Black Wedding Dress in the Redwoods | A + W
October Elopement in The Northern California Redwoods
Most couples get married in the redwoods because they connect with the moody magic of the forest. Even more couples elope in the redwoods because they want to celebrate their marriage in a way that feels fully authentic to their relationship and their rituals.
This wedding was no exception. Amanda and Will drove to California from Colorado with their closest friend as company and officiant. They set up a small altar with LED candles (no open flame!) and said their vows in an out of the way grove along the Avenue of the Giants. After wandering in the woods a bit, we drove back up the coast to finish the day with champagne on the beach.
The vibe met somewhere in between whimsical and dark fairytale.
Elopements are such a privilege to photograph as couples dial in the locations and the elements that feel true to their love stories and ditch the rest.
Ceremony Location: Humboldt Redwoods State Park // Beach: Luffenholtz
planning an Off Season elopement in the Humboldt redwoods? Here are my tips…
I’m going to sound like a broken record here but be ready to roll with the weather. There’s a good chance it will rain. My off season elopement couples aren’t afraid of a little (or a lot of)rain and tend to be the sort to stomp through puddles in formal wear.
How to Plan Your Avenue of the Giants Elopement
When it comes to elopements, I’m not just your photographer, I’m your resource for curating a bespoke elopement experience. I’m also excellent at holding umbrellas.
Hire A Northern California Wedding Photographer
A photographer based in Humboldt County will be comfortable with the unique qualities of our area from tourist patterns to unexpected road closures. The light in the redwoods can be difficult and you’ll want to hire a photographer who isn’t experiencing it all for the first time.
How to Prepare for the Northern California Weather
Style your elopement with the weather in mind. Faux fur wraps, layered coats, vests, tights and of course, puddle friendly footwear are great places to start. Loeffler Randall is one of my favorite designers for wildly photogenic yet practical (ish) footwear. Whatever your style and whatever the weather, you’ll feel as phenomenal as you look.
If you are deeply worried about rain, book your accommodations with an eye to using the space as a back up location for your vows.
What Permits are required for a Humboldt Redwoods State Park Elopement?
All weddings – including elopements – require a special use permit which may be filled out 6 months prior to your event date. You can get the process started here. Please note that the wording can be confusing if you don’t comb through the fine print and additional documents such as event insurance are not typically required for elopements. That said, there are certain groves in the park that are off limits for weddings and others that will require ranger supervision.
My Favorite Hotels for Your Southern Humboldt Elopement
Historic hotels make for cozy accommodations and gorgeous getting ready and first look locations. Some of my personal favorite hotels for a Southern Humboldt elopement include The Benbow Inn, The Historic Eagle House and The Castle Inn of the Lost Coast.