Best Redwoods Elopement Guide for 2024

If you’re looking for one of the most underrated places to elope, let me introduce you to Redwood National Park. And I’m not just saying that because I’m local to the area. When I tell you this national park gets half the praise it deserves, I’m not kidding. Picture black sand beaches, completely empty forest trails, and wildlife like you’ve never seen before and that’s exactly what Redwood National Park is made of. Folks, if you’re looking for a crowd-free elopement location, seriously, look no further than Redwood National Park. The remoteness of the park steers a ton of people away from actually visiting, making it one of the best places in the US to elope, especially if you’re hoping for privacy. If I had to get married all over again, Redwood National Park would be one of my top choices.

If you couldn’t tell already, I love this area. This is why I’ve put together the most helpful Redwoods elopement guide you’ll find that covers everything you need to know about planning your very own Redwoods elopement.

Let’s begin!

Humboldt Redwoods State Park is technically its own park, separate from the main Redwood National Park system, but is just as beautiful as the others. It does require a different wedding permit, but it’s closer to cities like Sacramento and San Francisco so it’s a popular choice for elopements with guests that are flying in and don’t want to travel too far.

Currently, Humboldt Redwoods State Park does not have specific ceremony sites. Instead, you just let them know where you would like to get married, and they’ll provide restrictions based on that location. The following areas of the park do NOT allow special events or weddings: California Federation of Womens’ Clubs Grove, Founders Grove and Rockefeller Forest, and weddings near Drury Chaney Grove/Trail or Grieg French Bell Grove will require a park monitor, which is an additional fee.

I have a super in-depth guide all about how to get married in Humboldt Redwoods State Park that you can check out here. The guide is filled with specific locations, permit information, and everything else you need to know about the area.

Pro tip: This park is usually less busy than Redwood National Park!

Other Redwoods Elopement Locations

Aside from Redwood National Park itself, there are a variety of different Redwoods elopement locations in California. Below are some of the most popular.

• Muir Woods – A redwood forest on the outskirts of San Francisco. Very popular in year-round, though especially in the summer months and is a crowd favorite for weddings. This location tends to have a lot of restrictions though.
• Sequoia National Park – A gorgeous national park near Yosemite with giant trees. While the trees there are technically Sequioas, they’ll still give you the same small feeling of the Redwoods. Due to its proximity to Yosemite, this national park sees lots of crowds.
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – A beautiful state park in Big Sur with Redwood groves, trails, beaches, and waterfalls. The redwoods in this location are smaller than the ones you’ll find in the national park.

When Is the Best Time of Year to Elope in Redwood National Park?

Since Redwood National Park is located on the coast, it has a pretty even climate year-round. However, there are certain seasons that may be better for your elopement depending on your needs.

From experience, I can say that the best time of year to elope in the Redwoods during the spring or fall season.

Summer (June-August)

If you’re hoping for an elopement without the crowds, steer clear from the busy summer months. Visiting during the summer comes with traffic, limited parking, increased lodging prices, and lots of mosquitos (especially in July). Many of the main attractions, such as Fern Canyon, also require you to purchase a reservation during the summer in order to control foot traffic in the area. I usually recommend holding off until the fall if possible. However, if you’re set on a summer date, elope on a weekday during sunrise or sunset. The park is large, so finding a secluded ceremony site isn’t impossible, but may take a bit more work.

• Pros: Warmer weather, dry hiking trails, sunny/less chance of rain
• Cons: High cost of rental cars, lodging, and plane tickets, crowds, reservation systems for specific trails

Fall (September-November)

Fall is an incredible time to elope in the park. The weather is nice and cool, the summer crowds have left, and you can score some great deals on lodging and activities. The beaches are also empty due to the cooler weather, and most days, it’s perfectly overcast (great for lighting). This is one of my personal favorite times to visit the park. You won’t find a plethora of fall colors in the park, as the Redwoods don’t change color, though you may catch a glimpse of changing colors from some maples and other trees nearby.

