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
Choose the perfect location
Best time to elope in the redwoods
Permits and Legal requirements
Plan for lodging accommodations
Fun activities for your elopement
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:
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.
Select your date & time – ceremonies are usually scheduled for 1-3 hour periods and can’t be held on major holidays.
Fill out the Special Use Permit application form
Fill out the threatened & endangered species addendum
Email both forms to redw_special_use_permits@nps.gov
Pay your application fee via the email sent to you from Pay.gov
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.
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
Photo by Airbnb - Pacific View Treehouse
Hotels, Lodges, & Resorts
Photo by View Crest Lodge
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
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
Redwoods Elopement Inspiration
"words can’t describe how amazing Victoria is. stop what you’re doing and book her now!"
"Posing for photos can be awkward at times but she made us feel so comfortable ! She is professional but also so fun that it made the whole experience enjoyable. I would highly recommend Victoria not just for her incredible work but for the entire experience you get while working with her."
-Kiley + Hunter
Are you all about the untraditional vibes? Looking for a bad as f*** photographer to capture your far from normal day? I’m ya gal!