The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in the Redwoods National Park

Location guide

Mar 12

Home to the tallest trees in the world, the Redwoods National Park is so awe-inspiring. It’s comprised of four areas with 139,000 acres of land and 37 miles of rugged coastline, wild riverways, prairies, and forests with temperate weather year-round. It’s a haven for wildlife too. Upon visiting you’ll more than likely see a variety of seals, whales in certain seasons, dolphins, elk, and a huge variety of birds.

What’s especially impressive is that the first redwood trees predate humans, spiders, and flowers, first appearing over 240 million years ago during the time of the dinosaurs! Currently, the oldest tree is 2,500 years old, making it a seedling during the Roman Empire.

Visiting this stunning piece of history is easy enough, but planning an elopement here takes a little more know-how. Below is everything you need to take into consideration when planning your own elopement.

Click the link below to skip to a section:

Park details

How to get to the Redwoods National Park

When to elope in the Redwoods National Park

Do you need a permit to elope in the Redwoods National Park?

Is the Redwoods National Park dog friendly?

How to legally marry in California

Sustainable practices

Best activities in the Redwoods National Park

How much photography coverage will you need?

Where to stay in the Redwoods National Park

Park details

There are four regions of Redwoods State and National Parks. Since logging was prolific in the 1880’s, groves were selectively purchased and protected, eventually turning into the National Park we know today.

Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park

More old-growth trees per acre than any other park
92 redwood groves
30 miles of hiking trails
Close to beaches
Smith River
- Scenic driving, swimming, kayaking, rafting, fishing, bird watching
Scenic forest roads
Filmed here: Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
10,000 acres

Del Norte Redwoods State Park

50% old-growth coast redwood
Beautiful rugged cliffside views
8 miles of coastline
34 miles of hiking trails
Filmed here: E.T.
33,000 acres

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Largest contiguous forest of old-growth redwoods (17,000 acres of old-growth)
163 redwood groves
Over 100 miles of hiking trails
Scenic roadway — Avenue of Giants
Eel River
- Scenic driving, swimming, kayaking, rafting, fishing, bird watching
53,000 acres total

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Home to the tallest redwood trees
354 redwood groves
17 miles of hiking trails
19-mile bike loop
Gold Bluffs Beach
- Wildlife watching, walking, tide pooling
Filmed here: Jurassic Park: The Lost World
14,000 acres

How to get to the Redwoods

Flying

The closest airport to the Redwoods is a two-hour drive away in Medford, Oregon. Although it’s an international airport, it is smaller, so a direct flight there might not be an easy option for everyone.

The next nearest, large airport is in San Francisco. It’s a six-hour drive to the Redwoods from SFO, but it makes for a great road trip.

Driving

You’ll need a car to get around and thoroughly explore the Redwoods. The scenic drives are some of the best ways to enjoy the views and it’s even possible to drive through trees in commercial redwood developments.

Park entrance fees

Unlike most national parks in the U.S., the Redwoods National and State Parks are free to visit. They do not sell or require park passes or the annual America the Beautiful Passes. Since there are no entrance stations, visitors are free to come and go as they please.

When to elope in the Redwoods national park

Since summers in the Redwood National Park are extremely busy, spring and fall are the best times to visit. Temperatures range from a moderate 40-50 degrees, with low chances of rain, and none of the crowds.

Spring

April to early June

Spring is when the forest is most lush and green. You’ll find coastal wildflowers and pink rhododendrons blooming in the forest. Groves will be thick with ferns and all the trails and roads are usually open.

Fall

Late September to October

Don’t shy away from visiting in the fall in fear of rain — in the fall, the rain is usually brief, and mostly at night. The daytime tends to be warm and clear, and you’ll see bits of fall color starting in mid-October.

Do you need a permit to elope in the Redwoods National Park?

Yes. All weddings and elopements need to secure a special use permit (starting at $100) to get married within the park.

If choosing a location on the lists below, your event will more than likely be approved within two weeks. If asking about different locations or events with more than 20 guests (vendors included in this count), you’ll need to give the park more time to consider your requests.

Up to 20 participants are allowed in these locations:

Templeman Grove
Organ Donor’s Grove
Crescent Beach Day Use (available Oct 25th – May 1)
Crescent Beach Overlook (available Oct 25th – May 1)
High Bluff Overlook
Schmidt Grove
Prairie Creek Amphitheater (available Oct 25th – May 1)
Lost Man Creek Gate

Up to 10 participants are allowed in this location:

Zig Zag #2

Up to 8 participants are allowed in these locations:

Up to 6 participants are allowed in this location:

Berry Glen

Do note that our national parks change permit rules often. Check with the permit coordinator before to find the most up-to-date rules and locations.

Is the Redwoods National Park dog friendly?

Pets are not allowed on any trails in the Redwoods National Park. However, they are allowed in the places listed below (source).

Parking areas that allow dogs:

Fern Canyon
Lady Bird Johnson
Tall Trees Trail
Stout Grove
Elk Meadow Day Use Area

Scenic viewpoints that allow dogs:

Klamath River Overlook
Redwood Creek Overlook

Developed Campgrounds that allow dogs:

Elk Prairie Campground
Gold Bluffs Beach
Mill Creek Campground
Jedediah Smith Campground

Beaches that allow dogs:

Freshwater Beach
Gold Bluffs Beach
Crescent Beach

Gravel roads that allow dogs:

Cal Barrel Road
Walker Road

Nearby dog-friendly alternatives:

Smith River National Recreation Area-all campgrounds and trails (pets must be leashed): east of Crescent City, Calif. via U.S. 199.
Public beaches in Crescent City
Moonstone Beach: Westhaven Drive exit off U.S. 101, just south of Trinidad
Clam Beach County Park: Clam Beach exit off U.S. 101, near McKinleyville
Arcata Community Forest in Arcata

Service animals are the exception to these rules, and they can accompany their owner to all park locations. Do note that wherever you plan on taking your pets, you’ll need to follow B.A.R.K. rules.

