Your Complete Guide to Eloping in Hendy Woods State Park

Hendy Woods State Park is a stunning hidden gem in the hills of Northern California. This redwood forest park boasts 100 acres of old-growth trees, with some reaching up to 300 feet tall and 1,000 years old. If you’re wondering how to plan a Hendy Woods elopement, when to do it, or what to do when you get there, this guide breaks it all down.

Why Choose Hendy Woods For Your Elopement

Hendy Woods State Park has something you don’t find often: towering old-growth redwoods without the crowds. While parks like Muir Woods and Redwood National Park draw thousands of visitors weekly, Hendy Woods remains relatively unknown despite having equally impressive ancient trees. This means you can have your ceremony under towering redwoods without competing for space or feeling self-conscious about other people watching.

The park’s main attraction, Big Hendy Grove, features flat, accessible trails throughout the old-growth forest. This accessibility makes it ideal for couples, including family members with mobility considerations or anyone who wants the redwood experience without an intense hike. However, although it’s flat, it’s at least about a quarter-mile walk each way to spots with the densest forest views, so keep that in mind if distance is an issue for you or your guests.

Location-wise, Hendy Woods sits in Anderson Valley wine country, about 2.5-3 hours north of San Francisco. This positions it perfectly for couples who want to combine a redwood ceremony with wine tasting, farm-to-table dining, and scenic drives through vineyard-covered hills. You’re close enough to civilization for good food and accommodations, but far enough away that it feels like a true escape.

Given all of this (and having camped here as a kid), it remains one of my favorite spots for redwood elopements. The lack of crowds, the variety of ceremony locations within the grove, and the overall experience of being in an ancient forest that most people don’t know about make for a great hidden gem.

Hendy Woods vs Other Redwood Parks

When planning a redwood elopement in Northern California, most couples consider several park options. Each has distinct advantages depending on what matters most to you: accessibility, crowd levels, location, or permit flexibility. Here’s how Hendy Woods State Park compares to other popular redwood ceremony locations.

Hendy Woods State Park (Mendocino County)

• Crowd level: Low to moderate
• Accessibility: Flat trails, quarter-mile walk to best spots (can be lengthened as desired)
• Nearby activities: Wine tasting, farm stays, small-town dining
• Best for: Couples who want old-growth redwoods without crowds
• Ceremony permit requirements:
  • Free for 12 or fewer guests
  • $200 special-use permit required for 13+ guests
  • One ceremony permit issued per day

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve (Sonoma County)

• Crowd level: Moderate to high, especially weekends and summers
• Accessibility: Flat trails, recent ADA compliant trail expansions
• Nearby activities: Russian River activities, Sonoma coast, wine country
• Best for: Couples who want extremely easy drive-up access
• Ceremony permit requirements:
  • $200 special-use permit required
  • Only one permitted ceremony location (picnic area)

Muir Woods National Monument (Marin County)

• Crowd level: Very high year-round; requires timed entry reservations
• Accessibility: Flat trails, paved and boardwalk trails throughout
• Nearby activities: Close to San Francisco, Sausalito, coastal Marin
• Best for: Couples who want convenience to the Bay Area
• Ceremony permit requirements:
  • $700 special-use permit required; $60 permit application fee
  • Limited availability (ceremony is required to be before 10 a.m. or after 4:30 p.m., and on weekdays March-November)
  • Three ceremony sites to choose from (maximum guest count varies by site: 10-30)

Redwood National and State Parks (Humboldt County)

• Crowd level: Low to moderate depending on specific grove
• Accessibility: Varies widely; some trails require moderate or significant hiking
• Nearby activities: Coastal access, small towns, limited services
• Best for: Couples wanting the most remote, wild experience
• Redwood State Park ceremony permit requirements (Prairie Creek, Jedediah Smith, Del Norte):
  • $200 special-use permit required
  • 7 pre-approved ceremony sites to choose from (maximum guest count varies by site: 8-20)
• Redwood National Park ceremony permit requirements:
  • $100 special-use permit for pre-approved locations
  • $200 special-use permit for customized locations
  • 6 pre-approved ceremony sites to choose from (maximum guest count varies by site: 6-20)

