You’ve finally decided to pull the trigger and start planning an elopement in the redwoods. Problem is… you’ve never been there. Or maybe you have, but you don’t know the first thing about which locations are the best, what a permit is and if you need one, how many people you can bring, what airport you should fly into, and the list goes on.
So you sit there thinking, “Where in the world do I even start?”
Well, you start here.
I’ve planned and photographed over 50 elopements in the redwoods over the past seven years, and I’m here to guide you through every step of the process.
Instead of Googling a million different questions and trying to piece everything together yourself, you can come back to this guide for pretty much everything you need to know about eloping in the redwoods.
I’ll cover things like permits and costs, the best ceremony locations, when to visit, where to stay, and plenty of other things you might be wondering. Think of this as your one-stop shop for planning an elopement in the redwoods, without having to figure it out from a million different Google searches.
What’s the Best Redwood Park to Elope In?
In my opinion, Redwood National and State Parks is the best place to elope in the redwoods. This area has not only the tallest redwoods in California, but the parks are way less crowded than many redwood locations farther south.
That said, not every couple is looking for the same thing, and California has no shortage of redwood parks. Some are easier to access, some are more crowded, some are closer to an airport, and some give you a lot more variety when it comes to ceremony locations and portraits.
Before diving into Redwood National and State Parks specifically, here’s how a few of the most popular redwood elopement locations in California compare.
Redwood National and State Parks
The best all-around option, especially if you want variety. You won’t find larger, taller, more impressive trees anywhere else in California. Because it’s located so far north and covers so much land, it has half the crowds compared to redwood parks farther south. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, in particular, is my favorite redwoods elopement location in California.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
A great option for couples who want something more remote. It has some incredible old-growth redwoods and nearby black sand beaches, but there are fewer nearby amenities and less to do outside the park.
Muir Woods
The best option for convenience. It’s right outside San Francisco and close to the airport, but it’s also much busier, more regulated, and less private than the parks farther north. Expect crowds.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Best for couples who want redwoods near Santa Cruz. It’s easy to access and close to lodging, restaurants, and the coast, but it feels way smaller than other redwood parks.
Still not sure which redwood park is right for you? I have an entire guide comparing the best redwood elopement locations in California, including guest limits, permit costs, and what makes each park different.
If you’re still deciding between parks, the guides above will help you compare your options. But for the rest of this guide, I’m going to focus primarily on Redwood National and State Parks, since that’s the area I photograph most often and the one I recommend most for elopements.
A lot of the planning advice below—like what time of year to elope, cost, and timeline examples—can apply to other Northern California redwood parks too, but permits, ceremony locations, and other logistics will vary by park.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Elope in Redwood National Park?
The very first step in planning a redwoods elopement is picking a date.
Lucky for you, Redwood National Park is open year-round. In fact, pretty much every redwood location in Northern California is open year-round. Thanks to its coastal climate, the parks don’t really get snow.
In general, the best time to elope in Redwood National Park is April through October. Personally, I really love the month of May in the redwoods, though let’s be honest, it’s hard to choose.
I’ve photographed in the redwoods every month of the year, so here’s what you can expect the weather and scenery to look like throughout each season.
Summer (June-August)
Summer brings warm weather and dry trails, but it’s also the busiest season in the park. Parking can fill up early, lodging prices spike, and popular spots like Fern Canyon require vehicle reservations. That said, even during peak summer, there are still plenty of trails and groves that remain untouched. As someone who knows the park inside and out, don’t let the summer crowds scare you away. They’re nowhere near as bad as places like Yosemite or Glacier.
I will note that July is peak mosquito season, and there can occasionally be wildfire smoke in August, though this is pretty rare. Early summer is also one of the best times for those foggy light-ray photos you may see online.
Pros
• Warm weather
• Dry hiking trails
• No rain
Cons
• Higher travel costs
• Crowded trails
• Reservations required for certain locations
• Mosquitos
Pro tip: If you’re hoping for those magical light rays, aim for the morning. June is usually the best month for this since the coastal marine layer tends to be strongest. Weekdays are also best for avoiding crowds!
Fall (September-November)
Fall is one of the best times to elope in Redwood National Park. While you won’t see traditional fall colors, you will get cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and better lodging availability. Beaches and popular trails are noticeably quieter, and elk activity is especially high this time of year thanks to rutting season.
