Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a small but mighty place to get married in California. Having been up and down the entire state, photographing elopements here for the past seven years, and being a local California resident, I’m confident in saying that Henry Cowell is one of the bigger hidden gems when it comes to redwood elopement locations. And yes, I’ve photographed an elopement in practically every major redwood grove in the state.
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 do so. However, planning a wedding here can feel a bit overwhelming. You might be wondering where the best ceremony locations are, how much a permit costs, when to visit, or how crowded the park can get.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to plan a wedding in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. We’ll cover everything above and more, including the best ceremony locations, permits and fees, the best time of year to get married, what to expect when it comes to crowds, and a few helpful tips to make a wedding in the park a breeze.
Best Ceremony Locations in Henry Cowell State Park
The first step in planning your wedding here is choosing where you want to have your ceremony.
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 Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
Below, you’ll find more information about each ceremony location, along with photos to help you decide which spot might be the best fit for your wedding or elopement.
1. Reservable Grove
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 ceremony location out of the three that actually has redwoods. It’s located about 50 feet off the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, which gives you a bit more privacy than being directly on the main trail. That said, you may still see or hear hikers passing by.
There’s about a half-mile walk to reach the grove, but the trail is super flat, easy, and very doable for all ages.
You can’t bring decorations or chairs to this location, but once you see the scenery, you really won’t need them.
Apart from the ceremony location itself, the Redwood Grove Loop Trail is the main trail of the park and only location that has redwoods, so it’s super popular for portraits as well.
- Max capacity: 20
- Permit cost: $525
2. Picnic Area 1
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 spot for photos.
I usually recommend this location for couples who want to have a larger ceremony but still be close to the redwoods for couples portraits afterward.
- Max capacity: 150
- Permit cost: $575-$775
3. Picnic Overflow Lot
This location is incredibly similar to Picnic Area 1. The Picnic Overflow Lot has many of 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 that, you’re pretty much looking at the same experience as Picnic Area 1.
- Max capacity: 75
- Permit cost: $325-$425
Best Places for Wedding Photos in Henry Cowell
Once your ceremony is over, there are a few other areas of Henry Cowell that are worth exploring for photos. You can’t have a ceremony in these locations, but they’re some of my favorite spots in the park for portraits and give you a little more variety than staying in one place the entire time.
1. Redwood Grove Loop Trail
Like I said above, you’re unfortunately not allowed to have a ceremony along the Redwood Grove Loop Trail (only at its pull-off, the Reservable Grove), but I wanted to include this as a location to use for portraits after your ceremony.
You’re not going to find bigger or better redwoods in the park than along this specific trail. The entire loop is only 0.8 miles long, and it’s super flat and easy for couples and guests of all ages. It’s 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 think 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 redwood groves for your wedding or elopement. I featured it in 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!
2. Fall Creek to Lime Kilns Trail
Like the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, you can’t have a ceremony here, but you can use the trail for portraits.
The Fall Creek to Lime Kilns Trail is 3.5 miles long and lets you explore, you guessed it, 19th-century lime kilns! There are quite a few redwoods along the trail, many of them on the smaller side, but if you’re looking to get away from the crowds you’ll find on the main trail, this is a great spot.
I also love the variety of scenery you get here, particularly the gorgeous creek that runs alongside the trail!
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. Permit fees range from $325-$725 depending on your ceremony location and guest count. Here’s a breakdown of the fees for each location, along with how to apply:
| Location | Guest Count | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Reservable Grove | 1-20 | $525 |
| Picnic Area 1 | 21-50 | $575 |
| Picnic Area 1 | 51-100 | $675 |
| Picnic Area 1 | 101-150 | $775 |
| Picnic Overflow Lot | 1-50 | $325 |
| Picnic Overflow Lot | 51-75 | $425 |
- Call (831) 335-6324 or email the Special Event Coordinator at mtnspecevent@parks.ca.gov to check whether your date is available and request an application.
- Once you’ve completed the application, email it back to the park. You may be asked to mail in a $25 nonrefundable application fee or pay it online after submitting.
- Once your permit has been approved, you’ll be required to pay the remaining balance.
- After all fees have been paid, the park will send you a finalized copy of your permit. Bring this with you on your wedding day.
When’s the Best Time of Year to Get Married in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park?
Spring and fall, particularly March-May and September-October, 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 (no snow!). 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 can 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 be around groups of hikers throughout your time 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 until fall if you can.
Fall (September-October)
Fall is an amazing time of year to elope in Henry Cowell. After Labor Day, visitor numbers drop significantly, meaning you’ll have a much better chance of having a ceremony without as many tourists around. Not only is the weather super nice, but some of the nearby trees start changing color, which, as we all know, makes for a pretty gorgeous picture.
Winter (November-February)
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 as 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 around sunrise or sunset to avoid crowds.
What Time of Day Should I Have My Ceremony in Henry Cowell?
For the best lighting and the fewest crowds, I recommend having your ceremony in the early morning or late afternoon. Henry Cowell gets busiest during the middle of the day, so avoiding those peak hours can make a huge difference.
Morning ceremonies are usually the best option if privacy is your top priority and my personal favorite time for photos. You’ll typically run into fewer people on the trails, parking is much easier, and the lighting is to-die-for.
Late afternoon ceremonies are also great! The light is good, visitors start to leave for the day, and you can easily head to the coast afterward for sunset portraits.
It gets dark underneath the redwoods much earlier than the actual sunset time. Because the trees are so tall and dense, I usually recommend starting your ceremony at least a few hours before sunset rather than waiting until golden hour.
How to Get a Marriage License
You can get a marriage license in any county in California. If you want to get yours in Santa Cruz County (county of Henry Cowell), here’s how to do it:
- Fill out and print off this marriage license application.
- Book an appointment online to pick up your license. You can also apply in person if you don’t want to fill out the application ahead of time.
- Both of you must show up in person with your IDs and $90 in cash or check.
- You’ll receive your marriage license and are good to go!
- After the ceremony, mail or drop off the signed 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
Parking costs $10 per vehicle and is paid at the ranger station before entering the park.
Decorations
Henry Cowell only allows simple decorations in the picnic areas with prior park approval, such as signs and arches. Throwing flower petals, bird seed, or confetti is prohibited, and music is not allowed.
Cell Service
Cell service can be hit or miss throughout the park. Make sure your guests and vendors know exactly where and when to meet before the big day!
Henry Cowell Wedding Photographer
If you’re planning a wedding in Henry Cowell and want someone who already knows the park, I’d love to help.
I’m Brianna! I’ve spent years photographing elopements throughout Northern California, with a special expertise in the redwoods, so I know how much the little details matter. Things like choosing the right ceremony spot, avoiding crowds, figuring out permits, and building a timeline are all things I help with. Call me your wedding planner and photographer all in one!
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!
Planning an elopement sounds simple… until you realize there are approximately 147 things to figure out.
This free guide walks you through choosing a location, permits, timelines, what to pack, vendors, weather, and more.
Whether you’re dreaming of getting married in the Redwoods or exchanging vows on the Oregon Coast, this is a solid place to start.
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 Redwoods are 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, a Redwoods elopement photographer whose mission is to create custom, one-of-a-kind elopement experiences that allow couples to fully immerse themselves in the highest levels of excitement and wonder on a day designed exclusively for them.
