🌲 The Ultimate Redwoods Elopement Guide
How to Elope in the Northern & Central California Redwoods
If you’ve been dreaming of exchanging vows beneath ancient, towering trees that feel older than time itself, then a Redwoods elopement might be your soul-place. Imagine a wedding day with zero rush, zero rules, and zero awkward timelines — just you two, sunlight filtering through 300-foot giants, and the soft sound of wind moving through moss-covered branches. Whether you want an off-the-grid forest adventure, a peaceful ceremony on a secluded trail, or a romantic Redwoods-to-coast elopement that ends with a Big Sur sunset, you’re in the right place.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to elope in the Redwoods, including the best ceremony locations, permit rules, seasons, packing tips, dog-friendly trails, legal requirements, and expert planning advice from a Redwoods elopement photographer who helps couples plan intentional, meaningful days in these forests.
For this guide, we’ll explore two main regions:
- Northern Redwoods: Prairie Creek, Humboldt Redwoods, and Jedediah Smith
- Central Redwoods: Henry Cowell, with a nearby Big Sur adventure add-on
Let’s find the perfect grove for your day.
🌲✨ QUIZ: Which Redwood Region Is Right for You?
Choose Northern Redwoods if you want:
✔ The tallest and most dramatic trees in California
✔ Deep-forest solitude and cinematic fog
✔ Access to Fern Canyon, rugged beaches, and untouched wilderness trails
✔ An intimate, remote, “just us in nature” elopement experience
Choose Central Redwoods (Henry Cowell) if you want:
✔ Redwoods + the option to pair your day with a Big Sur sunset
✔ Easy access to nearby hotels, restaurants, and airports
✔ Mild weather and shorter drives
✔ Forest views without going too far off-grid
🌤 Best Time of Year to Elope in the Redwoods
Northern Redwoods
| Season | Why Couples Love It | Keep in Mind |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Lush greenery, waterfalls, wildlife | Occasional rain and fog |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Warm, long days, coastal sunsets | More visitors on popular trails |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Crisp air, golden light, fewer crowds | Can be dry later in fall |
| Winter (Nov–Feb) | Dreamy mood, rain-kissed forests, total solitude | Wet, muddy trails + cold mornings |
Best Window: May–October
Central Redwoods (Henry Cowell)
| Season | Why Couples Love It | Keep in Mind |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Green ferns + great temps | Busy weekends |
| Summer | Warm nights, magical haze | Crowds without sunrise |
| Fall | Best light + weather combo | Can be dry |
| Winter | Romantic, soft light + cozy vibes | Rain possible |
Best Window: Spring and Fall
🌅 Best Time of Day to Elope (Why Sunrise Wins Every Time)
No matter where you elope in the Redwoods, I always recommend:
✅ Sunrise ceremony
✅ Weekday elopement (Mon–Thu)
✅ Avoid holidays and peak weekends
Why sunrise?
- The forest is empty and peaceful
- Soft, golden light beams through the trees
- Cooler temps for hiking or adventure sessions
- You get your entire day to explore afterward
If you want photos that look like a scene out of a fantasy film — sunrise is your secret weapon.
🌲 Best Adventure Activities for Your Elopement Day
Northern Redwoods
- Explore Fern Canyon
- Golden hour on Gold Bluffs Beach
- Drive or stroll along Avenue of the Giants
- Wildlife spotting (elk are common!)
- Cathedral Grove hikes in Prairie Creek
Central Redwoods
- Forest ceremony + portraits in Henry Cowell
- Sunset cliffs or beach portraits in Big Sur
- Forest picnic or private chef dinner
- Stargazing under dark skies
🚗 How to Get Around
The Redwoods are remote. Plan to:
- Rent a car (non-negotiable)
- Download offline Google Maps
- Expect limited cell service
- Carry a portable phone charger
- Bring a full tank before remote drives
Uber/Lyft are extremely unreliable or unavailable in most Redwood regions.
