Redwood Forest Elopement | Nikki + Jake

Nikki & Jake’s California Redwood Forest Elopement

This magical Redwood forest elopement with Nikki and Jake was so special and beautiful. These two ditched the traditional way of doing things and completely made it their own which I loved so much. As a Northern California elopement and wedding photographer, I see way too many couples adjust change certain things about their wedding to appease others. But, I’m here to tell you that no else’s opinions matter and you two should do things EXACTLY how you want to! In this blog, I tell you all about Nikki and Jake’s adventurous hiking elopement in Redwoods National Park.

We started this Redwood elopement day off at View Crest Lodge to get ready and prepare for this special day. When I tell you Nikki looked absolutely stunning, I MEAN IT! She looked like a real-life enchanted forest fairy and I loved everything about it. She had on a beautiful, non-traditional blush pink wedding dress that is unlike anything I have ever seen.

Jake also had his own unique twist for his suit which was a Bigfoot mask. He truly embraced the Humboldt County spirit! Nikki was so shocked when he turned around wearing that at their first-look and it truly set the tone for the day. They both laughed so hard and I’m so glad I got to capture their reactions. It was definitely a one of a kind first-look!

Epic Hike through Fern Canyon

What I loved so much about these two is that they weren’t afraid to work up a sweat and get some dirt on them on their wedding day. We hiked for 2 hours through Fern Canyon and how Nikki did it in a big wedding dress, I’m not sure lol! Along the way we got to see where part of Jurassic Park 2 was filmed which was a really cool to see in real life!

We got to wade through the creek pretty much the entire time surrounded by towering, lush green fern walls, and climbing over fallen trees. Although our feet were absolutely soaked form walking through the creek the whole time, Nikki and Jake never complained once. They were truly embracing the experience and loving every second of it! But if you are planning on trekking through water on your elopement day, I would definitely recommend some water friendly shoes! Personally, I love my Chacos as they are perfect for anything regarding water.

Along the way we captured some truly magical photos where the sun was barely peaking through the trees behind them. If you’re trying to find an epic elopement location in California, I 1000% recommend Redwood National Park. I mean look at how beautiful it is!!!

Private Vows on Gold Bluffs Beach

Nikki and Jake eloped in Northern California and said their private vows on Gold Bluffs Beach. This is one of the most iconic beaches in Northern California as it has the most beautiful towering beach cliffs, lush trees, and moody fog. It truly captured the vibe of this elopement so well and I still can’t believe this day was real. It felt like it was straight out of a fairytale and I am still so obsessed.

Tips for Your Redwood Forest Elopement

Planning an elopement can be so overwhelming especially if you are doing it in a place you have never been to. Here are some tips that will hopefully make you feel a little more prepared for your adventurous Redwood Forest Elopement.

1. Permits are needed for parking at both Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon. Make sure to secure that permit as soon as possible. You can get more information on those permits HERE!
2. This park requires a permit to visit the Fern Canyon Trailhead or Gold Bluffs each Day Use Area between May 1 and September 30th. So if you are planning on eloping between these dates, make sure to get a permit!
3. Bring the proper footwear. Something that is comfortable as well as water friendly!
4. Pack snacks and water if you are planning on hiking for a while. You have to eat on your elopement day, like actually eat. The last thing you want is a headache on your wedding day because you haven’t drank any water!
5. Hire an Elopement Photographer that can help you plan your epic hiking elopement. I might be available 🙂
6. Plan out your timeline ahead of time so you aren’t stressing on the big day.
7. Be respectful of the nature and wildlife and please LEAVE NO TRACE!!!

Redwood Elopement Timeline

• 1:15 pm – Hair and Makeup team arrives
  • 1:15 pm – Hair and Makeup Begins
• 2:00 pm – Hair and Makeup Continues
  • 2:30 pm – Photographer arrives and starts details and getting ready shots
• 3:00 pm – First Look
  • 3:30 pm – Pack up and head to Fern Canyon
• 4:00 pm – Driving to Fern Canyon
  • 4:30 pm Arrive at Fern Canyon and begin hiking
• 5:00 – 6:00 pm – Hiking through Fern Canyon
  • 6:30 pm – Finish Hiking Fern Canyon and head to Gold Bluffs Beach for ceremony and vows
  • 6:45 pm – Arrive at Gold Bluffs Beach
• 7:00 pm – Begin Ceremony
  • 7:15 pm – Ceremony ends
• 8:00 pm – Enjoy the beach and couples photos
  • 8:30 pm – Finish up and head home!

Vendor Appreciation

Hair and Makeup Artist: @wildflowerbride.ebs

Florist: @blossomsfloristeureka

Vows/Announcements: Yvonne & Josh @coffee_calligraphy

Think We’re a Good Fit?

I would love to capture your special elopement day! You can check out my Redwood elopement packages here! Let’s work together to plan your perfect Northern California Elopement!