I hope this guide on “How to Plan Your Dream California Redwood Elopement: A Step-By-Step Guide” is useful to you! These majestic trees are native to the coastal regions of California and Oregon, with the majority found in California. Renowned for their incredible height, with some reaching over 350 feet, and their massive girth, the Redwoods are among the tallest and oldest living organisms on the planet. Their presence creates a unique ecosystem, providing habitat for a diverse array of plant and animal species. Beyond their ecological significance, the California Redwoods hold a special place in human culture, inspiring reverence and awe with their grandeur and resilience. Standing among these ancient giants is a humbling experience, connecting visitors to the enduring beauty and majesty of the natural world.

Where are the Redwood Trees Located in California?

The California Redwoods,also known as Coast Redwoods or Sequoia sempervirens, are towering giants that form some of the most awe-inspiring forests on Earth. They begin in in Big Sur and continue up to the northern California border and into Oregon. They span a length of ~500 miles!

Best Redwood Elopement Locations:

Redwoods National Park

Redwood National and State Parks, situated along the northern California coast, encompass some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet, making it an exceptional choice for couples seeking an unforgettable elopement experience. This vast expanse of protected land is home to the tallest trees on Earth, the iconic California Redwoods, which tower majestically overhead, creating an enchanting and serene atmosphere. The park offers a myriad of stunning locations for elopements, from secluded groves surrounded by ancient giants to picturesque overlooks with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Whether exchanging vows amidst towering trees, walking hand in hand along scenic trails, or enjoying a romantic picnic in the forest, couples are sure to find Redwood National and State Parks an idyllic setting for their elopement, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Humboldt Redwood State Park

Humboldt Redwoods State Park, nestled within the rugged beauty of northern California, offers an enchanting backdrop for couples seeking a romantic and intimate elopement. Home to some of the world’s tallest and oldest living trees, including the iconic Avenue of the Giants, the park boasts a sense of timeless wonder and natural grandeur that is unparalleled. With its towering redwood groves, tranquil rivers, and lush fern-lined trails, Humboldt Redwoods State Park provides countless picturesque settings for exchanging vows and celebrating love. Whether saying “I do” beneath the towering canopy of ancient giants or sharing a quiet moment beside a babbling creek, couples will find themselves immersed in the serenity and majesty of nature. Humboldt Redwoods State Park offers a truly magical setting for elopements, where the beauty of the surroundings serves as a perfect backdrop for the beginning of a lifetime of shared adventures.

Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park

Nestled in the northern reaches of California, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park stands as a testament to the enduring beauty of nature, making it an exceptional locale for couples seeking an intimate and enchanting elopement. Home to towering groves of ancient redwoods, tranquil rivers, and verdant meadows, the park offers a serene and picturesque setting for exchanging vows and celebrating love. With its secluded trails, breathtaking vistas, and the soothing sound of rustling leaves, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park provides couples with a sense of peace and connection that is truly unparalleled. Whether nestled among the towering trees or beside the gentle flow of the Smith River, couples are sure to find Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park an idyllic and unforgettable location for their elopement, where the timeless beauty of nature serves as the perfect backdrop for the beginning of their journey together.

Big Basin

In the Santa Cruz Mountains, Big Basin Redwoods State Park stands as a captivating sanctuary for couples seeking a romantic and intimate elopement. Home to ancient redwoods, cascading waterfalls, and winding trails, the park offers an idyllic setting that exudes natural beauty and tranquility. With its secluded groves and lush, verdant scenery, Big Basin provides couples with the perfect backdrop for exchanging vows and celebrating their love amidst the serenity of nature. Whether basking in the golden light filtering through the towering canopy or sharing a quiet moment by a babbling stream, couples are sure to find Big Basin Redwoods State Park a magical and unforgettable location for their elopement, where the timeless allure of the redwoods creates an atmosphere of romance and enchantment.

Big Sur

I have photographed the most Redwood elopements in Big Sur due to its all around charming appeal and quaint experience. Big Sur offers a variety of accommodations and amenities, making it convenient for couples to plan their elopement while enjoying the area’s natural splendor and charming nearby towns like Carmel-By-The-Sea. Big Sur provide couples with a unique opportunity to exchange vows against a backdrop of sweeping ocean views and dramatic cliffs. Whether nestled among the ancient trees or overlooking the Pacific Ocean, couples will find themselves surrounded by the tranquility and beauty of nature.

Alternatives: Sequoia National Park and Yosemite National Park

Let’s not forget about the Sequoias! The Sequoias are centrally located in California and include many in Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and a few in Yosemite National Park. Although these trees don’t tend to be as tall, they are much bigger in diameter and a little more orange in color.

For couples seeking an alternative to the Redwoods, eloping amidst the majestic Sequoias offers a similarly awe-inspiring and unforgettable experience. Sequoia National Park and its neighboring Giant Sequoia National Monument boast some of the largest and oldest trees on the planet, including the iconic General Sherman Tree.

Best Time of Year To Elope in the Redwoods

The Redwoods is accessible year-round! It never snows and it never gets sweltering hot! The best time of year to elope in the Redwoods depends on your preferences for weather, scenery, and crowd levels.

Generally, the spring and fall seasons are considered ideal for eloping in the Redwoods. During spring (March to May), the weather is mild, with lush greenery, blooming wildflowers, and occasional rain showers adding to the natural beauty of the forest.

