how to elope in the redwoods
When, Where and how to plan your redwood elopement!
You want an intimate & memorable elopement day
just you and your person in a place you'll never forget
You’ve seen your friends and family have big traditional weddings. They were fun, but you always thought to yourself ‘I would hate to be in their shoes right now." All the attention, the pressure to perform, and all the money being spent on things that will end up in the garbage. It’s not for you.
If you’d rather spend your time, money, and energy on new experiences and outdoor adventures, you’re in the right place!
how to get to the redwoods
The Redwoods are a collection of National and State Parks that run along the Northern Coast of California, so there are a ton of different areas you can explore, and a few different ways you can get there. I would recommend choosing one place to be your home base and then explore some of the best spots around there.
2. Fly into Arcata and stay on the coast in Trinidad or Eureka. The closest redwood forests will be 30-45 minutes away
1. Fly into San Francisco or Sacramento and drive 4 hours North to Humboldt Redwoods State Park or 3 hours south to Julia Pfeiffer State Park/Big Sur
help me plan my redwood elopement!
3. Fly into Medford, OR & drive 2 hours to Crescent City or Brookings. You can also fly into Crescent City (CEC) to be within 15 minutes of the parks.
Which route you take depends on how much you're willing to drive, what locations you want to explore, and your budget. I'd love to help you figure out which route would be best for you!
I'm an elopement photographer, who is in love with the magic of the Redwoods and showing couples that getting married doesn't have to be stressful
hi there, i'm bri!
I focus on creating scenic and emotional photos that feel natural and cinematic. All while helping couples plan their intimate elopement day, where presence, adventure, and romance are at the core.
outdoor enthusiast & dog mom fueled by coffee and the thought of my next adventure
let's chat about your elopement!
The BEst Time to elope in the redwoods
The redwoods are gorgeous year round but for the best weather, lowest prices, and least amount of crowds March-June is the best time to get married in the redwoods. The trees are the most lush and green at this time as well.
However, September-November are also a great time for moody days and lower crowds and prices.
Best Time of Year:
Best Day of the Week:
Best Time of Day:
I'd recommend choosing a Monday-Thursday for the best chance at getting a permit and so there are less crowds.
Unlike most outdoor locations, the Redwoods are not best at Sunset. Late afternoon before the forest gets too dark is best, and then you can enjoy sunset on the beach!
Redwood elopement locations
Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Northeast of Crescent City
South of Crescent City, North of Arcata
Pros:
- easily accessible
- everything is pretty close together
- gorgeous coastal photo spots in Oregon are close by
Cons:
- crescent city itself isn't too exciting
- you may hear some road noise at the ceremony locations
Pros:
- this park is quieter than the two above so you're more likely to have privacy
- closer to San Francisco if you choose to fly into there
Cons:
- requires a bit more driving
- permit rules are a bit more vague (but that's why I help with this part!)
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
South of San Francisco
Pros:
- the closest Redwoods to San Francisco
- very close to Big Sur
- there are some gorgeous wedding venues in the area
Cons:
- strict permits
- Mcway falls is closed for long term construction
Big Sur
South of San Francisco
Pros:
- gorgeous coastal cliffs and beaches
- every season is beautiful here
Cons:
- not the Redwoods, but there is a private Redwood Forest nearby you can get married in!
- permits are only allowed Mon-Thurs between May and September
I've made this map for you marking the designated ceremony sites within the Redwoods, and helpful notes on each spot when you click on it!
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
South of Crescent City
Pros:
- the only park in the redwoods with beach ceremony locations
Cons:
- there are no designated ceremony spots in the redwoods in the park, but you can apply for a custom location (I've marked a few on the map!)
I searched day and night to find a photographer that could capture the energy of my Redwood elopement and Utah wedding and Bri was everything I was looking for in a photographer!
She was the easiest, most supportive, and talented person I could have asked for. I explained my vision to her and was amazed when I got the photos back. They were better than I even imagined.
She captured the raw beauty of every moment and made sure I got every shot I wanted. And I could talk for days about her demeanor and how easy going she is, as well as talented she is!
You won’t regret working with Bri!
- Kinley & Cam
Let's start planning your adventure!
“Bri was everything I was looking for in a photographer”
lets talk about permits
You will need a permit to get married in the Redwoods, but there is not a straight answer on how to get one because every park within the Redwoods has different permitted locations, process and fees. Though, they are all fairly similar.
When you work with me, I walk you through every step of the process to obtain a permit for your desired location in the Redwoods!
- You will need to apply for a permit at least 45 days before your desired elopement day. Most park services accept applications 6 months in advance
- Most designated ceremony locations require a $100 application fee and custom locations require a $200 fee.
- No alcohol is allowed
- Permits are generally not issued around major holidays
- Leave no trace should always be practiced!
A few general rules across all the parks:
i'm ready to get started!
sample timelines for your Redwood elopement day!
8 Hour Day w/ Loved Ones
12pm Get Ready Together at Airbnb
2pm Drive to the Redwoods
3pm Ceremony + Photos in the Redwoods
5pm Head to Dinner
5:30pm Intimate Dinner + Toasts with Family
7pm Drinks, Dancing & Dessert as the sun sets
8pm Coverage Ends - Jump in the hot tub and call it a day!
