Redwoods Wedding Guide
Wedding Photographer Servicing the Redwoods
If you’re planning a wedding in the Northern California redwoods, you already know that it is an otherworldly space that you can’t wait to share with family and friends. Return to this ethereal place again and again. If you want images that feel real, sentimental and breathtaking, let’s talk.
About Redwoods Weddings
your own forest moon
When people think of California, they tend to think of sunny beaches and balmy temperatures. Northern California, however, is the much moodier alter ego. Misty forests, craggy beaches tendriled with fog. The weather can be unpredictable and the temperatures cooler than anticipated.
The redwoods are well suited to couples seeking a soulful, intentional wedding experience. A respite in a forest cathedral.
How to Get to the Redwoods
Flying
Fun fact: The Arcata-Eureka airport is actually located in McKinleyville. Less or more fun fact depending on whether or not your flight is on time: the ACV airport was built by the navy to test defogging systems and is often shrouded in fog.
Most flights connect through San Francisco. SFO is also notorious for delays and cancelled connections so aim for early (but not too early) flights and cushion your itinerary with a few days on either side as layovers are possible.
Driving
San Francisco is roughly 6 hours north of Humboldt, exact drive times varying based on your particular destination. Many visitors opt to pick up a rental car at SFO and take a leisurely drive up the coast. A rental car will come in handy either way as the destinations you will want to visit require a vehicle to transport you from point A to B.
Top Locations for you and your guests
Where to Stay in the Redwoods
Historic Eagle House
Carter House Eureka
Humboldt Bay Social Club
Castle Inn of the Lost Coast
Top 5 Redwoods Wedding Guest Activities
Redwood National and State Park
Arcata Farmer’s Market
Redwood Community Park
Trinidad State Beach
Avenue of the Giants
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Top Redwoods Wedding Venues
Julia Morgan Redwood Grove
Benbow Inn
The Lost Whale Inn
Happy Ranch
Ridgfield Weddings
Tips
The Redwood coast is a magical, truly remote area in Northern California. It’s known for towering redwood cathedrals and a wide range of beaches. The area is a haven for forest hikes, cliffside trails, and cozy restaurants. If you’re planning a redwoods wedding, this is the perfect area to celebrate with your friends and family and escape into a your own woodland fairytale. These are my tips on how to best plan your Redwoods wedding.
1. Hire A Wedding Planner
A destination wedding requires niche local knowledge that you are unlikely to find on your own without hours of research. If you are planning a wedding with a guest list that is larger than 25 people, a wedding planner can smooth frequently rough edges. Saving you precious time and providing priceless advice about vendors she knows and trusts. Reach out for my Humboldt wedding planner recommendations.
2. Choose the Right Venue
There are a variety of venues located in the Redwoods. Each offers a variety of amenities from lodging and party venue in one gorgeous space to ceremony and reception only space.
3. Plan A Wedding Weekend
The Humboldt/Del Norte area is a rugged vacation destination. Advise friends and family to arrive a couple of days before your wedding to get the full Humboldt experience. Many couples choose to hold a welcome dinner the first day at a local restaurant, or have a bonfire on the beach, followed by a rehearsal dinner the second day at their venue. As your photographer, I recommend booking weekend coverage. We can shoot a pre-wedding session the first day (aka engagement session), followed by a rehearsal dinner the second day and finish our time together with the wedding on the last day. This creates a rounded opportunity to capture the most organic moments and memories.
4. Plan for a Weather Mix
The Redwoods have very unique weather. It is relatively cool all year, but some areas will still reach scorching summer temperatures. Rain is common year round though the summer months tend to be relatively dry. Advise your guests to bring layers. With an eye to rain, it wouldn’t hurt to reserve a tent for the wedding itself. Stockpile clear, bubble umbrellas just in case. One umbrella per two people will suffice. Clear umbrellas ensure that I am able to photograph your guests without color casts or shadow. This is something you’ll be happy to have and not need.
5. Take Care of Your Guests with a Wedding Website
Compile a wedding website with clothing advice and activity tips for local areas. This way your guests can easily plan their days without having to craft elaborate itineraries of their own. As we are located in such a remote area, a little local knowledge goes a long way as many must see spots are easily overlooked without guidance.