Redwoods Elopement | How to elope in the Redwoods National Park in 2025

So your dreaming of a epic elopement beneath the towering trees of the California Redwoods? Picture this: you, your soulmate, and the lush greenery of the Redwoods National Park as your stunning backdrop. If you're envisioning an intimate celebration that's not only personal but also fun, then this guide is your perfect match! In this guide you will fin tips on locations, permits, accommodations and do much more! Let’s jump right into it!

Table of Contents

1. Choose the perfect location

2. Best time to elope in the redwoods

3. Permits and Legal requirements 

4. Plan for lodging accommodations

5. Fun activities for your elopement

6. Book your vendors

Choice the perfect location

These are all the pre-approved locations where you are able to get married in the Redwoods National and State Park. Also listed is the max guest capacity and a map pin drop of each location for reference.

• River trail - 8 participants

• Templeman Grove - 20 participants

• Organ Donor’s Grove - 20 participants

• Merriman Grove - 8 participants

• Zig Zig #2 - 10 participants

• Schmidt Grove - 20 participants

• Prairie Creek Amphitheater - 20 participants

• Lost Man Creek Gate - 20 participants

• Berry Glen - 6 participants

• Crescent Beach Day Use - 20 participants

• Crescent Beach Overlook - 20 participants

• High Bluff Overlook - 20 participants

You can get married at other locations besides the ones listed but you will need to get approval as well as permits, which you can inquire for through the parks website.

Best time to elope in the redwoods

The great thing about the redwoods is that it never really has an off season since it is located so close to the coast so it never gets too hot or cold. The average temperature stays between 50-70 degrees depending on the season. Which makes it such a great elopement location, however I will say that spring(April-May) and fall(September-November) season are some of the best times to go. In spring you can see the redwoods at its most lush and vibrant. And nothing can beat those fall colors on the California coast!

Spring (April-May)

• Pros: Minimal crowds, greenery is at it best, cheaper accommodations near the park, potential wildlife sightings

• Cons: Higher chance of muddy trails, unpredictable weather 

Summer (June-August)

• Pros: Warmer weather, dry hiking trails, sunny most of the season

• Cons: Very crowded, higher cost of accommodations, potential reservations required

Fall (September-November)

• Pros: Minimal crowds, cool weather, fall colors

• Cons: Potential muddy trails, unpredictable weather

Winter (December-March)

• Pros: No crowds, cheaper accommodations near the park

• Cons: Muddy trails, rain, unpredictable road closures and flooding

Permits and Legal Requirements

To get married in Redwoods National and State Parks you will need to get a Special Use Permit. Applying for this permit costs $100 if you get married in one of their pre-approved ceremony locations or $200 if you want to get married outside of their pre-approved locations. 

Here is the step by step process: 

1. Select your location from the pre-approved list on this webpage, or select a separate location to request approval for which can take up to 2 weeks.

2. Select your date & time – ceremonies are usually scheduled for 1-3 hour periods and can’t be held on major holidays.

3. Fill out the Special Use Permit application form

4. Fill out the threatened & endangered species addendum

5. Email both forms to redw_special_use_permits@nps.gov 

6. Pay your application fee via the email sent to you from Pay.gov

7. Once the forms have been received, you will get an email with a link where you will be able to pay for the permit online. 

8. You will receive your completed permit via email. Print this out and bring it with you on your elopement day. (Tip: Print more than one for you, family members and vendors that will be in attendance!)

Note: Permits are not issued during major holiday weekends due to crowding.

Plan for lodging accommodations

Wondering where to stay for your redwoods elopement? Here are some great places you an stay!

Airbnbs/VRBOs

• Pacific View Treehouse

• Bungalow in the Redwoods

• Cottage by the Sea

• Home with Ocean Views

• Private Cabin in the Woods

• Secluded Cabin in the Trees

Photo by Airbnb - Pacific View Treehouse

Hotels, Lodges, & Resorts

• View Crest Lodge

• Redwoods River Resort

• Emerald Forest Cabins

• Turtle Rocks Inn

Photo by View Crest Lodge

Campgrounds

• Jedediah Smith Campground

• Mill Creek Campground

• Elk Prairie Campground

• Gold Bluffs Beach Campground

Photo by Gold Bluffs Beach Campground

Fun activities

No elopement is truly complete if you didn't do a fun or adventure filled activity to help seal the deal! Here are some great activities to consider doing for your elopement!

• Hike through Fern Canyon 

• Visit the Redwoods Sky Walk at Sequoia Park Zoo

• Ride the Gondola Trees of Mystery 

• Hangout at Enderts Beach

• Sonoma Zipline Adventure

Book your vendors

Here are a few great vendors in the area!

Hair/Makeup

• Whit Marie | https://whitmarie.glossgenius.com/

• Black Fern Beauty Co | https://blackfernbeautyco.com/

Florists

• Buttermilk Floral | https://www.buttermilkfloral.com/

• Enchanted Florist | https://theenchantedfloristatenvogue.com/

Videographers

• Abby Bostian Visuals | https://abbybostianvisuals.com/

Officants

• Wedding in the Wild | https://weddingsinthewild.com/

• Officiant Jimmie | https://www.instagram.com/officiantjimmie/?hl=en

Redwood National Park Elopement Photographer

Hi! I’m Victoria, a Northern California based elopement photographer for adventurous and party animals! I’m passionate about helping couples elope exactly how they want in beautiful places like the redwoods! Check out my pricing and packages to see how I can help you with your redwoods elopement!

Redwoods National Park Elopement Packages

Includes:

• Coverage from 4 hours, Half Day or Full Day

• Elope anywhere within California

• Guidance with permits, licenses, etc.

• Activity, Vendor and Lodging recommendations

• Elopement timeline assistance

• Elopement Planning Guide

• Sneak Peeks

• Travel fees all included for anywhere within California

• (no hidden or extra fees)

Starting at $3,500

Don’t know where to start?

Get my free elopement planning guide!

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Hey! I’m Victoria

This might surprise you,

but...

As an elopement photographer my job isn't just to take pretty pictures; it’s to capture who you really are.

Fuck tradition. Want to shotgun a beer on top of a mountain? Want to cliff jump after saying I do to help seal the deal? We'll laugh, we'll cry, we'll get a little wild—because that's how life's supposed to be.

And your elopement day? It should be the same. This day isn't about tradition. It's about you two, together, having the time of your life.

I want to help you plan and document an elopement that's as unique as your relationship—something real, raw, and full of memories that will last a lifetime. If you're looking for a photographer to help make your elopement feel like you, let's do this!

Imagine being able to talk about how EPIC your elopement day was for years to come