I have to be honest… I think I know forests better than most people. I know, it sounds a bit pretentious, but hear me out. Specializing in elopements across the Pacific Northwest and the Redwoods tends to make you pretty particular about what makes a good forest. I’ve photographed forest elopements everywhere from Alaska to Maine to Utah, and let me just say, no two forests are the same.
Whether you’re envisioning a foggy, moss-covered forest straight out of Twilight, a sparse birch trail in peak fall color, or vows at the base of a giant old-growth tree, there’s a location on this list you’re going to love.
And while it’s hard to beat the West Coast when it comes to forests, this list stretches all across the United States to highlight some of the best forest elopement locations out there.
10 Best Forest Elopement Locations in the US
I’m extremely opinionated about forests. Spend enough time photographing elopements in the Pacific Northwest and Redwoods, and eventually you start ranking forests the way people rank coffee shops.
The locations on this list are forests I’ve personally photographed in or have visited, genuinely love for elopements, and would be 100% confident recommending to all my couples.
1. Redwood National Park, California
Go big or go home, am I right? When couples ask me about my favorite forest location in the entire world, Redwood National Park is always at the top of my list. How could it not be when it’s home to the tallest trees on Earth?
For a park so well-known by name, it’s surprising how uncrowded it is. There are no shortage of incredible ceremony locations, hiking trails, and even beaches in the park. Unlike many forests that get snow in the winter, Redwood National Park is one of the few places that’s open and snow-free year-round.
- Permit info: Yes, a $100-$320 permit is required depending on your location.
- Crowds: Low to moderate.
- Best time to elope: April-May and September-October.
Redwoods calling your name? I’ve got an entire elopement guide on how to elope in Redwood National Park!
2. Hoh Rainforest, Washington
The Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park is easily one of the most unique forest elopement locations in the US. It’s one of the last remaining temperate rainforests on Earth which, in less scientific terms, basically means it’s incredibly mossy, ridiculously green, and very, very rainy.
If your dream elopement looks like something out of Twilight, this is probably the place. And I would even say that about all of Olympic as a whole (I was tempted to add it to this list!) as there are so. many. forests.
A few things couples should know before planning here: the rainforest gets a lot of rain throughout the year, trails can be muddy, and the area is more remote than some of the other locations on this list. But if you’re willing to embrace the weather and the drive, the Hoh Rainforest is one of the most magical places you can elope in the Pacific Northwest.
- Permit info: Yes, a $50 permit is required for groups over 5.
- Crowds: Moderate to high.
- Best time to elope: April-November.
Check out my guide to eloping in the Hoh Rainforest!
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
The forests in Great Smoky Mountains National Park feel completely different from the forests you’ll find out West. Instead of redwoods or rainforests, the Smokies are known for their dense hardwood forests and constant fog (okay, maybe it is similar to the PNW in a way).
Fall is obviously incredible here, but the Smokies are beautiful year-round.
Because the park is so large, it’s possible to find quieter areas away from the busiest tourist spots, especially if you’re willing to plan for sunrise or weekdays. The weather can be unpredictable at times, but at least no matter where you go, you’ll find trees.
- Permit info: Yes, a $50 permit is required.
- Crowds: Moderate to high.
- Best time to elope: September-November.
4. Muir Woods, California
It almost feels unfair putting two redwood forests on this list, but if I left out Muir Woods I think at least half my California couples would come for me.
Muir Woods is proof that a forest location doesn’t need to be remote to be magical. Somehow, despite being so close to San Francisco, the second you step on the trail of the trees it feels like you’ve transported elsewhere. Ferns, beaches, and greenery await.
I especially love recommending this spot to couples who want the redwood forest experience but don’t necessarily want to spend their entire wedding day driving up north to the redwoods in Northern California.
- Permit info: Yes, a $700 permit is required.
- Crowds: High.
- Best time to elope: April-November.
I’ve got everything you need to know about how to elope in Muir Woods!
5. Tongass National Forest, Alaska
For couples who hate crowds, love the rain, and are willing to travel a little farther to get somewhere truly wild, Tongass National Forest might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Tongass is the largest national forest in the United States and also the largest temperate rainforest in the country at over 17 million acres. Yes, 17 million.
What makes Tongass especially unique though is that you can decide exactly how adventurous you want your elopement to be on a scale of 1 to 10. Since much of the forest surrounds areas like Juneau, you can spend the day exploring trails and beaches, then head back into town for a warm meal and an actual bed afterward. Or, if you want the full Alaska wilderness experience, it’s very easy to disappear into the forest and fully lean into the off-grid experience.
