Redwood National Park is one of the most inspiring places you can find yourself in. There’s something about being encompassed by giant trees that makes you realize, in the best way possible, how small you truly are. This famous park is one of my favorite places to visit and shoot in. There are numerous areas to explore, making it one of the best for elopements and intimate weddings. This guide covers everything you need to know about planning your very own Redwood National Park elopement or wedding.
Where Is Redwood National Park?
Redwood National Park, also known as Redwood National and State Parks, is composed of 4 different parks: Redwood National Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
All of the parks are located close to each other right on the coast of Northern California. For reference, it’s about 6-7 hours from the San Francisco Airport and Portland airport.
How Do I Get to Redwood National Park?
There are a few major and minor airports you can fly into to reach the park. Below is a list of driving distances from the closest airports to the park.
- California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport – 30 minutes
- Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport – 3.5 hours
- Redding Municipal Airport – 4.5 hours
- Sacramento International Airport – 6 hours
- San Francisco International Airport – 6 hours
- Portland International Airport – 7 hours
Best Places to Elope in Redwood National Park
Below are a few of the pre-approved ceremony sites. If you find another ceremony site you love, you must get it approved through the park before applying for your special use permit. See all the approved ceremony locations here.
Schmidt Grove
This quiet, beautiful grove is located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Surrounded by ferns and redwood trees, Schmidt Grove is everything you envision of when thinking of the park.
Berry Glen Trail
Berry Glen Trail is one of my favorite places within the park. It’s connected to two other popular trails, making this location a bit busier, but it’s worth planning to make a stop at this beautiful location.
Templeman Grove
Templeman Grove is a very quiet wedding ceremony location in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. This location is a bit more sparse when it comes to redwoods, but it’s large and much more private than other locations.
Merriman Grove
Merriman Grove has a pretty different scenery from other locations on the list. While you’ll find redwood trees here, you’ll find a ton of greenery, ferns, and hiking trails to explore.
Crescent Beach
If you’re wanting both trees and a beach incorporated into your day, Crescent Beach is a great option. Located within the park, this beach has many different cliffsides, trails, and overlooks. Plus, it’s a bit more quiet than other locations.
When Is the Best Time to Elope in Redwood National Park?
The fall and spring are the two best times to elope in the park. Both the weather and crowds are great during this time of year. If you’re wanting to avoid all the crowds, steer clear from summer. Visiting during this time comes with traffic, limited parking, and increased prices.
Do I Need a Permit to Elope in Redwood National Park?
Yes, you will need a special use permit to have a ceremony within the park. Below are all the steps you need to go through to require a permit.
- Choose your ceremony location.
- Decide what time you want to have your ceremony at.
- Fill out the special use permit application.
- Fill out the threatened and endangered species addendum.
- Email the two forms to the permit coordinator.
- Once the forms have been received, you will get an email where you can pay for your permit online. The permit cost is $100.
You can see all the forms and steps on the official park website here.
Best Airbnbs Near Redwood National Park
Northern California has some amazing Airbnbs in nearby towns like Trinidad, Arcata, and Eureka. Below are some different lodging options around the park.
Redwood National Park Airbnbs
Redwood National Park Campgrounds
What You Need to Know About Redwood National Park
#1: Download maps offline. The parks are known to have iffy service. Always be sure to download your maps offline in case you don’t have any service.
#2: Always bring rain gear. Even if you visit during the middle of the summer, always be sure to bring rain gear, as the weather in the area can be a bit unpredictable.
#3: Bring food and gas. There aren’t any restaurants or gas stations within the park. Be sure to fill up and bring some food with you into the park on your elopement day.
Redwood National Park Elopement Packages
I’m Brianna, a California elopement photographer who helps plan and photograph elopements in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. Check out my starting prices below and see how I can help plan your epic elopement!
Redwood National Park Elopement Package Pricing
- 4 hours – 1.5 days of elopement coverage anywhere in Redwood National Park
- A hands-on elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
- personalized elopement locations and questionnaires
- vendor recommendations
- permit assistance
- customized elopement timeline
- activity suggestions
- Online gallery with full resolution and printing rights
- 24-48 hour sneak peak images
- Travel fees to ANYWHERE in California are already included
- Starting at $4,500
Want more elopement inspiration? Check out my Forest Wedding Guide, Oregon Elopement Guide, and Washington Elopement Guide.
FAQ
Yes, you can get married in Redwood National Park.
It costs $160-$200 to have a wedding in the redwoods. This comes from the cost of the marriage license and special use permit.
It costs $160-$200 to elope in the redwoods. This comes from the cost of the marriage license and special use permit.
NEED HELP PLANNING YOUR DREAM ELOPEMENT?
Snag your FREE elopement guide to help you plan your dream elopement in California, Alaska, or even Spain! Learn everything you need to know about how to plan a “just us” experience.
ARE YOU READY FOR AN ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER?
I’m Brianna, a California elopement photographer who inspires, encourages, and empowers couples to push traditional boundaries and create experiences they’ll remember forever.
![2022 Joshua Tree Wedding Guide [Venues, Packages, + More]](https://briannaparksphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/joshua-tree-national-park-768x512.jpg)
