How to Plan a Forest Elopement in 2026

Dreaming of a Twilight-inspired wedding, a ceremony amongst the Redwoods, or a dinner in the forest? You’re in the right place! This guide has everything you need to bring your forest elopement dreams to life, with a detailed step-by-step checklist covering everything from finding the perfect location to securing the right permits. Let’s begin!

Step 1: Choose a Location

The first step in planning a forest elopement is choosing a location. From Washington’s mossy rainforests to California’s towering Redwoods, these are the seven best locations for your forest elopement.

Hoh Rainforest

It wouldn’t be a forest elopement guide without mentioning the Hoh Rainforest. Located in Olympic National Park, the Hoh Rainforest is known to be one of the largest temperate rainforests in the United States. It’s also the quietest place in the continental U.S. If you’re after a mossy forest like the ones in Twilight, you won’t find one better than the Hoh Rainforest.

• Best time of year to elope: May
• Permit required: Yes, $50
• Max capacity: 10 people

Redwood National Park

One of the most famous forest elopement locations is Redwood National Park. When you think of a forest wedding, you think of vibrant greens and a whole lot of trees, everything Redwood National Park has to offer and more. It’s also just minutes away from the coast (a 2-for-1!).

• Best time of year to elope: April-May, September-November
• Permit required: Yes, $200
• Max capacity: 20 people

Mt. Hood National Forest

It’s hard choosing just one forest in Oregon because the entire state has such an incredible variety. Mt. Hood National Forest is one of the best. It’s known for its waterfalls, mountain views, and of course, forest groves. Plus, it’s proximity to Portland makes this one of the best “honeymoon and elopement in one” locations!

• Best time of year to elope: June, September-October
• Permit required: Usually no, but it depends on the specific location
• Max capacity: Up to 75 in some locations

Tongass National Forest

Located in Alaska, the Tongass National Forest is the largest forest within the United States. This is the perfect location for couples who want to see a variety of different landscapes. Here, you’ll be surrounded with wildlife, crystal clear lakes, dramatic mountains, rushing waterfalls, and towering pine trees.

• Best time of year to elope: August-September
• Permit required: Usually no, but it depends on the specific location
• Max capacity: Up to 100 in some locations

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Last on the list is Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee. Known for its rolling mist, wildflowers, and endless layers of mountains, the Smokies have incredible overlooks and forests groves for couples looking to elope in America’s most popular national park.

• Best time of year to elope: September-October
• Permit required: Yes, $50
• Max capacity: 25

Step 2: Choose Your Date

The best time of year for a forest elopement is usually during the spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) season. I personally recommend the spring, as forests will be at their peak for greenery.

Keep in mind that each forest has its own climate—while the forests in California could be sunny, the ones in Alaska could still be covered in snow. It’s always a good idea to ask your photographer what date is best for your location.

• Summer (June-August): Warm weather but crowded trails and lots of bugs. Plan for a sunrise or sunset elopement.
• Fall (September-October): Certain locations attract crowds with their fall colors, but overall, the weather is nice and it’s less busy than the summer. One of my favorite times of year for forest elopements!
• Winter (November-February): Snowy and rainy, but makes for some incredible photo lighting. Don’t expect crowds, either!
• Spring (March-May): Forests are at their peak greenery for the year. Occasional spring showers, but the best time of year for a forest elopement. No crowds and gorgeous greens!

Step 3: Hire Your Vendors

Book your wedding vendors as soon as you get engaged, especially your elopement photographer. In fact, you should consider hiring your photographer before nailing down a date. Why? Elopements generally don’t have planners, so many photographers (myself included) help with planning. We consider factors you might not, like lighting, permits, locations, etc.

I personally provide my couples with a custom location list, assist with, permits, marriage licenses, vendor recommendations, timeline creation, and more.

Trust me on this one. Hiring your forest elopement photographer early will take a huge weight off your shoulders.

Aside from your photographer, other vendors bring a wealth of knowledge. Florists know which flowers are allowed in certain forests, hair and makeup artists ensure your look stays flawless all day, and officiants can make your day feel more personalized.

Step 4: Get Your Permits

Getting the right permits for your forest elopement is crucial—skipping this step can lead to fines or even a canceled wedding!

Permit requirements vary by location. National parks and forests typically require a special use permit. Not sure if you need a permit? Google the following: “[forest] wedding permit” and you should find a page with more information. Permits usually cost $50-$200.

Luckily, most elopement photographers (myself included!) help guide couples through the permit process, ensuring everything is legally set for your big day.

Step 5: Book Your Travel

At this stage, book your flights, lodging, and activities. Many forests are remote and not easily accessible—that’s part of their charm! Be sure to budget extra time for travel, including longer drives and possible flight delays.

Step 6: Get Your Marriage License

It’s time to get your marriage license! Simply Google the county you’re marrying in, followed by “marriage license” for specific details. While most states don’t require the license from the county where you’re marrying, it’s a good place to start. Some states, like Washington, offer online applications, while others, like California, require in-person visits. Don’t forget to check with your photographer—they should have all the info you need!

Step 7: Make a Timeline

It’s time to make a timeline of the day to make sure your elopement day goes off without a hitch. A good timeline organizes locations, activities, and lets guests know where to be and when. Don’t forget to include driving times and buffers just in case!

Step 8: Elope in the Forest!

The details are all set, and now it’s time to elope in the forest! From the perfect location to the best vendors, you’ve got everything you need for an unforgettable day. Be sure to save this guide to your computer so you can easily come back to it anytime for all the tips and inspiration you’ll need along the way. Your dream elopement is just getting started!

Forest Wedding Packages

I’m Brianna, a California-based elopement photographer specializing in forest weddings, and I’m here to help you create the adventure of a lifetime! Whether you’re planning a dreamy forest elopement, a mountaintop celebration, or a beach ceremony, I offer tailored packages to fit your vision. Ready to make your dream elopement a reality? Check out a sneak peak of my packages below!

Forest Wedding Package Pricing:

• 4 hours – 2 days of elopement coverage anywhere in CA, WA, or OR
• A hands-on forest planning experience with unlimited assistance
  • personalized forest elopement locations
  • vendor recommendations
  • permit assistance
  • customized elopement timeline
  • optional complimentary officiant services
• Online gallery with full resolution and printing rights
• 24-48 hour sneak peaks 
• Travel fees to anywhere in California, Oregon, or Washington already included
• Starting at $8,000