How Many Guests Can Attend a Redwoods Elopement?
Your Redwoods Elopement Guest Count—Clearly Explained
I’m Sheryl Anne Acuna, a destination elopement photographer, planner, expert, and officiant specializing in intimate, adventure-focused elopements in the Redwoods, San Diego, Italy, and breathtaking destinations around the world. I help couples plan and photograph their elopement day from start to finish—including location scouting, permit guidance, timeline creation, and legal marriage logistics—so nothing feels overwhelming or rushed. With years of hands-on experience photographing elopements in national parks, coastal cliffs, and international locations, I’m known for creating stress-free, deeply personal elopement experiences that feel intentional, meaningful, and true to each couple.
I’ve spent years photographing and planning elopements throughout the Redwoods, including Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and Redwood National and State Parks. One of the most common questions couples ask me is:
“How many guests can attend a Redwoods elopement?”
Let’s walk through the answer together—clearly, calmly, and without pressure.
The Short Answer: Most Redwoods Elopements Are Limited to Small Groups
In most Redwoods locations, elopements are intentionally limited to small guest counts to protect the forest and preserve the experience.
While exact numbers vary slightly by location and permit type, couples should generally expect:
- 0–10 people total (often including you, your officiant, and photographer)
- Some locations allow up to 15–20 people with specific permits and ceremony areas (I highly recommend staying under 20 people total)
- Larger groups typically require a private venue rather than a forest ceremony site
These limits aren’t meant to restrict your celebration—they exist to keep elopements low-impact, peaceful, and respectful of the environment.
Why Guest Counts Are Limited in the Redwoods
The Redwoods are a protected ecosystem with fragile root systems, narrow trails, and shared public spaces. Guest limits help:
- Protect ancient redwood trees and surrounding ground cover
- Prevent overcrowding in popular areas
- Maintain privacy and serenity for your elopement
- Avoid turning an elopement into a full-scale wedding event
From years of hands-on experience, I’ve found that smaller guest counts almost always lead to a more meaningful, relaxed elopement day.
Common Redwoods Elopement Guest Count Scenarios
Here’s what most Redwoods elopements realistically look like:
Just the Two of You
A true elopement—quiet, intimate, and deeply intentional. This option offers the most flexibility with locations and timing.
A Few Loved Ones (4–10 Total)
Ideal for couples who want parents, siblings, or a few close friends present. This is the most common Redwoods elopement setup I photograph.
Small Micro-Wedding Feel (10–20 Total)
Possible in select locations with the correct permits or by using a nearby venue instead of a forest ceremony site.
If your vision includes more people than the parks allow, I help couples create intentional hybrid experiences—forest vows paired with a separate celebration elsewhere.
What Counts Toward Your Guest Total?
This is one of the most important details couples overlook.
In most Redwoods permits, everyone present during the ceremony counts, including:
- You and your partner
- Your officiant
- Your photographer (and videographer, if applicable)
- All guests
This is why working with an experienced Redwoods elopement planner matters—I help ensure your plans align with real permit requirements, not just online inspiration.
Can You Have a Larger Celebration After Your Redwoods Elopement?
Yes—many couples do.
Some popular options include:
- An intimate forest ceremony with immediate family only
- A celebratory dinner in nearby towns like Trinidad or Crescent City
- A larger reception or party at home on a different date
Eloping doesn’t mean excluding loved ones—it means choosing when and how to include them.
Helpful Redwoods Elopement Resources
You may also find these guides helpful while planning:
- How to Plan a Dog-Friendly Elopement in the Redwoods
- How to Elope in the Redwoods Guide
- Ultimate Redwoods Elopement Packing List
- Ultimate Fern Canyon Elopement Adventure Guide
Redwoods Elopement Guest Count FAQ
Can we have more than 20 guests at a Redwoods elopement?
In most cases, no. Groups over 15–20 typically require a private venue outside protected forest areas.
Are guest limits strictly enforced?
Yes. Rangers do monitor permitted ceremonies, and exceeding your allowed guest count can result in fines or permit issues.
Do vendors count toward our guest total?
Yes. Photographers, officiants, and videographers usually count toward the total number allowed.
What if we want a bigger wedding experience?
Many couples choose a hybrid approach—elope in the Redwoods, then celebrate elsewhere. This keeps the experience legal, stress-free, and intentional.
Final Thoughts
Redwoods elopements are designed to be quiet, meaningful, and deeply connected to nature. Smaller guest counts aren’t a limitation—they’re part of what makes these elopements so special.
If you’re unsure what’s allowed or how to shape your guest list without stress, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to Plan Your Redwoods Elopement?
If you want help choosing the right location, understanding permits, or creating a guest-friendly elopement plan that truly fits your vision, I’d love to help.
[Inquire here to start planning your Redwoods elopement!]
About the Author
Written by Sheryl Anne Acuna, a destination elopement photographer, planner, expert, and officiant specializing in Redwoods elopements. I help couples navigate Redwoods-specific permits, guest count rules, timelines, and legal marriage requirements while creating a relaxed, meaningful elopement experience in Prairie Creek, Jedediah Smith, and Redwood National and State Parks.
