Elope In The Redwoods Guide 2024: Custom Redwood Elopement Packages

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO ELOPE IN THE REDWOODS?

The perfect time of year to arrange redwood forest elopement packages would be between March and October, avoiding peak mosquito season in June and July. Spring and fall offer mild weather and fewer insects, making them ideal for a serene and picturesque redwoods elopement.

CAN YOU ELOPE IN THE REDWOODS FOREST?

Absolutely! You’ll need to be mindful of a few things for your elopement. Redwoods-bound couples must acquire the appropriate permits and familiarize themselves with the Leave No Trace principles. If you intend to elope in the redwoods, be prepared for a magical adventure, respect nature, and follow all guidelines to ensure your special day goes off in kickass style.

REDWOOD PARKS WHERE YOU CAN ELOPE

Spanning more than 139,000 acres across four parks, Redwood National and State Parks provide an incredibly scenic backdrop for an elopement. Redwoods locations can be remote (like 3 hours to the nearest Target), so choose carefully to ensure you get the experience (and access to amenities) you want and need.

REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK ELOPEMENT

You and your partner can step into the majestic embrace of nature’s finest and capture the whole experience with my redwoods elopement photography. Seize the intimate moment of your union amidst towering trees and create timeless memories.

HOW DO YOU ELOPE IN REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK?

To ensure your redwoods elopement package goes off with flying colors, you’re required to obtain a special use permit and pay a fee based on guest count. Be thorough in specifying professional services like catering, officiants, and your Redwoods wedding photographer (moi) on your application. It’s also essential to remember that amenities are limited in nearby towns, so hair and makeup need planning.

FEE STRUCTURE FOR REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK

Here’s some helpful information about the fees for Redwood National Park elopement. Some additional charges may apply if extra staff, such as rangers and custodians are required.

• $100 – basic wedding application fee
• $200 – events for 1-50 people without any unusual requests
• $300 – events for 51-100 people or those with unusual requests
• $400 – events for over 100 people or with highly unusual requests

One thing you can’t do if you’re looking to elope in the redwoods is reserve specific areas in the parks as they’re open to all visitors. However, we’ll scout out a secluded spot to ensure privacy on your special day.

For tiered events, submit applications and fees at least 30 days prior. Additionally, don’t forget to apply for your marriage license alongside your redwood elopement permit. Each of the parks promises numerous incredibly picturesque wedding sites, magnifying the charm of your celebration. Whether you choose the lush greenery of one park or the serene lakeside of another, the natural beauty on show guarantees an absolutely bitchin celebration.

REDWOOD ELOPEMENT LOCATION

Your love story should take center stage on your big day, but having an epic location as the backdrop when you take your vows is pretty effing cool. I’ll be there as your Redwoods wedding photographer to capture your intimate moments so that you have moments to look back on in the years to come from a spectacular day spent amongst Mother Nature’s finest creations.

• Redwood National Park Elopement
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (Jedediah Smith Redwoods elopement is a popular choice!)
• Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
• Humboldt Redwoods State Park (While technically a state park, it requires a different permit . They only recently started allowing intimate weddings and more than one location.)

REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS (POPULAR SITES AND MAXIMUM CAPACITIES)

Sadly, eloping in the redwoods isn’t possible at several locations, including Fern Canyon, the James Irvine Trail, or LBJ Grove. Some of these were filming locations for Jurassic Park fascinating many people, with events not allowed.

• Berry Glen (6)
• Crescent Beach Day Use (20 – only available October 25 – May 1)
• Crescent Beach Overlook (20 – only available October 25 – May 1)
• High Bluff Overlook (20)
• Lost Man Creek Gate (20)
• Merriman Grove (8)
• Organ Donor’s Grove (20)
• Prairie Creek Amphitheater (20 – only available October 25 – May 1)
• River Trail (8)
• Schmidt Grove (20–vehicle access limited depending on the season)
• Templeman Grove (20)
• Zig Zag 2 Trail (10)

If none of the above areas fit your needs, you can request to have your redwoods elopement ceremony at a different location, subject to a tiered fee schedule. If you have any further inquiries, consult this page or contact the current permit coordinator at REDW_Special_Use_Permits@nps.gov. They will happily address any queries and questions and support you in confidently planning your nuptials. 

AIRPORTS CLOSE TO REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS

It’s essential to remember that many of the locations are quite remote when you start putting together elopement packages. Redwoods provides a stunning environment to take your vows with the person you love, just ensure you check out which airport will give you the best access to the location and amenities you’ll need.