• Pros: Cooler weather, minimal crowds, overcast for lighting, few fall colors
• Cons: Potential muddy trails, potential rain

Winter (December-March)

If you don’t mind a little rain, winter is an incredible time to elope in Redwood National Park and in my opinion, the most underrated time to do so. This is the park’s off-season, meaning there are hardly any visitors. You’d be surprised at just how peaceful and quiet the park gets! While you more than likely will experience some rain, most of it falls onto the trees, protecting you from getting soaking wet. Expect locations to yourselves, overcast weather, and lots of wildlife this time of year.

• Pros: No crowds, overcast for lighting, cheaper lodging, rental cars, and plane tickets
• Cons: Muddy trails, rain, potential road closures due to flooding or weather

Spring (April-May)

Spring is the most amazing time of year to visit Redwood National Park. In fact, it’s my favorite time of year to visit, hands-down. While the weather this time of year is slightly unpredictable and you still may experience some rain, the plus side is that there are no crowds, the greenery in the park is lush and at its peak, and the wildlife is out and active. This is why it’s my most-recommended season for couples. It truly is magical!

• Pros: Minimal crowds, overcast for lighting, cheaper lodging, rental cars, and plane tickets, wildlife sightings, greenery is at its peak
• Cons: Muddy trails, potential rain

Can I Get Married Anywhere in the Redwoods?

Technically, no. Ceremonies are not allowed at some of the most popular places in Redwood National Park, that being Fern Canyon, the James Irvine Trail, Stout Grove, or the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail. However, you are allowed to take portraits here so long as you practice Leave No Trace guidelines and it’s just the two of you.

If you want to get married at a different location than the pre-approved ceremony sites, you can submit a permit application that will go out for a two-week review with the staff. We’ll talk more about this in the permit section.

How to Get a Permit to Elope in Redwood National Park

You will need a special use permit to elope in Redwood National Park. Here’s how to get one:

1. Choose your ceremony location from the pre-approved ceremony sites listed above. You can see all the approved ceremony locations here.
2. Decide what time you want to have your ceremony at (ceremonies are only scheduled for 1-3 hours).
3. Fill out the special use permit application.
4. Fill out the threatened and endangered species addendum.
5. Email both of these forms to the permit coordinator at REDW_Special_Use_Permits@nps.gov.
6. Once the forms have been received, you will get an email with a link where you will be able to pay for the permit online. The permit fee is $100 unless you want to elope outside of a pre-approved ceremony site, in which case, the permit would cost $200 would go out for a 2 week review with the staff for approval.

You can see all the forms and steps you need to take on the official park website here.

Note: Permits will not be issued during major holidays due to crowding. Live or dried natural plant/flower material is prohibited as well as props such as arbors, stands, etc. Food and alcohol is also prohibited during ceremonies.

How to Get a Marriage License for Your Redwoods Elopement

You can get a marriage license in any county in California. It does NOT need to be from the county you’ll be getting married in. However, I will leave the steps below for the two main counties in the area if you decide to pick up your license once you arrive for your elopement.

Del Norte County Marriage License Steps

Del Norte County is where most people get their marriage license for their Redwoods elopement. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to get one in Del Norte:

1. 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-Friday. You must show up together.
2. Once you’re there, you’ll fill out a marriage license application.
3. Be sure to bring your ID. You’ll then pay the $61 license fee.
4. You’re all set!

Humboldt County Marriage License Steps

If you’ll be closer to Humboldt County, here’s what you need to do:

1. Fill out the online marriage license application.
2. After the application is complete, head to the Clerk Recorder’s Office in Eureka (825 5th Street, 5th Floor, Eureka, CA 95501) between the hours of 10:30am and 4:00pm to pick up your marriage license.
3. Be sure to bring your ID and show up together. If you didn’t pay the $78 marriage license fee online, you’ll pay it in person.
4. You’re all set!

Do You Need an Officiant and Witness to Elope in the Redwoods?

Yes, California requires an officiant and at least one witness for your ceremony.

