Redwoods Elopement Guide: Elope in the California Redwoods
Everything You Need to Know for Your Redwoods Elopement
Imagine standing with your favorite person, surrounded by towering trees that have been around for centuries. Beams of sunlight stream through the canopy, and the quiet of the forest surrounds you. That’s what a redwoods elopement feels like. Time slows down, distractions fall away, and you spend the day truly present with each other. There are redwoods along the California coast, with plenty of options for couples who want a wedding day that feels connected to nature. This guide will give you some tips for your elopement, some of the best places to elope in the redwoods, and more.
Reasons to Elope in the Redwoods
Coastal Views
When you tie the knot in the redwoods, you get a lot of variety when it comes to views. Redwood trees grow by the coast, so you can have a ceremony deep in the trees, then head to the coast and enjoy ocean views.
Privacy
The cover of tall trees makes a lot of ceremony places feel private, and there’s often a very peaceful quiet that you’ll find in the forest groves. There are plenty of quiet trails and lesser-known spots where you can exchange vows without an audience. A lot of couples decide to elope because they don’t want a bunch of people around, so eloping in the redwoods allows you to focus on each other, without feeling like you’re on display.
Magic!
The redwoods really do feel like stepping into a fairytale. When the coastal fog hangs over the trees, sunlight dances through the canopy, and you’re surrounded by the towering trees, it’s hard not to feel like you’re somewhere truly magical.
The Best Redwoods Elopement Locations
Redwood trees grow along the coast of southern Oregon and throughout California. Here are a few of the best places to go if you want to tie the knot surrounded by redwoods.
Redwood National and State Parks
Located along the northern California Coast, Redwood National and State Parks are home to some of the tallest redwoods in the world. This area is a collection of a few parks – Jedediah Smith State Park, Prairie Creek State Park, and Del Norte State Park, and Redwood National Park. This area feels wild and remote, with dense forests, quiet trails, and coastal views.
Avenue of the Giants
The Avenue of the Giants runs through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. It’s a 31 mile long scenic drive, taking you through old-growth redwoods. This is a beautiful option if you want redwood scenery and a ceremony spot that’s easy to reach.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Big Basin is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, south of San Francisco. It’s the oldest state park in California, with lush redwood forests, waterfalls, ocean views, and wildlife. It’s one of the best places to elope in the redwoods if you don’t want to travel too far north, or want to be close to the Bay Area. You can see an engagement session at Big Basin here!
Big Sur
While Big Sur is best known for dramatic ocean cliffs and coastal views, it’s also home to stunning redwood groves. Big Sur blends forest, mountains, and ocean, so it’s a unique place for an elopement where you can have some variety. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is one of the best places to see the redwoods, or you can book a site at Big Sur Lodge to have your ceremony in the forest grove.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is an honorable mention here. While “redwoods” usually refers to the Coastal Redwoods, Yosemite has giant sequoia trees, which are another species of redwood. The views in the sequoias are similar to what you’d find in the Coastal Redwoods – and the sequoias are even bigger. The main difference is that sequoias grow in the Sierra Nevada mountains rather than on the coast – so if you want more mountain views, the sequoias might be the ideal forest retreat for you.
The Best Time for a Redwoods Elopement
The Coastal Redwoods don’t experience a ton of variety in temperature. Being on the coast, it’s usually between 40 and 60 degrees year round. Being by the coast, and under the shade of the trees, it can feel cooler, so bring layers no matter when you tie the knot.
Summer is the most popular time to visit the redwoods. It’s drier and sunnier, so it’s the perfect time for hiking and exploring. Coastal fog is common in the mornings, but it adds a moody, mystical feel and usually clears up by the afternoon. It’ll be busier this time of year, so opt for a weekday elopement if you can.
Fall means fewer visitors, but more rain. In September, the weather is still pretty good, and it’s quieter than the busy summer. But as fall goes on, it gets more rainy. This can be a good time to elope in the redwoods for more privacy, but be prepared for rain!
Winter is the quietest season in the redwoods. It’s very wet and rainy, so the trails will be muddy. It gets cool but not too cold, and if you’re open to embracing the elements, it can feel pretty peaceful.
Spring is very rainy as well, but in May, the rhododendrons bloom, and the forest floor looks vibrant and alive. This is another good time to elope if you want to avoid crowds, but spring weather is unpredictable, so it’s important to be flexible.
Redwoods Elopement Permits
Some redwood locations require a permit for wedding ceremonies. Permit requirements vary, depending on the location and the size of your group. For example, Redwood National and State Parks require a special use permit for all elopements, and there’s a pre-approved list of locations to choose from.
In general, permits are there to protect the forest and ensure that ceremonies don’t impact sensitive areas. Applications should be submitted as early as possible (most places accept them up to a year in advance) to avoid stressing about processing times.
Once you know where you want to elope, I’ll help you navigate the process. I help couples figure out whether they need a permit and how to apply, so that it doesn’t become a source of stress!
Tips for Your Redwoods Elopement
Eloping in the redwoods involves some planning around the logistics. Here are some tips for your redwoods elopement to make sure everything goes smoothly!
Wear Layers
No matter the time of year, bring layers! Even in the summer, redwood forests can feel cool and damp, and there’s a lot of shade. Bringing warm layers ensures you stay comfortable, and a rain jacket is always a good thing to have.
Download Offline Maps
Prepare to not have cell service, since a lot of redwoods elopement locations are kind of remote. Download offline maps so that you have directions and are prepared.
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace principles ensure that we protect these natural areas. The ancient forests can be more fragile than you’d think! Avoid bringing in anything that could damage the trees, pack out everything you pack in, and avoid walking on plant life.
Redwoods Elopement Packages
When you elope in the redwoods with me, my job goes beyond taking photos. I help you plan an experience that feels intentional and true to who you are, from choosing the right location to creating a timeline that flows naturally.
I’ll guide you through permits, help you decide on the best spot for your ceremony, and make sure your day feels calm and meaningful. On your elopement day, I focus on capturing both the grandeur of the forest and the quiet, in-between moments that make the day yours.
Eloping in the redwoods is about slowing down, being present, and starting your marriage in a way that feels grounded and real. If that resonates with you, contact me to start planning your redwoods elopement!
Ready to elope in the Redwoods?
I’m here to help you create and document your unforgettable day
Hi, I’m Liz!
I believe that the connections we build with those in our lives is what makes life worthwhile. I am truly a people person. I thrive being around others, and being part of a couples’ wedding day feeds my soul!” My couples aren’t just my clients, they are my friends and we are building a friendship through your whole wedding journey.
As an elopement photographer, avid traveler, and outdoor enthusiast, I’ve visited tons of great places for elopement ceremonies. I’m excited to share them with you in this post!
