Nestled in the heart of California’s wine country, Sonoma County is home to a number of state parks that offer a captivating backdrop for couples dreaming of an intimate elopement in northern California. Think Sonoma County is just about wine and vineyards? You’ll see otherwise in this post! All six of these state parks showcase the diverse beauty of this region. Each park offers a unique backdrop for your elopement, surrounded by nature’s beauty and tranquility.
Here are my six favorite state park elopement location options within this diverse county!
Salt Point State Park
Ready for an epic elopement? Head to the rugged allure of Salt Point State Park – it’s the coolest coastal hideaway just 90 miles north of San Francisco on Highway 1. Get ready for dramatic cliffs, funky tide pools, and unique sandstone formations that scream Insta-worthy. Picture this: exchanging vows with the ocean’s waves as your backing track and a salty sea breeze in your hair. Salt Point State Park is the ultimate mix of wild beauty, making it THE spot for couples who want to rock their wedding day in a mesmerizing coastal paradise!
Getting There
Starting from San Francisco, cruise north on Highway 1 for about 90 miles, and soak in the stunning coastal views on your way. Don’t be surprised if you find your face (as a passenger) glued to the window as you watch the scenery roll by! Look for signs indicating the entrance to Salt Point State Park. The park is well-marked, and an awesome network of trails allows you to explore its diverse landscapes easily.
Best Seasons to Visit
Spring and early summer grace the park with blooming wildflowers, creating a vibrant atmosphere for your elopement.
Armstrong Redwoods State Preserve
Get ready to step into a real-life fairy tale at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve – it’s the enchanted forest you’ve always dreamed of, just 70 miles north of San Francisco. (spoiler, I’ve actually had a couple who eloped here tell me later that they felt like they’d gotten married in a private fairy-tale forest.) Roll down Highway 101 to Guerneville, and one turn later, you’re there! Picture this: towering ancient redwoods creating a majestic canopy for your elopement. Imagine snuggling up with your partner next to the Colonel Armstrong Tree – a 1,400-year-old giant bringing timeless grandeur to your day. Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve has an incredible serene and magical vibe, making it an incredible spot for couples who want the ethereal beauty of ancient redwoods to star in their wedding day!
Getting There
Starting from San Francisco, head north on Highway 101 to reach Guerneville, where Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve awaits. The approximately 70-mile drive takes you through scenic landscapes (including the vineyards of the Korbel champagne company!), providing a preview of the awe-inspiring beauty that awaits. Once in Guerneville, take a right at the town’s only stoplight, and two miles later you’ll be pulling into the park’s entrance.
Best Seasons to Visit
Fall offers warm hues from the redwoods, while spring presents an extra lush and green landscape. Visit before May to get a chance to listen to the babbling Fife Creek that runs through the park (it dries up when the rain stops). Summer days are warm but populated, and winter days may be slightly damp but it’s an easy tradeoff when the trails are deserted. There is really no bad season in the redwoods!
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Ready to take your elopement to the next level? Head over to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park – it’s the ultimate hidden gem just a hop, skip, and a jump from Santa Rosa. Picture this: rolling hills, dreamy meadows, and a chill lake, creating the perfect setup for your intimate celebration. The summit? Brace yourself for mind-blowing vistas that show off the natural beauty of this park right smack in the heart of wine country. Whether you’re feeling a spring ceremony surrounded by vibrant wildflowers or a fall elopement with cozy colors and that crisp air vibe, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is your go-to for a charming and super versatile backdrop. Nature’s beauty meets romantic ambiance – it’s the dream combo for your perfect day!
Getting There
Time to kick off your adventure from Santa Rosa to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park – we’re talking just a short, sweet drive away. Hit the road on Highway 12, soaking in the seriously stunning vineyard landscapes that paint the route.
Best Seasons to Visit
Spring and early summer highlight vibrant wildflowers, while fall offers warm colors and crisp air.