After shooting elopements here every season of the year, fall is one of the seasons I recommend most for couples who want a less crowded experience without giving up good weather.
Pros
• Cooler weather
• Minimal crowds
• Lower travel costs
• Great wildlife viewing, especially elk
Cons
• Occasional rain
Winter (December-March)
Winter is one of the most underrated times to elope in the park. It’s by far the quietest season of the year, and in my experience, you’ll often have entire trails to yourselves, even the most popular ones like Stout Grove. You can expect rain, but the canopy provides surprisingly good cover. The forest is incredibly green this time of year. Fog is also pretty common, which is a photographer’s dream for lighting.
The main downside is that some roads, like Howland Hill Road, may temporarily close after heavy rain or wind.
Pros
• No crowds
• Soft overcast light, which is amazing for photos
• Lower travel costs
• Lots of wildlife
Cons
• High chance of rain
• Muddy trails
• Occasional road closures due to storms
Spring (April-May)
Spring is arguably the most magical season in the park (can you tell there really isn’t a bad time of year for a redwoods elopement?), and it’s my personal favorite time of year for elopements, no questions. After months of rain, the forest is extremely green, wildlife is active, especially elk with their babies, and crowds are practically nonexistent.
The weather can be unpredictable and a little drizzly, but in my experience, the lighting, greens, wildlife, and lack of people more than make up for it.
Pros
• No crowds
• Extremely lush greenery
• Tons of wildlife
• Cooler temperatures
Cons
• Higher chance of rain
• Muddy trails
Where Can You Get Married in Redwood National Park?
After you’ve chosen a date, it’s time to choose your ceremony location.
Redwood National Park is actually part of Redwood National and State Parks, which is made up of Redwood National Park plus three California state parks: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park.
National Park Ceremony Locations
If you want to get married within Redwood National Park, start by reviewing the park’s list of pre-approved ceremony locations. You are not required to choose one of these sites, but pre-approved locations generally have a more straightforward permitting process.
If you fall in love with a location that isn’t on the list, you can still request it on your permit application. However, it may require additional review, take longer to approve, and cost slightly more. I’ll explain the full permit process later in this guide.
Pre-Approved National Park Ceremony Locations
- Crescent Beach Day Use – 20 participants (available Oct 25th – May 1)
- Crescent Beach Overlook – 20 participants (available Oct 25th – May 1)
- High Bluff Overlook – 20 participants
- Lost Man Creek Gate – 20 participants
- Berry Glen – 6 participants
State Park Ceremony Locations
If you want to get married within one of the three state parks, you generally have more flexibility when choosing your ceremony location. Ceremonies are generally approved anywhere in the park, as long as your group includes fewer than 10 people total.
The state parks previously published a list of pre-approved ceremony sites, but that list was removed from their website in 2026. I’ve included those former locations below because they’re still helpful starting points when figuring out where you might want to get married.
Previous Pre-Approved State Park Ceremony Locations
These locations are no longer listed on the official website, but they were historically designated ceremony sites and can still be useful when narrowing down your options.
- Templeman Grove – 20 participants
- Organ Donor’s Grove – 20 participants
- River Trail – 8 participants
- Merriman Grove – 8 participants
- Zig Zag #2 – 10 participants
- Schmidt Grove – 20 participants
- Prairie Creek Amphitheater – 20 participants (available Oct 25th – May 1)
Because these were previous max capacity numbers, confirm the current guest-count requirements with the park before applying for a permit.
Pro tip: There are only 4 locations that are completely off-limits for ceremonies: Fern Canyon, the James Irvine Trail, Stout Grove, and the Lady Bird Johnson Grove. You can still take portraits in these areas, and they’re actually some of the best photo locations in the entire park, but ceremonies are not allowed.
4 Best Places to Elope in Redwood National Park
Now that that’s out of the way and you have a general idea of how the park is laid out, let’s get to the fun part: choosing your ceremony location.
Most of the elopements I photograph take place in Jedediah Smith State Park, so many of the locations below are in that part of the redwoods. Jedediah is home to some of the tallest trees in the world, has some of the best trails in the area, and is super close to a handful of incredible beaches.