Morning
8am Make coffee together + Write Vows
9am Get Ready at Airbnb
11:30am First Look
Afternoon
12pm Meet up with loved ones for Brunch
2pm Head to the Redwoods
3pm Ceremony + Photos in the Redwoods
Evening
6pm Head to the coast
Read private vows on the beach
7pm Sunset
7:30pm Celebrate with pizza and drinks to end the day!
Full Day Elopement Experience
6 Hour Private Elopement
2pm Get Ready Together at Airbnb
3pm Drive to the Redwoods
4pm Ceremony + Photos in the Redwoods
5:30pm Picnic in the Redwoods
6:30pm Head to the Coast
7pm Watch the sun set on the coast & Toast to each other
8pm Grab Some Dessert & Call it a Day!
- Angela & Clay
"we are so in love with all of these memories"
We’re so glad we chose Bri for our elopement in the Redwoods and Big Sur. She captured our day so well and was there for every step of the way from our initial call to helping me into my dress, to delivering the most stunning photos. She is SO talented and took such great care of us. We had so much fun with Bri and are so in love with all of these memories!
Redwood elopement packages
redwood elopement packages
8 Hour, Full Day and Multi Day Packages also available!
6+ Hours Photography Coverage With Bri as Your Local Guide
A Unique Elopement Experience
Your Personal Planning Guide
Permit Application
Flexible Timeline Creation
Online Photo Gallery
$5200 for everything above, and 6 hours of photography coverage
Every Redwood Elopement Includes:
72 Hour Sneak Peeks
We will chat about what you value most in your elopement day and photos to create an elopement experience that will feel like you and be unforgettable!
We will have 2-3 planning calls to plan all the details of your elopement day - locations, permits, timeline, activities, and what you value most in your elopement day and photos
Your elopement photos will be delivered in an online gallery where you can view, download, and print your photos, to share and hold onto for generations.
You’re excited, I’m excited, and I won’t keep you waiting to see what we created. You’ll get sneak peek photos within 72 hours of your elopement day!
A Coffee Date to Kick Off Our Adventure
We will meet up for a casual coffee date prior to your elopement day to get out any last nerves, and kick off the adventure we'll have together!
I will guide you through the entire permit process to cut out all confusion and stress!
No Additional Travel Fees
Where to stay for your redwood elopement
A quiet and secluded cabin, nestled in the forest with river access to a sandy beach and waterhole. Located only 15 minutes from the Redwoods!
This beautiful home will make such a relaxing and cozy stay. And just trust me when I say its located right in between the 2 most stunning locations we can visit on your elopement day!
Glen Oaks offers a variety of cabins that are tucked away in the redwoods. And when you stay here you can get married in their private redwood forest for free!
This cute and cozy bungalow sits in a small redwood forest that is 30 minutes from the redwoods parks & coastal locations!
Located minutes from the redwoods and you get access to a private beach for swimming and kayaking. The perfect adventure escape!
One of the most beautiful stays in Northern California.. this gorgeous home sits on 3 acres of forested cliffside, overlooking the pacific ocean.
how to include your loved ones in your elopement day
a private chef catered dinner after your ceremony
This is such an intimate and cool experience to have with your loved ones. It also takes all the stress of catering or making dinner away. Here are a few of the best private chefs near the Redwoods:
Read Letters From Home
Ask your closest friends and family to write you letters to read on your elopement day. This can be a super sweet and intimate moment on your special day.
Split Your Day Into Parts, or even 2 days
You can include your family in half of your elopement day or split it into 2 days. An example of what I commonly see:
Day 1 - Intimate ceremony and reception with family nestled in the forest
Day 2 - An outdoor adventure with just the two of you where you can read private vows, explore some trails and watch sunset on the coast together.
Bring some family heirlooms to use in the details of your elopement day
This is usually meaningful jewelry or clothing, but it can be anything that makes you think of home. Photo books, handwritten letters, etc.
You can elope just the two of you, but you don’t have to! Many couples who elope still want to include their closest friends and family.
Here are some ideas on how you can celebrate with loved ones on your elopement day or after it:
Have a reception back home after your elopement
- Rent out local brewery for a fun, hands-off evening with friends and family
- Book a group campground for a laidback night around the campfire
- Find a cabin or backyard for a night of socializing with music, drinks, and charcuterie
Ask a loved one to officiate your ceremony
Anyone can get ordained for free through Universal Life Church to officiate a ceremony! You'll also need 2 witnesses.
my favorite redwood elopement vendors
Officiants
- Christa Deane with Mountain High Weddings
- Ellen Scher
- Dean Liapis
Last, but not least, the rest of the team that is going to help make your redwood elopement day a reality!
Florists
HMUA
- Lexi Harker with Blushing Beauties Co.
- Melina Terra
Videographers
Local Bakeries
- Eureka - Ramone's Bakery
- Crescent City - The Sweet Spot
- Big Sur Bakery
