I’ve been photographing elopements in Redwood National Park for seven years and have had the chance to explore practically every trail, beach, and meadow. If the idea of exchanging vows in one of the best places in California for elopements is what brought you here, this guide will walk you through exactly how to make it happen.
This guide is written based on my real-life experience photographing 50+ elopements in Redwood National Park. I don’t just photograph elopements here. I live right next door. Yes, I literally have a redwood in my backyard. The park isn’t just a location to me. It’s home.
If you’re still exploring options beyond the park, you can also check out my guide on the best places to elope in the U.S. (spoiler alert: Redwood National Park made the list).
In this guide, I’ll share the best places to elope in Redwood National Park, how to get a permit, the best time of year to elope, sample timelines, local tips, and more.
4 Best Places to Elope in Redwood National Park
Fun fact: Redwood National Park is actually named Redwood National and State Parks because it’s made up of the national park (Redwood National Park) and three state parks (Jedediah Smith, Praire Creek, and Del Norte).
Most couples elope in Jedediah Smith and is the location I recommend the most often because it has the largest redwood trees in the world, miles and miles of trails, and access to some of the best beaches on the West Coast.
That being said, this area has a list of pre-approved ceremony locations split between the national park and bordering state parks.
You do not have to choose one of these spots for your ceremony. If you fall in love with a location that’s not on the list, you can still apply for a permit. It just goes through a longer review process and may cost a little more. I’ll explain exactly how that works later in this guide.
State Park Pre-Approved Ceremony Locations
- 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)
National Park Pre-Approved 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
Photographer 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 Trail. 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.
1. Templeman Grove
Templeman Grove is one of my personal favorite locations for a ceremonies in Redwood National Park. 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, as 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 I photographed here? Check out Kristina and Jake’s Templeman Grove elopement here.
Photographer tip: This grove is located next to a road, so you will hear traffic noise.
2. Organ Donor’s Grove
Organ Donor’s Grove is another amazing ceremony spot in Redwood National Park, 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 mid-day on a weekend and have it entirely to yourself! During the winter months, there’s a seasonal stream that runs through the grove. Aside from the ceremony space, there isn’t a ton of options for portraits, so I recommend checking out one of the many other trails nearby for that (my favorites being 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!
Photographer tip: Like Templeman Grove, this grove is located next to a road, so you may hear occasional traffic noise.
3. River Trail
The River Trail is a popular spot for Redwood National Park elopements because it’s actually connected to Stout Grove. Since ceremonies aren’t allowed in Stout Grove, this trail is the next best thing. It looks identical. It winds along the Smith River and offers a ton of greenery. Since it’s located next to a popular grove, this area can get a bit busy depending on the time of day, but in my experience, it’s always been worth it, you just have to time it right.
- 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.
Photographer 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. This location is dog-friendly, spacious, and has multiple pull-offs along the road for portraits. If there was only one location you could explore for a ceremony and portraits, this would be my recommendation. At the end of the grove, you’ll also find a trail that’s perfect for post-ceremony photos. 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.
Photographer tip: The road to Schmidt Grove is a long, narrow, and seasonal dirt road. Even when open, it can be slow to drive due to bumps and tight curves, but a regular sedan can handle it just fine.
Prefer something more structured? Here’s my full guide to the best redwood wedding venues in California.
And if you’re still exploring other parks, I have an awesome guide on the best redwoods elopement locations that you can check out here!
How Many Guests Can You Bring?
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 at a location that’s not on the pre-approved list, the max capacity is 15. The total count includes the couple as well as any vendors present, such as your photographer, officiant, or videographer.
Do You Need a Permit to Elope in Redwood National Park?
Yes, regardless of group size, a permit is required to elope in Redwood National Park. It’s also important to note that permits are not issued during major holiday weekends due to crowding. Remember earlier when I said Redwood National and State Parks was made up of the national park and three separate state parks? This is where that comes in handy, as the national park has a separate permit system from the state parks. Here’s how to get a permit from either.
How to Get a Permit From the National Park
- Choose your ceremony location from the pre-approved ceremony sites:
- Crescent Beach Day Use
- Crescent Beach Overlook
- High Bluff Overlook
- Lost Man Creek Gate
- Berry Glen
- A different location (requires additional approval)
- 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.
- Pay the permit fee after receiving a payment link via email:
- $100 for pre-approved ceremony sites
- $200 for other locations (requires a two-week review for approval)
- Receive your permit via email and print it to bring on your elopement day.
Photographer tip: I recommend applying for a permit about three months before your elopement day. The sooner the better so you get your first pick of locations.