1. Templeman Grove
Templeman Grove is one of my personal favorite locations for ceremonies in the redwoods. It’s quiet, spacious, and right next to the Smith River (two locations in one!). In this grove specifically, there are a good amount of backdrop options, from the large tree you see above to more open areas where the redwoods make up the background.
This is a popular grove for elopements with guests since there’s no hiking required to reach it and plenty of space. Plus, it’s extremely private. I’ve never run into anybody else here.
- Park: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
- Guest capacity: 20
- Hiking required: No, short walk from the parking lot
- Crowd level: Extremely private. I’ve never seen another person here during a ceremony
Want to see a real elopement that took place here? Check out Kristina and Jake’s Templeman Grove elopement here.
Pro tip: This grove is located next to a road, so you will hear some traffic noise.
2. Organ Donor’s Grove
Organ Donor’s Grove is another amazing ceremony spot in the redwoods, especially for elopements with guests. This grove is just minutes from town and is surrounded by ferns, with plenty of space and parking. It’s so secluded that you could visit midday on a weekend and still have it entirely to yourself!
During the winter months, there’s also a seasonal stream that runs through the grove. The only downside is that there aren’t a ton of options for portraits once the ceremony is over, so I usually recommend heading to one of the nearby trails afterward. My favorites are Stout Grove and Boy Scout Tree Trail.
- Park: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
- Guest capacity: 20
- Hiking required: No, short walk from the parking lot
- Crowd level: Extremely private. I’ve never seen another person here during a ceremony
Organ Donor’s catch your eye? Check out Rachel and Alex’s Organ Donor’s Grove elopement here!
Pro tip: Like Templeman Grove, this grove is located next to a road, so you may hear occasional traffic noise.
3. Stout Grove/River Trail
You technically can’t get married in Stout Grove, but you can along the River Trail, which connects directly to it. Since ceremonies aren’t allowed in Stout Grove, the River Trail is the next best thing. The scenery looks nearly identical, with huge redwoods, tons of ferns, and easy access to the Smith River.
Because it’s connected to one of the most popular groves in the park, this area can get a little busy depending on the time of day. You just have to time it right. Sunrise or sunset is your best bet for a little more privacy.
- Park: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
- Guest capacity: 8
- Hiking required: Yes, about a 0.25-mile walk from the parking lot
- Crowd level: Fairly busy. Sunrise or sunset is best for privacy
Pro tip: Parking is limited and often fills by mid-morning. Plan for sunrise or sunset so you don’t end up having to park far from the trailhead.
4. Schmidt Grove
Schmidt Grove is my top pick for ceremonies in the southern portion of Redwood National Park. It’s dog-friendly, has a ton of space, and has multiple pull-offs along the road that are some of my favorites for portraits. If you only wanted to explore one location for both your ceremony and photos, this would be my recommendation.
At the end of the grove, you’ll also find a trail that’s perfect for post-ceremony portraits. The only downside is that the road to get here closes seasonally, so be sure to check conditions before you go.
- Park: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
- Guest capacity: 20
- Hiking required: No
- Crowd level: Very private, though you may see a hiker or two
Pro tip: The road to Schmidt Grove is long, narrow, and unpaved. Even when it’s open, the drive can be slow because of bumps and tight curves, but a regular sedan can usually handle it just fine.
Still comparing redwood locations? Check out my guide to the best redwood wedding venues in California or my roundup of the best redwoods elopement locations in California to see how Redwood National Park compares to other options.
How Many Guests Can You Bring?
It’s almost time to apply for a permit. Before doing so, you need to know how many people will be tagging along.
Redwood National Park can accommodate up to 20 people total in select locations, with no exceptions. I’ve even asked rangers directly about allowing a slightly larger ceremony of around 30 people on one of the beaches, and the answer was a hard no.
If you’re eloping in a state park, the max capacity is 10. The total count includes the couple as well as any vendors present, such as your photographer, officiant, or videographer.
How to Get a Redwood National Park Wedding Permit
Once you’ve narrowed down where you want to get married and how many people will be coming, the next step is making it official with a permit.
Regardless of group size, a permit is required to elope in Redwood National and State Parks. It’s also important to note that permits are not issued during major holiday weekends due to crowding.
Remember earlier when I mentioned that Redwood National and State Parks is made up of the national park plus three separate state parks? This is where that distinction matters, because the national park and the state parks use separate permit systems.