Important Information You Need to Know for Your Redwoods Elopement

Here are some insider tips about what you should know before visiting the park, especially if it’s your first time.

The Park is Remote

Most people don’t realize just how remote the park truly is. Don’t expect to find any fancy restaurants, an abundance of lodging, or big chain stores. Places like Target and Home Goods are hours away. The redwoods are a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The Roads Are Windy (And Sometimes Dirt)

If you get carsick easily, bring medicine, as the roads are quite windy. In some areas of the park, most of the popular trails are located on dirt roads. A standard sedan will work just fine, but don’t be alarmed if it goes from pavement to dirt. Budget in some money for a car wash afterwards, especially if it recently rained, as the roads can get quite muddy.

You May Not Have Cell Service

All the parks are known to have iffy service. Be sure to download your maps offline in case you don’t have any service.

Bring Rain Gear

Even if you visit during the middle of summer, always be sure to bring rain gear, as the weather in the area can be a bit unpredictable. I recommend bringing a blanket or clear umbrellas that can be used as cute props in pictures!

Fill up on Gas and Snacks

There aren’t any restaurants or gas stations within the park, just in the nearby towns. Be sure to fill up and bring some food with you into the park on your elopement day.

Can You Bring Your Dog?

Yes! Compared to other national parks, the Redwoods are quite dog-friendly. While dogs aren’t allowed on most trails in the park, all the beaches in the area are dog-friendly. There are also a good handful of Redwood trails that do allow dogs as well.

How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Redwood National Park?

While each couple has different wants for their elopement day, here is a cost breakdown of what you can expect to pay for a Redwoods elopement. These numbers were pulled from a 4-day, 3-night trip in the middle of peak season (August 16th-19th).

• $520 plane tickets – This was the cost of two roundtrip tickets from Chicago to San Francisco. The cost depends on where you’ll be flying from and where you’ll be flying into. Since most airports around the park are smaller, plane tickets may be a bit pricier than usual.
• $350 rental car – A standard sedan from Hertz at the airport.
• $600 lodging – There aren’t many places to stay in the park, which makes lodging a bit more expensive than other places. This was the price for a cabin right outside the park.
• $100-$200 permit – This depends on whether or not you select a pre-approved ceremony site.
• $70-$100 California marriage license – This depends on the county you get your license from.
• $7,000 elopement photographer – This depends on your photographer’s experience. I specialize in elopements in the Redwoods and help my couples with locations, permits, marriage licenses, timelines, vendors, and so much more.
• $600 hair and makeup – Due to the remoteness of the park, many vendors will charge a travel fee. I would budget a little more for this vendor.
• $300 florist – For a bouquet and boutonniere.
• $0-$500 Officiant – $0 if I or a family member officiate your ceremony, though you can also hire one if it’s within budget.

In total, you can expect to spend anywhere from $9,540 – $10,170 for a Redwoods elopement. Again, these are prices I pulled from doing research for a summer elopement in the park. You can have an elopement cheaper or more expensive than this based on the season, your preferences, airports, etc.

Redwood National Park Elopement Activities

If you’re planning your elopement in the Redwoods, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re looking for things to do on or after your elopement, you’re in the right place. These are some of my top recommendations.

• Explore the Trees of Mystery and walk the Redwood canopy or take the gondola through the forest
• Explore Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor in Brookings
• Enjoy an elevated dining experience 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 Hills Road through the park
• Kayak on the Chetco River
• Grab a beer and bite to eat at one of the many breweries
• Hire a private chef to cook you a 3 course celebration meal

Redwood National Park Vendors

Check out some of my favorite vendors below and get in contact with me about your elopement for a full recommendation list upon booking!

Officiants

• Paul Marsh (Weddings in the Wild)
• Officiant Jimmie

Hair and Makeup

• Whit Marie
• Black Fern Beauty Co

Florist

• Buttermilk Floral
• Enchanted Florist

Photographer

If you’re looking for a photographer who knows Redwood National Park like the back of their hand, you’re in luck! I’m Brianna, a photographer who is local to and specializes in the area. I help couples all around the world plan incredible elopement days in the park by providing hidden gem, off-the-beaten-path elopement locations, assist with permit applications and marriage licenses, provide vendor recommendations, create timelines, and more. Take a look at my elopement packages here!