✈️ How to Get There
Northern Redwoods
- ACV (Arcata–Eureka Airport): Closest and easiest
- MFR (Medford): Further, but more flight options
Central Redwoods
- MRY (Monterey Airport): Closest to Henry Cowell + Big Sur
🎒 What to Pack
- Layers + a warm jacket (even in summer mornings)
- Rain jacket (especially in Northern Redwoods)
- Hiking boots or trail shoes
- Headlamps (for sunrise or blue-hour adventures)
- Portable phone charger
- Blanket for picnics or stargazing
- Bug spray + sunscreen
- Hand warmers (Oct–Apr)
🛌 Top Romantic Places to Stay
To keep your experience immersive and magical, look for:
Cozy Stays
- Cabins
- Wooded Airbnbs
- Tiny homes
- Rustic cottages
- Private cottages with fire pits or forest decks
Luxury + Boutique Stays
- Spa resorts
- Boutique inns
- Luxury cabins with modern amenities
- Lodges with ocean or forest views
Choose lodging near your ceremony location to minimize drive time and maximize time exploring.
👗 What to Wear
- Flowy dresses photograph beautifully in tall forests
- Layers for warmth (shawls, wraps, stylish jackets)
- Hiking boots or boots with grip
- Veils look stunning in cathedral groves
- Avoid glitter (it’s terrible for Leave No Trace)
🌲 Best Ceremony Locations in the Redwoods
Northern Redwoods
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
- Cathedral Trees
- Elk Prairie
- Rhododendron Trail
- Prairie Creek Trail areas
Jedediah Smith Redwoods
- Stout Grove
- Grove of Titans
- Boy Scout Trail
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
- Avenue of the Giants
- Tall Trees areas
- Hidden pull-off groves
Coastal Add-On: Gold Bluffs Beach for forest-to-ocean magic
Central Redwoods
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Redwood Grove Trail (designated ceremony spots)
- Secluded side groves for portraits
Optional Add-On:
Big Sur — the best coastal pairing for a Henry Cowell elopement, even if it’s not the closest. Wild cliffs, blue Pacific, and sunset views = perfection.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Alternatives
If you’re eloping with your pup, these are easier options:
- Prairie Creek (select trails)
- Avenue of the Giants (roadside groves + pull-offs)
- Jedediah Smith (certain paved or developed areas)
- Henry Cowell has dog-friendly trails outside the main grove
Always check current park dog rules — they change often.
📝 Permit Requirements (Full Breakdown)
Northern Redwoods
You’ll apply for a Special Use Permit (SUP) through the National Park/State Park system depending on the site.
- Timeline: Apply 30–90 days in advance
- Cost: Usually $100–$250
- Group Size Limit: Typically up to 20 people (varies by location)
- Rules: No arches, no amplified music, no confetti, no ground disturbance, follow Leave No Trace
Central Redwoods (Henry Cowell)
Henry Cowell requires a California State Parks Special Event Permit.
- Timeline: Apply 60–90 days in advance
- Cost: Usually $150–$300
- Rules: Similar limitations as above
Good news:
When you book me, I help you through your permit applications step-by-step so nothing gets missed.
📜 Legal Marriage Requirements
Northern Redwoods — Humboldt County
- Obtain your license at Humboldt County Clerk
- Valid immediately
- No blood test required
- Officiant + 1 witness needed
Central Redwoods — Santa Cruz County
- License from Santa Cruz County Clerk
- Valid immediately
- Officiant + 1 witness required
Or Choose a Symbolic Ceremony
You can legally sign at home and still have your full vow ceremony in the forest. This avoids timeline stress and is very common for travel elopements.
❓ FAQ
Can we have guests?
Yes — just choose locations that allow groups. I’ll help you choose based on size.
Can we bring our dog?
Yes — just stick to dog-friendly trails or developed areas.
Do we have to hike?
Nope! There are stunning drive-up elopement spots.
What if it rains?
The Redwoods look even more magical — and the canopy protects you.
Can we do both forest and coast?
Absolutely — Northern Redwoods + Gold Bluffs or Central Redwoods + Big Sur.
💛 Ready to Plan Your Redwoods Elopement?
If your heart is already in the forest, I’m here to help you bring your dream day to life. When you book me as your Redwoods elopement photographer, you also get:
✨ Personalized location scouting
✨ Permit + timeline guidance
✨ Vendor recommendations
✨ Sunrise expertise
✨ Full storytelling coverage of your adventure
Let’s plan your unforgettable Redwoods elopement.
👉 Reach out here and let’s start dreaming up your day.
📸 About The Author
I’m Sheryl Anne — a traveling elopement photographer who helps adventurous couples craft meaningful, stress-free wedding days that feel like them. I’ll help you slow down, breathe in the forest air, and create an experience you’ll never forget — with images that take you right back to it.