Why I recommend Hendy Woods: It offers the best balance between accessibility and solitude for a forest elopement. You get impressive old-growth redwoods comparable to Armstrong Redwoods or Muir Woods, but without competing for space with lots of tourists and expensive permits. The location in Anderson Valley means you’re surrounded by wineries, farm-to-table restaurants, and charming accommodations rather than having to drive an hour for dinner. The flat trails make the ancient forest accessible to almost anyone, and the permit structure is the most flexible of any redwood park—free for intimate ceremonies under 13 people.

Best Times to Elope at Hendy Woods

Hendy Woods is accessible year-round for redwood forest elopements, but timing affects your experience significantly—from weather to crowd levels to what the forest looks like.

Spring (April-June)

Spring brings lush greenery in the meadows bordering the redwood grove and flowing water in nearby creeks. Temperatures range from the mid-50s to low 70s, with April seeing occasional rain. Wildflowers bloom in the open areas around the grove edges. Crowds pick up on weekends as camping season begins, but weekdays remain quiet. This is a great time of year for couples who want that fresh, vibrant green backdrop.

Summer (July-September)

Summer offers the most reliable and warmest weather for a Hendy Woods elopement. Daytime temperatures in Anderson Valley can reach the 80s-90s, but inside the redwood grove, you’ll usually find it a few degrees cooler under the shade of the dense canopy. The forest floor is drier (and dustier), and the light filtering through the canopy creates those classic redwood sun rays. Weekend camping crowds are at their peak, but the grove itself rarely feels packed. Bring layers; even in warm months, the forest microclimate can surprise you.

Fall (September-November)

Fall is my personal favorite season for redwood elopements, no matter where. At Hendy Woods, temperatures remain comfortable in the 60s-80s, and crowds thin significantly after Labor Day. The edges of the forest showcase vibrant fall foliage (shown above)—maples and other deciduous trees turning yellow, orange, and red against the evergreen redwoods. October and November can bring occasional rain, but you’ll often catch gorgeous clear days between storms.

Winter (December-March)

Winter brings the highest chance of rain and occasional park closures during severe weather. However, if you catch a clear day between storms, you might have the entire grove to yourselves. Temperatures range from the 40s-50s, and the forest takes on a moody quality. Just know that rain is likely, roads can be slick, and you’ll need to build flexibility into your plans. Don’t let the weather dismay you, though—a moody and misty redwood forest creates an incredibly atmospheric vibe for your elopement day. Plus, I always carry clear (and aesthetically pleasing 😉) umbrellas for my couples to use.

Best months overall: May, June, and October offer the ideal combination of good weather, manageable crowds, and beautiful forest conditions.

Getting to Hendy Woods State Park

Hendy Woods State Park is located in Philo, California, in Mendocino County—about a third of the way between San Francisco and the northern state line. Getting here requires a scenic drive through Northern California wine country, and cell service can be spotty on Highway 128, so download offline maps before you leave.

From San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Drive time: 2.5-3.5 hours

Rent a car and take US-101 North, which offers picturesque views of the California coastline. Transition onto CA-128 West near Cloverdale. This scenic route takes you through Anderson Valley, known for its vineyards and wineries, before reaching the park entrance. Highway 128 is a winding two-lane road, so build in extra time and take it slow if you’re not comfortable with mountain driving or get easily carsick.

From Oakland International Airport (OAK)

Drive time: 2.5-3.5 hours

Follow I-580 West to connect with US-101 North, then take CA-128 West toward the coast. The route is the same as the drive from SFO once you reach Highway 101.

From Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Drive time: 3-3.5 hours

Take I-5 North, then connect to CA-128 West. This is the longest drive of the three airport options but it bypasses Bay Area traffic and offers beautiful views through the interior valleys before entering wine country.

Road Conditions & What to Expect

Highway 128 through Anderson Valley is a scenic but winding two-lane road with limited cell service in stretches. The drive itself is part of the experience. You’ll pass vineyards, apple orchards, and roll through small towns like Boonville and Philo. Gas stations are limited once you leave Highway 101, so fill up in Cloverdale (if coming from the Bay Area) or Ukiah (if coming from Sacramento) before heading west. During winter, check road conditions before driving, as heavy rain can occasionally cause closures or hazardous conditions like downed trees (I’ve sat in my share of delays on 128 due to this).

Where to Stay for Your Hendy Woods Elopement

Your accommodation choice significantly impacts your Hendy Woods elopement experience, especially if you’re planning a multi-day celebration or want a home base for getting ready. Here are your main options, ranging from closest to the park to slightly farther afield.

Philo & Boonville (10-20 minutes from Hendy Woods)

Staying in Philo or Boonville puts you closest to the park and immerses you in Anderson Valley wine country. Options include small inns, vacation rentals, and even on-site accommodations at wineries or farms.

Philo Apple Farm offers charming rustic cottage rentals right on their working farm, a stone’s throw from Hendy Woods. You’ll have access to their farm stand, orchards, and get a genuinely local experience. Their farm stand includes everything apples: applesauce, apple vinegar, apple juice, apple cider, and, of course, apples themselves. This spot works particularly well for couples who want a quiet, nature-focused celebration without driving far.

Vacation rentals in Philo and Boonville range from vineyard cottages to larger homes that can accommodate small groups. Many properties have outdoor space perfect for getting ready or hosting a small gathering after your ceremony.

Mendocino (45 minutes from Hendy Woods)

Mendocino offers the widest selection of accommodations, from boutique inns to vacation rentals, plus more dining options and the dramatic coastline. The drive to Mendocino from Hendy Woods takes you back through Anderson Valley on Highway 128 and farther northwest.

Staying in Mendocino makes sense if you want to combine your old-growth redwood ceremony with coastal portraits (the Mendocino Headlands and nearby coastal access points are gorgeous), or if you simply want more restaurant and lodging options. The town itself has a charming, artistic vibe with galleries, cafes, and ocean views.

Some couples choose to stay in Mendocino for the accommodations and atmosphere, then make the drive inland to Hendy Woods for their ceremony, followed by wine tasting or dinner in Anderson Valley on the way back. It’s a full day but entirely doable, and the variety of landscapes makes for incredible photos.

What to Consider When Choosing

Stay in Philo/Boonville if:

• You want to be closest to Hendy Woods
• You’re prioritizing wine country activities
• You prefer a quieter, more rural setting with minimal travel

Stay in Mendocino if:

• You want coastal access for portraits
• You prefer more dining and lodging options
• You don’t mind a scenic 45-minute drive to the park
• You want the quintessential Mendocino coast town experience

What You Need to Know: Parking & Logistics

Day-Use Fees & Parking

You don’t need to camp overnight to elope at Hendy Woods. You can access the park with an $8 day-use fee per vehicle. The park entrance is located just off Highway 128. There’s ample parking in their day-use lot during weekdays, but weekends (especially summer weekends) can fill up by late morning. Arrive early if you’re planning a weekend elopement, or consider a weekday celebration for guaranteed parking and fewer visitors on the trails.