How to Get a Permit From the State Park
- Choose your ceremony location from the pre-approved ceremony sites:
- Templeman Grove
- Organ Donor’s Grove
- River Trail
- Merriman Grove
- Zig Zag #2
- Schmidt Grove
- Prairie Creek Amphitheater
- A different location (requires additional approval)
- Decide on a 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 (only required if vendors, such as a photographer or videographer, are present). Some vendors handle this for couples (I do), but not all do.
- 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.
Photographer 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 Schmidt Grove for portraits, the permit increases to $320. The permit cost caps at $320 regardless of the amount of portrait locations you have.
Best Time of Year to Elope in Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park has a mild coastal climate year-round which means it’s open year-round. While you can elope here any season, the best time for most couples is May through October. Below is a breakdown of what each season is like, so you can decide what you’d like the best.
Summer (June-August)
Summer brings warm weather and dry trails, but it’s also the busiest season in the park. Parking fills early, lodging prices spike, and popular spots like Fern Canyon require vehicle reservations. That said, even during peak summer, there are plenty of trails and groves that remain uncrowded. As someone who knows the park inside and out, don’t let summer crowds scare you away.
I will note that July is peak mosquito season, and there can occasionally be smoke in August due to wildfires (though this is rare). The beginning of summer is great for foggy light ray shots!
Pros
• Warm weather
• Dry hiking trails
• No rain
Cons
• High travel costs
• Crowded trails
• Reservations required for certain locations
• Mosquitos
Photographer tip: If you’re hoping for those magical light rays you see in photos, aim for morning. June is usually the best month for this, since the coastal marine layer is 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. This is why I almost always guide couples toward fall based on what I’ve seen photographing elopements here year after year.
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 the park’s quietest season, and in my experience, you’ll often have entire trails to yourselves. You can expect rain, but the canopy provides surprisingly good cover, and the forest is incredibly green this time of year. Fog is common but makes for some seriously good lighting.
The main downside is that some popular roads, like Howland Hill Road, may temporarily close due to wind or heavy rain.
Pros
• No crowds
• Soft overcast light (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 Redwood National Park elopement?), and it’s my personal favorite time of year to photograph elopements. After months of rain, the forest is very green, wildlife is active, especially elk with their babies, and crowds are still minimal. While the weather can be unpredictable, but the lighting, greenery, and lack of people more than make up for it in my experience.
Pros
• No crowds
• Extremely lush greenery
• Tons of wildlife
• Cooler temperatures
Cons
• Higher chance of rain
• Muddy trails
How to Get a Marriage License in California
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. Witnesses can be people on the trail, park rangers, or any guests. As for officiants, you can hire one, have a friend or family officiate your ceremony, or have me do it (I’m ordained)!
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Redwood National Park?
Most couples end up spending anywhere from $5,000-$20,000+ on a Redwood National Park elopement. This number is heavily dependent on your travel preferences, vendors, and attire. I find that the biggest expenses tend to be travel, as the park is a fairly secluded location that requires a good amount of time to reach.
Here are some budget examples you can use to get an idea of what your elopement might cost:
High-End Elopement
- $600 – Flights for two
- $350 – Rental car
- $3,600 – Three nights at a luxury cabin
- $200 – Elopement permit
- $10,000 – Elopement photographer
- $1,400 – Floral design for bouquet and ceremony accents
- $3,200 – Wedding dress, accessories, and shoes
- $850 – Professional hair and makeup
- $1,200 – Suit, accessories, and shoes
- $1,400 – Private chef for you and guests
- TOTAL: $25,300
Mid-Range Elopement
- $600 – Flights for two
- $350 – Rental car
- $2,400 – Three nights at a nice hotel, cabin, or Airbnb near the park
- $200 – Elopement permit
- $6,500 – Elopement photographer
- $500 – Bouquet and boutonniere
- $2,000 – Dress, accessories, and shoes
- $500 – Hair and makeup
- $700 – Suit and shoes
- $400 – Dinner or small celebration
- TOTAL: $16,150
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
- $1,000 – Dress and accessories
- $0 – Hair and makeup (DIY)
- $350 – Rented suit
- $175 – Nice dinner for two
- TOTAL: $7,625
Real Redwood National Park Elopement Timeline Examples
How much coverage do you realistically need for a Redwood National Park elopement? In my experience, you can see a good number of sites in a 4-hour period, as most locations are very close to one another. However, for the whole shebang of getting ready images, a ceremony, and portraits at various different locations, I recommend an 8-hour elopement.
These are some real-life elopement timelines from my past couples to help you visualize what you think you’d need:
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
Photographer tip: I have some awesome downloadable sample elopement timelines I put together that you can check out here if you need more inspiration!
Is Redwood National Park Dog-Friendly for Elopements?