- Permit info: Not required.
- Crowds: Low.
- Best time to elope: July-September.
Interested in eloping in Alaska? I’ve got a guide for it!
6. White River National Forest, Colorado
White River National Forest is easily one of the best forest elopement locations in the US for couples adamant on a fall date. If you’ve ever seen photos of golden aspen groves in Colorado, chances are they were taken somewhere in this area.
White River is a forest location that has it all: alpine lakes, mountain passes, evergreen forests, and some of the best fall scenery in the country.
A lot of forest locations feel enclosed, but White River gives a couples a great balance of wooded trails and huge open landscapes.
Fall is obviously the star of the show here, but just be prepared for crowds during peak aspen season because Colorado in September is unfortunately a secret no more.
- Permit info: Not required.
- Crowds: Moderate.
- Best time to elope: Late June-early October.
7. Sequoia National Park, California
Sequoia National Park gets confused with the Redwoods all the time, which honestly used to confuse me too before I started photographing in both places. Yes, both have giant trees, but they’re completely different and located on total opposite sides of the state.
The Redwoods tend to be a bit more green and moody, whereas Sequoia is more mountainous and rugged. The trees here are absolutely massive, but the landscape around them is what really sets them apart. You can be walking through giant groves to suddenly be surrounded by granite mountains.
If you want a forest elopement that’s not just forest, Sequoia is such a good middle ground. Oh, and it’s a plus that it’s so close to Yosemite.
- Permit info: Yes, a $150 permit is required.
- Crowds: Moderate to high.
- Best time to elope: June-October.
You already know I have the go-to guide for eloping in Sequoia National Park!
8. Acadia National Park, Maine
While Acadia is mostly known for its coastline, I think the forests deserve way more attention than they get.
Acadia has what’s known as a transitional ecosystem, which basically means you’ll find a huge variety of trees here instead of just one dominant type of forest. There are evergreens, maples, birch trees, and more. So if you’re the kind of couple struggling to decide what type of forest you want to elope in, Acadia kind of solves that problem for you.
I also love that the forest trails see hardly any visitors since most people gravitate toward the coastline instead. And while I definitely think you should take advantage of the coast for portraits at some point during the day, the underrated forest groves for your ceremony are a must.
- Permit info: Yes, a $125 permit is required.
- Crowds: Moderate to high.
- Best time to elope: May-November.
9. Willamette National Forest, Oregon
Willamette National Forest feels like a classic Oregon forest. In fact, I probably could’ve just listed the entire state and call it a day, but if I had to choose, Willamette would be my top choice.
This forest is packed with mossy trails, waterfalls, lakes, and dense evergreen scenery that makes the Pacific Northwest so recognizable.
What I really love about Willamette for elopements though is how more laid-back and less crowded than some of the bigger-name national parks nearby. Honestly, if someone told me they wanted a forest elopement in the Pacific Northwest and had no other details, this would probably be one of the first places I’d suggest.
- Permit info: Not required.
- Crowds: Low to moderate.
- Best time to elope: July-September.
Want to see more? I have a list of all the best places to elope in Oregon!
10. Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina
Pisgah National Forest is one of the most overlooked forest elopement locations on the East Coast. Easily.
The first thing people usually picture when they think of North Carolina is the Blue Ridge Parkway, and yes, that area is gorgeous, but if you need a spot that’s just as beautiful with less people, let me introduce you to Pisgah.
This place gets so green in the summer. Like almost aggressively green. Add in the fog (and maybe a waterfall or two) and you’ve got yourself a scene straight out of a movie (and a photographer’s lighting dream).
Another thing I love about Pisgah is that it works for any and everyone. There are easy-access locations if you don’t want a huge hiking day, but there are also plenty of longer trails if you want something more secluded. And in the fall, the colors here are unreal.
- Permit info: No required.
- Crowds: Low to moderate.
- Best time to elope: May-October.
And there you have it, folks! If you need me, I’ll probably be somewhere deep in the woods scouting another forest trail.
But seriously, I hope this helped narrow things down a little. Whether you’re dreaming of giant redwoods, foggy Appalachian trails, or moss-covered rainforests in Alaska, there are so many incredible places in the US to plan a forest elopement. And if you need someone to help you figure it all out, I might just be your girl!
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.