Sonoma Coast State Park
Get ready for a dreamy escape along California’s breathtaking Highway 1 – because Sonoma Coast State Park is calling your name! It’s the ultimate haven for couples wanting a romantic seaside elopement. Think rugged coastlines, dramatic cliffs, and those secret beaches that set the stage for your day. Picture saying ‘I do’ with the soothing sounds of waves crashing and the Pacific Ocean sunset as your witness. Sonoma Coast State Park is where nature’s wild beauty meets the intimate magic of love, making it a great spot for couples who want to include the iconic California coast on their wedding day.
Getting There
To embark on your romantic adventure at Sonoma Coast State Park, start your journey in San Francisco and head north on Highway 1. The park is approximately 60 miles away, offering a scenic drive that showcases the stunning California coastline. Once you arrive, ample parking in multiple spots and well-marked trails make it easy to explore the park’s hidden coves and breathtaking vistas.
Best Seasons to Visit
Late spring and summer provide the best weather, but winter storms offer a dramatic and awe-inspiring atmosphere.
Jack London State Park
Ready for a journey to the heart of the Valley of the Moon? Jack London State Historic Park, just around 60 miles north of San Francisco, is your ticket to a historic and romantic elopement. This park boasts historic (and dare I say oddly charming in an old-world way?) ruins, lush gardens, and the scenic backdrop of the Sonoma Mountains. Imagine exchanging vows amidst the remnants of a bygone era, surrounded by the natural elegance of the park. Whether you choose a spring ceremony, when the gardens are in full bloom, or a fall celebration with mild temperatures and changing foliage, Jack London State Historic Park offers a romantic and historically rich ambiance for couples seeking a unique and picturesque wedding day.
Getting There
Jack London State Park is located 60 miles north of San Francisco, on the outskirts of Sonoma. No doubt you’ll enjoy the scenic beauty of classic wine country landscapes as you approach the park! The park is easily accessible from surrounding areas, and once you arrive, well-marked trails and historical landmarks await your exploration.
Best Seasons to Visit
Spring, when the gardens are in full bloom, or fall, with its mild temperatures and changing foliage, offer an ideal atmosphere.
Annadel State Park
Nestled among pristine lakes, dreamy meadows, and oak woodlands east of Santa Rosa, Annadel State Park is the dream backdrop for your intimate elopement. Whether you’re feeling a spring ceremony with wildflowers and vibrant green meadows or a fall celebration wrapped in warm, cozy layers, Annadel State Park is your go-to for a central and scenic elopement location. Plus, it’s the ultimate spot for couples that happen to be mountain bikers! This park is a hotspot for downhill junkies. How cool and unique would it be to incorporate mountain biking into your elopement day? (that’s rhetorical, of course, because it’d be pretty sweet IMHO 🤘🏻)
Getting There
Traveling to Annadel State Park is really convenient, as this hidden treasure is located near downtown Santa Rosa. The park is easily accessible by car, with well-marked trails leading you to the various scenic spots within. Before setting out, check the park’s official website for any updates and specific directions tailored to your starting location.
Best Seasons to Visit
Spring and early summer bring blooming wildflowers, while fall offers a tapestry of warm colors, enhancing the charm of this Sonoma County State Park.
Sonoma County provides a myriad of options for couples seeking a romantic and natural setting for their elopement. Whether you prefer coastal cliffs, ancient redwoods, or panoramic mountain views, these state parks offer the perfect backdrop for an intimate celebration of your love.
Book Your Sonoma County State Park Photographer
Now that you know the best options for which Sonoma County State Park to elope in, all you need is a photographer to document your day! If we haven’t met before — hi, my name’s Meg, and I’m an elopement photographer based in (you guessed it) Sonoma County! I’ve helped many couples plan their Sonoma County elopement, and if you’re interested in doing the same, please reach out. This little corner of the world is one of my favorite places, and I’d love to help you get married here. 😌
