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!
Beyond her incredible work, she is truly a wonderful human being inside and out. What made the experience even more special was how she made every step of the planning feel custom and tailored just for us as a couple. She is thoughtful and intentional—not only with what she captures through her lens but also behind the scenes in ways you might not even realize. On top of it all, Sheryl goes above and beyond. She is professional, reliable, and trustworthy—qualities that made us feel completely confident and at ease every step of the way. Her kindness, professionalism, and genuine care made the whole journey effortless and joyful. We are grateful for the beautiful memories she captured. These photos are not just pictures—they’re a timeless treasure we will cherish forever.
uyen & aaron, thailand multi-day elopement
From our first call, I could feel Sheryl’s excitement and passion for what she did. As a type A girly, I loved how organized and detailed Sheryl was. From her intake form to our Zoom calls to texts and emails back-and-forth, I knew Sheryl would carry out our day exactly how we envisioned it. And she did just that! We are over the moon at how our photos turned out. Sheryl was our biggest hype man, kept us (mainly me) calm and collected when things didn’t pan out the way we expected, and weathered every storm with grace. She captured our day perfectly.
tracy & Carlos, switzerland multi-day elopement
From planning out our adventures, and even scouting the day before at each location, she helped with everything. She was always in constant communication from the first day we reached out to her, till the day that our gallery was sent to us. Our photos truly captured the pure bliss and love that we felt in each moment, and we will cherish them forever. We were so comfortable with traveling with Sheryl throughout our multi-day elopement, and had so much fun as well! We truly don't know what magic Sheryl has in her, as well as those cameras of hers, but every picture was so magically beautiful, and we love her so much (I mean, she even slept in an igloo for us, how could we not?!).