• The closest major airports are SFO (San Francisco, CA) and PDX (Portland, OR), although the term “close” is relative. They are 6-8 hours from the park’s north and south ends. 
• RDD (Redding, CA) is four hours east of Prairie Creek Redwoods. 
• MFR (Medford, OR) is two hours east of Jedediah Smith Redwoods. 
• ACV (Eureka/Arcata, CA) is one hour south of Prairie Creek Redwoods.
• CEC (Crescent City, CA) is a small airport 15 minutes from Jedediah Smith Redwoods, although flights are scarce.

REDWOOD ELOPEMENT ACTIVITIES

Please don’t think there’s only hiking to do in the region. My redwood forest wedding elopement couples have used my contacts to horseback ride through the trees, sea kayak through arches, and much more.

OTHER PARKS TO ELOPE IN THE REDWOODS

Moving away from Redwood National Park, there are numerous stunning redwoods elopement locations you should consider for a romantic escape. Let’s have a look at some of what’s on offer so you can tailor a truly kickass wedding.

SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK

For those couples searching to tailor elopement packages, California Redwoods delivers a pretty spectacular environment to tie the knot, and Sequoia National Park is a stunning choice. The park offers lodges and banquet rooms to host weddings and elopements for up to 80 guests. If you choose to have your nuptials within the park itself, which is highly recommended due to its incredible beauty, you’ll need to consult the National Parks Service. 

The park has smaller more intimate areas that can host up to fifteen guests, while other sites can host up to 75. You can find a comprehensive list of redwoods elopement locations with photos on the National Parks website. As a Redwoods wedding photographer, I think the Giant Forest Museum Patio is ideal for eloping and capturing stunning pictures. Beetle Rock and Panoramic Point also offer spectacular views of the mountains, giving you a stunning backdrop for a ceremony. 

The key to creating your dream redwood forest elopement package is planning. You must submit your application 90 days before your desired wedding date. Additionally, the roads leading to various locations are subject to weather conditions. Therefore, the months from November through April can be predictably unpredictable. You should plan to elope in the redwoods between late spring and early fall to avoid any inclement weather. If you have any further questions or to begin the planning process, consult the National Parks website or contact them directly.

MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

Muir Woods National Monument is a popular choice for couples wanting to take their vows on a breathtaking redwood elopement. These majestic redwoods are about 40 miles from San Fransisco via Route 101.  The national monument was established in 1908 and covers 558 acres, representing one of the last ancient redwood forests in the Bay Area.  

With towering trees and a charming creek, this is a fabulous location to tailor elopement packages. Redwoods here are around 1000 years old and a permit is required for any group size, including an elopement. When visiting their website, remember that Muir Woods is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which includes sites like Alcatraz Island and Presidio Trust. So, don’t get confused by the broader network. For more details regarding permits and elopements, visit the park’s official website to find all the necessary information to plan your amazing day. 

FORESTS OF NISENE MARKS

Located an hour, give or take, south of San Jose, the Forest of Nisene Marks might be smaller and less renowned, but it’s no less impressive and offers a captivating setting to elope in the redwoods. Once depleted by heavy logging in the early 20th century, the land underwent a remarkable turnaround in the 1960s when the Nisene Marks family very generously donated it for reforestation efforts. Today, the beautiful park is a testament to nature’s resilience, a regenerated landscape symbolizing new beginnings. 

Couples seeking to piece together a redwoods elopement package in the park will need to acquire a permit, obtainable for $25 with a 30-day advance application or expedited for $100 for shorter notice. Application forms are available upon request, and all additional wedding-related information can be sourced on their website (jump to page 11 for the wedding section). While the park has dedicated areas for wedding ceremonies, there are many picturesque spots available to accommodate events with fewer than 50 people, although alcohol is not permitted. 

BIG BASIN REDWOODS STATE PARK

Big Basin Redwoods State Park, the oldest in California, is undergoing a significant restoration after devastating fires caused by lightning in 2021 tragically burned many of its giant trees. The park, near Santa Cruz, is famous for beautiful hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque spots, perfect for eloping in the redwoods with restoration efforts well underway as the park looks for a swift recovery. 

LIMEKILN STATE PARK

Much like Big Basin, Limekiln State Park has faced its fair share of obstacles. Fires have damaged the redwoods, and complications with Highway 1 have forced closures. When fully open, it offers a wonderful destination to elope in the redwoods in combination with Big Sur. Although not on the scale of other vast redwood forests, its beauty makes it a worthwhile stop.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO ELOPE TO THE REDWOODS?

