If you’re dreaming of saying your vows among California’s redwoods, you’re in good company: I’ve guided dozens of couples through planning their redwood forest elopement (in addition to getting married under them myself).

Here’s everything you need to know about planning a redwoods elopement in California—from permits and trail tips to outfits and forest etiquette.

Best California Redwood Forest Locations for Elopements

California is home to coastal redwoods (tall and slender, often near foggy coasts) and giant sequoias (massive and wide, usually found inland at higher elevations). Most couples eloping in the redwoods choose coastal redwoods for their moody lighting and accessibility.

Here’s a breakdown of the major California redwood forest regions:

North SF Bay Area (Muir Woods, Sonoma County, Marin)

Drive time: 1-2 hours from SFO

• Vibe: Lush, misty groves close to San Francisco
• Pros: Easy access, great for fly-in guests, many trail options
• Cons: Can get crowded—especially Muir Woods

👉🏻 Planning for this area? Read: Sonoma County Redwood Elopement & Session Locations and check out this summer engagement session in Armstrong Redwoods State Park

Big Sur

Drive time: 2-3 hours from SFO, 1.5-2 hours from San Jose

• Vibe: Dramatic cliffs meet deep forest
• Pros: Stunning mix of forest + ocean; iconic Highway 1 views
• Cons: Cell service is spotty, logistics are trickier

Santa Cruz Mountains

Drive time: 1-1.5 hours from SFO, 45 minutes from San Jose

• Vibe: Enchanting forests with smaller crowds
• Pros: Accessible trails, cozy Airbnbs, often overlooked
• Cons: Less “grand” than some northern groves

Humboldt & Del Norte (Redwood National and State Parks)

Drive time: 5-6 hours from SFO, 4-5 hours from Sacramento, 1 hour from Arcata-Eureka Airport

• Vibe: Remote, awe-inspiring cathedrals of trees
• Pros: Ancient groves, low foot traffic, true wilderness feel
• Cons: Long drive from major airports (but regional airport connections are available)

👉🏻 Want a feel for the magic? Peek inside: A Gorgeous Northern California Elopement Among Redwoods and Ocean Cliffs

Redwood Elopement Permits: What You Need to Know

Permits are how land managers keep these ancient ecosystems protected, and each region has different rules. These usually involve a $50-200 fee (depending on jurisdiction) and are often required to be submitted at least 30 days in advance.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• National Parks (like Redwood National & State Parks): Always require a permit for ceremonies.
• California State Parks: Always require a permit for ceremonies.
• Regional or County Parks: Many require a ceremony permit.

Pro tip: I help all my couples navigate this. If you’re working with me, I’ll handle the research and give you exact steps. To avoid ceremony permitting, you can opt to perform it on private property (like your home rental), or take care of legalities ahead of time.

---

---

How to Choose the Perfect Redwood Trail for Your Elopement

Every trail has its own kind of character. Some are easy loops perfect for a small ceremony. Others wind deep into the forest and feel like stepping back in time.

Here are a few trail types I recommend considering:

• Short & Sweet: Flat, accessible loops ideal for guests or simpler ceremonies
• Moderate: A 1–2 mile hike gets you to quieter spots
• Remote & Rewarding: 3+ miles with sweeping groves or secret glades—best for all-day elopements or fully private vows

I’ll help you find trails that align with your pace, mobility, and ceremony style. (No scrambling up boulders in dress shoes—promise.)

What to Wear for a Redwood Forest Elopement: Complete Guide

Here’s the thing about redwoods: they’re cool, damp, and often unpredictable. (In a good way, if you’re prepared.)

Footwear

• Opt for trail-friendly shoes—think boots or sandals with tread
• Break them in beforehand (blisters are not the vibe)

Layers

• Mornings can be cold and foggy, even in summer
• Bring a wrap, jacket, or textured layer that complements your look, even if you don’t think you’ll need it (especially in winter and shoulder seasons)

Fabrics & Movement

• Lightweight gowns and suits move beautifully in the breeze
• Avoid stiff or heavy fabrics—they can be difficult to comfortable move around in

Hair & Makeup

• Opt for natural, soft looks
• Waterproof mascara = your best friend in misty forests (and vow tears)

---

---

Best Time of Year for a Redwood Elopement in California

The good news? Redwoods are green all year round. (They don’t get seasonal foliage like other forests.)

