When it comes to having a Redwoods wedding or a Redwoods elopement, couples just like you have lots of questions! Let’s dive into Redwood National Park Weddings and elopements among other Redwoods forests in California!
Table of Contents
Will The Number Of Park Employees Fired By The DOGE Impact Planning A Wedding In Redwood National Park in 2025?
The total number of employees let go in Redwood National Park is 6. The woman who deals with all of the wedding permits is conducting business as usual, so it’s unlikely that the release of those employees will have a negative impact on your wedding plans to Redwood National Park. To avoid sounding alarmist or overreacting, I’m going to take a wait-and-see approach, so I will report back and keep you updated!
You can get the full list of employees lost at each National Park here.
Venue & Permits For Your Redwoods Wedding
📜 Do we need a permit to have a wedding in a redwood forest?
Yes, you do! Whether it’s just the two of you getting married in the Redwoods or if you invite some guests, you will need to apply and pay for a permit. In Redwood National Park, you are allowed to have 20 guests.
If having your wedding on private land, you will not need a permit since you will be on private property.
📍 What are the best redwood wedding venues or locations?
I personally love photographing Redwood weddings at Redwoods National Park and Big Sur. Redwoods National Park is the place I recommend for couples who want to have a ceremony with guests, and Big Sur is the location I recommend looking into if you want to book a venue and elope on private land. Big Sur, in my opinion, has some of the most romantic and intimate Redwood wedding venues in California.
Big Sur Redwood Wedding Venues:
- Glen Oaks Big Sur
- Henry Miller Library
- Big Sur Lodge
- The Sur Grove
- Ventana Big Sur
- Post Ranch Inn
- Sparrow Valley Retreat (Aptos, CA)
- Nestldown (Los Gatos, CA)
- Waterfall Lodge & Retreat
🎉 Can we have a reception in the redwoods, or do we need a separate venue?
You will not be able to have a formal reception at a Redwood public park. At most, you’ll be able to have a simple picnic celebration after the ceremony. If you are looking for something a little more formal with some romance, I recommend booking a venue for your intimate dinner.
🎀 Are there any restrictions on decorations, chairs, or arches in the forest?
Yes, there are many restrictions on public land. In the National and State Parks, you will not be able to have any decorations, chairs, or arches in the forest. In Redwood National Park, you are not even permitted to have a bouquet of real flowers. This is not necessarily a bad thing since many eloping couples that hire more are more than excited to forego all the ceremonial decorations and planning that it involves. However, if you want to decorate your ceremony with personalized decorations and have chairs, an arch, etc. you can certainly do that when you book a Redwood wedding venue since you will be given much more leeway.
View Francesca and Elijah’s Intimate Redwoods Wedding with Family
Logistics & Guest Comfort For Your Redwoods Wedding
🍂🌞 What’s the best time of year to have a wedding in the redwoods?
The best time of year to have a wedding in the redwoods is typically May through October. These months offer the most stable weather, with mild temperatures and less rain.
Seasonal Breakdown:
- 🌼🌧️ Spring (March – May): Lush greenery (especially the ferns!), blooming wildflowers, and mild temperatures. However, occasional rain showers are still possible.
- 🌞🌫️ Summer (June – August): Warm, dry weather with beautiful, filtered sunlight through the trees. However, some areas near the coast may experience morning fog.
- 🍂✨ Fall (September – October): Crisp air, golden light, and fewer crowds. This is one of the best times for clear skies and stunning photography. (Keep in mind, though,that the ferns are not as lush)
- ☔ Winter (November – February): Rainy season with cooler temperatures and possible muddy trails. Some couples love the moody, misty vibes, but umbrellas are recommended.
👗👞 What should guests wear for a wedding in the redwoods?
🚻 Are there restrooms available near redwood ceremony locations?
Yes. In Redwoods National and State Parks, the restrooms will most likely not have plumbing or electricity, but they will be available and close by.
♿ Is the ceremony site accessible for elderly guests or those with mobility issues?
Yes, many are. When I help couples with the permit process, I guide them on what ceremony spots are easily accessible and appropriate for their group.
🅿️ How do we handle parking and transportation for guests?
Everyone will be able to drive themselves and park easily. There’s no need to hire transportation services such as passenger vans or limos.
View Caroline Ashley and Will’s Redwoods Wedding In December
Photography & Lighting For Your Redwoods Wedding
🌅 What time of day is best for photos in the redwoods?
I personally photograph all of my Redwood wedding elopements in the morning and high noon. This is to ensure there’s enough sunlight coming through the canopy. And then in the afternoon, we head to the coast for sunset photos at the beach!
💡 How do we ensure our wedding photos don’t look too dark?
