How to Elope in the Redwoods (2026 Guide)
If you’re dreaming of an intimate, meaningful wedding day surrounded by towering ancient trees, soft ferns, and misty forest light — eloping in the Redwoods might be exactly what you’re looking for.
This is your complete 2026 guide on how to elope in the Redwoods, written for couples who want a calm, intentional experience that prioritizes connection over performance.
I’m Sheryl — a destination elopement photographer, planner, and Redwoods expert — and I’m here to walk you through everything you need to know, step by step.
Why the Redwoods Are Perfect for an Elopement
The Redwoods are one of the most romantic and grounding places you can choose to elope.
The moment you step into the forest, everything slows down. The air feels cooler. The world gets quieter. You’re surrounded by trees that have been standing for over 2,000 years — a powerful backdrop for vows that are meant to last a lifetime.
With over 200,000 acres of protected land, the Redwoods offer endless ceremony options — from hidden groves to fern-lined trails to forest-meets-ocean adventures.
This is a place for couples who:
- Value meaning over production
- Want privacy and presence on their wedding day
- Care more about how the day feels than how it looks to others
Your day can be slow and simple — just vows among the trees — or a full-day adventure that includes Fern Canyon, a sunset beach celebration, champagne pops, and lantern photos to end the night.
Best Time of Year to Elope in the Redwoods
One of the best parts about planning a Redwoods elopement is that it’s beautiful year-round. Each season just brings a different mood.
Spring (April–May)
Lush, vibrant, and fresh. Ferns are full, the forest feels alive, and everything smells like rain. Perfect for romantic, cozy elopements.
Summer (June–August)
The warmest and most popular season. To avoid crowds, I recommend weekday elopements and sunrise ceremonies. Sunrise light in the Redwoods is pure magic.
Fall (September–October)
My personal favorite. Fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, and a peaceful, slow forest energy. Ideal for couples who want privacy.
Winter (November–March)
Moody, foggy, quiet, and incredibly intimate. If you don’t mind layers and love misty forest vibes, winter elopements are stunning.
How to avoid crowds (any season):
- Choose Tuesday–Thursday
- Plan sunrise vows
- Use less-traveled groves
- Save beach time for sunset
How to Get to the Redwoods + Where to Stay
The Redwoods span multiple regions, so travel logistics depend on which park you choose.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
- Fly into: Arcata–Eureka Airport (ACV)
- Stay in: Trinidad or Arcata
- Peaceful groves and cozy coastal towns
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (Fern Canyon)
- Fly into: ACV or Medford (MFR)
- Stay in: Trinidad or Orick
- Lush forest + beach access
Jedediah Smith Redwoods (Crescent City)
- Fly into: Medford (MFR)
- Stay in: Crescent City
- Dense, moody, very private-feeling
Henry Cowell Redwoods (Santa Cruz)
- Fly into: Monterey (MRY)
- Stay in: Santa Cruz
- Redwoods + surf town energy
Transportation tips:
- Rent a car (Uber/Lyft are unreliable)
- Choose a 4WD SUV if visiting Fern Canyon
- Allow extra drive time for winding forest roads
Permits + Ceremony Rules for Redwoods Elopements
Each Redwoods park has its own permit system, fees, and guidelines. There is no single universal permit.
Most ceremony permits range from $100–$200 and typically include:
- Guest limits (often around 20 people)
- No arches, amplified music, or large décor
- Strict Leave No Trace practices
The ceremony locations listed online are just the public options. I also guide my couples to:
- Hidden groves
- Quiet trails
- Private-feeling forest pockets
Dog-Friendly Elopements
Yes — there are dog-friendly Redwoods locations and even permit-free forest areas where you can include your pup.
Want décor or a dinner setup?
We simply step outside park boundaries, where tables, candles, florals, string lights, and private dinners are allowed.
And yes — I handle permit guidance from start to finish.
How to Legally Get Married for Your Redwoods Elopement
You have two great options:
Option 1: Get Legally Married in California
You’ll need:
- A California marriage license (no waiting period)
- An officiant
- One witness or a confidential license (no witness needed)
I can officiate and sign your license, keeping the day intimate and simple. I’ll also guide you to the correct county clerk office based on your location.
Option 2: Sign at Home, Ceremony in the Redwoods
Many out-of-state couples choose this option for maximum ease. Your Redwoods ceremony is still your real wedding — the paperwork is just handled separately.
I’m happy to guide you through either process.