Fall (September to November) brings stable temperatures and really beautiful sunsets, creating a picturesque backdrop for your elopement. Additionally, weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, offering a more intimate experience amidst the towering trees.

However, it’s essential to keep in mind that weather conditions in the Redwoods can be unpredictable, so be prepared for potential rain or fog regardless of the season. Later in the year, the area can be susceptible to wildfire smoke. Ultimately, the best time to elope in the Redwoods is when the timing feels right for you and your partner, allowing you to create cherished memories in this enchanting natural setting.

Coastal Cliff Sunset Elopement Portraits

The BEST part about having a Redwood elopement is that these coastal giants are near the most incredibly majestic cliffside beaches that California has to offer! You will want to make sure to book a full-day elopement package because it would be a missed opportunity to not have the experience or the photographs from these stunning locations during golden hour! From the rugged shores of Big Sur to the pristine beaches of Redwood National and State Parks, these stunning natural wonders offer couples the opportunity to combine the majestic beauty of ancient forests with the dramatic allure of coastal landscapes.

Imagine saying “I do” amidst the towering trees of the Redwoods, then venturing to nearby cliffside beaches to capture stunning wedding photos against the backdrop of crashing waves and golden sunsets. Whether you’re exchanging vows in the shade of ancient giants or strolling hand in hand along the sandy shores, the combination of Redwoods and cliffside beaches creates an unforgettable backdrop for a truly magical elopement experience.

Redwood Elopement Packages

I offer a variety of Redwood elopement packages, but by far, the most popular are my “sunrise + sunset” and “8 Hour” packages. Most couples eloping to the Redwoods want a full-day experience of being immersed in the towering trees and heading to the coast for breathtaking cliffside beach photos. And some are even up for starry night photos!

When couples hire me as their Redwood elopement photographer, they are looking for epic scenery, but also a simplified planning experience. My Redwoods elopement package includes everything you need to exchange vows amidst the towering giants of California’s ancient forests. From creating a personalized elopement timeline, helping you secure your permit, to even signing as your officiant on your marriage license, I’m not just a regular wedding photographer!

I also provide recommendations for local vendors and accommodations to enhance your elopement experience. With my Redwoods elopement packages, you can rest assured that your wedding day will be a magical and unforgettable celebration of your love amidst the natural beauty of the Redwoods.

Redwood Elopement Ideas

A few of my favorite outdoor elopement ideas to make your day feel personalized and meaningful to you:

• Hiking
• Treat yourself by hiring a professional hair and make-up artist
• Have a beautiful bouquet of fresh blooms made by a local florist
• Order a personalized ring box and vow books
• Have a personalized jean jacket or leather jacket with your new last name on the back!
• Rent an adventure vehicle or fun convertible and take a drive along the iconic HWY 1
• Create a playlist of your favorite songs
• Dip your toes in the ocean during sunset
• Horseback riding (only available in select areas)
• Have a casual lunch picnic in the forest or by a river
• Cut a small elopement cake and enjoy some champagne
• Choose a song for your “First Dance”
• Make a campfire at night and roast marshmallows

Do I Need a Permit?

Obtaining a permit to get married in the Redwoods is an essential step in ensuring your wedding day goes smoothly and in compliance with park regulations. Each Redwood park has its own specific permitting process, so I’ve done the research to understand the requirements for your chosen location.

Generally, permits are required for weddings and elopements to regulate the use of park facilities and ensure the protection of the natural environment. Permit applications typically include details such as the date, time, and location of the ceremony, as well as the number of guests and any additional amenities or services you plan to use. Some parks may also require a fee for permits, which can vary depending on factors such as the size and scope of your event.

It’s important to submit your permit application well in advance of your wedding date to allow for processing time and to ensure availability. Additionally, be sure to familiarize yourself with any rules and regulations specific to your chosen Redwood park, such as restrictions on amplified music, decorations, or photography. By obtaining a permit and adhering to park guidelines, you can enjoy a beautiful and seamless wedding day amidst the majestic beauty of the Redwoods.

Pro Tip: I help my eloping couples select an approved ceremony location within the park and give them specific instructions on how to obtain their permit! I’ve already done the research so you don’t have to!

How to Legally Get Married in the Redwoods

To legally get married in the California Redwoods, couples must follow the standard marriage laws and procedures of the state of California. The process typically involves obtaining a marriage license from a county clerk’s office in California, which can be obtained in person or online. Both parties must appear together and provide valid identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, and pay a fee.

Once the marriage license is obtained, there is a waiting period before the ceremony can take place, typically ranging from 0 to 90 days depending on the county. During this time, couples can plan their Redwoods elopement, ensuring they have all the necessary permits and arrangements in place.

On the day of the ceremony, a licensed officiant must solemnize the marriage, whether it be a judge, religious leader, or someone authorized by the state. After the ceremony, the officiant will sign the marriage license, along with the couple and any required witnesses, and the license must be returned to the county clerk’s office for official recording. By following these steps, couples can legally marry amidst the majestic beauty of the California Redwoods, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Pro Tip: I always help my couples with this process! I give them specific information on when, where, and how to obtain their license, and I even sign as their officiant!

Ready to start your Redwoods elopement adventure? Get in touch!