How to Plan a Redwood Forest Elopement

Why Elope in the Redwoods?

Imagine standing beneath towering ancient trees, their massive trunks rising high above you, as soft beams of golden sunlight filter through the canopy. The air is crisp, the scent of earth and redwood needles surrounds you, and the only sound is the rustling leaves and the quiet whisper of the breeze. This is the magic of a redwood forest elopement—an intimate, stress-free way to say your vows in a setting that feels straight out of a fairytale.

Eloping in the redwoods allows you to embrace the beauty of nature while celebrating your love in a way that feels uniquely yours. Unlike a traditional wedding, where timelines are rigid and expectations run high, a redwood elopement is all about freedom. You can hike to a secluded grove, exchange vows with only the trees as your witnesses, or end your day watching the sunset over the Pacific coastline. The possibilities are endless, and this guide will help you plan every step to ensure your redwood forest elopement is as effortless as it is unforgettable.

Choosing the Perfect Location for Your Redwood Elopement

California is home to some of the most breathtaking redwood forests in the world, each offering a unique setting for your big day. Whether you want a quiet and secluded grove, a dramatic overlook, or even a location that combines both the forest and the ocean, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Top Redwood Forest Elopement Locations

One of the most popular places to elope in the redwoods is Redwood National Park, a stunning destination filled with lush, ancient groves. This park features several incredible spots, such as Templeman Grove, a quiet, intimate location perfect for private vows, and Crescent Beach Overlook, where the redwoods meet the coastline, offering panoramic ocean views.

Beyond Redwood National Park, other incredible locations include Humboldt Redwoods State Park, home to the famous Avenue of the Giants, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, which offers miles of trails winding through old-growth forests. If you’re dreaming of a coastal elopement paired with redwoods, Big Sur is another breathtaking option, where the trees line the rugged cliffs overlooking the Pacific.

The best location for your redwood forest elopement will depend on the experience you want. If you envision a quiet, intimate ceremony deep in the woods, a hidden grove may be ideal. But if you love the idea of a mix of forest and coastal scenery, a location with both redwoods and ocean views could be the perfect choice.

• Humboldt Redwoods State Park
• Redwood National & State Parks
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
• Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

When to Elope in the Redwoods

The redwoods are beautiful year-round, but the season you choose for your elopement can shape the overall experience.

Summer (June-August)

If you’re looking for warm weather and long daylight hours, summer is a great time to elope in the redwoods. However, it’s also the busiest season, meaning some locations might have more visitors. If you want privacy, consider an early morning or weekday ceremony.

Fall (September-November)

For a quieter and more romantic feel, fall is an incredible time for a redwood elopement. The air is crisp, the forest glows with golden light, and the summer crowds have disappeared. Plus, you might even get some of that dreamy coastal fog, which adds a moody, ethereal touch to your photos.

Winter (December-March)

Winter in the redwoods is magical. The forest is lush and green, and rain showers bring out the rich scent of the trees. While it can be chilly and wet, this is the best time for ultimate privacy. If you don’t mind a little rain, you’ll be rewarded with a beautifully quiet and intimate experience.

Spring (April-May)

Spring brings fresh greenery, blooming wildflowers, and mild temperatures, making it one of the best times to elope in the redwoods. With fewer visitors compared to summer, it offers the perfect balance of great weather and a peaceful atmosphere.

Navigating Permits for Your Redwood Elopement

Since the redwood forests are protected, most locations require a special use permit for elopements. Depending on if your location is within one of the State or National Parks, the permit process will look a little different. It is generally a good idea to submit your application at least 4-6 weeks before your wedding, if not sooner. 

For a wedding in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, or Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park you must submit the following:

• Special Event Permit Application
• Special Event Permit Application Supplement
• Certificate of General Liability Insurance
• $200 application fee

For a wedding in Redwood National Park you must submit the following:

• Special Use Application
• $100-200 application fee

For more information on the application process, go here.

Planning Your Redwood Forest Elopement Experience

One of the best parts about choosing to elope in the redwoods is that your day is entirely customizable. You can make it as relaxed or adventurous as you like.

Some couples start their day with a sunrise hike, saying their vows in a quiet grove before heading to the coast for sunset portraits. Others prefer a more leisurely approach, taking time to soak in the beauty of the forest, enjoy a picnic, or even book a private chef for a romantic dinner after their ceremony.

Popular activities to include in your elopement day:

• Exploring a scenic redwood trail together
• Kayaking in the ocean or lagoon
• Enjoying a cozy campfire under the stars
• Get dinner and beers at a local brewery
• Hike the King Range & Lost Coast Trail
• Hike Fern Canyon and check out herds of Roosevelt Elk
• Whitewater rafting the Trinity River
• Walk the redwood Canopy Trail at Trees of Mystery
• Explore the beaches on the Northern California and Southern Oregon Coast
  • Little Black Sands Beach
  • College Cove
    

Your redwood elopement should be a reflection of your relationship, so choose experiences that make the day feel uniquely yours!

Catching Sunset at the Coastal Cliffs

An added bonus to eloping in the Redwoods is the proximity to a beautiful and rugged coastline. redwoods grow in a band along the coast of Northern California and parts of Oregon which makes it very easy to combine a redwood Adventure with sunset on the beach. With places like trinidad, shelter cove, Crescent city, and Brookings nearby it is so easy to add a coastal adventure to your special day. 

• Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor
• Sue-meg State Park

Creating a Seamless Redwood Elopement Timeline

To ensure your day flows smoothly, it’s helpful to create a timeline to plan out your wedding day. Here are a few examples of real redwood elopement timelines:

Working with a professional redwood elopement photographer can help you craft a timeline that captures every special moment while allowing plenty of time to soak in the experience.

Redwood Elopement Packages

EVERY PACKAGE INCLUDES:

6+ Hours of Photography Coverage

We’ll spend the day adventuring together, capturing stunning moments in some of Oregon/California’s most breathtaking locations

Expert Redwood Guidance

I know the best locations, how to apply for permits, and help you plan the logistics so your day runs smoothly!

Full Elopement Planning Support

Elopement planning guide, timeline planning, and a custom location guide

No Hidden Travel Fees

My travel and permits are included in all Yosemite packages

I’ll just need a seat if you plan on going for a helicopter ride, go for a 4×4 adventure, etc.!

Packages starting at $4500 (Average Investment $5600)

Marriage License

If you’re eloping in California, you’ll need a marriage license, which you can obtain from any county clerk’s office in the state. There’s no waiting period, so you can get married the same day you pick it up.

The state of California requires an officiant and one witness. The official paperwork can be done at the county office or at the time of your elopement, it is up to you! The license is valid for 90 days and must be returned within 10 days of the marriage ceremony.

Where to Stay

For lodging, consider staying in a charming cabin, a cozy forest lodge, or even a camping/glamping site to fully embrace the outdoor adventure. Crescent City, Trinidad, and Brookings are great nearby options, offering easy access to the redwoods and the coast.

Here are a few cool AirBnB’s to stay in!

• Calm Home next to Trailhead
• Amazing Stump House with Private Outdoor Living
• Infinity ocean view, while soaking in the hot tub!
• Fern Hook Cabin
• Coastal Cabin Getaway

Your Redwood Forest Elopement Adventure Awaits

A redwood forest elopement is more than just a wedding day—it’s an experience, an adventure, and a celebration of your love in one of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth. Whether you choose a remote grove for an intimate exchange of vows or a coastal overlook for a dramatic sunset backdrop, the redwoods will provide a setting that’s both timeless and unforgettable.

Ready to start planning your dream redwood elopement? Let’s make it happen!