Yes! As someone who has photographed in multiple national parks, Redwood National Park is more dog-friendly than most national parks. While dogs aren’t allowed on most popular hiking trails, they are welcome in the following areas:
- Trails and Roads: Myrtle Creek Trail, Craig’s Creek Trail, Cal Barrel Road, Howland Hill Road, Alder Camp Road, and Walker Road.
- Parking Areas: Fern Canyon, Lady Bird Johnson, Tall Trees Trail, and Stout Grove parking lots only. Elk Meadow Day Use Area parking lot.
- Scenic View Points: Klamath River Overlook, Redwood Creek Overlook.
- Developed Campgrounds: Elk Prairie Campground, Gold Bluffs Beach, Mill Creek Campground, and Jedediah Smith Campground.
- Beaches: Freshwater Beach, Wilson Creek Beach, Gold Bluffs Beach and Crescent Beach.
Photographer tip: Out of these locations, my go-to spots for elopements with dogs are Cal Barrel Road, Howland Hill Road, Gold Bluffs Beach, and Crescent Beach!
Where to Stay for Your Redwood National Park Elopement
If you’re eloping in the Redwood National Park area, you have quite a few options when it comes to lodging. As someone who practically lives in the area, here’s my opinion on where you should stay.
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, thrift shops, and dining options. If you want to explore the Oregon coast while you’re in the area, Brookings is home to Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, a gorgeous stretch of coastline with scenic trails, overlooks, and rocky beaches. This is a popular stop for portraits. Of all the towns in the area, this one is the most romantic.
Crescent City (My Recommendation)
Crescent City is the most popular place to stay for couples eloping in Redwood National Park. It’s close to all the state parks (Jedediah Smith, Del Norte, and Prairie Creek) and offers more things to do than Brookings. While you’re in the area, you can explore its lighthouse, visit the aquarium, and enjoy several nearby beaches. If you want to be central to the best trails and ceremony sites, like Stout Grove and Organ Donor’s Grove, Crescent City is your best bet.
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 beautiful beaches and trails. Expect about a 45–60 minute drive to Prairie Creek and other major groves though.
What Most Couples Don’t Know About Eloping in Redwood National Park
Best Time of Day for Photos
While most photographers will tell you sunrise or sunset is best in Redwood National Park, in my experience, waiting a bit after sunrise or heading out a few hours before sunset works best. The canopy here is extremely dense, which means the forest stays much darker than people expect, even during the middle of the day.
Fog also plays a role, especially in the summer. Morning fog can make the lighting *chefs kiss*, but timing matters depending on the season. In most cases, 9am-10am is a good time to catch the light rays!
Road Closures
Some roads in Redwood National Park, like Howland Hills Road or Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, can close temporarily due to storms. These closures are more common in winter and early spring. You can check out the road closure list anytime here.
2026 Timed Entry Reservations
Certain areas require timed entry reservations. For example, Fern Canyon requires a reservation from May 15 through September 15 and can be made 6 months in advance or at 9am the day before your visit. Set an alarm because they go quick! The permit costs $12 and can be purchased online.
Aside from Fern Canyon, another popular trail, the Tall Trees Trail, requires a permit due to its small parking lot. Permits are available up to 180 days in advance. You can also purchase a permit the day before. Morning reservations (8am to 12pm) open at 8am the day before and afternoon reservations (1pm to sunset) open at 1pm the day before. The permit is free and can be obtained online.
Cell Service
Cell service in the park can be spotty depending on where you are. This is something to plan for ahead of time, especially if you’re coordinating with guests or vendors. I always recommend downloading offline maps and sharing a clear plan in advance.
Redwood National Park Elopement Activities
If you’re planning your elopement in the park, you’re in for a treat. Here are some of my top recommendations for things to do while you’re in the area, even better if they’re on your elopement day!
- 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
Need Help Planning Your Redwood National Park Elopement?
If you’ve made it this far into the guide, there’s a good chance you’re set on eloping in Redwood National Park (good choice).
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 make the process feel easy.
And if you’re still deciding where to elope, I’ve photographed elopements all over the state and put together a full guide on the best places to elope in California to help you compare locations and find the perfect fit.
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
FAQ
The best time to elope in Redwood National Park is April through October, with spring and fall offering fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and more greenery. Summer has the best access but is the busiest season.
Redwood National and State Parks allow a maximum of 20 people total, including the couple and all vendors. This limit is strictly enforced with no exceptions.
Yes. All ceremonies in Redwood National Park require a special use permit. Permit fees range from $100 to $300 depending on the ceremony location.
The best locations for a Redwood National Park elopement include Templeman Grove, Schmidt Grove, and River Trail.
Most elopements in Redwood National Park cost between $5,000 and $20,000 depending on travel, lodging, vendors, and photography. The required permit and marriage license together cost $261.
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.
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