Avenue of the Giants
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.
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
Planning an elopement among the towering redwoods of the Avenue of the Giants invites both awe and intentionality. This isn’t a location you just show up to—it’s a place you partner with. Permits are required for most ceremony spots within Humboldt Redwoods State Park, and they can take several weeks to process, so it’s best to start early. Accessibility varies, with some groves offering easy paths and others requiring a bit more navigation. Cell service is limited (read: nonexistent), so having a detailed plan and offline maps is essential. The light here changes quickly which makes timing everything. As your photographer, I help guide you through all of this — so what you’re left with isn’t stress, but stillness, and photographs that feel like a memory.
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.
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.