I recommend having your ceremony and taking your Redwood wedding portraits in the morning. My mid-afternoon, there isn’t enough sunlight coming through the canopy, in my opinion, and that will make the photos darker.
🎇 Do we need any special lighting for an evening wedding?
I do not recommend an evening wedding in the Redwood forest.
Weather & Backup Plans For Your Redwoods Wedding
🌦️ What’s the weather like in the redwoods throughout the year?
Weather Tips for a Redwood Wedding:
🌲 Summer (June–August) offers the warmest temperatures, but coastal fog is common in the mornings.
🌲 Fall (September–October) is one of the best times, with mild temperatures and less fog.
🌲 Winter (November–February) is the rainiest season, so a backup plan is recommended.
🌲 Spring (March–May) brings lush greenery, but some rainy days are still expected.
The average temperatures in Redwood National Park by month:
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 55°F | 40°F |
| February | 56°F | 41°F |
| March | 57°F | 42°F |
| April | 58°F | 43°F |
| May | 61°F | 46°F |
| June | 63°F | 49°F |
| July | 65°F | 51°F |
| August | 65°F | 51°F |
| September | 65°F | 50°F |
| October | 63°F | 48°F |
| November | 58°F | 44°F |
| December | 55°F | 41°F |
The average number of rainy days per month in Redwood National Park:
| Month | Average Rainy Days |
|---|---|
| January | 18 days |
| February | 16 days |
| March | 16 days |
| April | 12 days |
| May | 8 days |
| June | 5 days |
| July | 3 days |
| August | 3 days |
| September | 5 days |
| October | 10 days |
| November | 15 days |
| December | 18 days |
☂️ What happens if it rains? Do we need a backup plan?
If you opt for a Redwood Wedding in Redwood National Park, there is not an indoor backup location. It’s best to bring clear umbrellas for yourselves and your guests, and just embrace it!
You can also ask your Redwood elopement photographer what their weather contingency plan is. For example, mine is that I offer to do the elopement day on the following day during the winter months if it’s a downpour all day long.
🌁 Do the redwoods get foggy, and how does that affect the ceremony?
Yes! Redwood National Park often gets foggy, especially in the mornings and late afternoons. This is because the park is located near the Pacific Ocean, and coastal fog frequently rolls in, especially during the summer months.
In my opinion, fog isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Fog can create a magical and ethereal atmosphere, making it perfect for dreamy wedding photos. It also softens the light, which is ideal for photography as it helps reduce harsh shadows. However, fog can also make the air chilly, so it’s a good idea to dress in layers, even in summer. Additionally, visibility may be reduced, so couples should plan their timeline accordingly.
Fog is one of the reasons why redwood forests feel so mystical—it adds a touch of romance and makes for incredible, moody wedding photos! Embrace whatever Mother Nature gives you!
View Emily and Jon’s Redwoods Wedding In September
Vendors & Setup For Your Redwoods Wedding
🔊 Are there restrictions on amplified music or generators for lighting?
Yes, there are restrictions. They are not allowed.
🔥 Can we have an open flame, like candles or a fire pit?
You are not allowed to have any candles, sparklers, etc. I’ve seen grills and fire pits at campsites only.
🤝 How do we find vendors familiar with redwood weddings?
You can first start your search by looking for planners and photographers who highlight Redwood weddings and Redwood elopements in their portfolios. Or if you are booking a venue, they will have trusted vendor recommendations as well, such as catering companies, florists, etc.
💐 Are there recommended florists who specialize in forest-friendly arrangements?
Yes, there are. However, remember that you will not be allowed to have floral arrangements if you get married in a National or State Park. You will be allowed to have floral arrangements at a private venue, and that venue will be able to recommend florists they’ve worked with.
As for not being allowed to have a bouquet of real flowers in Redwood National Park, since the bouquet is one of my favorite wedding details and elevates the photography, I have a fantastic company that creates realistic and romantic bouquets that I recommend to couples that hire me. An artificial bouquet can look amazing if it’s done right!
🍴 Can we bring in outside food and catering, or are there on-site options?
In Redwood National Park, you will not be able to bring in a catering company. At most, you can have a simple picnic down by the river or in their day-use picnic area.
View Ali and Nick’s Redwoods Wedding In April
Ready to Plan Your Redwoods Wedding?
A redwood wedding is a magical, intimate, and breathtaking experience, but planning ahead is essential. Whether you’re eloping or hosting a micro-wedding, choosing the right location, vendors, and logistics will ensure a seamless day.
Need help finding the perfect photographer for your redwood wedding? I specialize in capturing intimate weddings and elopements among these ancient giants. 📸✨
Get in touch to start planning your dream Redwoods Wedding!
