When it comes to redwood elopement locations, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is one of the biggest hidden gems there is… and this is coming from someone who has photographed in almost every major redwood grove over the past seven years.
If you’re dreaming of getting married in the redwoods without the crowds of some of California’s more well-known parks, Henry Cowell is an incredible place to elope.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to plan a wedding in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. We’ll cover everything from ceremony locations and permit requirements to the best time of year to elope and how to obtain your California marriage license.
Best Ceremony Locations in Henry Cowell State Park
Henry Cowell allows weddings in only three designated locations within the park: the Reservable Grove, Picnic Area 1, and the Picnic Overflow Lot. Ceremonies are not allowed anywhere else in the park.
Below, you’ll find more information about each location, along with photos to help you decide which ceremony spot might be the best fit for your wedding or elopement.
Reservable Grove
Max capacity: 20
Out of the three ceremony sites, the Reservable Grove is the best place to get married in Henry Cowell, no question.
This is the only location out of the three that actually has redwoods. It’s located about 50 feet off the main park trail. Granted, you do have a bit more privacy than being on the actual trail, but you still may see or hear hikers passing through. There’s a half mile walk to reach it, but the trail is super flat, easy, and very doable for all ages.
You can’t bring any decorations or chairs to this location, but you really won’t need them once you see the scenery.
Picnic Area 1
Max capacity: 150
Picnic Area 1 is a really good option for couples who have a lot of guests. Unfortunately, you won’t find any redwoods here. There are a few nearby, but the actual picnic area itself doesn’t have any notable trees.
The upsides to this location are that it tends to be much quieter than other areas of the park, you’re allowed to bring in a few decorations with park approval, and you’re very close to the San Lorenzo River which is a beautiful photo location.
I usually recommend this spot for couples who want to have a larger ceremony, but still be near the redwoods you can use for couples portraits after.
Picnic Overflow Lot
Max capacity: 75
This location is incredibly similar to Picnic Area 1. The Picnic Overflow Lot has the same traits: no redwoods, close to the river, and a bit quieter than the main areas of the park.
You’re allowed to bring in a few decorations with park approval and there’s a good amount of seating for guests. Aside from this, you’re pretty much looking at the same location as Picnic Area 1.
Redwood Grove Loop Trail
You’re not allowed to have a ceremony along the Redwood Grove Loop Trail (only at its pull-off of the Reservable Grove), but I wanted to include this as a location to use for portraits after a ceremony.
You’re not going to find bigger or better redwoods in the park than along this specific trail. The entire trail is only 0.8 miles long in length. It’s a big, flat loop that’s super easy for couples and guests of all ages and is hands-down my favorite location in the entire park for photos.
This is the kind of scenery I’m sure you’re imagining when you’re thinking about a Henry Cowell Redwoods wedding.
Want more redwoods? If you’re looking for something a little more private or heavier on the redwoods, I recommend checking out Roaring Camp which is located right across the street. You can rent out private groves for your wedding or elopement. I featured it in my my article about the best redwood wedding venues in California.
Open to driving? I recommend exploring getting married in Muir Woods, planning your big day in Armstrong Redwoods State Park, eloping in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, or even making your way up north to get married in Redwood National Park itself!
Do You Need a Permit to Get Married in Henry Cowell?
Yes. If you’re getting married in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, you need a permit. Fees range from $325-$725 depending on your location and guest count. Here’s a breakdown of the permit fees for each location and how to get one:
| Location | Guest Count | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Reservable Grove | up to 20 people | $525 |
| Picnic Area 1 | up to 50 people | $575 |
| Picnic Area 1 | 51-100 people | $675 |
| Picnic Area 1 | 101-150 people | $775 |
| Picnic Overflow Lot | up to 50 people | $325 |
| Picnic Overflow Lot | 51-75 people | $425 |
- Call (831) 335-6324 or email the Special Event Coordinator at mtnspecevent@parks.ca.gov to check a specific date for availability and to request an application.
- After completing the application, email your application back in. You may be asked to mail in a $25 nonrefundable fee or pay online after submitting.
- Once your permit has been approved, you’ll be required to pay the remaining fee.
- After all fees the paid, the park will send you a finalized copy. Bring this with you on your wedding day.
Best Time of Year to Get Married in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
The spring and fall are the two best times of year to get married in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Thanks to its coastal climate, you can get married at Henry Cowell anytime throughout the year. However, there are a few seasons that shine above the rest…
Spring (March-May)
Spring is unbelievably beautiful in Henry Cowell. The redwoods and ferns are bright green from all the winter rain, wildflowers start blooming along the trails and nearby meadows, and there are hardly any crowds leading up to Memorial Day. The only thing to note is that depending on rainfall, some of the trails in the park could be a little muddy.
Summer (June-August)
Everybody loves great weather which means everybody is outside! This is the park’s busiest season of the year. It’s not uncommon to have to wait for parking or to be close to groups of hikers the entire time you’re on the trail. Yes, the weather is really nice, but unless you’re okay with crowds or are planning your ceremony around sunrise or sunset, I recommend holding off a little bit longer until the fall season if you can.
Fall (September-October)
Fall is an amazing time of year to elope in Henry Cowell. After Labor Day, the visitor number drops significantly, meaning you’ll have a much better chance at having a ceremony without tourists. Not only is the weather super nice, but the nearby trees around the area start changing color, which as we all know, makes for a pretty gorgeous picture.
Winter (November-December)
Winter is an underrated time of year for a Henry Cowell Redwoods wedding. If you’re willing to gamble with the rain, you could experience a wedding in the park without so much of a peep from another visitor. The trails can be muddy, but with the nearby rivers at their fullest and the trees at some of their greenest, I don’t think you’d mind a little mud.
Pro tip: Get married on a weekday during sunrise or sunset to avoid crowds.
How to Get a Marriage License
You can get a marriage license in any county of California. If you want to get one in Santa Cruz County, here’s how to do it:
- Fill out and print off this marriage license application.
- Book an appointment online to pick the your license. You can also apply for the license in-person if you don’t want to print out an application ahead of time.
- Both of you must show up in-person with your IDs and $90 in cash or check.
- You’ll get your license and are good to go!
- After the ceremony, mail or drop off the marriage license for processing.
P.S. You’ll need an officiant and one witness to sign the license. I can do either!
Henry Cowell Fees and Rules
Before getting married in Henry Cowell, there are a few rules and fees you’ll want to be aware of.
Entry Fees
It costs $10 for parking. This is paid at the ranger station before entering the park.
Decorations
Henry Cowell only allows simple decorations at the picnic areas with prior approval such as signs and arches. Throwing flower petals, bird seed, confetti, or even having music is strictly prohibited.
Cell Service
Cell service can be a hit or miss. Be sure guests and vendors are on the same page about where to meet before the big day!
Henry Cowell Wedding Photographer
Hi there, I’m Brianna! I’m a Northern California elopement photographer and planner who specializes in helping couples plan wedding days in redwood locations like like Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
From helping you choose the perfect ceremony location within the park to recommending trusted local vendors and navigating permits and marriage licenses, I’m here to guide you through every step of the process. My goal is to make planning your redwood elopement feel simple and stress-free so you can focus on the best part: getting married.
If you’re still exploring locations, you might also enjoy my Northern California elopement guide, where I share some of the best places across the region to plan an outdoor wedding or adventure elopement.
And if Henry Cowell feels like the perfect place for your wedding day, you can explore my elopement packages here or take a quick peek at what’s included below.
Henry Cowell 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
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.
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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.
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If the mountains/beaches/redwood forests are calling your name, go ahead…
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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.
