A + N’s Redwood National Park Elopement
When a couple reaches out to me about capturing their Redwood National Park Elopement, the answer is always YES!!
Not only did they pick one of my absolute favorite Northern California elopement locations, but they are one BADASS couple.
They are hands down some of the coolest people I’ve ever met. A is an ER nurse and despite being pregnant, she is still working 12-hour shifts at the hospital in addition to keeping up with CrossFit. Nick is a paramedic/firefighter which is how they met. In their free time, they spend their free time adventuring on public lands hiking, hunting, fishing, and camping. They’ve even spent the past 2 summers in Alaska kayaking and exploring glaciers and glacial lakes in addition to backcountry elk hunting and bush plane rides. Pretty freaking cool people.
So, of course, it was an IMMEDIATE YES to help these two plan and capture their dreamy Redwood National Park Elopement!
Why did A & N Want to Elope in Redwood National Park?
When A & N reached out to me they knew immediately that a Redwood National Park elopement was perfect for them! They are such adventurous and outdoorsy people that it was only fitting to tie the knot in of the most idyllic scenic settings in Northern California. It offers hiking, adventure, and of course, the most stunning views which is exactly what they wanted!
Picking a Location for Their Redwood Elopement
Obviously, A & N knew they wanted to elope in the Redwoods but there are a lot of locations to consider. We went back and forth regarding which particular park they were going to elope in. At the time, 12 Redwood parks were closed and 28 parks were experiencing partial closures which meant that we had to get creative when planning where their elopement would be. They decided on Prairie Creek Redwoods since N is a big science fiction fan – he was so excited to see where part of Jurassic Park was filmed. They wanted to experience a Northern California beach hiking to Fern Canyon and Gold Bluff’s beach was perfect. A and N not only celebrated getting married but A was also 18 weeks pregnant during our elopement!
It’s also important to note that you can not actually have your elopement ceremony anywhere but have to do it at one of the pre-approved ceremony sites. But, luckily for us A & N already had their legal ceremony a week before their elopement so that was not an issue.
A & N’s Adventurous Redwood National Park Elopement
Let’s just say that things definitely didn’t go as planned on this elopement day, but boy did we make it work. Our initial plan was to meet at the Fern Canyon trailhead where we’d leave one of our cars then drive to the visitor center together where we would begin hiking the James Irvine trail. If you’re unable to snag a parking permit for the fern canyon parking lot this is a great alternative. It’s the only trail that you can hike to access Fern Canyon and is absolutely breathtaking through all 12 miles – 6 miles one way.) We’d finish our hike at fern canyon and then drive back to the visitor center where we’d say goodbye and part ways. Our initial plan had us hiking 7 miles which would be about 4 hours.
Time for Plan B
Well.. literally the morning before A and N’s elopement, I got an email letting me know that our parking permit for Fern Canyon had been canceled. On to Plan B! We went back and forth on abandoning our plans all together and hiking different hikes but A and N were determined to see Fern Canyon and the Gold Bluffs Beach.
The only logical thing to do was make our one-way trail an out-and-back hike which meant our 6 miles turned into 12 miles. This meant that everything changed. This meant we needed to pack more food and carry bigger packs. Because A & N weren’t from the area and were flying in I picked up food and brought all of the other supplies.
A Beautiful Redwood National Park Elopement Day
Even with all of the last-minute changes, this elopement was one of the most special days! We left at 10:30 am and ended up hiking 16 miles total through redwoods, trillium flowers, fern canyons, and the beach. We hiked straight through to Fern Canyon and once we got there, we made lunch – rotisserie chicken, ramen, fruits, potatoes, and other misc foods. After finishing lunch, we headed out to enjoy Gold Bluff’s Beach and then began our trek back to the car.
We stopped at a point that just felt right to the couple where they exchanged vows and talked about what their future looks like as they’re about to become new parents (I may have shed a few tears).
A and N had an incredible time and the entire time kept saying “This place is incredible, I’ve never seen anywhere like it. We’re definitely coming back” – and that’s high praise coming from 2 of the most badass people I know. It just goes to show that even if your plans go to shit, your elopement is what you make of it.
Q & A: Planning a Redwood National Park Elopement
Can I get married anywhere in the Redwoods?
Unfortunately no. The Redwood National Park has pre-approved ceremony locations which are the main locations you are allowed to get married in. But, if you really want to get married in a non-pre-approved location in the park, you must submit a permit application that will go out for a two-week review with the staff.
But, you can always do what A & N did which was to get legally married before your elopement. This way you can still go to places like Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach for photos and to privately say your vows. You just need to make sure that you ALWAYS follow the Leave No Trace Guideline.
Click here to learn what Leave No Trace is.
Do I need a permit to elope in Redwood National Park?
Yes, to elope in Redwood National Park, you do need to obtain a permit if you are planning a ceremony taking place within the park’s boundaries. There is currently a list of pre-approved locations that I have included below in the next section. I always recommend that my clients choose a pre-approved ceremony location. Permits for pre-approved ceremony locations are typically much easier to get. These are all beautiful ceremony locations if you are planning your Redwoods elopement!
To obtain a permit for an elopement ceremony in Redwood National Park, here is the pricing:
Pre-approved locations: $100
All other locations: $200
How much does it cost to elope in the Redwoods?
It typically costs from $150-$400 to elope in the Redwoods. This included special use permits and marriage licenses. This does not include travel, accommodations, vendors, attire, etc.
What should we bring to our Redwood National Park Elopement?
When you’re planning a Redwood National Park elopement, it is so important to be prepared. Most likely you are going to be hiking for several hours so there are some essentials you definitely need.
- Special Use Permit
- Marriage License
- Snacks/meals
- Water
- Trash bag
- Hiking boots
- Warm layers of clothing (depending on the time of year)
- Bug Spray
- Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses
- Speaker to make the vibes just right!
- First Aid kit
- Map
Wanting some more information on planning a Redwood National Park Elopement? Check out my other guides!
How to Plan an Epic Redwoods Elopement
Tips on How to Pick Your Elopement Dress for Your Adventure Elopement
The Ultimate Northern California Elopement Guide
Meet Your Redwoods Elopement Photographer
As a Northern California Elopement Photographer, I have tons of knowledge when it comes to planning an epic elopement. As someone who is super passionate about my job, I don’t want to just be your photographer. I want to help you with the planning process, finding locations, places to stay, vendors, and most of all help you figure out solutions when things derail. It’s your wedding day and the last thing you should be doing is stressing out. I want to ensure that my couples have the best day possible and that means being a shoulder for them to lean on when problems arise!
Hey, I’m Gabbi!
I’m an elopement photographer based in Northern California. I’m a lover of the outdoors and spend most of my time with my husband and our 4 dogs camping, rock climbing, hiking, and enjoying nature!
Elopements hold a special place in my heart. They throw out the rule book on tradition and allow you the complete freedom to do what you really want to do on the biggest day of your lives!
Whatever your elopement day looks like, I can’t wait to help create the most intentional and authentic day that is perfectly and uniquely you.
I’m here to help you through the entire process of planning your elopement from start to finish. I’ll help you with everything from choosing a perfect location to creating your Day Of schedule to officiating and of course, photography!
Redwoods Elopement Packages
Multiple coverage lengths are available for adventurers who want to go for an all-day hike, or couples who want to take it easy and soak in the day with their partner. So what’s included?
- planning assistance
- personalized location guide
- day of timeline
- vendor recommendations
- online gallery
- full printing rights
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