a good idea to carpool and plan ahead if you’re expecting guests.
Best Time of Day for a Ceremony
Morning ceremonies tend to be the least crowded time for an Armstrong Redwoods wedding. I also tend to like mornings for lighting purposes as well. Because the trees block out the sun so well, I don’t usually recommend sunrise or sunset in the area if you don’t want your photos to come out on the darker side.
Do You Need a Permit to Get Married in Armstrong Redwoods?
Yes. If you plan to get married in Armstrong Redwoods, you will need to obtain a Special Use Permit from the park.
Wedding permits currently cost $400 and can typically be obtained between 30 and 180 days before your ceremony date.
Here’s how the process works:
- Email russianriver.specialevents@parks.ca.gov or call (707) 865-2394 to confirm your ceremony location is available and request a permit application.
- Complete the application and return it to the park office.
- Once the park reviews and approves the application, you will submit payment either online or by mailing a check. The park will give you instructions.
- Your final permit will be issued a few weeks before your ceremony. Be sure to bring a copy with you on your wedding day in case a ranger asks to see it.
How to Get a Marriage License in Sonoma County
If you’re getting married in California, you can obtain a marriage license in any county in the state. However, California requires couples to apply in person, which means out-of-state couples usually need to arrive a few days before their ceremony to complete the process.
If you’d like to obtain your license in Sonoma County (where Armstrong Redwoods is located), the process is simple:
- Fill out the online marriage license application through the Sonoma County Clerk’s website.
- Schedule an in-person appointment to pick up your license.
- Bring valid IDs and payment for the license fee.
The current fee for a Sonoma County marriage license is $82. Your license is valid for 90 days.
Best Time of Year for an Armstrong Redwoods Wedding
Spring (April-May)
Because Armstrong Redwoods sits in a slightly more mountainous area than many other redwood parks, spring is one of the best times of year to see wildflowers nearby. While the park itself has some blooms, I highly recommend heading out toward the coast after your ceremony to see some of the incredible wildflowers along the coastal bluffs. My personal favorite locations for portraits include Sonoma Coast State Park, and if you’re willing to drive a bit more north, Stewart’s Point, aka one of the best places to elope in California!
Spring temperatures are mild, the forest is really green from the winter rains, and crowds are still low. Overall, it’s one of my favorite seasons for elopements in the park.
Summer (June-August)
Summer mornings in the park are some of my favorites. This is often the best time of year to see those incredible rays of light filtering through the trees thanks to the fog that rolls in from the Pacific Ocean. I’ll insert some photos throughout this guide so you can see what I mean.
However, summer can also be quite warm in this region. Temperatures outside the park occasionally reach 100°F, and this is also the busiest season for visitors. While summer can still be a beautiful time to get married here, I usually recommend planning carefully around crowds and warm temperatures.
Fall (September-October)
After Labor Day, crowds significantly thin out and the weather becomes cooler and much more comfortable. While you won’t see fall colors inside the park (the redwoods are evergreen), nearby Sonoma County vineyards begin changing color, which is really pretty to see.
October is one of my personal favorite times of year for elopements in this area. It’s hard to go wrong with a fall wedding date here.
Winter (November-March)
For couples who are a bit more introverted or aren’t huge fans of crowds, winter is one of the most underrated seasons in Armstrong Redwoods. Visitor numbers are at their lowest, and if you time things right, you may even have parts of the park almost entirely to yourselves.
The main tradeoff is the rain. Winter storms are common in the redwoods, so flexibility is key if you’re planning a winter ceremony.
Need an Armstrong Redwoods Elopement Photographer?
Hi there, I’m Brianna! I’m a Northern California elopement photographer and planner who specializes in helping couples plan amazing wedding days in places like Armstrong Redwoods and other incredible redwood forests across the state.
From helping you find the perfect ceremony location to recommending trusted local vendors and navigating permits and marriage licenses, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. My goal is to make the planning process simple and stress-free so you can focus on the fun part: getting married!
If you’re ready to start planning your Armstrong Redwoods elopement, you can explore my elopement packages here or take a quick peek at what’s included below.
Armstrong Redwoods Elopement Packages
- 4 hours – 2 days of elopement coverage anywhere in California
- A personalized elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
- Personalized elopement location recommendations
- Vendor, lodging, and activity recommendations
- Assistance and information to help you with permits, licenses, etc.
- 90+ page elopement planning guide filled with tips and tricks
- Customized elopement timelines
- Optional complimentary officiant services
- Online gallery with full resolution images and printing rights
- 24-48 hour sneak peeks to share with the world
- Travel fees to anywhere in California are already included
- Starting at $6,500
Want to Explore More Redwood Wedding Locations?
Armstrong Redwoods is an amazing place to get married, but it’s far from the only redwood grove in California. If you’re still deciding where to elope, you might enjoy these guides:
- Best Redwood Wedding Venues in California
- How to Elope in Redwood National Park
- How to Get Married in Muir Woods
- Best Redwoods Elopement Locations in California
- Best Places to Elope in California
- How and Where to Plan a Northern California Elopement
Don’t forget your FREE elopement guide!
An all-in-one planning guide for all things elopements! Whether you’re hoping to hike through the mountains of Washington or sip a margarita on the beaches of California, this comprehensive elopement guide has everything you need to know about how to plan the perfect elopement.
You? You’re the kind of person that gets a lil’ teary eyed looking at an epic view…
That moment when you turn to the person you’re with and ask, “Are you seeing this?” I live for it. Places with trees and mountains and soft breezes that make you say, “I can’t believe this place exists,” I spend pretty much all of my free time searching for and exploring them.
These places have always felt like home to me. And if you’re the kind of person who also feels more at home surrounded by trees than by people? Then we’ll get along really well. The Pacific Northwest is full of secret spots that are too special to share with just anyone. But it would make me happy to share them with you on your wedding day.
If the mountains/beaches/redwood forests are calling your name, go ahead…
(I promise you won’t regret it.)
P.S. I’m Brianna. I’m a Pacific Northwest elopement photographer whose mission is to create custom, one-of-a-kind elopement experiences in the Pacific Northwest that allow couples to fully immerse themselves in the highest levels of excitement and wonder on a day designed exclusively for them.
