Redwoods Elopement

The Ultimate Redwoods Elopement Packing Checklist 🌲✨

Redwoods Elopement

Planning a Redwoods elopement is an adventure like no other. Imagine exchanging vows beneath towering coastal redwoods, with sunlight streaming through the canopy and the sound of nature all around you. Whether you’re eloping in Redwood National Park, exploring the trails in Humboldt County, or saying “I do” near Crescent City, packing the right essentials will make your day stress-free, safe, and magical.

Here’s your go-to Redwoods elopement packing checklist—practical, fun, and full of everything you’ll want to make the most of your elopement in the redwoods.


Wedding Day Essentials

  • Wedding Attire â€“ Your dress, suit, or outfit of choice (plus garment bag + hangers to keep them looking fresh while traveling to the redwoods).
  • Veil & Accessories â€“ Jewelry, tie, hair pieces, or any personal touches that complete your elopement look.
  • Vows & Rings â€“ Keep them together in a safe spot—this one is easy to forget before heading into Redwood National and State Parks!
  • Bouquet or Floral Pieces â€“ A lush bouquet, boutonniere, or flower crown looks especially magical in a Redwoods elopement setting.

Footwear & Clothing

  • Waterproof Hiking Boots â€“ A must-have for exploring damp trails and uneven paths in the redwoods.
  • Backup Shoes â€“ A second pair (like stylish flats or loafers) for photos if you’d like to switch it up.
  • Layers â€“ The Redwoods can be chilly, misty, or sunny depending on the season, so pack a warm jacket or wrap.
  • Extra Socks â€“ Perfect for keeping your feet dry and comfortable during your Redwoods elopement adventure.
Fern Canyon Elopement

Safety & Comfort Must-Haves

  • Mini First Aid Kit â€“ Essential for treating small scrapes or blisters on hiking trails.
  • Bug Spray & Sunscreen â€“ Protect yourself while exploring Redwood National Park or nearby coastal trails.
  • Tissues & Safety Pins â€“ For happy tears, small fixes, or wardrobe malfunctions.
  • Hydration Packets â€“ Electrolytes keep your energy up during longer hikes or full-day elopements in the forest.
  • Snacks â€“ Trail mix, protein bars, or fruit for quick fuel between vows and photos.
  • Water Bottle â€“ Staying hydrated is key when eloping outdoors.
Redwoods Elopement

Fun Elopement Extras

  • Elopement Signs â€“ Cute “Just Eloped” or personalized signs to hang on backpacks or use in photos.
  • Blanket or Rug â€“ Cozy up during portraits, enjoy a picnic, or stargaze under the redwoods.
  • Champagne or Sparkling Water â€“ Celebrate your Redwoods elopement with a toast in the forest.
  • Tripod â€“ For selfies, video clips, or capturing moments when it’s just the two of you.
  • Mini Makeup Kit â€“ Handy for touch-ups after hiking or before your ceremony.
Redwoods Elopement

Ceremony & Adventure Gear

  • Backpack â€“ Keep everything organized and easy to carry while exploring Redwood National and State Parks.
  • Headlamp or Lantern â€“ Perfect for sunrise or sunset elopements when the forest is dim.
  • Umbrella or Rain Jacket â€“ Northern California weather can be unpredictable; a clear umbrella looks stunning in photos.
  • Permits â€“ Many Redwood National Park elopement spots require a ceremony permit—don’t forget to pack a printed copy.
  • Personal Touches â€“ Letters, Polaroids, or keepsakes to make your ceremony uniquely yours.

Photographer’s Pro Tip 📸

As an experienced Redwoods elopement photographer, my advice is to pack light but intentionally. Everything you bring should either add comfort, safety, or joy to your elopement day. The redwoods are breathtaking on their own—you just need the right essentials to enjoy them fully.


Final Thoughts

Your Redwoods elopement deserves to be stress-free, magical, and full of adventure. With this packing checklist, you’ll feel prepared for anything—whether you’re hiking through Redwood National Park, exploring hidden corners of Humboldt County, or cozying up beneath the towering trees after your ceremony in Crescent City.

✨ Pro tip: Save this checklist and check things off as you pack—you’ll thank yourself later!

Ready to start planning your own Redwoods elopement? I’d love to help you bring your dream day to life—whether that’s hiking through Redwood National Park, exchanging vows in Humboldt County, or celebrating with an intimate ceremony in Crescent City. Let’s capture every magical moment together. [Get in touch here →]

here are some helpful resources to inspire you

alexis & blake,
italy multi-day elopement

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?!).