Redwoods and Moonstone Beach House Wedding Celebration
How to Have an Intimate Redwoods Elopement and Celebrate with Loved Ones at Moonstone Beach House in Trinidad
If you’ve been dreaming of a wildly intentional “just us” Redwoods elopement, but also want to celebrate with your closest friends and family—you don’t have to choose one or the other. You can have both. And Moonstone Beach House, tucked along the rugged coastline of Trinidad, California, might be the perfect venue to make that dream happen.
This guide will walk you through how to combine a private elopement adventure in the Redwoods with an intimate post-ceremony dinner or reception at Moonstone Beach House—an oceanside gem with coastal views, warm ambiance, and space for meaningful connection with your favorite people.
Why Choose a Moonstone Beach House Wedding?
Moonstone Beach House offers couples a chance to celebrate in a way that feels luxurious, natural, and deeply personal—without the fuss of a traditional venue. Just minutes away from Redwood National and State Parks, this beautiful venue sits right above Moonstone Beach, making it easy to blend a forest adventure with a coastal celebration.
What Makes It Special:
Stunning Ocean Views: Host your dinner with a sunset backdrop overlooking the Pacific.
Private and Secluded: Unlike hotels or big resorts, you get exclusive use of the property.
Flexible Space: Perfect for seated dinners, casual cocktail-style receptions, or open-air gatherings.
Convenient Location: Less than 30 minutes from popular Redwoods elopement spots like Prairie Creek and Fern Canyon.
How to Plan Your Day: “Just Us” + Loved Ones
Here’s how couples are blending adventure elopements with cozy family gatherings using Moonstone Beach House as their celebration base:
Morning: Private Vow Exchange in the Redwoods
Start your day with an intentional experience—just the two of you. Exchange vows surrounded by ancient trees in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, hike a mossy trail, or wander through Fern Canyon for some truly cinematic portraits.
🌿 Pro tip: You can say your vows at sunrise or early morning for soft light and maximum privacy—then head back to relax before the celebration begins.
Midday: Break + Reset
After your ceremony, head back to your stay (whether that’s a nearby A-frame, cabin, or coastal home) to freshen up, rest, or even have a private picnic. This reset gives you the best of both worlds—solitude and intention, followed by joyful togetherness.
Evening: Celebrate at Moonstone Beach House
Welcome your family and friends for a golden hour celebration on the cliffs above the ocean. Whether you hire a private chef, set up a candlelit dinner, or bring in your favorite caterer, this space offers a relaxed yet refined environment for connecting with loved ones.
What to Know About Hosting a Moonstone Beach House Wedding
Guest Count & Capacity
Moonstone Beach House is ideal for microweddings of around 20–40 people. It’s best for seated dinners, elopement receptions, and relaxed cocktail-style celebrations.
Amenities & What’s Included:
Indoor and outdoor spaces
Full kitchen and dining area
Stunning coastal views and beach access
Space for getting ready or relaxing post-ceremony
📍Location: Right on Moonstone Beach Drive in Trinidad, CA 🛏️Accommodation Tip: You and your guests can stay nearby in town or rent coastal homes through Airbnb or VRBO.
Redwoods Ceremony Locations Nearby
Here are a few magical places you can hold your ceremony before heading to Moonstone Beach House:
Location
Vibe
Permit Needed?
Guest Access
Prairie Creek Redwoods
Lush forest, iconic groves
✔️ Yes
Easy
Fern Canyon
Prehistoric and lush
❌ Ceremony not allowed, photos only
Small group
Trillium Falls Trail
Waterfall + forest
✔️ Yes
Small group friendly
Lady Bird Johnson Grove
Peaceful and elevated views
✔️ Yes
Short hike, limited parking
Local Vendor Recommendations
Because Trinidad is a small coastal town, it’s best to bring in your vendors from nearby areas like Arcata, Eureka, or even Redding.
Caterer
Private Chef
Florist
Planner
Hair & Makeup
Photography: (👋 Hi, I’m Sheryl!) Specializing in intimate elopements and storytelling coverage, from Redwoods hikes to sunset dinners by the sea.
Tips for the Best Experience
✨ Split Your Day – Have your ceremony in the morning and your celebration at golden hour. That way, you get dreamy lighting in the Redwoods and a glowing ocean sunset.
✨ Keep It Local – Hire vendors who are familiar with Humboldt County’s weather, terrain, and permits.
✨ Include Personal Touches – Want to toast with your favorite wine, bring your dog, or end the night with s’mores by a bonfire? You totally can. That’s the beauty of this format.
✨ Pack Layers – Even in summer, coastal and forest temps can vary. Bring blankets, jackets, and maybe even a hot drink station!
FAQs – Moonstone Beach House Wedding + Redwoods Elopement
Can I have my ceremony at Moonstone Beach House? Moonstone is best suited for receptions or post-ceremony celebrations. For ceremonies, especially in the forest, Redwoods National and State Parks offer a more magical option.
How far is Moonstone Beach House from the Redwoods? Just about 25–30 minutes from Prairie Creek Redwoods and other nearby groves.
Do I need a permit to elope in the Redwoods? Yes—permits are required for ceremonies in most areas. I help my couples navigate this so it’s stress-free!
What’s the best time of year? May through October is ideal for better weather and accessibility, but winter elopements can be cozy and foggy (in a magical way!).
Can I have a mix of private time and family involvement? Absolutely. Most of my couples do! We can plan a timeline that gives you solo adventure time and beautiful moments with your people.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Choose Between Intimacy and Celebration
Eloping in the Redwoods doesn’t mean leaving your loved ones out—it just means doing things differently. With the forest as your ceremony backdrop and Moonstone Beach House as your oceanfront gathering space, you can have the best of both worlds.
If this sounds like your dream day, I’d love to help you bring it to life. From location scouting to timeline planning, I’ll guide you every step of the way and capture it all with storytelling imagery that reflects who you are.
📸 Ready to plan your Redwoods + Moonstone Beach House wedding?Reach out here and let’s start dreaming!
"Sheryl is the absolute best! She has great upbeat energy yet makes you feel calm and confident during the photoshoot. She is the perfect combo of hype and grace. We were both so nervous to be in front of the camera, but Sheryl provided great suggestions for poses and movement. Eventually, we became so comfortable that she captured some of the most candid moments that didn’t feel forced. We both were so happy with how natural and candid the pictures turned out. Sheryl captured such beautiful memories that we are going to cherish for a lifetime. Her pictures stand out because it feels so organic and her editing is timeless. We are so grateful for Sheryl and her photography skills!"
annika & Michael
"I could try to describe how wonderful Sheryl is as a photographer both artistically as well as personally, but I don’t think I command enough mastery of the English language to do her and the magic she creates with her camera justice. Sheryl is an artist and a savant at that. She is to the digital photograph what Saragent is to the canvas, in addition to being a genuinely pleasant, incredibly kind, and unbelievably thoughtful person to work with."
JENN & KAI
"I could not recommend Sheryl enough!! Me and my husband were so nervous to have our photos done because of how awkward we can be, but Sheryl made us feel so comfortable and gave us prompts that were so fun! She has the best energy & her excitement and passion for photography is so amazing to work with. We are so grateful we had the opportunity to meet and work with her, and can’t wait to reach out to her for future photos! If you are looking for a sign to book her, this is it!!"
