There are places that are pretty…
and then there are places that feel alive.

The Redwoods are the second kind.

If you’ve ever looked at a photo of a couple standing beneath massive ancient trees and felt something in your chest, there is a good chance this landscape is already calling your name.

Eloping in the Redwoods is quiet. Grounded. Intimate. A little wild. A little spiritual. It is for couples who care more about the way their day feels than how it looks to anyone else.

It is also one of those locations that looks simple on Pinterest and gets very real once you start researching permits, locations, and logistics.

That is where I come in.

I help couples plan intentional, experience-driven elopements in the Redwoods and across the Pacific Northwest. This guide walks you through what you actually need to know so you can dream with confidence.

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Why Couples Choose the Redwoods

Most couples who reach out to me say some version of:

• We want something calm
• We do not want a big production
• We want it to feel meaningful
• We want privacy
• We love forests

The Redwoods naturally slow everything down and add a little wimsy into your elopement day.

The light is soft. The air feels still and the trees… well they are massive!

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Where You Can Elope in the Redwoods

When people say “the Redwoods,” they are usually talking about a large stretch of protected land in Northern California that includes multiple state and national parks. While it all feels like one magical forest, each park is managed separately, which means different rules, permit systems, and ceremony locations.

Choosing where you elope is not just about picking the prettiest photo you saw online. It is about finding a location that fits your vision, guest count, accessibility needs, and desired level of privacy.

Common elopement areas include:

• Redwood National Park
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
• Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Each park differs in:

• How many ceremony sites they allow
• Whether ceremonies must stay within designated locations
• Maximum guest count
• Time-of-day restrictions
• How far in advance permits must be submitted

This is why I never recommend couples randomly choosing a spot off Instagram. I help you narrow down the park and exact ceremony area based on your priorities so your day is both beautiful and compliant.

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Do You Need a Permit?

In most cases, yes. Even if it is just the two of you.

Redwood parks typically require a Special Use Permit for any kind of wedding or elopement ceremony. Think of this as the park’s way of protecting sensitive areas and controlling foot traffic.

Here is what that usually looks like:

• Permit applications are submitted online or via email
• Application fees range from low-cost to moderate depending on park
• Most permits must be submitted 2 to 8 weeks in advance
• Popular locations and summer dates may require even more notice

Common permit limitations:

• Guest count caps (often between 6 to 20 people)
• Specific ceremony sites only
• No arches, chairs, or large setups
• Short ceremony time windows
• Sometimes no amplified sound

I walk you through which park to apply to, which location to choose, and when to submit so nothing is missed.

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Best Time of Year to Elope in the Redwoods

One of the best things about the Redwoods is that they stay green year-round, but each season feels a little different.

Spring (March to May) feels fresh, quiet, and moody. You get lush greenery, soft light, and fewer visitors, but you also need to be okay with the possibility of rain and muddy trails.

Summer (June to September) is peak season. Trails are fully accessible, temperatures are mild, and permits book faster. If you want summer, planning ahead is key.

Fall (October to November) is calmer, slightly drier, and incredibly underrated. Crowds thin out, light gets warmer, and the forest feels peaceful again.

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Sunrise vs Sunset Elopements

The Redwoods look beautiful at any time of day, but the experience can feel very different depending on when you choose.

Sunrise elopements tend to feel quieter and more intimate. The forest is just waking up, fog is more likely, and foot traffic is minimal.

Sunset elopements feel warmer and more relaxed, but you may share the trails with more visitors.

Quick comparison:

Sunrise

• Best for privacy
• Soft, diffused light
• Higher chance of fog
• Earlier start time

Sunset

• Warmer tones
• Easier morning
• Slightly busier trails

If privacy is high on your list, I usually recommend sunrise.

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Trails, Hikes, and Accessibility

You do not need to be an extreme hiker to elope in the Redwoods.

Great elopement trails usually have:

• Short to moderate distance
• Wide or well-maintained paths
• Dense tree coverage
• Quiet sections

Some couples want a short stroll.
Some want a longer adventure hike.