Planning Your Hendy Woods Elopement Timeline

How much time to budget at the park:

• Ceremony only: 1-1.5 hours (includes ceremony, portraits in the immediate area, and walking to and from)
• Ceremony + portraits throughout the grove: 2-3 hours
• Full experience with picnic or extended exploration: 3-4 hours

Sample partial-day timeline:

• 10:00 AM – Arrive at park, walk to ceremony spot
• 10:30 AM – Ceremony
• 11:00 AM – Portraits in Big Hendy Grove
• 12:30 PM – Picnic in the forest
• 1:30 PM – Depart for wine tasting or other Anderson Valley activities

Sample full-day timeline:

• 9:00 AM – Getting ready at your accommodation
• 10:30 AM – First look & portraits at your rental property or nearby vineyard
• 12:00 PM – Drive to Hendy Woods
• 1:00 PM – Ceremony in Big Hendy Grove
• 1:30 PM – Portraits throughout the forest
• 3:00 PM – Picnic lunch
• 4:30 PM – Wine tasting in Philo or Boonville
• 6:00 PM – Dinner at local restaurant

Things to Do in Anderson Valley

Beyond your ceremony and portraits, here’s what else to do in the area:

Hiking

The main trail everyone comes for is Big Hendy Grove—a 1.5-mile loop (with a few interwoven options) on flat forest floor. There are numerous foot bridges, which only lends to the charming fairytale vibe of the majestic forest. There are 3.5 miles of other trails throughout the park, but the Big Hendy Grove is my favorite. There’s no bad view, and there’s plenty of space throughout to choose where you’ll want to have your ceremony, or set up a picnic (without violating Leave No Trace policies).

Apple Cider Tasting

If you’re more into sweet beverages than wine, Philo has you covered. The first is apple cider tasting amongst idyllic apple orchards. What says ‘autumn’ more than strolling through groves with fallen apples all over the ground, and a glass of chilled cider in hand? You can experience a tasting at nearby Gowan’s Heirloom Cider farm in “California’s first ever Cider Tasting Orchard.” Tastings are $20 for 45 minutes.

Wine Tasting

If wine tasting is more your speed, you’re in luck. Philo happens to be situated in the heart of Anderson Valley, one of twelve (!) viticulture areas in Mendocino County. If you want to incorporate grapes into your day – in addition to, or instead of, apples – there are numerous wineries and tasting rooms nearby. Some notable ones include the idyllic Maggy Hawk and Brashley Winery. Maggy Hawk offers a fun pinot & pizza pairing option, if that sounds like the perfect meal to enjoy on your elopement day. The nearby Madrones also offers some great food and wine options.

Picnicking

Having a picnic on your elopement day under towering redwoods is a magical and intimate experience. Whether it’s a gourmet spread or a simple picnic, the redwood forest makes for an unforgettable setting. I’m more than happy to help you DIY a picnic (I keep some supplies on hand for the occasion), or you can opt to have a picnic professionally catered. Most picnic companies offer affordable options, usually starting around $200 for two people.

Real Hendy Woods Elopement: Molly & Patrick

Molly and Patrick’s two-day Mendocino redwoods elopement is a great example of what’s possible when you combine Hendy Woods with Anderson Valley wine country and the Mendocino coast. They started with a ceremony under the old-growth redwoods at Big Hendy Grove, followed by wine tasting at Long Meadow Ranch and dinner with family at Wickson Restaurant in Philo. The next day, they celebrated with friends at their Airbnb before heading to Navarro Point for coastal sunset portraits.

Their celebration showcased the flexibility of a Hendy Woods elopement—accessible ceremony location for family, wine country activities, and dramatic coastal landscapes all within 45 minutes of each other. See their full two-day redwood and coast elopement here.

Book Your Hendy Woods Elopement Photographer

Now that you know where to go, how to get there, and what to do to elope in Hendy Woods State Park, all you need is a photographer to document your redwood forest elopement! If we haven’t met before—hi, my name’s Meg, and I’m an elopement photographer based in Northern California. I’ve helped many couples plan their redwood forest elopement, and if you’re interested in doing the same, please reach out to book your free planning consultation. The redwoods are one of my favorite places, and I’d love to help you get married under them.

Not ready to get in touch yet? Head to my FAQs to learn more about planning an elopement, or scroll my pricing page to read about my specific service.