October 7, 2023
Best Redwood National Park Elopement Locations | Redwoods Elopement Photographer
Finding Your Redwood National Park Elopement Location
As a Redwood Elopement photographer, I am obsessed with the beautiful nature and idyllic views that this place has to offer. Home to the largest trees on the planet, an elopement here is truly unforgettable. If you and your partner are adventure lovers who want your elopement to include some hiking, then this blog is for you! Redwood National Park is BIG and that means choosing an elopement location can feel a bit overwhelming. So, I’m here to break down all of the best Redwood National Park elopement locations!
Best Redwood National Park Elopement Locations
Redwood National Park is actually broken up into four different parks: Redwood National Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. And there is also the Humboldt Redwoods which isn’t technically in the Redwoods but I am going to be including it in this blog!
The Redwood National Park actually has a list of pre-approved ceremony locations that you can reserve for your elopement. Here is the list of pre-approved locations. If you would like to elope at a location that is not pre-approved, you must apply for a specific special use permit.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Berry Glen
Max capacity: 6 participants
Berry Glen is a hidden gem nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Redwood National and State Parks. Located within the expansive old-growth forests of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Berry Glen is the perfect place to say “I do” surrounded by ambiance and natural beauty. This is a great ceremony site for a super intimate elopement of 6 or less people.
Prairie Creek Amphitheater
Max capacity: 20 participants [available Oct 25th – May 1]
The Prairie Creek Amphitheater offers tons of seating with towering redwood trees that surround the open-air space, creating a sense of intimacy and immersion in nature. Since this is one of the more traditional settings for a wedding in the Redwoods, it is one of the more popular locations so make sure you plan ahead of time to reserve it.
Schmidt Grove
Max capacity: 20 participants
Located at the end of the long and windy Cal Barrel Road, you will find Schmidt Grove. The forest floor of Schmidt Grove is often carpeted with a lush carpet of ferns and other vibrant vegetation, which adds a touch of vibrant greenery. This is truly a magical location for an elopement as you are fully immersed in nature and beauty.
Zig Zag #2
Max capacity:10 participants
Zig Zag #2 is a 3-and-a-half mile hike that is filled with ferns, running water, and moss-covered trees making you feel as though you are completely secluded in nature.
Merriman Grove
Max capacity: 8 participants
Merriman Grove is located at the end of Ah-Pah Trail and rather than being surrounded by all of the redwoods, this hike is much more abundant with lush green ferns. It’s an amazing and tranquil elopement location for a small group.
High Bluff Overlook
Max capacity:20 participants
High Bluff Overlook has some of the best views as you get views of the redwood trees lining the coastal cliffs of the Pacific Ocean. The portraits here, especially at golden hour are absolutely stunning. This spot can accommodate up to 20 guests so it’s a great location for a micro-wedding.
Del Norte Redwoods State Park
Crescent Beach Overlook
Max capacity: 20 participants [available Oct 25th – May 1]
Crescent Beach Overlook has stunning views of the coastline and offers the perfect ceremony spot right on the platform. This is an easily accessible location that can get a bit crowded but it is great if you have guests who aren’t wanting to hike super far. A ceremony at sunset here is absolutely beautiful!
Crescent Beach
Max capacity: 20 participants [available Oct 25th – May 1]
Crescent Beach is a 3-mile stretch of beach along the Redwood National Forest. Because it is a beach in Northern California it is typically super foggy which is still super beautiful. Because it is such a long stretch of beach, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a private spot for your intimate elopement.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
River Trail
Max capacity: 8 participants
Right along the Smith River is the River Trail which is only a 1-mile hike there and back. This area is known for its fallen Redwood trees, lush greenery, and the peaceful sounds of running water. This trail can get busy depending on the time of year but it is still a beautiful ceremony location.
Organ Donor’s Grove
Max capacity: 20 participants
At the intersection of Elk Valley Rd and Hwy 199 is Organ Donor’s Grove. This is a super secluded and private spot that is perfect for the couple who wants a ceremony at a super intimate location. It’s an area with tons of room so it’s great for elopements up to 20 people. But, something to keep in mind is that because of the close proximity to the highway, you will hear some traffic noise.
Templeman Grove
Max capacity: 20 participants
Templeman Grove is another location that is close to the highway and pretty quiet. It doesn’t require any hiking so if you have a larger group, this is a great option.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
While the Humboldt Redwoods is technically its own park, it offers much of the same beauty and idyllic nature views. It’s a great place to elope because of how close it is to San Francisco and Sacramento.
Unlike Redwoods State Park, the Humboldt Redwoods does not have any designated ceremony locations. Instead, when you are filling out your special use permit, you just let them know what area you are wanting to do it in and they will approve it if it’s an okay location. Also, the permit is different from Redwood State Park. You can get more information on that here.
Two of the popular hiking trails in the Humboldt Redwoods that are beautiful locations for elopements are Bull Creek West Side Loop Trail and Mahan Plaque Trail.
Additional Resources to Help You Plan Your Redwoods Elopement
How to Plan an Epic Redwoods Elopement
As a California elopement photographer, Redwood National Park is definitely one of my favorite locations for elopements. From the lush green forest to some of the most beautiful coastlines, Redwoods National Park is perfect if you and your partner are lovers of nature and adventure! With Coastal Redwoods being the tallest plants in the world, you truly need to be there experiencing them in person to comprehend their size. From being surrounded by the beautiful scenery to breathing in the fresh air, I promise you will not regret planning a Redwoods elopement!
What is Leave No Trace & Why is it Important?
All too often I see really stunning photos where the couple is off trail, standing on fallen trees, dancing around in Cryptobiotic soil, or throwing powder/plastic confetti that gets left behind. This is such a big problem that needs to be talked about more! So, let’s talk about how you can “LEAVE NO TRACE.”
Meet Your Redwoods Elopement Photographer
As a Redwood National Park 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!
