Get Married in the Redwoods
PLANNING YOUR REDWOODS ELOPEMENT
Maybe you’ve only seen the epic trees in photographs. Maybe you visited once on summer vacation long ago.
However you fell in love with these ancient cathedrals, you’re ready to get married here.
01 Northern California Redwoods Elopement Locations
Humboldt and Del Norte Counties are truly, truly Northern California wedding locations. We’re not “off the grid” by any means but it does require a travel commitment to venture behind the redwood curtain.
Once you’ve settled on the region, you have two main parks to choose from, both gorgeous and massive: Humboldt Redwoods State Park and Redwood National Park. Redwood National Park is a network of parks that includes Prairie Creek and Jedidiah Smith. Yes, there are redwoods along the coastline in California but nothing that quite rivals these two parks. Yes, I am a little biased.
Each park requires a wedding permit and has pre-approved ceremony locations. For an additional fee, you may request a location that doesn’t appear on the designated list. Many clients opt for a custom scouted location that meets their vision for the ceremony.
Ceremonies are not permitted in locations that receive heavy visitor traffic including Fern Canyon, Founders Grove, Stout Grove and others.
Redwood National Park
Start here if you
- want to include a beach visit or two
- want to visit Fern Canyon for portraits
- prefer privacy
- are staying in Eureka, Arcata or Trinidad
Humboldt State Redwoods
Start here if you
- want to visit the Avenue of the Giants
- want to include a river swim in the summer months
- understand that some groves require additional ranger oversight
- are staying in Southern Humboldt
VIEW GALLERIES
02 Plan Your Elopement Day
Fill your day with experiences and adventures that bring you joy. Elopements are truly unique celebrations that reflect your priorities, values and sense of fun.
PLANNING A REDWOODS DESTINATION WEDDING with enough guests to require a venue? SHift gears here.
For your Redwoods Elopement
03 Where to Stay
The accommodations you select can really elevate your redwoods elopement experience.
A few basic things to consider when choosing where to stay for your elopement:
Distance from Redwoods
Factor drive times into your plans for the day. Consider how far you are comfortable driving on your wedding day and be sure to review drive times in conjunction with miles. It’s not uncommon for a road to measure 12 miles and actually take 35 minutes to drive.
Guests
If you are bringing friends and family along you’ll want to consider their participation in the day or weekend. How many group activities are planned? Do you need space for a dinner reception? Centralizing guest accommodations minimizes organizational headaches and maximizes car pool options as well.
Getting ready space
A little room to spread out goes a very long way. Because let’s face it, luggage and the contents thereof have a way of multiplying like a sci fi movie meets backstage at fashion week. Especially when you’ve been told to pack layers. Psst. Pack layers.
Look for large windows with lots of natural light. This is great for makeup and detail images of preparations.
THE KDP EDIT
04 You Can Expect
Documentary-minded
Your wedding photographs will always center you and yours, without making you feel like you’re performing your own life. The day will unfold with you completely immersed in the magic.
experience forward
A drop of mist bracelets your wrist during your vows. The sound of the wind in the upper branches. When you look back on your wedding day, you’ll remember how it felt. The tears in your eyes might be new though.
Redwoods Concierge
Finding vendors in a somewhat remote location like Humboldt can feel extremely daunting. Since I’m based in the area, I have a personal network of vendors to connect you with.
Custom Timeline
Together we’ll create a day that makes space for what truly matters to you. Your day will be tailored to the locations and experiences that bring you the most joy.
Open Communication
Reach out via email, phone or text if you want to connect about anything at all. I serve a limited number of clients a year to ensure that you receive dedicated attention.
Permit logistics
I will happily put you in touch with the permit office for your chosen park as well as answer any questions you might have about the process. And yes, I will sign your marriage license!
FAQ
Your wedding day will reflect and celebrate your unique love story. Whether an adventure for two or twenty, let’s tailor your day to ensure you are present and connected.
what happens if it rains?
Sometimes rain is a part of your wedding story. Attitude and preparation are everything. Rain requires foregrounding flexibility and being ready with the right gear be that a back up ceremony location or waterproof makeup. That said, rain won’t get in the way of a beautiful experience or incredible images.
HOW MUCH TIME DO WE NEED?
This depends heavily on the type of experience you’d like to have. The quickest way to make your day feel transactional and borderline clinical is to allot a tiny window for photos. You want to remember the in-between moments and the big feelings. Being oh so small amongst towering trees, the icy chill of the Pacific Ocean on your toes as you sip champagne, that golden hour sun settling around your shoulders. Allowing your day to unfold at a leisurely pace makes room for your own presence.
DO we have to fill out paperwork on our wedding day?
How you decide to handle the legal logistics is totally up to you. If you want to make it California official, you can obtain a marriage license in Humboldt County. Some couples decide to take care of the paperwork at their local courthouse beforehand. Your partnership begins with your vows.
Can we book a multi-day elopement?
Absolutely. It’s not uncommon for couples to gather their closest friends and family for a weekend in Humboldt, splitting the timeline between group and couples experiences.
Can you officiate our Elopement?
Technically, a couple may opt for a closed marriage license in California which does not require any witnesses. I am ordained by way of the internet and if you would like to read your vows to each other while I photograph, I’m happy to pronounce you and sign your paperwork. That said, I can’t conduct a ceremony and take pictures at the same time so I’m happy to refer you to several wonderful folks who make this a profession.
Do we have to hike?
Not unless you want to. One of the many beautiful things about the redwoods is that they are supremely user friendly. The wide range of trails makes room for the casual meander and the knee deep in the creek adventure. Yes, I will advise you on the difference.