Redwoods Elopement Permits: Everything You Need to Get your Permit to Elope in the Redwoods
If you’re dreaming of exchanging vows beneath towering old-growth redwoods, you’re not alone. The California Redwoods are one of the most iconic—and protected—places to elope in the United States. And with that beauty comes rules, permits, and logistics that can feel overwhelming at first.
As a Redwoods elopement photographer who has spent years planning and photographing elopements across Northern California’s redwood parks, I’ve helped countless couples navigate the permit process smoothly—without stress, confusion, or last-minute surprises. I know which locations work best, which permits apply to your vision, and how to design an experience that feels intimate and respectful of these fragile landscapes.
This guide breaks down exactly how Redwoods elopement permits work, whether you’re eloping in a State Park or National Park, what’s allowed (and what’s not), and how to apply with confidence.
Do You Need a Permit to Elope in the Redwoods?
Yes—most Redwoods elopements require a permit, even for very small ceremonies.
A permit is required if:
- You are exchanging vows or holding a ceremony
- You have guests (even just a few)
- You are using a designated location inside a State or National Park
Permits protect the redwoods, manage visitor use, and preserve these fragile environments for future generations.
✨ When you work with me, I help determine which permit applies to your specific vision and walk you through exactly what needs to be submitted.
Redwoods State Parks vs. Redwood National Park: What’s the Difference?
Elopements in the Redwoods fall under two different permit systems, depending on the location:
🌲 California State Parks
Includes:
- Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
- Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
- Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
These parks are managed by California State Parks and use a Special Event Permit process.
🌲 Redwood National Park
Includes:
- Redwood National Park
This park is federally managed by the National Park Service and uses a Special Use Permit process.
Each system has different fees, timelines, and rules—this is one of the most common places couples get confused, which is why I help my couples sort this out early in the planning process.
How to Apply for a Redwoods State Park Elopement Permit
Step 1: Choose Your Park & Location
You’ll select a location within:
- Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
- Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
- Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Pre-Approved State Park Ceremony Locations
- Templeman Grove – up to 20 participants
- Organ Donor’s Grove – up to 20 participants
- River Trail – up to 8 participants
- Merriman Grove – up to 8 participants
- Zig Zag #2 – up to 10 participants
- Schmidt Grove – up to 20 participants
- Prairie Creek Amphitheater – up to 20 participants
(Available October 25 – May 1 only)
Other locations may be requested but are subject to review and approval.
🌲 I help my couples choose locations that align with both their vision and permit approval standards—saving time and avoiding denied applications.
Step 2: Submit Required Documents
To apply, you’ll need:
- Special Event Permit Application (DPR 246)
- Supplemental Application (DPR 246A)
- Certificate of General Liability Insurance
- Threatened & Endangered Species Addendum
- Non-refundable permit fee ($250–$300 depending on location)
⚠️ Permits must be submitted at least 30 days in advance
⚠️ Applications under 30 days may incur a $200 late fee
⚠️ Applications are not accepted within 14 days of the event
Only one date per permit is allowed.
✨ I help prep and review these applications with my couples before submission to ensure accuracy, clarity, and the best chance of approval.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
📧 Email: NCRD.Permits@parks.ca.gov
📬 Mail:
North Coast Redwoods District
Attn: Permit Coordinator
P.O. Box 2006
Eureka, CA 95502
📍 Drop Off:
3431 Fort Ave
Eureka, CA 95503
📞 Questions: 707-572-9626
Important: Always contact the permit coordinator before locking in plans—seasonal closures and restrictions vary by park.
How to Apply for a Redwood National Park Elopement Permit
Step 1: Choose a Ceremony Location
Pre-Approved Locations ($100 Application Fee)
- Crescent Beach Day Use – up to 20 participants (Oct 25 – May 1)
- Crescent Beach Overlook – up to 20 participants (Oct 25 – May 1)
- High Bluff Overlook – up to 20 participants
- Lost Man Creek Gate – up to 20 participants
- Berry Glen – up to 6 participants
Other locations may be requested but:
- Require a $200 application fee
- Go through staff review
- May have peak-hour blackouts
✨ I help couples assess whether a non-listed location is worth requesting—or if a pre-approved location will better fit their timeline and guest count.
Step 2: Complete the Special Use Application
Your application must include:
- Exact location
- Date and time
- Group size
- Number of vehicles
- All vendors listed as support personnel
📧 Email completed forms to:
redw_special_use_permits@nps.gov
🚫 Mailed applications experience significant delays—email is strongly recommended.
You’ll receive a Pay.gov email to submit the application fee after review.