How to Get to Redwood National Park

There are a few major and minor airports you can fly into to reach the park. Here is a list of driving distances from the closest airports to the main park (the main park being Redwood National Park).

• California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport – 30 minutes (offers flights from large cities on the West Coast, though more expensive and usually no nonstop options)
• Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport – 3.5 hours (most recommended to fly into for convenience without sacrificing price)
• Redding Municipal Airport – 4.5 hours (offers direct flights from select places on the West Coast like Seattle and San Francisco)
• Sacramento International Airport – 6 hours (cheaper and more flight options)
• San Francisco International Airport – 6 hours (cheaper and more flight options)
• Portland International Airport – 7 hours (cheaper and more flight options)

Best Airbnbs Near Redwood National Park

These are some of the most popular towns to stay in for your Redwoods elopement along with some of my personal recommendations.

Brookings Airbnbs

Brookings is the cutest town located in Oregon right on the border of California. It’s a popular place to stay for couples eloping in Jedediah Smith. It has a few grocery stores, thrift stores, and dining options. Brookings is a primarily visited for Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, a gorgeous stretch of coastline with lots of trails.

Cottage in Brookings is a quaint cottage tucked behind some trees for those looking for a short stay near downtown. It has all the basics if you’re just traveling through.

Elevate your lodging experience just a tad by staying at Pelican Path, a cozy home right on the coast with private beach access.

Ocean Mist Beach House is the perfect stay for elopements with guests. Enjoy a gorgeous cliffside view and private beach access.

Crescent City Airbnbs

Crescent City is located in California and also lies close to Jedediah Smith and Del Norte, as well as Prairie Creek. Similar to Brookings, you’ll find a few grocery stores like Safeway and Grocery Outlet, as well as local dining and activities. This is where most of my couples stay, as it’s close to some of the more popular elopement locations.

Redwood Cabin is the cutest cabin located just outside the park boundary. Enjoy soaking in the hot tub overlooking the beautiful Smith River.

Jedediah Smith Redwoods Retreat is a larger private home that provides a ton of natural light and sits on top of a hill with stunning views of the nearby coast.

Located just steps away from the beach, Panoramic Ocean Views not only has a game room, but it can host up to 11 people, perfect for elopements with guests.

Arcata and Eureka Airbnbs

Located close to Prairie Creek and Redwood National Park, Arcata and Eureka are known for their art scene, young population, and laidback vibe. These towns have a bit more lodging and shopping options than the other towns, though are a bit further away from some of the other parks.

Vimala Voga Retreat House is an adorable home just steps away from the beach. Enjoy all the natural light and a maintained private garden.

The Forest Oasis has a gorgeous lot, located right on a meadow and surrounded by a redwood forest. You can also find deer frequenting the property.

Yellow Victorian Home is a one-of-a-kind historic home located near downtown Eureka. This is any history lovers dream. Plus, it’s great for guests and makes for some epic photos!

Redwood National Park Elopement Packages

I’m Brianna, a Northern California elopement photographer local to Redwood National Park who helps plan and photograph elopements in Northern California. I’m passionate about helping my couples plan the best day ever in beautiful places like the redwoods. Check out my starting prices below or take a peek through my pricing here and see how I can help plan and photograph your one-of-a-kind Redwoods elopement!

Redwood National Park Elopement Package Pricing

• 4 hours – 1.5 days of elopement coverage anywhere in the Redwoods
• 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, marriage 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, Oregon, or Washington are already included
• Starting at $6,500

Jaw-Dropping Redwoods Elopement Photos

Check out some elopement photos taken in Redwood National Park below to get inspiration of what your day could look like.

Want more elopement inspiration? Check out my Olympic National Park Elopement Guide, Oregon Elopement Guide, and Washington Elopement Guide.

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