Here’s how to apply for each one.
How to Get a Permit From the National Park
- Choose your ceremony location. You can select one of the pre-approved National Park ceremony sites listed earlier in this guide or request a different location, which requires additional review.
- Decide on a time (ceremonies are scheduled for 1–3 hours).
- Fill out the required forms:
- Email both forms to the permit coordinator at REDW_Special_Use_Permits@nps.gov.
- Once your application is received, you’ll be sent a payment link:
- $100 for a pre-approved ceremony site
- $200 for a different location, which requires additional review and can take around two weeks
- Once approved, you’ll receive your permit by email. Print a copy and bring it with you on your elopement day.
Pro tip: I recommend applying for your permit about three months before your elopement day. The earlier you apply, the better chance you have of getting your first choice of location and time.
How to Get a Permit From the State Park
- Choose your ceremony location. You can get married on any trail in a state park.
- Choose your ceremony time (ceremonies are scheduled for 1–3 hours).
- Fill out the required forms:
- Special event permit application
- Threatened and endangered species addendum
- Special event permit supplement
- Certificate of General Liability Insurance, if you’re working with vendors like a photographer or videographer. You’ll get this information from them.
- Email all completed forms to NCRD.Permits@parks.ca.gov.
- Send a check or money order for $300 made payable to the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation via mail to: North Coast Redwoods District
Attn: Permit Coordinator
P.O. Box 2006
Eureka, CA 95502 - Once your forms are received and the payment is processed, you’ll receive your permit via email. Print it out and bring it with you on your elopement day.
You can find all the necessary forms and additional details on the official park website.
Pro tip: Most people don’t realize this because it’s not noted on the website, but if you plan to visit multiple locations within a state park, your permit cost will be higher than the base fee.
For example, if you’re having your ceremony at Templeman Grove, the permit cost is $300. If you want to have your ceremony at Templeman Grove and then head to Stout Grove for portraits, the permit increases to $320. The permit cost caps at $320 regardless of the amount of portrait locations you visit.
What to Know Before Your Redwood National Park Elopement
You’ve got your date, your location, and your permit. Before you start locking in the rest of your plans, there are a few things about Redwood National Park that are really helpful to know ahead of time.
Best Time of Day for Photos
While most photographers will tell you sunrise or sunset is best, I actually prefer photographing in the redwoods a little after sunrise or a few hours before sunset. The canopy is extremely dense, which means the forest stays much darker than people expect, even during the middle of the day.
Fog also plays a huge role, especially in the summer. Morning fog can make the lighting chef’s kiss, and in my experience, around 9-10 am is often a great time to catch those light rays you see in photos.
2026 Timed Entry Reservations
Some of the most popular areas in the park require reservations, so this is something you’ll want to plan for ahead of time.
Fern Canyon requires a reservation from May 15 through September 15. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance, with additional spots released at 9 am the day before. Set an alarm because they go quick! The permit costs $12 and can be purchased online.
Tall Trees Trail also requires a permit because of its small parking lot. Permits are free and available up to 180 days in advance, with additional reservations released the day before.
Road Closures
Some roads in Redwood National Park, like Howland Hill Road and Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, can temporarily close due to storms or fallen trees. These closures are more common in winter and early spring, so I always recommend checking current conditions before heading into the park.
You can check the current road closure list here.
Cell Service Is Spotty
Cell service in the park can be spotty at best, and there are plenty of places where you may not have service at all.
Download offline maps before your trip and make sure your guests and vendors know exactly where and when to meet. This is not the place to rely on a last-minute “I’m here, where are you?” text.
How to Get to Redwood National Park and Where to Stay
You’re almost there! Now that you’ve got all the big stuff figured out, let’s talk travel.
Best Airports for Redwood National Park
Medford, Oregon (MFR)
Medford is the airport I recommend for most couples. It usually has better flight availability than the smaller airports closer to the park, plus plenty of rental car options. From Medford, expect roughly a 2.5 to 3-hour drive to Crescent City.
Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV)
This is the closest airport to the southern portion of Redwood National and State Parks. It can be a great option if you’re staying near Eureka or Prairie Creek, especially if you’re flying in from somewhere on the West Coast. The downside is that flights tend to be more limited.