Here’s what really matters:

• Spring: Fresh growth, moderate crowds, some rain
• Summer: Dry and dusty weather, higher foot traffic in popular parks
• Fall: Cooler temps, fewer tourists, gorgeous golden light
• Winter: Rainy and magical, but often wet and muddy

Want fog? Aim for early morning or spring. Want reliable warm weather without big crowds? Late summer is your best bet.

How to Honor the Forest (Leave No Trace Elopement Tips)

This part matters deeply to me—and probably to you, too.

These trees have stood for hundreds, sometimes thousands of years. They’ve survived fires, storms, colonization, and climate change. When you choose to get married here, you’re not just in front of a beautiful backdrop—you’re surrounded by living history.

Here’s how to honor that:

• Stay on trail (even if the off-path spot looks prettier; I know it’s tempting)
• Skip petals, confetti, or anything you’d need to clean up
• Use local, native florals—or even silk bouquets (sometimes this is required by the park)
• Limit noise and respect wildlife
• Pack out everything (yes, even tiny bobby pins, corks, and fruit peels)

Redwoods remind us to slow down and remember. Let’s show them respect in return.

👉🏻 For more tips on emotional grounding and sacred pacing, check out Redwood Elopement Guide: How to Make Your Forest Experience Feel Sacred

Planning Your Redwood Elopement Guest List and Vendor Team

California redwood elopements can take many shapes—whether it’s…

• Just the two of you
• A handful of close guests
• A tiny team of vendors creating a magical atmosphere

If you do invite loved ones, keep these in mind:

• Not all trails allow group access
• Some parks have guest limits (5–10 people is common, but there are a few that allow up to ~20)
• Your guests should be mobile, quiet, and nature-aware

For vendors, I usually recommend:

• Officiant (unless you self-solemnize or do a symbolic ceremony)
• Florist (who understands natural settings)
• HMUA (who can do touchups outdoors if needed)
• Planner or day-of coordinator (if more moving parts are involved)
• Private chef (to help you enjoy a beautiful meal)
• Event rentals (like chairs, lounge furniture, or tableware if you want a stylized reception)

Redwood Elopement FAQs

Q: Can we bring our dog?

Sometimes, yes—but not always, especially when it comes to national parks. Additionally, many parks restrict pets to paved areas. I’ll help you double-check.

Q: What time should our ceremony be?

Anytime between morning and late afternoon (earlier in the winter). The great thing about redwood forests is that while the light changes throughout the day, it’s not as dramatic as settings without a heavy canopy overhead. You’ll also want to take crowds into account for timing.

Q: Can we do both redwoods and the ocean?

Absolutely. Some of my favorite days start in a forest and end on a cliffside. I’ll help you map it out.

Q: How much does it cost to get married in the redwoods?

Permit fees range from $50-200, but your main costs will be travel, accommodation, and vendor logistics. Keep in mind that remote locations may increase vendor travel fees.

Q: Can we have a reception in the redwoods?

Most parks don’t allow large gatherings or amplified music, but you can plan intimate picnics or move to a nearby private venue for celebration. Bonus if you find private property to rent (whether a home rental or formal hourly venue) with redwoods on-site.

Q: What if it rains during our redwood forest elopement?

When it comes to being in a forest, rain is part of the experience. But to be prepared, you’ll want to bring backup layers, embrace the moody photos, and trust that we’ll make it beautiful no matter what. (Plus, I keep two clear umbrellas on hand for couples to use just in case.)

Q: How private will it really feel?

That depends on location, season, and time of day. Some parks are busy; others feel deserted. I’ll help you pick spots that match your comfort level.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Just Choosing a Redwood Elopement Location

Ready to start planning your redwood forest elopement? I specialize in creating meaningful forest celebrations that honor both your love story and these ancient groves. Get in touch, and I’ll help you navigate everything from permits to the perfect ceremony spot.

👉🏻 Still weighing your redwoods options? Save this post or send it to your partner so you can start dreaming together.

👉🏻 Ready to start planning your redwood elopement? Inquire here—I’ll walk you through every step.