California boasts year-round beauty, but redwood elopement packages face certain challenges during certain seasons. Winter blankets Sequoia in snow, with Coastal Redwoods enduring substantial rainfall. The transitional periods of spring and fall are optimal times to elope in the redwoods. However, the summer, while tempting, invites swarms of mosquitoes, particularly in the north. It’s really a matter of balancing the desired ambiance with practical considerations, ensuring your special day aligns harmoniously with nature’s rhythms. 

OBTAINING A MARRIAGE LICENSE TO ELOPE IN THE REDWOODS

For more information on obtaining marriage licenses across all 50 states, click here. In California, a marriage license is valid for 90 days, has no waiting period, and you’ll require one witness (your officiant or me) to complete your redwood forest elopement. If you’re considering the scenic Oregon coast for your ceremony, note that there is a 3-day waiting period, and the license is valid for 60 days, perfect for combining your visit with the jaw-dropping North Coast Redwoods. 

MAKE YOUR OWN CUSTOM REDWOOD ELOPEMENT PACKAGES WITH MY LOCAL VENDOR REFERRALS!

I’m a lifelong Oregonian and deeply passionate about these ancient forests, and I love being a part of an eloping couples’ special day as their photographer, however, I’m no wedding planner and don’t offer all-inclusive elopement packages. Redwoods make a spectacular setting for a ceremony and with the help of my local vendor referrals, you can create your perfect location elopement. 

I’m a massive believer in collaborating with people who vibe the same as me. I can put you in touch with caterers, officiants, florists, hair and makeup artists, and numerous services to ensure when you elope in the redwoods, your day involves the people you feel comfortable with. Creating a tailored Redwoods elopement package should be fun, and having the right like-minded people involved makes it extra special and less stressful.  

Redwoods Elopement PackageS

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN ELOPING IN THE REDWOODS!

CONSIDER THE ASPECTS OF LEAVE NO TRACE

Respecting what Mother Nature has provided for us is crucial whenever we spend time in the great outdoors. The saying “leave only footprints” may sound clichéd, but it holds significant truth. Essentially, you should always leave nature as you found it, and a Redwood elopement is no exception. This means no littering, flower picking, or removal of any natural elements, which is illegal in national parks. 

You must avoid climbing the trees or disturbing their roots when you elope in the redwoods. Studies in Stout Grove have shown us that the trees most accessible to visitors suffered severe root damage as a result of off-trail walking, creating “social trails” that destroy the ecosystem. Additionally, be mindful of nurse logs–felled trees that transform vital ecosystems as they decay. 

These downed trees provide nutrients to seedings and habitats for moss, microorganisms, and other forest life. Although it’s sad to see redwoods fall, their end brings new beginnings to the forest floor. 

Fallen trees help prevent erosion and provide habitats for insects, small mammals, fungi, and more. It’s a fascinating process that highlights the importance of every element in the forest. As we enjoy some magnificent Redwoods elopement locations, we’ll ensure we respect and preserve these majestic giants, fully appreciating their beauty and ecological importance. 

CHOOSE YOUR ATTIRE CAREFULLY

If you’ve chosen to elope in the redwoods and have a unique adventure, it’ll differ from a traditional service. You may need to trade dress shoes for hiking boots, and that’s absolutely fine! I’ve got a comprehensive gear list to consider. If you plan to wear a wedding gown, there are several things to consider like the fabric and style. Being practical and breathtaking while eloping in the redwoods is totally achievable.  

BE AWARE OF LIMITED AMENITIES

Brookings, OR, and Crescent City, CA, are firmly in the category of “we really OUT here”. With populations of around 6,000, these towns aren’t exactly big cities and lack amenities like nail salons, tattoo shops, and upscale restaurants. The nearest Target is hours away and my recommended HMUAs travel for over two hours to reach these Redwoods elopement occasions. The closest recommended airport is Medford, OR, a 2.5-hour drive away. In short, plan accordingly for your elopement, as luxury services are very limited.

HAVE A LOVE FOR THE COAST

Couples routinely choose the coasts of Oregon and California for their big day, favoring pristine or rocky beaches. Whether you’re dreaming about having a private ceremony by the sea or eloping in the redwoods, your special day will be incredibly intimate and memorable. Maybe you want the enduring redwoods to symbolize a lasting commitment or to capture your beautiful ceremony amidst the historic beauty of the West Coast, I’d love to document every moment of your dream day!