Best Towns to Stay in Near Redwood National Park
Crescent City (My Recommendation)
Crescent City is the most popular place to stay for couples eloping in Redwood National Park. It’s close to Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek, and it has more restaurants, grocery stores, and things to do than some of the smaller towns nearby.
While you’re in the area, you can explore the lighthouse, visit the aquarium, or check out one of the nearby beaches. If you want to be central to some of the best trails and ceremony sites, like Stout Grove and Organ Donor’s Grove, Crescent City is your best bet.
Brookings
Brookings is a great option if you’re eloping in the Jedediah Smith area. It’s a small coastal town just over the Oregon border with grocery stores, shops, and plenty of dining options.
One of the biggest perks is being close to Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, a gorgeous stretch of coastline with hiking trails, overlooks, and beaches. It’s one of my favorite spots for coastal portraits. Of all the towns in the area, Brookings is probably the most romantic.
Eureka
Eureka is the largest town near Redwood National Park and offers the widest variety of restaurants, breweries, shops, and hotels. It’s a great choice if you prefer staying somewhere with more amenities or if you plan to explore the southern portion of the park.
The historic Old Town district is full of Victorian architecture, and you’re only minutes away from beaches and trails. The downside is the drive. Expect about 45-60 minutes to Prairie Creek and even longer if you’re heading farther north.
How to Get a Marriage License in California
Once your travel is booked, there’s one last legal box to check before your elopement day: your marriage license.
If you want to legally elope in Redwood National Park, you’ll need a California marriage license. You can get a marriage license in any county in California. It’s valid for 90 days. California only allows in-person applications.
Most couples getting married in Redwood National Park get their marriage license in Del Norte County. Here’s how:
- Walk in or make an appointment at the County Clerk’s Office in Crescent City (981 H St, Crescent City, CA 95531). They issue marriage licenses from 8am-4pm, Monday through Friday. You must show up together.
- Fill out a marriage license application.
- Bring a valid ID and pay the $61 license fee.
- You’re all set!
California requires an officiant and one witness for your ceremony. Your witness can be a guest, someone you meet on the trail, or even a park ranger. As for officiants, you can hire one, have a friend or family member officiate, or have me do it since I’m ordained!
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in the Redwoods?
By this point, you’re probably thinking, “Okay, but how much is all of this actually going to cost me?”
Most couples spend anywhere from $5,000-$15,000 on a redwoods elopement. There really isn’t one set number since it depends entirely on things like your photographer, travel, lodging, attire, vendors, and how simple or elaborate you want your day to be.
The good news is that eloping here can be as simple or as luxurious as you want. To give you a better idea of what that might look like, here are three sample Redwood National Park elopement budgets:
High-End Elopement
- $600 – Flights for two
- $350 – Rental car
- $2,000 – Three nights at a luxury cabin
- $200 – Elopement permit
- $10,000 – Elopement photographer
- $1,400 – Floral design for bouquet and ceremony accents
- $1,000 – Professional hair and makeup
- $1,400 – Private chef for you and guests
- TOTAL: $16,950
Mid-Range Elopement
- $600 – Flights for two
- $350 – Rental car
- $1,200 – Three nights at a nice hotel, cabin, or Airbnb near the park
- $200 – Elopement permit
- $6,500 – Elopement photographer
- $500 – Bouquet and boutonniere
- $500 – Hair and makeup
- $400 – Dinner or small celebration
- TOTAL: $10,250
Simple Elopement
- $600 – Flights for two
- $350 – Rental car
- $200 – Elopement permit
- $800 – Three nights at a modest hotel or cabin
- $4,000 – Elopement photographer
- $150 – Simple bouquet
- $0 – Hair and makeup (DIY)
- $175 – Nice dinner for two
- TOTAL: $6,275
Real Redwood National Park Elopement Timeline Examples
At this point in the process, you should have pretty much everything figured out. Travel is booked, your permit is secured, you’re working on your marriage license, and everything is finally starting to come together.
Now it’s time to tie it all together with a nice bow and build out your timeline.
So, how much photography coverage do you realistically need for a Redwood National Park elopement? In my experience, you can see a good number of locations in a 4-hour period since many of the best spots are fairly close to one another. However, if you want the whole shebang with getting ready photos, a ceremony, multiple portrait locations, and some sort of celebration afterward, I usually recommend 8 hours.