B: Bag your poop
A: Always wear a leash
R: Respect Wildlife
K: Know where to go

How to legally marry in California

Check here for all of California’s current laws about marriage. In short, you must apply for a license in person and use it within 90 days. For your ceremony, you have the option to be married by an ordained officiant, choose to marry by non-clergy (self-solemnizing), and are required to have two witnesses’ signatures.

Sustainable practices

As in all wilderness spaces, you’ll need to practice leave no trace principles. This means no wandering off paths for photos, leaving trash or décor behind and respecting the wildlife and other visitors.

The Redwoods have a delicate ecosystem and there are a few park-specific rules in addition to the usual guidelines as well:

No live, cut, or dried flowers
- If you’re interested in having bouquets, boutonnieres, or arrangments for your elopement, consider finding silk, paper, or wooden flowers on Etsy
Do not walk on top of fallen trees
- These trees are micro-ecosystems — home to worms, spiders, amphibians, beetles, and crickets
Do not use arbors, arches, or hang things from the vegetation

Best activities in the Redwoods National Park

Hiking

With over 200 miles of trails, ranging from short and easy to 70 miles long, there is a trail for everyone to explore. Each redwood grove is different, featuring old growth, river canyons, ferns, and so much more.

Kayaking

Known as the “redwood float”, kayaking down the Smith River in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is a local gem. It’s one of the clearest rivers in the U.S. with emerald-colored water, and it’s such a mellow ride that almost anyone can enjoy it.

Contact Redwood Rides to schedule your tour.

Scenic drives

Each section of the Redwoods National Park has a scenic drive worth traveling. It’s a fantastic way to check out large sections of the park at a faster pace. Check out this interactive map for drives throughout the park.

Many movies have been filmed within the park as well. If you’re interested in exploring where your favorite flicks have been filmed you’ve got to check out the Humboldt Del Norte Film Commission map.

Biking

Although there are biking trails located throughout the park, most biking trails are in the southern part of the park.

Wildlife watching

You’ll have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife upon visiting the Redwoods National Park. Birding is especially great because approximately one-third of the U.S.’s bird species live in the redwoods!

Seals live there year-round, with a colony living close to shore at South Beach in Crescent City. Gray whales migrate north in May, with Killer Whales passing by in September. It’s also possible to see harbor porpoises on calm days any time of year.

Camping and van life exploring

There are four established campgrounds in the Redwoods National Park but since most campsites were constructed before the 1940s, they don’t accommodate large RVs and trailers.

If you plan on camping in an RV or trailer, consider reserving a space at a commercial campground outside the park in the park’s nearby towns (more on those below).

You can also consider dispersed camping if you’d like more privacy and don’t mind not having modern amenities like toilets and running water.

For van rentals, I recommend going through Indie Campers and Escape Campervans.

How much photography coverage will you need?

You’ll need four hours of photography coverage at the very least, but on average, most of my couples hire me to provide eight hours of continuous photography coverage. There are options to include split coverage between sunrise and sunset, and multi-day events as well. Below are two examples of how your elopement can be photographed.

Half- day elopement: 4 hours

We meet at your campsite and photograph you and your partner finishing getting ready for the day.
From there, we’ll drive to a nearby redwoods grove where you two see each other dressed up for the first time that day.
You two get to talk, hug, and cry as much as you want.
When you’re ready, we’ll take more photos amongst the forest.
From there, we’ll find the perfect private nook for your ceremony to take place.
On your marriage license, you’ve opted for the non-clergy option, choosing not to have an officiate present. Instead, you walk yourselves through your vows.
After, we find two people on the trail who are thrilled to sign as witnesses on your license.
To celebrate, you wanted to include your favorite shared activity: mountain biking. As you head off onto the trail, I take the last shots of you in your wedding attire before we split ways.

Two-day elopement: 12 hours

Day one: Private vow reading

I’ll meet you at your cabin and begin photographing the details of your elopement. Your attire, rings, heirlooms, and any mementos you’d like to remember.
As you’re putting the finishing touches on your hair, makeup, and outfits, I’ll photograph you and your partner getting ready together.
We drive to your ceremony site in a beautiful grove of redwoods.
After wandering about the grove, you two have a private vow reading when it feels right.
After, we take the scenic route to our next destination, so you get to enjoy as much of the park as possible.
Then we head to the coast and wander paths along the cliffside overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
You unpack a picnic, complete with binoculars for whale watching.
You end your day relaxing and watching the sunset together.

Day two: Celebrating with loved ones.

We start your day by photographing you getting ready with your loved ones.
From there, we’ll drive to your ceremony site.
We’ll take group photos in a scenic grove before the ceremony, so everyone is looking their freshest.
When you’re ready, you’ll have your ceremony.
Afterward, you’ve invited everyone to share in a celebratory kayak ride down the river with you.
Back at the cabin, you have a private chef started on making dinner.
You return to your cabin, share a meal, toasts, and desserts.
You surprise your parents with traditional first dances, and have a first dance with your spouse as well.
We end the night with everyone chatting outside around a fire.

Where to stay in the Redwoods National Park

I always recommend hiring your adventure elopement photographer first so they can help you decide where to elope, and then book your lodging accordingly. Since the various parks sit alongside smaller towns, lodging is limited and tends to book up quickly.