Additional Costs (If Applicable)
- Event monitoring (hourly, per staff member)
- Resource damage or cleanup (cost recovery)
What’s Allowed (and Prohibited) in the Redwoods
❌ Not Allowed
- Live or dried flowers (bouquets or plants)
- Alcohol or food service
- Arches, arbors, or freestanding decor
- Tossing petals, rice, confetti, or birdseed
- Attaching decor to trees, rocks, or signs
- Drones
- Wildlife feeding
- Balloons, butterflies, doves, or releases
✔️ Allowed alternatives:
- Silk, paper, or wooden florals
- Handheld items only
- Leave No Trace practices
🌿 I help my couples design beautiful, compliant ceremony details that still feel intentional and elevated—without risking permit violations.
Photography, Music & Vendors
- Photography & videography do NOT require extra permits
- Vendors must be listed on your permit
- Drones are prohibited
- Music under 60 dB may be allowed (must be listed on application)
Time, Dates & Seasonal Restrictions
- Permits are issued for day-use hours only
- Major holidays are generally not permitted
- Winter closure:
December 15 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day (no permits issued)
Dates to Avoid When Planning a Redwoods Elopement
While the Redwoods are beautiful year-round, there are specific dates and recurring events that can make permits harder to approve and logistics more complicated—especially if you’re hoping for easy access, privacy, and a calm experience.
This is something I proactively flag for my couples during planning and help account for when prepping permit applications, so there are no surprises.
🚫 May 4 — Star Wars Day in the Redwoods
May 4 (“May the 4th be with you”) is unexpectedly one of the busiest days in the Redwoods, especially in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
Why to avoid it:
- Extremely high visitation numbers
- Increased ranger oversight
- Permit approvals are more difficult
- Trails and groves are crowded
- Parking fills early, creating logistical challenges
Even though it doesn’t sound like a holiday, it functions like one in the Redwoods. I strongly recommend avoiding this date for elopements if you want a peaceful, intimate experience.
🚫 Hike & Bike Saturdays (October–May)
Another important set of dates to be aware of are Hike & Bike Saturdays in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
Event details:
- Occurs: First Saturday of every month
- Season: October through May
- Time: Sunrise through Sunday morning
- Event Type: Hike, bike, walk (no vehicles)
During this event, Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is closed to all motorized vehicles the night before and does not reopen until Sunday morning.
That means:
- 🚫 No car access to ceremony sites along the parkway
- 🚶♀️ Long walk-ins required (often several miles)
- 📋 Permits are more hesitant to be approved
- ⏰ Timelines become far more complex
While the event is wonderful for visitors, it’s not ideal for elopements, especially if you’re wearing wedding attire or hoping for easy access to iconic redwood groves.
Hike & Bike Saturday Date Range
- Monthly on the first Saturday
- October 5– May 2 or First Saturday of October to First Saturday of May
- Road closes the night before and reopens Sunday morning
✨ Because of these closures, I typically guide my couples toward alternate dates or locations—and factor this into permit prep from the start.
Why This Matters for Your Permit Approval
Permit coordinators consider:
- Visitor impact
- Road access
- Safety and staffing
- Seasonal events
Choosing dates like May 4 or Hike & Bike Saturdays can delay approvals or result in denials, even if everything else looks perfect on paper.
This is why I don’t just hand couples a checklist—I actively help prep, review, and strategize permit applications based on real-world park operations and experience.
Need Help Choosing the Right Date?
If you’re dreaming of eloping in the Redwoods and want help avoiding problematic dates, choosing the best season, and getting your permit approved with confidence—
👉 If you’d like to elope in the Redwoods and need help with your permit, reach out. I’d love to help you plan a smooth, stress-free experience.
Redwoods Elopement Permit FAQs
Do we need a permit if it’s just the two of us?
Yes—ceremonies still require permits, even with no guests.
How far in advance should we apply?
Ideally 60–90 days in advance to allow for review and flexibility. For state parks, you can apply up to six months in advance!
Can we choose a non-listed location?
Sometimes—but approval is not guaranteed and may cost more.
Can our photographer help with permits?
Yes—and I guide my couples through every step so nothing is missed.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are not permitted in most redwood park ceremony locations. I can suggest dog-friendly alternatives nearby.
Final Thoughts: Planning a Stress-Free Redwoods Elopement
Permits can feel intimidating—but with the right guidance, they don’t have to be. The Redwoods are a sacred, protected place, and eloping here is incredibly meaningful when done thoughtfully and legally.
Ready to Elope in the Redwoods?
If you want a calm, intentional, fully-planned Redwoods elopement—with permit guidance, location scouting, timeline creation, and photography that honors the landscape—I’d love to help.
About the Author
Sheryl Acuna is a destination Redwoods elopement photographer with years of experience planning and photographing intimate weddings throughout Northern California’s redwood parks. She specializes in stress-free, deeply intentional elopements that honor both the couple and the land—offering expert permit guidance, personalized planning, and a grounded, supportive approach from start to finish.