Here are a couple of real elopement timelines from past couples to help you get an idea of what your day could look like:
8-Hour Elopement
- 1:00pm – Brianna arrives at Stacy and Brian’s Airbnb for getting ready images
- 2:00pm – First look on the lawn
- 2:15pm – Travel to Templeman Grove for the ceremony
- 2:30pm – Ceremony in the redwoods and couples portraits
- 3:30pm – Travel to Stout Grove for portraits
- 3:50pm – Portraits in the grove
- 5:00pm – Travel to Samuel H. Boardman for golden hour
- 6:00pm – Golden hour portraits on the cliff
- 7:00pm – Travel back to the Airbnb
- 8:00pm – Private dinner, first dance, and gifts
- 9:00pm – Photo coverage wraps up, Brianna leaves
4-Hour Elopement
- 5:00pm – Brianna meets Jess and Colin at Boy Scout Tree Trail for ceremony and portraits
- 6:00pm – Travel to secret forest trail for more pictures
- 6:30pm – Couples portraits
- 7:30pm – Leave for Crescent Beach
- 8:00pm – Couples sunset portraits on the beach
- 9:00pm – Photo coverage wraps up, Brianna leaves
Pro tip: I also put together some downloadable sample elopement timelines if you want even more inspiration.
Redwood National Park Elopement Activities
If you’re planning an elopement in the redwoods, there’s a lot more to do than just hike and take photos. Here are some of my favorite things to add to an elopement day or the days around it:
- Explore the Trees of Mystery and walk the redwood canopy or take the gondola through the forest (highly recommend!!)
- Explore Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor in Brookings
- Enjoy a delicious farm to table dinner at the Black Trumpet Bistro
- Tour a historic lighthouse in Crescent City
- Plan a breakfast picnic on the coast
- Stay after dark and have a bonfire on the beach with s’mores
- Share a first dance near the Smith River
- Walk downtown Brookings or Crescent City and explore the shops
- Drive the famous Howland Hill Road through the park
- Kayak on the Chetco River
- Grab a beer and bite to eat at one of the many breweries (I love SeaQuake Brewing!)
- Hire a private chef to cook you a three-course celebration meal
- Explore one of the many trails the park has to offer
And with that, you’ve pretty much got everything you need to start putting your Redwood National Park elopement together.
Need Help Planning Your Redwood National Park Elopement?
I hope this guide helped make the whole planning process feel a little less overwhelming. Planning a Redwood National Park elopement can seem like a lot at first, but once you break it down piece by piece, it’s actually pretty simple to plan an amazing day here.
I’m Brianna, a redwoods elopement photographer who has spent the last seven years helping couples plan elopements throughout Redwood National Park. From choosing locations to navigating permits, timelines, weather, and all the little moving pieces in between, I’m here to help you plan the best day ever.
Whether you’re looking for someone to plan and book the entire thing (yes, vendors, travel and all) or you just prefer some guidance along the way, I have a variety of elopement packages I think you might like.
Still Exploring Other Redwood Locations?
Love Redwood National Park but want to see some other redwood locations? I got you!
- Armstrong Redwoods Wedding Guide
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Elopement Guide
- Humboldt Redwoods State Park Wedding Guide
- How to Elope in Muir Woods
And if you’re still deciding where to elope, I’ve put together a full guide on the best places to elope in California and even a list of the best places to elope in the U.S. (spoiler alert: Redwood National Park made the list) to help you compare locations and find the perfect fit.
FAQ
The best time to elope in Redwood National Park is April through October, with spring and fall offering fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and lots of greenery. Summer usually has the driest weather, but it’s also the busiest time of year.
Guest limits depend on your ceremony location. Some pre-approved locations in Redwood National Park allow up to 20 people total, including the couple and vendors, while others have much smaller capacity limits.
Yes. All weddings, elopements, and vow exchanges in Redwood National and State Parks require a permit. The application process and permit fee depend on whether your ceremony takes place on National Park or California State Park land.
Some of my favorite places for a Redwood National Park elopement include Templeman Grove, Schmidt Grove, and the River Trail.
Most Redwood National Park elopements cost between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on photography coverage, travel, lodging, attire, vendors, and more.
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.