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Getting Legally Married in California

California makes this part refreshingly straightforward.

• You can obtain your marriage license from any county clerk office in California
• No waiting period
• License is valid immediately
• Valid for 90 days
• You need a government-issued photo ID
• You will need an officiant (Hi, I can do this for you!)
• Witness requirements depend on license type

You do not need to get married in the same county where you obtain your license.

I help couples choose where to apply based on their travel plans.

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Where to Stay Near the Redwoods

Your lodging sets the tone for your experience.

Most couples base themselves in:

• Crescent City (little beach town!)
• Orick
• Trinidad
• Arcata
• Eureka

I recommend looking for:

• Cabins
• A-frames
• Forest cottages
• Riverfront homes

Staying close to your ceremony location keeps your day relaxed and minimizes driving.

Once we lock in your park, I send specific Airbnb and lodging recommendations nearby, that way you are not driving hours on your elopement day.

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What a Redwood Elopement Day Feels Like

Your elopement day should feel intentional, and totally you. No rushing, no overwhelming schedules, just space to soak in each other surrounded by these ancient giants.

Most couples I work with start their day slow and cozy, usually at their Airbnb or cabin nearby. This is where the quiet magic begins: morning light, steaming coffee, those candid moments of excitement and nerves before your vows.

From there, the day unfolds naturally: a first look, a gentle hike through mossy trails, your ceremony nestled in the heart of the forest, and time to celebrate with portraits and a catered picnic.

Finally, you might want to end your day with a little adventure, whether that’s stargazing, beach combing, or a cozy bonfire with s’mores.

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Sample 8-Hour Redwood Elopement Timeline

4:30 AM – Wake Up + Get Ready at Your Airbnb
The day starts early (sometimes super early) before the sun even rises. I capture candid moments of you sharing quiet coffee, final touches on hair and makeup, and details like rings and invitations. The soft pre-dawn light in your cozy cabin sets the perfect tone.

5:30 AM – Drive to Ceremony Trailhead
We head out while the forest is still wrapped in morning mist.

6:00 AM – First Look + Vows Among the Redwoods
The ceremony spot can be a short, easy trail leading to a stunning grove, or we are a little more adventurous and go deeper into the woods. Exchange your vows surrounded by towering trees and filtered light.

7:00 AM – Portraits + Exploration
After your vows, we wander nearby trails capturing portraits, think laughing, holding hands, exploring the textures of the forest floor and the towering canopy above. This is where the documentary magic happens.

8:00 AM – Catered Picnic in the Forest
A beautiful picnic awaits, a spread of your favorite foods, thoughtfully arranged with wildflowers and local treats. You can relax, toast your marriage, and savor a quiet moment together.

9:30 AM – Optional Short Hike or Adventure Activity
If you want, we can take a gentle hike to a nearby viewpoint or visit a local waterfall. Some couples opt to split the day and head to the beach for sunset portraits.

11:00 AM – Wrap Up + Head Back to Airbnb
The day winds down with golden light filtering through the trees.

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What to Wear

Think movement and comfort.

• Flowy fabrics
• Layers
• Comfortable hiking boots or trail shoes
• Earth tones, neutrals, soft colors photograph beautifully

Weather Expectations

The Redwoods are a rainforest.

That means:

• Rain happens
• Fog happens
• Mud happens

This is not bad.

It is part of the magic.

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Why Working With a Redwood-Savvy Photographer Matters

Redwood elopements involve more than showing up with a camera.

They require:

• Permit knowledge
• Location scouting
• Understanding park regulations
• Awareness of crowd patterns
• Knowing how forest light behaves
• Timeline flow

This is the behind-the-scenes work I do for every couple.

You get to stay present.
I handle the logistics.

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If You’re Reading This and Feeling Seen, That’s Not an Accident

Most couples who reach out to me say the same thing:
“This feels like exactly what we want.”

If you’re dreaming of an elopement that feels calm, intentional, and deeply meaningful — not rushed, performative, or stressful — I would love to help you plan it.

You don’t need to have everything figured out.
That’s part of my job.