Best Redwoods Elopement Locations
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Lush, fern-filled, cinematic forest with beach access.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Warm, quiet groves with peaceful, open trails.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods
Moody, enchanted, deeply green forest.
Henry Cowell Redwoods
Redwoods meets coastal town charm.
Dog-friendly options and private properties for dinner celebrations are also available.
Best Adventure Ideas for a Redwoods Elopement
- Fern Canyon exploration
- Beach walks and champagne pops
- Kayaking or river dips
- Horseback riding
- Private chef dinners
- Lantern photos at blue hour
Your elopement is a full experience — not a quick ceremony.
What to Wear + What to Pack
Best fabrics: chiffon, crepe, silk, lace
Shoes: waterproof boots with traction
Layers: shawls, sweaters, wraps
Pack: water, snacks, blanket, headlamp or lantern
Veils and capes look incredible in the forest light.
Sample Redwoods Elopement Timeline
- Sunrise forest vows
- Slow forest walk + portraits
- Picnic or café break
- Fern Canyon or river adventure
- Sunset beach celebration
- Lantern photos to end the night
Cost to Elope in the Redwoods
Most couples spend $20,000–$35,000 total, including:
- Photography + planning
- Permits
- Lodging + travel
- Hair and makeup
- Attire
- Optional videography
- Dinner or private chef
Couples choose this because they want to spend intentionally, not cheaply.
Redwoods Elopement FAQs
Do I need a permit to elope in the Redwoods?
Yes — most ceremonies in Redwood National and State Parks require a special use permit. Each park has its own permit system, application process, and guidelines. Permit fees are typically between $100–$200, depending on the location. I help every couple determine exactly which permit they need and walk them through the process step by step.
How many guests can we have at a Redwoods elopement?
Most official ceremony sites allow up to 20 people total, including the couple and vendors. Some locations allow fewer guests, while others require alternative planning solutions. If you’re dreaming of a larger guest count, I can help you explore private properties or nearby options outside park boundaries.
Can we elope in the Redwoods with our dog?
Yes — there are dog-friendly Redwoods locations, as well as permit-free forest access points where couples can exchange vows with their pup by their side. National and State Parks have strict pet rules, so location choice matters. I’ll guide you to the best dog-friendly options based on your vision.
What’s the best month to elope in the Redwoods?
September and October are my top recommendations for Redwoods elopements due to fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, and peaceful forest energy. Spring is lush and romantic, summer is vibrant (with sunrise ceremonies recommended), and winter offers moody, fog-filled intimacy.
Is a Redwoods elopement hard to plan?
It doesn’t have to be. The logistics can feel overwhelming at first — permits, locations, timelines, travel — but that’s exactly where I come in. I guide my couples through every step so planning feels calm, clear, and enjoyable instead of stressful.
Can we have décor, florals, or a dinner setup?
Inside the parks, décor is very limited. However, outside park boundaries, you can absolutely include florals, rugs, candles, string lights, tables, and even private chef dinners. Many couples choose a forest ceremony followed by a cozy evening celebration at a cabin or private property.
Do we have to get legally married in California?
No. You can either get legally married in California during your elopement or complete the legal paperwork in your home state and have a symbolic ceremony in the Redwoods. Both options are valid — it simply depends on what feels easiest and most meaningful for you.
What should we wear for a Redwoods elopement?
Comfort and movement are key. Flowing fabrics, breathable suits, waterproof boots, and layers photograph beautifully and keep you comfortable in the cool forest climate. Veils and capes are highly recommended — they add incredible movement in the Redwoods light.
How much does it cost to elope in the Redwoods?
Most couples spend between $20,000–$35,000 total for their Redwoods elopement or micro wedding, including photography, planning support, permits, travel, lodging, attire, hair and makeup, and a meaningful celebration experience.
What makes a Redwoods elopement different from a traditional wedding?
A Redwoods elopement is slower, more intentional, and deeply personal. Instead of timelines and performances, the focus is on presence, connection, and creating a day that reflects who you are — surrounded by nature that has stood the test of time.
What You Get When You Work With Me
- Full elopement planning guidance
- Location scouting across all Redwoods regions
- Permit assistance
- Custom timelines
- Drone imagery where allowed
- Emotional, storytelling photography + GIFs
- Officiant services if desired
This is a wedding day experience — not a photoshoot.
If eloping in the Redwoods feels aligned, I’d love to help you create a day that feels true to you.
