When I tell you my jaw dropped (hence the title of this blog post) when I saw the light rays we got lucky with on Audrey and Austin’s day, I mean it was practically unhinged at that point.
When these two first reached out, they were dead set on getting married in the Redwoods. But if you’ve ever been to Redwood National Park, you know how isolated it is—basically a hidden gem, but also pretty far off the beaten path. That can make things tricky when you’re planning a wedding, especially when you have friends and family flying in from all over. The location was perfect in theory, but the logistics? Not so much. They needed something close to a major airport so their loved ones wouldn’t have to endure an entire day of travel just to get there.
So, I threw out the idea of Muir Woods. If you’re a San Francisco local, you know it’s *the* Redwood spot—just a short drive from the city and easy to get to. It’s got that same vibe as the national park without the long haul, and let’s be real, the light in Muir Woods? It’s next level, no matter the time of year you visit.
Fast forward to the day of their wedding. These two had the most incredible ceremony at Founder’s Grove early in the morning. The best part? Not a soul walked by during the entire thing. For a location as busy as Muir Woods is, this was a shock in the best way possible of course. But here’s where it got really good: the portraits. Up until that point, the day had been foggy—typical Northern California weather. But then, as if the universe was on our side, the sun broke through the trees and those iconic light rays appeared. I think the tourists around us were probably wondering why I looked like I’d seen a ghost, but I couldn’t hold back my excitement. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.
After some portraits, we made our way to our final stop: Muir Beach. This is when Audrey and Austin were able to truly living in the moment. You could see it in their smiles, the way they ran around on the beach, barefoot and carefree. Honestly, I think that’s the best part of the whole day—when a couple gets to step away from the formalities of the wedding itself and just be with each other, having fun and making memories.
I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day for these two. It was one of those days that made me fall in love with being an elopement photographer all over again. I can’t wait until the next couple comes along and gets to experience the same.
How to Plan a Muir Woods Wedding
This is my foolproof step-by-step guide on how to get married in Muir Woods.
- Choose your date.
- You can get married in Muir Woods any day of the week. However, from May 15th to October 15th, weddings are only allowed on weekdays.
- Choose your location.
- You can take portraits anywhere in the park. However, these are the following sites in Muir Woods that are permitted for ceremonies:
- Founders Grove – Up to 30 people.
- Bohemian Grove – Up to 10 people.
- Fern Creek – Up to 30 people.
- You can take portraits anywhere in the park. However, these are the following sites in Muir Woods that are permitted for ceremonies:
- Choose your ceremony time.
- Ceremonies in Muir Woods are only allowed before 10am or after 4:30pm.
- Apply for a special use permit.
- A special use permit is required to have your wedding in the park. The permit costs $700, and applications are reviewed within 15 days. If approved, you’ll receive the permit a few weeks before your big day.
- Purchase a vehicle reservation.
- You will need to purchase a parking reservation before entering the park. The cost is $9.50 for a standard vehicle or $12.50 for an electric vehicle.
- Get married!
- You’re all set! It’s time to day “I do!”
Muir Woods Elopement Packages
If Muir Woods sounds like the dreamiest place to tie the knot (spoiler alert: it is) then you’ve come to the right place. I’m Brianna, a Northern California based elopement photographer who helps plan and photograph elopements throughout the California area. I take on just 18 couples a year to be sure that you’ll get the hands-on memorable experience you deserve for a day as special as this one. You can view my elopement packages page here.
- 4 hours – 1.5 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
- Complimentary album design
- 24-48 hour sneak peeks to share with the world
- Travel fees to anywhere in California are already included
- Starting at $7,000
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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. My 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.
